The player controls a slowly spinning stick called the Helirin, and must maneuver it through a series of mazes without touching the walls. If the stick hits any wall or dangerous object three times it will shatter, forcing the player to start over again. The player controls the stick's direction and 3 levels of speed, but the continual rotation of the stick makes the task difficult. Bonus points are awarded once the player has successfully completed a level, and a gold star for completing the level without any crashes. The game also records shortest times taken to beat each level.
The game starts off with simple training levels, where instructions are given on how to play and get around the first corners. After this tutorial there are eight stages in each stage which progressively increase in difficulty and length.
- Stage objectives
- Puzzle mode: The main objective is to collect coins.
- Race mode: To finish each maze within a target time frame.
- Multiplayer: Up to 4 players compete in a split-screen frenzy.
- Battle mode: Up to 4 players must collect coins while holding off their opponents with various weapons.
New features[edit]
Unlike the previous titles of the series, Kururin Squash! introduces water levels with power-ups that make the Helirin work like a submarine, use guns, punch with boxing gloves, create tornadoes, or use flame-throwers. Bosses are also present at the end of each stage.