Sayonara Umihara Kawase was originally released on the Nintendo 3DS a year ago under the name Yumi's Odd Odyssey under the publisher Natsume. For this Vita port, the game was published by Agatsuma Entertainment and developed by Studio Saizensen. This version of the game has some additional features to the game, but it might not be enough for early adopters to double-dip, and some things have actually not been addressed or they have been removed. Nevertheless it's still a fun time all-around.

 The game is the sequel to the Japanese exclusive Umihara Kawase Shun, a compilation of the PS1/PSP game coupled with the original Super Famicom game ported to the DS. This also marks the first time that the series has made it to the West, apart from the 3DS release. The game series is known for it's physics based puzzle-platforming, where you have to use your rubber fishing line to traverse many obstacles. Of course there are also enemies to dispatch and avoid as well. Your goal is to get to the exit doors in each level, but there are collectible backpacks to pick up and secret exits that unlock new paths as well. The collectibles unlock various things like new artwork or music tracks for the gallery. New to this version of the game is the ability to play as other characters. There's Emiko and Nono. They each have a special ability to use. Emiko, and the young version of Umihara can use checkpoints, and Nono can slow down time briefly. There are also alternate outfits for Umihara to wear, like her outfit from Shun. While Umihara doesn't have any special abilities by herself, she can briefly stop time to let players get their bearings. Levels themselves are pretty challenging, but thankfully you have unlimited tries to complete them. There also a nice level select, even though it's organized a bit differently from the 3DS version.

 While the game's physics are great and the visuals are much better than the murky looking 3DS version, it still has some issues. The transition to full 3D character models and levels makes the game a bit bland to look at. Character details are easier to make out in the Vita version, but it can't change the fact that they all look disproportionate. The 2D visuals of Shun are much better looking IMO. This port is also running in 60 frames, which is great, but movement speed and jumping still feels a little off. It's still leagues better than playing the 3DS version though, even if the character bios have been omitted. One big plus in Kawase+'s favor comes from the inclusion of the original Super Famicom Umihara Kawase. It now has a level select based on your progress, so getting through it should be easier. It's almost worth the price of admission alone, as it's still fun to play. The game's price of $20 USD is easier to swallow from the 3DS version initial $30. So if you are a fan of this series, and still haven't picked up the 3DS version, this one is much preferred.

The Bottom Line: A fun and much improved version of the 3DS game, but the movement could still need some tweaking.

Acquisition Method: Digital code provided by Agatsuma Entertainment.