Help File 
Version 2.0
Written by Kouryuu (test@_pokodance_kou-net.org)
                  
Gurumin is (c)2004 Nihon Falcom Corporation

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                          0 ----------------- 0
                          | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
                          0 ----------------- 0
                          |
                          |-  1) REVISIONS
                          |
                          |-  2) READ ME FIRST
                          |
                          |-  3) GENERAL PLAY TIPS
                          |
                          |-  4) HEADWEAR
                          |
                          |-  5) MINI GAMES
                          |
                          |-  6) COLLECTOR'S AREA
                          |      . Wallpapers
                          |      . Platinum Medals
                          |      . Clothing
                          |                                 
                          |-  7) CLEAR GAME DATA
                          |
                          |-  8) FAQ
                          |      . Windows-Related Issues
                          |      . Specific Game Hints
                          |
                          |-  9) GURUMIN HISTORY LESSON
                          |
                          |- 10) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
                          |
                          |- 11) ABOUT THE AUTHOR
                          |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

==============================================================================
1) REVISIONS
==============================================================================

******************************
Version 2.0 (October 29, 2005)
******************************

- Minor correction to FAQ answers #11 and #17.
- Added question and answer #20 under FAQ.  I decided it was time to address
  the Black Bean issue. :P
- Added the GURUMIN HISTORY LESSON where Gurumin's history is explored!
  Information provided by Wyrdwad. ^-^

******************************
Version 1.1a (October 11, 2005)
******************************

- Received an e-mail from fellow Falcom gamer, Wyrdwad, who kindly corrected
  some points in this guide.  Many thanks, Wyrdwad! ^_^  So yeah, information
  on the Cylinder event as well as the flyer posting event has been updated
  with the corrections.
  
- Also changed my e-mail address! :D

******************************
Version 1.1  (October 9, 2005)
******************************

- Minor corrections here and there.

- I got the wallpaper I was missing so I added the info of how to obtain it
  in the COLLECTOR'S AREA. ^_^

- Added info about the difference between just escaping from a dungeon and
  saving in a dungeon and then loading the save.
  
- Tested the condition on getting Clear Game data and noted it under CLEAR
  GAME DATA.
  
- Tested condition for clearing a dungeon with one unopened chest and the
  verdict under GENERAL PLAY TIPS.
  
- I also wanted to note that I tried a dungeon under Pleasure mode (thanks
  to phan's game sites (link in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS)) and the damage is pretty
  damn crazy.  One of the fat fish enemies hit me once and reduced my HP by
  88 HP (from 90 HP). :P  'Course I was wearing a headpiece that didn't do
  anything against damage. XP
  
- Got the other ending today.  It sucks. D:

******************************
Version 1.0  (October 5, 2005)
******************************

- Just started! :D!

==============================================================================
2) READ ME FIRST
==============================================================================
There are just several things I want to note about this help file:

1)  Although most of us that have imported the game know a bit of the Japanese
    language and also know where to look for walkthroughs and help on the game
    (re:  Japanese Web sites), there are some that don't have the knowledge or
    know where to look.  This file is here to help those individuals!! ^-^
    
    Oh, to see the gibberish, you'll have to switch your browser's character 
    encoding to Japanese Shift-JIS.  Yeah, I know my brilliant ASCII art is
    messed up under Shift-JIS encoding. :P

2)  I am NOT affiliated with Falcom.  I am merely a fan of their works and
    as such, it should be noted that this guide is a non-profit, fan-made 
    piece of work.  It is all right to post this at your site but it is NOT
    all right to modify it in any way or sell it.

3)  This is not a walkthrough.

4)  I've yet to complete the game under every difficulty mode or beat every
    mini game so some information may not be included here. :/  I don't fore-
    see myself doing hard mode any time soon though. :P  Information in this
    file is based on Normal mode and anything beyond Beginner or Normal mode
    are collected from various Japanese Web sites.
    
5)  I am not fluent in Japanese so there may be some translation errors here
    and there.  I do my best to give accurate translations and, if I can't,
    then I strive to explain the general gist of things. ^^;
   
6)  I played the game under Windows XP Home Edition US so any Control Panel
    changes and such reflect the OS I am using.

7)  To e-mail me, remove the _pokodance_ part in my e-mail address. :P
    Corrections, additions, critiques, and compliments are welcomed.

==============================================================================
3) GENERAL PLAY TIPS
==============================================================================

Here are merely some random (and hopefully, useful) notes about gameplay.

** The highest rating you can get is S+++.  I BELIEVE this requires you to
   clear a dungeon or defeat a boss under 3 minutes.  In Beginner mode, drill
   power and health don't seem to play a factor.  I've yet to test this under
   Normal.

** DESTROY EVERYTHING, look for cracks in walls, and hit all switches, 
   light/douse all torches and crystals that need to be lighted/doused.  Many
   times, you'll cause enemies or treasures to appear!  You'll need to bust
   all pots and open all chests -- it doesn't matter if you can't pick up the
   item inside -- and kill every single enemy to get that S or higher rating.
   
** If you're aiming for a gold medal, I suggest that you always switch to the
   Cat Ears when you're in a new room/area and run around.  Sometimes, you'll
   see yellow dots on the black areas of the map.  When you do, explore
   around to find a way to get to the treasures!
     
   In the Cave of the Warabi Rock ("""ъ""A) which is part of Spina
   Cave (Xsi"A), the water area is indeed a place to search thoroughly.
   
   Also, try not to get Game Over.
   
** Rotating the camera can also help you find treasures!

** While in a dungeon, you can exit a dungeon by choosing the top choice in to
   the System menu.  However, everything you picked up during your time in
   there will be gone.  To prevent this from happening, simply choose to save
   your game and exit to the Title Screen.  Note that loading a saved game
   that you saved while in a dungeon throws you back onto the world map.

** SOME PARTS OF THE GAME REQUIRE TYPING.  This means that you have to switch
   your keyboard setting to Japanese.  Assuming you already have the Japanese
   language files installed, go to Regional and Language Options, click on
   the Languages tab, and then:
   
   WIN XP
   ------
   a) select Details under Text services and input languages.
   b) under Installed services, choose Add and then scroll to Japanese.  Click
      OK.  (It doesn't matter if IME Standard or Natural Input are selected.)
      Ignore the Language Bar that pops up.
   c) under Key Settings, choose Change Key Sequence.
   d) uncheck BOTH boxes (Switch input languages and Switch keyboard layouts).
      Click OK.
   
   Now, using the Language Bar, you should be able to switch between English
   and Japanese. :3  Also, under 4th button (A"̓"[h) from the left in the
   Language Bar (click on English and then select Japanese and you'll see a
   bunch of additional buttons), choose the first option which will allow you
   to type in Japanese (through hiragana).  A"̓"[h may be the 3rd button
   though depending on whether or not the Keyboard button appears.
   
   I believe the input default is romaji so, well, I hope you know how to
   type in romaji and know your hiragana and katakana characters. ^^;;;
  
** You can change Parin's name when you start a new game.  If you erase 
   "Parin", leave it blank and try to start the game, your character will 
   be automatically assigned one of the many default names.  See above in 
   regards to typing in words. :P

** The answer to the riddle at the Potato Ruins:  Kiromiri Pathway
   (|egՁiL~"ʘH)) is random.  However, by giving the gatekeeper
   1000 P, it will tell you the answer.  Of course, you have to still type
   it in. 9_9;

** Some gatekeepers will just open the gate for you if you give them 5000
   P.
   
   But hey, why spend 5000 moolas to get in when you can get some of the 
   answers here?  These are in no particular order:
   
   - Eating the gatekeeper's favourite food in front of it.
   - Jumping onto the gatekeeper's head.  It even assists you. >_>;
   - Lighting torches on fire with a special attack.
   - Putting on the correct headwear that matches Parin's current attire.
     (I THINK the clothes has something to do with it.  I can't recall this
     one 100%.)
   - Bringing the energy of a ghost to the gatekeeper with the Magic Jar
     (-"-@"̃c{).
   - Special attacking a ball/destroy it in one hit.
      
** If some dungeons look the same, you're not imagining things.  After the
   "halfway point" of a series of dungeons in an area, the later ones become
   inversed versions of the ones you already went through.  I dub these the
   BIZARRO DUNGEONS.

** Early on in the game, Hyperbolic will talk to Parin about a rare medal.
   When you get the option to choose between two choices, choose the bottom
   one.  By doing you, you have started the Platinum Medals (""̃_)
   quest!  See COLLECTOR'S AREA for all locations of the special medal.

** To attack water enemies, you have to jump into the water and hope that you
   hit them.  However, they are weak to lightning so by using the Lightning 
   Parts +  the Downward Thrust Rotation special attack ("]"") while on
   land can cause damage to nearby underwater foes.  Similarly, you can do the
   attack while jumping into water.
   
   It's also recommended that you throttle the analog stick or wiggle the
   mouse or rapidly switch between direction keys before hitting attack so
   Parin will do a downward thrust attack even without the special attack.
   Otherwise, simply jumping into water while doing an attack in mid-air
   will have her flicking at the air in front of her. 
   (Er, I'm certain this is true.  It's hard to test out without restarting
   a totally new game though. ^^;)
   
** To do special attacks, you'll have to give your analog stick/direction
   keys/direction pad/mouse a little swirl before hitting the attack button.
   For the Guard Dash ones, the same method applies except you have to do
   a Guard Dash first before the swirl and then attack.

** Don't forget to use the Life Pearls that you get at the end of boss
   battles!  Each one raises Parin's overall health by 10 points.  The maximum
   is 100.
  
** Doc Dock's computer is a fortune-telling machine and, as far as I know, has
   no importance in the game.  I think if you enter 2 names of characters in
   the game, it'll spew out something possibly relevant about them.  I could 
   be wrong about this though. XP

** There is no "best headwear" to level up.  It's all up to you and how you
   play the game.  If you are prone to falling to your death, you should
   obviously upgrade the Taira Helm as soon as you can.  If you get rolled
   over a lot by phantoms, you should upgrade the Helmet as much as you can.
   See HEADWEAR for all available headpieces for Parin as well as what
   you get at each level up. :D
   
** There are 2 endings to the game.  You can obtain the undesirable, alternate
   ending by NOT getting all the possessions back for the ghosts.  Let's try
   for the good ending first though! ^^!
     
==============================================================================
 4) HEADWEAR
==============================================================================
The cute little headpieces that Parin can wear play a huge role in the game 
since, often times, they can save you from certain doom.  Each headwear can 
either gain more attributes or receive modifications of existing attributes 
with each level up.  Don't worry though -- you NEVER lose existing attributes,
they can only increase in effectiveness!!!!! :3

To level up, you have to trade in your junk points with Disk at the Discount
Shop.  (It's the second option in the shop menu, BTW.)  Junk points (JP) are
obtained by collecting crap from phantoms outfitted with headgear, swords,
capes, etc.  They're also found in trash cans in some dungeons.  

All headwear require the same amount of JP for levelling; for example, to
level up the headband or the gas mask to level 2, you need 10 JP.

Here is the list of headwear (not using Falcom's translations :P), where & how
to obtain them, and their level ups!

Note!!  The gold medals required for trading with Hyperbolic are from a 1st
Normal playthrough.  After loading Clear Game data, the bloody Odango is like
28 Gold Medals or so. >_>;;;

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                      GOGGLES 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                     Obtained from:  Disk @ Discount Shop/FREE
Level 1:  Water damage is halved
Level 2:  Water damage is completely nullified
Level 3:  Damage received (from enemies) is reduced by 25%
Level 4:  Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 5:  Water damage recovery,
          Hitpoint (HP) restoration by standing around,
          Damage received is reduced by 50%,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                     GAS MASK
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                           Obtained from:  Discount Shop/980 P

Level 1:  Gas damage is halved
Level 2:  Gas damage is nullified
Level 3:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 4:  Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 5:  Gas damage recovery,
          HP restoration by standing around,
          Damage received is reduced by 50%,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                     CAT EARS 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                          Obtained from:  Discount Shop/4980 P
                                           
Note how Parin just sprouts matching whiskers when she puts on the cat ears!
>^o^<
                                           
Level 1:  Locations of pots show up on the map
Level 2:  Locations of treasure chests show up on the map
Level 3:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 4:  Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 5:  Water damage nullified, 
          Damage received is reduced by 50%, 
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                       RIBBON 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                          Obtained from:  Discount Shop/9800 P
                                           
Note that those vile liquidity areas in the Eggplant dungeons qualify as
traps.  Those damnable moving balls of spikes (which show up as red dots on 
the map) are NOT traps.
                                           
Level 1:  Trap damage is halved
Level 2:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 3:  Trap damage is nullified
Level 4:  Damage received is reduced by 50%
Level 5:  Trap damage recovery,
          Water damage nullified,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                  VAMPIRE KIT 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                         Obtained from:  Discount Shop/19800 P
                                          
Level 1:  Critical attacks restore HP
Level 2:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 3:  Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 4:  Damage received is reduced by 50%
Level 5:  Any sort of attacks restore HP,
          Standing around restores HP,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                   HEAD DRESS 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                         Obtained from:  Discount Shop/59800 P

Note that this is ONLY available after you get the Goth Loli (re: Gothic
Lolita -_-;;;) attire.  See CLOTHING for info about obtaining it.
                                          
Level 1:  Standing about restores HP  
Level 2:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 3:  Damage received is reduced by 50%
Level 4:  Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 5:  HP continuously recovers,
          Water damage nullified,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!
          
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                             MONKEY HEAD GEAR 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                      Obtained from:  Hyperbolic/4 Gold Medals

Level 1:  Receive 1.5 times more money  
Level 2:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 3:  Damage received is reduced by 50%
Level 4:  Receive twice as much money,
          Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 5:  Receive three times more money,
          Gas damage nullified,
          Water damage nullified,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!
          
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                    NIGHT CAP 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                      Obtained from:  Hyperbolic/8 Gold Medals
                                       
Level 1:  Critical hits are doubled
Level 2:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 3:  Water damage nullified,
          Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 4:  Gas damage is nullified,
          Damage received is reduced by 50%
Level 5:  Critical hits are tripled,
          Trap damage is nullified,
          and Parin's attacks do 1.5 times more damage
          
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                       ODANGO
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                     Obtained from:  Hyperbolic/19 Gold Medals
                                      
I suppose we could just call these "dumplings" but Odango sounds better. :P
                                      
Level 1:  Water, Gas, and Trap damage are halved
Level 2:  Water and Gas damage nullified
Level 3:  Pots and treasure chest locations appear on map
Level 4:  Trap damage is nullified,
          Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 5:  Restore HP while idle,
          and Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
          
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                   MAGIC HOOD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                            Obtained from:  A Mystery Bag/FREE (talk to Plane)
                                                  
From what I can understand, items from mystery bags come at random.  One
walkthrough I've read says that you can get it in the second Potato Ruins 
dungeon.  However, I got mine rather late in the game during the first play-
through and on this second playthrough of mine, I got the Pharaoh from that 
said Potato Ruins dungeon. o_O

Level 1:  Elemental attacks do 1.5 times more damage
Level 2:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 3:  Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 4:  Elemental attacks do twice as much damage
Level 5:  Elemental attacks do three times more damage,
          Damage received is reduced by 50%,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!
         

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                       HELMET
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                            Obtained from:  A Mystery Bag/FREE (talk to Plane)
                             
See MAGIC HOOD for information on when Parin gets this.
                                                  
Level 1:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 2:  Damage received is reduced by 50%
Level 3:  Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 4:  Damage received is reduced by 65%
Level 5:  Damage received is reduced by 75%,
          Gas damage nullified,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!
          
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                     HEADBAND
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                            Obtained from:  A Mystery Bag/FREE (talk to Plane)
                             
See MAGIC HOOD for information on when Parin gets this.
                                                  
Level 1:  Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 2:  Parin's attacks do 1.5 times more damage
Level 3:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 4:  Parin's attacks do 1.7 times more damage
Level 5:  Parin's attacks do twice as much damage,
          Damage received is reduced by 50%,
          and Water damage nullified
          
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                   TAIRA HELM 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  Obtained from:  Spina Cave: Grotto of the Forgotten Stone/FREE with patience
                                                    Xsi"Ai-Y"""j
                                       (this is the second Spina Cave dungeon)
                             
Also known as the Heike Helm.  Google for either Taira or Heike for more
on the historic Japanese names.

Level 1:  Damage taken after falling to oblivion is reduced by 50%
Level 2:  Damage received is reduced 25%
Level 3:  Water damage nullified,
          Damage received is reduced by 50%
Level 4:  Gas damage nullified,
          Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 5:  Damage taken after falling to oblivion is nullified,
          Trap damage nullified,
          Damage received is reduced by 65%,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!

To get this wonderful item, you have to wait until the counter in the room 
after the slopes reads 999.  How do you get it to turn 999?  I suggest not 
doing this in one shot unless you WANT to waste about an hour of your life.

Basically, every time a boulder is destroyed (i.e. hits a wall), it adds one 
to the counter.  The fastest way to do this is to have Parin just run all the
way to the second slope (where the ladder is on the left side) and stand 
there.  I say this is the fastest way cuz the top most phantom bats drop 
boulders at a faster rate than the other 4 in the area.

But you can't just rely on 2 bats so by standing at the left ladder, you'll
trigger a total of 4 bats dropping boulders.  (The 2 bottom-most bats won't
do anything in the meantime as their boulders can't reach you.)

You know you can stop standing around when you hear the chimes of success --
the same sound that plays when you succesfully open at gate, etc.  The
camera focusing on the counter turning 999 and then 000 is sort of hint too.
:P

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                              CHAMPION'S FACE 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
        Obtained from:  Pimento Mountain:  Heaven's Held Hill/FREE with effort
                                      s"g}E"e"iwu"Ywhqj
                                           (This is the last mountain dungeon)
                                            
It's in one of the chests in this dungeon.  I'll get more specific once I get
to this dungeon again in my replay. :3

Level 1:  Drill power recovers while standing around
Level 2:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 3:  Parin's attacks do 1.2 times more damage
Level 4:  Damage received is reduced by 50%
Level 5:  Drill power is constantly replenished,
          Water and Gas damage nullified,
          and Parin will do 1.5 times more damage to enemies!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                        CROWN 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
      Obtained from:  Pimento Mountain:  Pimento Park/FREE with nimble fingers
                                            s"g}E"e"is"gj
                                                       (This is not a dungeon)

A little gift box appears next to the slide once you get to the top of the
dreaded jungle gym.

The Crown works on anything you need to buy, including the Gothic Lolita outfit
where you get from a dungeon.

Level 1:  Receive 5% discount on purchases
Level 2:  Receive 10% discount on purchases
Level 3:  Damage received is reduced by 25%
Level 4:  Damage received is reduced by 50%
Level 5:  Receive 50% discount on purchases,
          and Parin does 1.5 times more damage to enemies
                                                        
This was murder for me to get partially because of my gamepad and partially 
cuz I can't control jumps very well. :P  Most of the time, I end up 
overshooting the jump to the second highest level of the gym.

Anyway, Falcom made this more difficult than it should be cuz they decided it 
was a good idea for Parin to rely solely on her footwork in getting her up to
the top. >_<

The path to the top goes like this:

From the ground (1st level) and the camera on Parin's back, go through the 
center and jump forward so you're on some bars (2nd level).

2nd level:  From here, move right, make Parin face downward or toward you and 
shift camera focus so you see her side with her face facing left.  Now leap to
the left-most "box" (3rd level).

3rd level:  Rotate camera so Parin is facing you.  I find that the next jump 
is easiest if you're standing at the bottom right corner so position Parin so 
she is both at the bottom right corner and facing the bottom right.  Now, move
the cursor/flick the analog stick northwest/press the direction keys for 
up+left and press jump at the same time.  If you've done it correctly, Parin
should be standing roughly at the top right corner of the "box" on the next 
level (4th level).

4th level:  Similar to the 3rd level to 4th level jump, turn Parin around and
jump the opposite direction.  In this case, it'll be southwest or diagonally
down-left.  She will now be outside the maze of bars (5th level).

5th level:  Again, do a diagonal jump and you will land on the bottom right
corner of the top-most "box".

The camera will now show a gift box materializing next to the slide.  Whee.

Sadly, I easily write all this through memory but I can't even do that 3rd to 
4th level jump consistently. :P  It's always a small victory when I manage to 
get Parin to the 5th level but, of course, something stupid usually happens at
that point -- namely, her falling off or jumping into the center. >_>#

==============================================================================
5) MINI GAMES
==============================================================================

There are 4 mini games in Gurumin and you can replay them over and over to
your heart's content. :3  The first three are story-related ones so you're
forced to play them and get nothing for clearing them.  However, you can 
always go back and get that well-deserved MASTER!! and accompanying gold
medal later on.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                           BOULDER DEMOLITION 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Location:  Mole Dojo ("O")

Note:  You only get a gold medal by beating the older brother (the pink one).

To key to winning this is not to chase down the boulders that your opponent
is trying to break but to just move quickly to all the boulders that drop
near you.

Learning to control how long you should hold the attack button for is always
very useful or else you'll end up standing around drilling air while the mole
is busting up rocks everywhere. :P

Another tip is to break multiple boulders at the same time or one after
another.  You can usually do this if you charge up the drill enough and then
do a sweeping motion between the rocks (that should obviously be close 
together).

There is no specific amount of boulders you have to break to win at this.
Just focus on keeping your score above the mole's and you will be victorious!

Oh, beating your personal best record the first time can land you a bronze 
medal.  I can't remember if you have to play against the younger or older
bro for that though.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                 WHACK-A-MOLE
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Location:  Peke Mansion (yP}"V")

Or more accurately, DRILL-A-MOLE. :P

I play most of this by jump-attacking and then immediately drilling a mole 
that's trying to burrow into the ground.  If you time it correctly, you can
get in a lot of hits and you have to get 100 hits to get that gold medal. *__*

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                LASER EVASION 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Location:  Doc Dock (hNhbN)

As noted by the name, it's simply a game of jumping lasers.

If there's anything in action games I can't do, it's timing my jumps.  Of
course, this one is all about TIMING YOUR JUMPS.  The lasers will come slowly
and evenly at first (all vertical), then the game will throw in a few
horizontal ones.  Finally, the speed will start varying between lasers and
diagonal ones get introduced into the picture as well.

Your score doesn't increase for merely succeeding in a jump per se -- the 
lasers have to reach the other end in order for your jump to count. :P  Evil, 
isn't it?

I never got very far in this so I'm not sure how complex things get. :E

I believe you need a score of 80 or over to strike gold.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                       SOCCER
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Location:  Motro Dojo ("g")

When you first talk to the giant bluish-purple cat, he'll tell you to round up
a team of three so go to Obake Home and recruit Chucky and Poko.  Head back to
the dojo and talk to Motro again to get started.

Your team of 1 human girl and 2 ghosts are pitted against a big cat thing and 
2 moles and you have 3 minutes to out-score them.  Seems easy, right?  Uh ... 
not really.  If Motro gets a hold of the ball, he'll score. :P  But that's not
to say that you should hang around him all the time cuz he plays goalie at 
times too.

Basically, the best thing to do is to hang back and stay near the center.  If
your team-mates run out onto the field, you can be sure that you're goalie. XP
Have faith in them since they ARE capable of scoring. :P  But!  I don't 
believe you should rely on them too much.

I haven't figured out a good strategy for this yet since I tend to jump-attack
the ball.  This usually sends the ball flying which is not always the best 
thing. :P  However, I find that it's hard to simply whack it cuz it's possible 
to miss it that way.

There seems to be some suggestion of using a drill charge attack on the ball
on some sites.  I've yet to try that.

Oh, the point of this mini game is simply to out-shoot your opponents.  No
specific amount of goals are needed to pass.

==============================================================================
6) COLLECTOR'S AREA
==============================================================================
Aside from a collecting frenzy you can get into for the headwear, there are 
other things that I consider as collectibles in this game.  They are 
wallpapers, the platinum medals, and, to an extent, clothing.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                   WALLPAPERS 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
They are literally images that you can use on your Windows desktop.  To do
this, run to Parin's house and go to the desk in her room.  You'll be
presented with a list of wallpapers (ǎ) you've obtained.  Click on one
and then click on the top option to make the wallpaper available in your
Gurumin directory.  (See FAQ Q3 for exact location.)  I believe the second
one is the CHANGE your current desktop wallpaper to whichever Gurumin one
you've selected.

Depending on luck and whether or not you've embarked on the Platinum Medal
quest, your first wallpaper may be from Hyperbolic!  Regardless of which
wallpaper you get first, here's a list of them all, in order, and how you can
get them!

I ... refuse to even attempt to translate the names.  I also won't be too
descriptive either. :E

1)  Yane ga taku-san (""""""")
       It's an image of a computer rendering of Tiese Town.
       
       Obtained from Chucky after he removes his nose glasses. ^^;
      
2)  Runruuun ("""""")
       It's a cute night illustration of Parin, Poko, Chucky, Pierre, and Iwao
       walking.
       
       Obtained from Hyperbolic when you present him with your first
       platinum medal.
       
3)  Shoujo Manga ("""""}"K)
       2 pages of a fictional girls' comic, Gas Mask. ^o^;  'Tis a parody of
       the famous manga/anime, Glass Mask.
              
       Obtained from the more-effort-than-it's-worth trading side event in
       Tiese Town.  See FAQ Q15 for the solution.
       
4)  KA-TUN SUTAIRU (J[gD"X^C)
       Literally a cartoon style depiction of various Gurumin folks, broken
       up in comic panels (with Parin slap dab in the middle). :3
       
       Obtained from talking to Cylinder after the "peeping tom" event.  See
       FAQ Q19 for how to cause the incident and a rundown of what to do.
       
5)  Nakayoku ohiru ne ("""""""")
       A very cute and peaceful scene of Motro, Puku, Parin, and Pino in
       the forest relaxing/resting.  You can even spot a little Mosbee 
       fluttering in the background. ^o^
       
       Obtained from Poko after you help him with his afro. ^^~  See FAQ
       Q7 for hint.

6)  Iroiro soubi (""""""")
       A wallpaper showing Parin with her various headwear (not all of them)
       as well as various enemies and their gear (not all of them).  Names
       are listed in English!
       
       Obtained from Iwao after freeing him from the Pharaoh's curse.  See
       FAQ Q7 for info.
       
7)  Wakaki hino ... ("""""́EEE)
       A spoiler wallpaper as it shows images of the past hero and co.
       
       Obtained from a flyer distribution event at the Discount Shop.  The
       requirement for getting this is to purchase every single headpiece
       from Disk (including the Head Dress).  Also, you have to leave the
       store and go back in before the event can be triggered.  He'll give
       you 3 flyers to post around the town.  Hint:  Look around for flat
       surfaces. :P  When you're finished, go back to Disk and he'll present
       this wallpaper as the reward.
       
8)  Nemukunaru kougi ("""""""")
       Haha.  It's Mosbee explaining what Phantoms are.  Problem is, the
       entire thing is in Mosbee's gibberish! ^O^;;
       
       Obtained from a pastry selling event with Fan in her shop.  You can
       get this by waltzing into the bakery and talking to Fan WHILE in the
       Gothic Lolita outfit.  Head Dress not required.
       
       Please note that this is a mini event where typing in Japanese is
       mandatory.  See FAQ Q14 for complete details.
       
9)  RITA-N ZA HO-MU (^["Uz[)
       Love the Engrish title.  Anyhoo, it's a cartoony watercolour image of
       Parin and friends/enemies running toward the viewer.
       
       Obtained from helping Pierre return to his old French-Japanese self.
       See FAQ Q7 for help.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                              PLATINUM MEDALS 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As mentioned in the GENERAL PLAY HINTS, at some point early in the game (most
likely after you retrieved the Radio Cassette player for Poko.  If not, then
you may even need to get the Sofa as well), Hyperbolic will start talking
about a rare medal or something.  When the choice to choose between two
options pops up, select the bottom one and you'll be set on finding the
platinum medals (""̃_)!

Choosing the top option blocks you from having the quest at all. :/

Platinum medals come in little gift boxes.  They will appear when you touch
specific places.

Anyway!  Locations!  In no particular order!

1)  In the fireplace of Parin's home.
       Just walk into the fireplace.
    
2)  Potato Ruins:  Mile Palace (|egՁi}C{"a))
       In the room with the 4 boxes (where Parin gets accosted by a big 
       phantom and 2 little phantoms), jump into the center of the northwest/
       top-left box.
       
3)  Potato Ruins:  Kiromiri Pathway (|egՁiL~"ʘH))
       In the place where you can hit a switch to summon a platform down,
       hop onto the platform.  When it reaches the top, turn toward the 
       closest column and jump onto it.  You can jump the rest of the columns
       for the heck of things too but only the first on you jump on will
       cause the gift box to appear. :P
       
4)  Spina Cave:  Sawagashi Cavern (Xsi"Ai""""A))
       In the water area where you have to navigate disappearing platforms,
       there will be a fork at one point where you have to choose whether to
       go left or to go right.  Going right will get you a medal.  However,
       I suggest you quickly move to the left since the right platform
       doesn't lead anywhere. :P
       
5)  Spina Cave:  Kurayami Hollow (Xsi"Ai""""݋"))
       Use the Fire Parts to melt the ice in the ponds here and head to
       the deepest water area (which is basically the gap between the
       two walls) and let Parin sink a bit.  There will be a opening somewhere
       on the bottom right.  Go through it and then start jumping.
       
       There is a small corner near the pot that goes in deeper than the
       rest of the room.  Go there!
       
6)  Radis Forest:  Daija no kemo no michi (fBX"̐Xi"""""))
       I'm not sure whether the reading of the first 2 kanji should be
       Orochi or Daija so I just chose one.  I'm also unsure how to translate
       this without making it sound odd. XP  "The Way of the Brutal Snake"?
       Bleh.
       
       Anyway, jump onto the tree stump near the well.
       
7)  Radis Forest:  Koumori no kakureya (fBX"̐Xi"""""̉B"))
       Good grief.  That house/home kanji has me baffled in a way cuz of
       the various readings it can take depending on context.  Even now,
       I'm unsure of whether I should be using "ya" or "ie".  I ruled out
       the rest of the readings since I figure that they only apply to
       family or people/occupation.
       
       Well, this is another tree stump one.  This time, it's the one near
       the river with the bridge.
       
8)  Pimento Mountain:  Dragon's Back (s"g}E"e"ihS"YobN))
       It's on the bottom-most rock step left of the place where there is air
       coming up a gap.  This part is located below the ladder area, west of
       where those bee-like phantoms are.
       
9)  Pimento Mountain:  Heaven's Held Hill 
    (s"g}E"e"iwu"Ywhq))
       Jump into the depression directly below the elevator when the elevator
       reaches the top.
       
10) Eggplant Sky Cave:  Ruby Crave (GbOv"g" (r[OCu))
       In the room where you can't go anywhere on the bottom floor but there's
       pillars to knock down to access second floor areas, there is a 
       really thin strip of an area (with one pointy edge) toward the north-
       east side of the map.  Stand on the edge of that.
       
11) Eggplant Sky Cave:  Amethyst Road (GbOv"g"(AWXg[h))
       In the area that looks like a cross on the mini map, head to the
       right/orange room.  There should be a treasure chest in it.  Stand in
       the depression in the ground.

After collecting all 11 medals, go talk to Motro and he will upgrade the drill
for you. XD  

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                                     CLOTHING 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When you clear the game, you receive an additional attire for Parin!  There is
one for each difficulty level, plus, you can also purchase the Goth Loli 
outfit from the "vending machine" at Spina Cave:  Kurayami Hollow 
(Xsi"Ai""""݋")).

To change Parin's clothes, go to the closet in her room and examine it.  You
will be presented with a list of things to change into.  Select one and
voila! ^_^

All purchased and unlocked clothing can be accessed through ANY save you
have. :D

Note:  This list is not in the order as they are listed in the game.

Note #2:  Parin says different things when she attacks depending on which
          clothing + headwear set you have on.  I tried this with 2 sets of
          clothing.

1)  Everyday Wear ("i")
       Parin starts off with this.  Matching headwear:  Goggles.
      
2)  Gothic Lolita (SX)
       Bought from the "vending machine" at Spina Cave:  Kurayami Hollow
       (Xsi"Ai""""݋")).  Note that the discount the Crown
       gives you works here so you don't HAVE to shell out 99999 P
       for an outfit the does nothing but make Parin goth.
      
      Matching headwear:  Head Dress.

3)  Monkey Suit ("""镞)
       Clear Beginner mode.  Matching headwear:  Monkey Head Gear.
      
4)  Pajamas (pW})
       Clear Normal mode.  Matching headwear:  Night Cap.
      
5)  China Dress (`CihX)
       Clear Hard mode.  Matching headwear:  Odango.
      
6)  School Outfit ()
       Clear Pleasure mode.  Matching headwear:  Cat Ears.

7)  Leopard Outfit (""")
       Clear Crazy mode.  No matching headwear since it comes with its own.
       Perks include:
       - Parin's attack power is increased three-fold!
       - Damage is reduced by 75%!
       - Elemental attack power increased by 4.9 times!
       - Treasure chests and pots are visible on the map!
       - Critical attacks are doubled!
    
8)  Gym Outfit (̑")
       Clear Boss Rush under Beginner or Normal mode.  Matching headwear:
       Headband.

9)  Work Wear (")
       Clear Boss Rush under Hard mode.  Matching headwear:  Helmet.
      
10)  Nurse (""")
       Clear Boss Rush under Pleasure mode.  This one comes with its own
       headwear.  Also, the outfit comes with perks such as:
       - Parin's attack power is increased 2.5 times!
       - Elemental attack power is about 3.5 times higher!
       - Damage is reduced by 50%!
      
11)  Scuba suit (XN)
       Clear Boss Rush under Crazy mode.  It has its own headwear.
       - Parin's attacks now do 5 times more damage!
       - All damage received except water damage is reduced to 1!
       - Elemental attack power does 6 times more damage!
      
12)  Kimono (")
       Only available January 1 - 3.  'Tis for celebration of the new year. ^-^
       Indeed!  You can get this at any time as long as you change your month
       and day under Date and Time Properties (by double clicking on the clock
       in Windows). ^_^;  Matching headwear:  Magic Hood.

==============================================================================
7) CLEAR GAME DATA
==============================================================================

There are no special conditions to get the spiffy clear game data (or the 
bonus features).  This means that you don't have to go around 
MASTER!!ing all the dungeons or get smacked around by the optional boss.
HOWEVER, one definite requrement is that return ALL belongings to the ghosts.
This means that you must do every dungeon in the game (with the exception of
the northern-most, in-a-volcano one).  Otherwise, you get the bleh ending.

Beating the game the first time nets you with these bonuses:

- Item Dictionary is available in the title screen menu.  It lists all the
  items you have found in the game and each new item you discover through
  successive plays are added to the dictionary as well.
  
- Popon shows up in town!

- Ability to skip cutscenes including the times when a ghost uncovers a new
  part of the world map.

Additionally, when you clear the game, you get the chance to save before 
you're thrown back to the title screen again.  What you get from this special
save is:

- Current amount of money and junk points carry over to the new game.

- Wallpapers carry over.

- Clothing and headwear levels carry over.  In fact, clothing seems to be
  available in previous, game-not-finished saves too. @_@  I'm not sure about
  the headwear levels though.

- In regards to headwear that you can get from Hyperbolic, if you already
  bought them in the past, they will cost 1 gold medal each.  HOWEVER, the
  one that you didn't buy will skyrocket in trading value. -___-;  I'm not
  completely certain if the Odango is ALWAYS expensive regardless of whether
  or not you've obtained it before or not though.
  
- If you got the drill upgrade (from the Platinum Medals quest), that carries 
  over too.

- All drill parts are available from Cylinder early in the game.  There's even
  a new one known as the Master Parts. :D  Er, they're not all in his menu
  right away though.
  
There might be more but these are what I know for sure.  To have all the
spiffy stuff in a new game, load Clear Data on the Load Game screen.

==============================================================================
8) FAQ
==============================================================================

These are not frequently asked questions by any means except maybe the first
one. :P  Still, I figure I should do a little question and answer session to
get in some walkthrough-esque information.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                       WINDOWS-RELATED ISSUES 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Q1)  How do I even install the game!?

A1)  It seems that Falcom was really intent on not letting folks outside of
     Japan play Gurumin.  The game comes with a strange "protection scheme"
     in that, unless you change your time zone to Japan, you won't even be
     able to install it!
     
     To change your time zone, double click on the Windows clock.  (If your
     clock is not showing for whatever reason, right click on your taskbar
     and select Properties.  Check Show the clock and click OK.)
     
     Now choose Time Zone and in the pull-down menu, go to (GMT+0900) Osaka,
     Sapporo, Tokyo and click Apply.
     
     After installing the game, you can change the clock back to your own
     time zone. :3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q2)  Buh?  The game crashed/froze!?  I'm getting errors!?  Something's not
     responding properly!!?!?

A2)  Check the official site for game patches.
     http://www.falcom.com/gurumin/support/patch.html
     
     In most cases, they can solve the issues you might be having with your
     video card, etc.
     
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q3)  OMGWTFBBQ!  Where can I find save game data or the wallpapers (ǎ)!?

A3)  They are most likely in the Gurumin subdirectory which is a subdirectory
     of FALCOM which, in turn, is a subdirectory of Application Data which ...
     well, it'll probably look something like this:
    
     C:Documents and SettingsOwnerApplication DataFALCOMGURUMIN

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q4)  I can't rename Parin at the naming screen!  Did my keyboard lock up!!??

A4)  No, see GENERAL PLAY HINTS in regards to this.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                                                          SPECIFIC GAME HINTS 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Q5)  How do I get into the locked house in Tiese!?!?!?!?
    
A5)  You can't until you clear all modes up to Pleasure mode and enter a secret
     password. :O!  See Q16 in this section for details~~~~
        
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q6)  I keep taking damage from falls.  Is there ANYTHING that can either stop
     it or at least lessen damage!?

A6)  Timing jumps properly and having quick reflexes are about the only things
     that can stop your falls.  However, there IS something that can ease the
     HP damage.  Look up the Taira Helm in the HEADWEAR section.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q7)  Uh, I can't get out of Obake Home.  What gives?

A7)  There's something you have to complete in there before you can even 
     leave!  This usually happens after you present one of your ghostly 
     friends with a gift of some sort.
     
     Here are some pathetic cryptic hints:
     
     - Mexican Pierre needs his familiar back.
     - Egyptian Iwao needs a good spinning to relieve him of his sorrow.
     - Disco Poko needs some flare for his new do.
     
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q8)  A ghost gave me some wallpaper thing (ǎ).  What's it do?

A8)  Think "desktop wallpaper". ^_^  Check COLLECTOR'S AREA for more 
     information.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q9)  I CAN'T GET INTO SPINA CAVE (Xsi"Ai"""ъ""A)).  WHY IS THAT
     MONOLITH THERE!?  WHO IS THAT BLUE PARIN GIRL!?!? *#&^@#&*!?

A9)  Puku suggests that you get help from the mole so go to the Mole Dojo
     ("O") and chat with the animal just standing around.  You'll be
     required to play a game of BOULDER DEMOLITION with him.  Beat him and
     he'll run off to the Cave of the Warabi Rock.

     Now, the problem is, the mole is not strong enough to break down the
     barrier so he suggests to Parin that she go get his older brother.
    
     Where's the older brother?  He's apparently at Obake Home so go there.
     Now the fun begins.  Talk to the pink mole and he'll scramble off.
    
     Run back to Spina Cave.  WTF?  He's not there.
    
     To save you the agony of finding the direction-impaired mole, just do
     the following (and talk to him at each place):
    
     1) Go to Radis Fountain Square (fBXL)
     2) Go to Aspara Lake (AXp)
    
     FINALLY, he proceeds on foot.  Now go back to Spina Cave and you'll be
     treated to another cutscene.
    
     Ah, and that blue Parin girl will appear again later. :P
    
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q10)  Why can't I get into Pimento Mountain (s"g}E"e")!?

A10)  It's because you haven't advanced to the part of the story where Puku 
      tells you that Obake Home needs a sponsor of some sort to fund the
      reconstruction of the place.  If you returned enough belongings to the 
      ghosts, I think this part will be automatically triggered when you go to
      Obake Home.
     
      From there, you have to run to Peke Mansion (just east of the Spina
      Cave dungeons) and try and talk him into helping out your friends.  
      Before he will even consider leaving his mansion, you must make him
      laugh or something.
     
      To make Peke laugh, cycle through each of your headwear (and talk to him
      after each change) until he gets into HAHAHA mode.  Unfortunately, 
      you're not done. :P
     
      NOW Peke wants you to play a game of abuse-a-mole. 9_9;  Just get in 
      more than 20 hits before the timer runs out and he'll zip off to Obake 
      Home.
     
      I believe the mountain will be accessible now.  If not, go and talk to
      Peke at the Home first.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     
Q11)  ARGH.  There are no platforms or anything that can help me get to that
      one area in Sapphire Line (Tt@CAC").  THERE ARE TWO ENEMIES 
      THERE AND I NEED TO MURDER THEM TO GET MY S RATING!  (And there's a 
      chest too!) What's going on!?  Am I missing something!!!?
     
A11)  Tricky, isn't it?  But hey, you provoked the flying enemies already
      haven't you?  Perhaps you can hop onto them?  Or at least, flip a ground
      enemy into the air with your drill and attack it while in the air and
      then hop onto the area. :/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q12)  Why can't I play the mini games? ;_;

A12)  Well, chances are, the mole brothers, Peke, or Doc are elsewhere at the 
      moment so you'll have to advance the story a bit more before they return 
      to their homes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q13)  What's with this creepy jar with a face on it!?

A13)  It's a novelty item, really, but it does have SOME use.  Basically, you
      can carry the energy of any of your spirit friends with you.  The catch
      is that you can only carry one at a time.  The jar will change to a 
      colour corresponding to the friend you choose.
      
      To bring someone with the Obake Home with you, simply walk up to one of
      them and choose the jar from your inventory.  Parin will plop it down
      and a little ball of energy from the ghost will fly into the jar.  Note
      that this only works for the residents there and not any guests.
     
      Now having a friend close by is always cool but your friend isn't doing
      much except hanging around inside the jar and probably rotting away 
      somehow.  So why not give it some fresh air?
     
      While in a dungeon, select the jar from inventory.  Parin will put the 
      jar down.  Give it a whack with the drill!  Whoever you chose is now a
      fighting partner! XD  Each ghost has its own style of fighting! ^o^
      
      Unfortunately, it won't stay very long. :(  But it's fun to see and your
      ally may be the one that get you out of a tough jam.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q14)  Uh, I'm behind the counter at Fan's shop and then people come into the 
      store and then that input box pops up!  What am I supposed to do!?
    
A14)  CURSE AT THE CUSTOMERS!!!!  Seriously, just regurgitate their orders so
      if Plane waltzes in and asks for SUTOROBERI- KE-KI then type in 
      SUTOROBERI- KE-KI.  I can't recall if the game is strict in that you
      HAVE to type in katakana.  I don't think it is.
    
      In order to win at this little mini game, correctly enter all the orders
      from the human customers.  Yes, missing Poko's order is all right. :P
    
      At the end, Fan presents you with wallpaper #8 for a job well done. 
    
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q15)  Blargh!  I got a Diamond from a mystery bag.  What's it good for?  Can I
      attach it to my drill? :D
    
A15)  No, it's not drill part of any sort.  It's part of a trading game you 
      can do with the citizens of Tiese.  Here is the sequence of how the 
      trading must be done to get the prize:
    
      1)  Diamond is given to Plane, who gives you the DORASURE (Dragon Slayer
      ... ha ha ha Falcom. :P)
    
      2)  Dragon Slayer (sword) is passed to Disk, who hands over the Book of
          Alchemy.
        
      3)  Throw the Book of Alchemy at Cylinder, who will graciously give you
          a ... Shoujo Manga? >_>;;;;;
        
      4)  Chuck the Shoujo Manga at Fan, who will squeal in delight at the 
          sight of it and reward you with Gateau Chocolat.  Please don't eat 
          the cake.  I know it's tempting but you mess up this trading game if
          you do. :P
        
          Incidentally, the cake recovers all HP and drill power. ._.
        
      5)  The chocolate is fed to Hyperbolic, who empties his pockets to get
          a Rump Steak out of it.  The steak is also edible but again, it's
          not recommended.  The meat restores all lost HP and drill power
          as well.
        
      6)  Hurl the Rump Steak at the dog, who, for some unfathomable reason,
          is lugging a roll of Gold Coins around.  Well, maybe there was some
          explanation but I never read it cuz I was clicking through all of
          this so fast. XP
        
      7)  Diamonds are a girl's best friend but so are Gold Coins apparently!
          Ever the woman with expensive tastes, relinquish the money you got
          from the dog to Plane and in return, you'll get wallpaper #3.
        
          (Refer to WALLPAPERS to see which one you get. :3)
        
      Yes, all that for a wallpaper!  But it's a silly wallpaper at that. ^O^;

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q16)  How do I get more play modes~?!?!?  Oh, and what are the differences!?
    
A16)  Simple!  Well, sort of.  Keep clearing the game with a different 
      difficulty level each time.  I suppose that's easier said than done for
      the average player. ^^;  Anyhoo, it goes like this:
    
      Beginner and Normal are default levels.
      Clearing Normal gets you Hard.
      Clearing Hard gets you Pleasure.
      Clearing Pleasure gets you Crazy.
      Clearing Crazy gets you ... well, nothing.
    
      However!  There is something else too!  After clearing Beginner mode to
      Pleasure mode, you get access to the Boss Rush game where you fight all
      bosses one after another.

      To kick some bosses' asses, head to the locked house in the human town 
      and enter the first kana character of each of the first 8 wallpapers.
    
      Hint:  Look up the WALLPAPERS section of this file with the
      character encoding on Shift-JIS for the answer.  I can tell you it
      starts with "Ya" and ends with "Ne". :P
    
      The differences ... well, just think of it this way:  Beginner mode is
      a baby mode -- in fact, it's so baby, the game will HELP YOU in your 
      jumps between gaps.  Also, regular enemies and bosses are weeeeeaaaaak.
      You can even damage Cream when she's in her alternate form!  Falling
      to your doom only causes like 2 HP of damage.  Other baby things:
      - Icy parts are not icy.
      - Collapsing paths and rocks that crumble under your feet under Normal
        mode do not occur.
      - Fire rings that shoot up from lava do not happen at the Pimento
        Mountain dungeons.  The receding platforms on the outer mountain also
        don't move.
      - Seemingly less agressive AI for soccer players in the Soccer mini-
        game.
    
      From Normal and up, everything starts taking a toll.  Enemies are tough,
      bosses are tough, damage from falling to your bloody death increases
      steadily as the difficulty levels go up, etc.  I think it gets to the
      point where having level 4 or level 5 headwear is almost useless. ^^
    
      Oh, Game Over-wise, you get less and less health back as the difficulty
      rises. XP
      
      I am well aware that the game actually tells you the differences as well
      as the enemy's strength on the game mode selection screen but I don't
      feel like translating all that when I can just give the summary of
      things. >P
    
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q17)  What do I get for clearing the game a billion times!?!? 
    
A17)  Well, you get the satisfaction that you are an l33t (Gurumin) gamer.
      You also get a new wardrobe for Parin cuz with each difficulty level
      cleared, she gets new clothes! ^o^  PLUS, after beating Pleasure mode,
      you get to play as Popon, the girl Parin meets at the end of the game
      (any difficulty, I think ... and I think it may have to be with the
      good ending as well).
    
      From the screenshots I've seen of Popon, she comes armed with a sword.
      Well, the Dragon Slayer.  And apparently, the sword works extremely
      well against a certain boss. :O
    
      Oh, and there are also subtle differences like hearing the vocal version
      of the shop theme while in shops and Hyperbolic has different things to
      say (most notable are the different themed menus for headwear trading).
      You need to be in Pleasure mode for this.
    
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q18)  Hey, is it true there's a hidden piece of clothing!?!?!?

A18)  Sure is!  And in addition to the secret change of clothes, there are
      little changes to the company logo screen as well as decorations in
      shops. ^__^  Take a look under CLOTHING to discover the secret!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q19)  I was making Parin change her clothes when, suddenly, there was a noise
      heard outside! :O  What's that about~!?

A19)  Please note that this is ONLY available with a game that was started
      with Clear Game data!!  In other words, it's a second playthrough-only
      event.

      The actual trigger event is by changing while the dog is in the room.
      Go outside (without going down the stairs) and you'll spot a hat by
      the window that looks eerily like the one Cylinder wears.
    
      The next thing to do is to, of course, look for Cylinder.  Talk to
      every other person in town (well, maybe not the dog but it never hurts)
      and THEN talk to Fan.  (Yeah, you can't leave Tiese until you solve
      this little problem.)  Or, if you want, just do another round of
      inquiry to kill time.
      
      Eventually, the suspect comes across the corner near the locked house
      and all is forgiven when he distracts you with a new wallpaper. XP
      Well, he explains what actually went on as well but it's up to you to
      decide whether you believe him or not. :3
      
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q20)  Hey!!!  What about the optional boss!?  Why are you leaving out infor-
      mation about Black Bean!?!?!?!?!?!?!??
      
A20)  Well, the reason is simple:  I don't know how to defeat the boss yet --
      even on Beginner mode. -_-;
      
      The battle is quite insane in that Black Bean will split itself into 3
      and attack FROM ALL SIDES.  Once it gets pissed off enough, it'll use a
      crazy move called Neo Galaxy which does major damage and I've yet to
      figure out how to get through it unscathed.  This typically happens when
      its HP is below half.
      
      I DID get it down to less than 1/4 of its hitpoints left but I didn't
      have any oils or healing pastries to last through the remainder of the
      fight.
      
      I guess the key is to use the endurance oils (ϋvIC) to maintain a
      level 3 power level for the drill as well as to have high level head-
      wear. :/
            
==============================================================================
9)  GURUMIN HISTORY LESSON
==============================================================================

Since Wyrdwad was kind enough to enlighten me on the background of the game's
plot, I decided to include his summary in this guide as well so fellow
illiterate gamers can gain an understanding of why they were fighting the
phantoms.  Well, aside from the obvious of saving the ghosts. :P

**** SPOILERS AHOY!!! Don't say I didn't warn you! ****

"This is in chronological order, BTW, which the plot of Gurumin is NOT
actually told in... so yeah, it's up to you to figure out where each of
these things is revealed within the game proper. (:

Quite some time before the beginning of Gurumin, in what is basically a
whole other dimension, there existed a kingdom of phantoms, ruled by a
benevolent prince. Unfortunately, however, there was also this weird
space-time phenomenon thingy known as the "Great Fang," which was
basically a dimensional hole that hopped from place to place (or
something), and connected with other dimensions. It showed up at the
phantom kingdom, and a giant dragon called Tokaron came through it,
levelling the kingdom and scattering all the phantoms, most of whom ended
up falling into the Great Fang and getting lost amidst the sea of
dimensions in the multiverse -- including the prince, who got separated
from his loyal subjects.

Tokaron, and the prince's subjects (but not the prince), ended up
materializing in the world of Gurumin, where the Great Fang next showed
up. The phantoms all ran for dear life -- whereas the ghosts of the
Gurumin world called upon their greatest hero, Motro the cat spirit, to
fend off this dragon menace. Motro had some help from a young Hyperbolic,
who had wandered into the Obake Home with only the drill he used in his
mining work, and together they fought off Tokaron, and sealed it away
using elemental powers.

Much time passed. Three years before the events of Gurumin, Cylinder was
out working in the mines, holding a stick of dynamite, when he saw a dog
about to fall to its death. Cylinder rushed over to save the dog, and
succeeded... but the lit cigarette he carelessly had in his mouth at the
time dropped, and the dynamite got lit. Cylinder presumably threw this
dynamite to avoid impending doom, and lit an entire section of forest
ablaze with the resulting explosion.

Little did Cylinder know, though, that he had set quite a chain of events
in motion... for you see, the section of forest he just blew up happened
to be the place Puku and Pino called their home. Pino was forgiving in the
matter, and Puku was as well, ON THE SURFACE... but deep down, Puku
resented what the humans had done with their carelessness, and sought
retribution. He knew of the war his fellow ghosts had waged against the
cursed dragon Tokaron so many years before, and decided he would try to
find a way to break Tokaron's seal, with the idea of then somehow forcing
Tokaron upon the unsuspecting humans (yeah, he didn't think this over too
well, really!).

In his scouting of the place where Tokaron was sealed, Puku happened upon
a bracelet that appeared to have come through the Great Fang. When he put
it on, he suddenly changed appearance drastically, and gained a certain
degree of power. Some stray phantoms ran into him, and regarded him as
their prince... so he played along, intent on using them to achieve his
goal of retribution.

And that's where our story begins, when a young girl named Parin goes to
live with her grandfather Hyperbolic, after both her parents suddenly get
called overseas on business."

And because I'm too lazy to edit the following and figure out where to
put it in the summary above (as this came in a separate e-mail):

"I forgot to mention one important part: the phantoms were convinced to do
Puku's bidding not just because Puku was posing as the prince, but also
because he told them his ultimate goal was to take over the Obake Home and
build a new phantom kingdom... he never mentioned the resurrection of
Tokaron to the phantoms, since they obviously wouldn't be too keen on the
idea (what with Tokaron having destroyed their kingdom, and all!). (:"
    
==============================================================================
10) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
==============================================================================

I'd like to thank the follow people and pages for their valuable information
since, in all honesty, this guide wouldn't have all this stuff in it if it
weren't for them:

- ViperD
  -- Mostly for giving the heads up about needing to type in the game,
     but he also give some additional hints and help too! ^__^
     
- Wyrdwad
  -- His corrections on the event that will get you wallpaper #4, as well
     as noting that the flyer distribution event is also available on a first
     play.
  -- And many many thanks for enlightening me on the background of the plot!
  
- FantasyLink (http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~gc3/index.html)
  -- This site had images and videos to help with the tough spots!  Lots of
     information too.
  
- Gurumin Play Nikki (Gurumin Play Diary)
  (http://o-angels.hp.infoseek.co.jp/game/gurumin/gurumin.html)
  -- This had the best walkthrough for the game since it had some specifics
     that others neglected to mention.

- phan's game sites (http://phans.org/)
  -- Again, lots of data and this one had gameplay videos too.  Even better,
     this player has saved games for various difficulty modes! ^o^  I've
     yet to download those though.
   
- Falcom Wikipedia (http://www.xfuweb.com/falcom/)
  -- What more can I say? ^^
  
- Eternal World:  Gurumin Page (http://esterior.cool.ne.jp/guru/guru_top.html)
  -- Your basic walkthrough.  It wasn't as helpful as the diary one. :
  
- GMAN:  Windows XP Japanese Input
  (http://greggman.com/japan/xp-ime/xp-ime.htm)
  -- This site taught me how I can easily switch between input languages.
  For a while there, I had to keep removing the English keyboard setting to
  even type in Japanese. >_>;  I mean, selecting Japanese in the Language
  Bar didn't even work and other things.

==============================================================================
11) ABOUT THE AUTHOR
==============================================================================

Kouryuu likes Falcom.
Kouryuu likes RPGs.
Kouryuu likes everything about Harvest Moon except the games themselves.
Kouryuu also likes adventure, action, and Bemani games.
Sadly, Kouryuu does not excel in any genre. :P

HOWEVER!  Kouryuu has managed to play through all of Gurumin in Normal mode
without getting a single Game Over or reloading the game because of in-game 
deaths.  Unfortunately, Kouryuu did not manage to get gold medals for every 
mini game or dungeon. :(

Kouryuu also finished Beginner mode (as a second replay of the game) and did
not get all gold medals nor finish all the dungeons.  But, the replay was
really for the platinum medals, wallpapers, and the other ending.