Developer: Toybox Inc.

Hometown Story (2013)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 8 minutes read

Summary

Hometown Story: A Nostalgic Simulation Adventure

Introduction

Released in 2013, Hometown Story is a heartwarming simulation game that invites players to step into the shoes of a young shopkeeper tasked with revitalizing their grandmother’s dilapidated store. Developed by Toybox Inc. and published by Natsume, the game is a spiritual successor to the beloved Harvest Moon series, sharing many of its charming qualities while introducing new and innovative gameplay elements.

Gameplay

Hometown Story places players in the quaint and charming town of Oaktree Village. Inheriting their grandmother’s general store, players must work tirelessly to restore it to its former glory and become the heart of the community. The game combines elements of farming, shop management, and town-building, offering a diverse and engaging gameplay experience.

As the shopkeeper, players must manage every aspect of their store, from stocking shelves to pricing items and interacting with customers. They must carefully consider supply and demand, ensuring they have the right products in stock to meet the needs of the townsfolk. The game features a wide variety of items to collect and sell, including produce, furniture, clothing, and accessories.

In addition to managing their store, players can also explore Oaktree Village and interact with its colorful cast of characters. By completing quests, players can earn rewards, build relationships, and learn more about the town’s history and culture. The game features a deep and engaging storyline that unfolds as players progress, adding an extra layer of depth and immersion to the gameplay.

Farming and Resource Gathering

While Hometown Story is primarily a shop management game, it also incorporates farming and resource gathering elements. Players can grow their own crops and raise animals on a small farm outside of town. The resources they gather can be used to produce items to sell in their store or to complete quests.

Farming in Hometown Story is relatively simple and straightforward. Players can plant a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They must water and fertilize their crops regularly to ensure a bountiful harvest. Animals, such as cows, chickens, and sheep, can also be raised on the farm. Players can collect milk, eggs, and wool from their animals, which can be sold or used to produce other items.

Town-Building and Customization

As players progress in Hometown Story, they will have the opportunity to expand and customize Oaktree Village. By completing quests and earning money, players can purchase new buildings and decorations to add to the town. They can also upgrade existing buildings to improve their functionality and appearance.

The town-building aspect of Hometown Story is relatively limited compared to other simulation games. However, it still allows players to create a unique and personalized village that reflects their own style and preferences. Players can choose from a variety of buildings, including houses, shops, restaurants, and parks. They can also place decorations, such as trees, flowers, and benches, to add a touch of charm to their town.

Characters and Relationships

One of the most endearing aspects of Hometown Story is its cast of charming and memorable characters. Each character has their own unique personality, backstory, and motivations. Players can interact with the townsfolk by talking to them, giving them gifts, and completing quests for them.

As players build relationships with the townsfolk, they will learn more about their lives and dreams. They will also be able to unlock special events and rewards. The game features a variety of romantic candidates that players can pursue, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to the social interactions.

Visuals and Music

Hometown Story features a bright and colorful art style that perfectly captures the game’s charming and nostalgic atmosphere. The character designs are adorable and expressive, and the environments are rendered with a meticulous attention to detail. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a collection of cheerful and heartwarming melodies that perfectly complement the gameplay.

Conclusion

Hometown Story is a delightful and heartwarming simulation game that offers a unique and immersive experience. With its charming characters, engaging gameplay, and beautiful visuals, the game is sure to appeal to fans of the Harvest Moon series and simulation games in general. Whether you’re looking to create a thriving business, build a beautiful town, or simply relax and enjoy the simple life, Hometown Story is the perfect game for you.

Review Score

8/10

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Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs (2015)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs – A Hauntingly Good Time

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs is an enhanced version of the 2014 game Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters. It features a refined battle system, along with plenty of newly written episodes surrounding some of the key characters. The game was developed by Compile Heart and published by Aksys Games. It was released in Japan in 2015 and in North America and Europe in 2016.

Gameplay

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs is a first-person dungeon crawler in which the player controls a team of ghost hunters as they explore haunted locations and battle ghosts and other supernatural beings. The game features a turn-based battle system in which the player can use a variety of attacks and abilities to defeat their enemies.

One of the new features in Daybreak Special Gigs is the ability to use “Ghost Skills” in battle. Ghost Skills are powerful abilities that can be used to inflict damage, heal allies, or buff the party. Ghost Skills can only be used by characters who have formed a contract with a ghost, and each ghost has its own unique Ghost Skill.

Another new feature in Daybreak Special Gigs is the “Daybreak System.” The Daybreak System is aゲージthat fills up as the player defeats enemies. Once the Daybreak Gauge is full, the player can activate “Daybreak Mode.” Daybreak Mode is a powerful state that increases the party’s attack power and defense, and allows them to use special Daybreak Skills.

Story

The story of Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs follows a group of ghost hunters as they investigate a series of mysterious disappearances in Tokyo. The ghost hunters soon discover that the disappearances are connected to a powerful ghost known as the “Nightwalker.” The Nightwalker is a malevolent spirit that is capable of possessing humans and driving them to madness.

The ghost hunters must race against time to stop the Nightwalker before it can claim more victims. Along the way, they will encounter a cast of colorful characters, including a psychic, a medium, and a vampire hunter.

Characters

The player can control a team of up to three ghost hunters in Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs. Each ghost hunter has their own unique abilities and skills.

  • Shingo Yano: The protagonist of the game, Shingo is a young man who has the ability to see ghosts. He is also a skilled swordsman.
  • Rina Takamiya: A psychic who can communicate with ghosts. She is also a skilled archer.
  • Rei Kurosawa: A medium who can summon and control ghosts. She is also a skilled martial artist.
  • Gouki Date: A vampire hunter who is immune to the Nightwalker’s possession. He is also a skilled swordsman.
  • Kaoru Hanada: A young woman who is possessed by the Nightwalker. She is a skilled fighter and can use powerful Ghost Skills.

Reception

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its refined battle system, new story content, and cast of characters. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to the original Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters.

Overall, Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs is a solid dungeon crawler with a lot to offer fans of the genre. The game’s refined battle system, new story content, and cast of characters make it a worthwhile upgrade over the original game.

Score: 8/10

Review Score

8/10

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7’Scarlet (2016)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

7’scarlet: A Haunting Tale of Mystery and Murder

7’scarlet is a visual novel that tells the story of Ichiko Hoshino, a young woman who travels to the remote town of Okunezato in search of her missing brother. Okunezato is a crescent-shaped town shrouded in dark myths and legends, and Ichiko soon finds herself caught up in a dangerous mystery.

As Ichiko investigates her brother’s disappearance, she uncovers a series of gruesome murders that have plagued Okunezato for centuries. The townsfolk are terrified, and they believe that the murders are the work of a malevolent spirit. Ichiko, however, is not so sure. She believes that there is a more rational explanation for the killings, and she is determined to find out the truth.

Ichiko’s investigation leads her to a variety of strange and unsettling places. She visits an abandoned hospital, a crumbling shrine, and a dark forest that is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the murdered. Along the way, she meets a cast of colorful characters, including a mysterious old woman, a group of eccentric villagers, and a handsome young man who seems to know more about the murders than he lets on.

As Ichiko gets closer to the truth, she begins to realize that the murders are not what they seem. There is a dark secret at the heart of Okunezato, and Ichiko is determined to uncover it, no matter what the cost.

7’scarlet is a well-written and engaging visual novel with a complex and intriguing story. The characters are well-developed and the setting is atmospheric and eerie. The game also features beautiful artwork and a haunting soundtrack.

Characters

  • Ichiko Hoshino: A brave and determined young woman who is searching for her missing brother.
  • Hino Kagutsuchi: A mysterious old woman who seems to know more about the murders than she lets on.
  • Isora Amari: A handsome young man who helps Ichiko with her investigation.
  • Kaito Hoshino: Ichiko’s missing brother.
  • The villagers of Okunezato: A group of eccentric and superstitious people who are terrified of the murders.

Setting

  • Okunezato: A remote town shaped like a crescent moon and shrouded in dark myths and legends.
  • The abandoned hospital: A crumbling building that is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the murdered.
  • The crumbling shrine: A dilapidated shrine that is said to be the site of a ancient ritual.
  • The dark forest: A dense and forbidding forest that is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the murdered.

Themes

  • Mystery: The game’s central mystery is what happened to Ichiko’s brother and who is responsible for the murders.
  • Horror: The game features a number of disturbing and frightening scenes, including scenes of violence and gore.
  • The supernatural: The game explores the themes of the supernatural and the occult, and features a number of supernatural elements, such as ghosts and spirits.

Gameplay

7’scarlet is a visual novel, which means that the gameplay consists primarily of reading text and making choices. The player’s choices will affect the story’s progression and ending. The game also features a number of minigames and puzzles.

Review

7’scarlet is a well-written and engaging visual novel with a complex and intriguing story. The characters are well-developed and the setting is atmospheric and eerie. The game also features beautiful artwork and a haunting soundtrack.

Score: 8.5/10

Review Score

8.5/10

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Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters (2014)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: A Hauntingly Good Time

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters is a Japanese adventure game that includes adventure game and visual novel gameplay, as well as strategy role-playing elements. The game was developed by Compile Heart and published by Idea Factory for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in 2014.

The game is set in Tokyo, Japan, and follows a group of high school students who form a ghost hunting club. The club is led by Ryūnosuke Kamiki, a second-year student who is interested in the paranormal. The other members of the club include Ayane Matsukawa, a first-year student who is a medium; Yūki Makimura, a second-year student who is a hacker; and Reiko Saeki, a third-year student who is a martial artist.

The game is played from a third-person perspective. The player controls Ryūnosuke as he explores the game world, interacts with other characters, and solves puzzles. The game’s world is divided into several areas, each of which contains its own unique set of challenges.

The game’s combat system is turn-based. The player selects commands from a menu to control Ryūnosuke and his party members. The player can choose to attack, defend, use items, or cast spells. The game’s combat system is relatively simple, but it offers a variety of strategic options.

The game’s story is told through a combination of cutscenes and dialogue. The cutscenes are fully voiced in Japanese, and the dialogue is translated into English. The game’s story is well-written and engaging, and it features a cast of memorable characters.

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters is a unique and enjoyable adventure game. The game’s combination of adventure game, visual novel, and strategy RPG elements creates a truly unique experience. The game’s story is well-written and engaging, and the combat system is simple yet strategic. Overall, Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters is a highly recommended game for fans of any of these genres.

Gameplay

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters is played from a third-person perspective. The player controls Ryūnosuke as he explores the game world, interacts with other characters, and solves puzzles. The game’s world is divided into several areas, each of which contains its own unique set of challenges.

The game’s combat system is turn-based. The player selects commands from a menu to control Ryūnosuke and his party members. The player can choose to attack, defend, use items, or cast spells. The game’s combat system is relatively simple, but it offers a variety of strategic options.

Story

The story of Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters follows a group of high school students who form a ghost hunting club. The club is led by Ryūnosuke Kamiki, a second-year student who is interested in the paranormal. The other members of the club include Ayane Matsukawa, a first-year student who is a medium; Yūki Makimura, a second-year student who is a hacker; and Reiko Saeki, a third-year student who is a martial artist.

The club investigates a variety of supernatural cases, including a haunted house, a possessed doll, and a vengeful spirit. As the club investigates these cases, they learn more about the paranormal and themselves.

Characters

The characters in Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters are well-written and engaging. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations, and they all play an important role in the story.

  • Ryūnosuke Kamiki is the leader of the ghost hunting club. He is a second-year student who is interested in the paranormal. Ryūnosuke is a kind and compassionate person, but he is also determined to help those who are in need.
  • Ayane Matsukawa is a first-year student who is a medium. She is able to see and communicate with ghosts. Ayane is a shy and reserved person, but she is also very kind and helpful.
  • Yūki Makimura is a second-year student who is a hacker. He is able to use computers to investigate the paranormal. Yūki is a confident and outgoing person, but he can also be reckless at times.
  • Reiko Saeki is a third-year student who is a martial artist. She is able to fight off ghosts and other supernatural beings. Reiko is a strong and independent person, but she is also very caring and protective of her friends.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters are good, but not great. The character models are well-designed, but the environments are somewhat bland. The game’s art style is unique and stylish, but it may not be to everyone’s taste.

The sound in Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters is excellent. The voice acting is top-notch, and the music is atmospheric and engaging. The game’s sound effects are also very good, and they help to create a sense of immersion.

Overall

Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters is a unique and enjoyable adventure game. The game’s combination of adventure game, visual novel, and strategy RPG elements creates a truly unique experience. The game’s story is well-written and engaging, and the combat system is simple yet strategic. Overall, Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters is a highly recommended game for fans of any of these genres.

Review Score

8/10

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