Saturday, September 2, 2017

Twitter Roundup 9/2

Recently I've been posting Twitter Roundups exclusively, but I'll bring back the regular posts, too. For now, enjoy the week's indie finds!


Mobile (iOS / Android)

[Adventure / Novel] Scar of the Doll

It's an "adventure novel game" (AVG) with a touch of horror and quite a hefty amount of text bound for Steam, but you can download it for free on iOS or Android. It says it has an English version, too! For that reason, it gets a 0/3, but if you're up for the challenge, try the Japanese version as well!

[Sim] Pocket Girl

Once you download the game, you start living with your new "daughter". It's one of those pet-raising games, but instead of a dog or fish or something, it's a girl that changes her personality and appearance based on how you raise her. Sounds like a lot of work, but at least you don't have to feed her! Although it may sound slightly creepy, it's rated 9+, so you won't find some of the stuff you usually associate with "dojinshi".
I don't have the game and the screenshots don't show any actual gameplay, but the App Store says it has an English version, so it's a 0/3.

[Action] Slapstick Rush

It looks like a simple "running" game on the surface... but there's more?? You're a mouse running away from cats so the cute characters and items are tied to that theme. It doesn't take long to dash through a stage so you can play it in your free time, with kids, etc. This one also has an English version so it's a 0/3.

[Puzzle / Other] Gravity Roll

Did you ever have one of those tables that you could pitch up or down to direct a marble through a maze as a kid? This is kinda similar, but probably twice as intense. Based on what I can tell, the instructions are either self-explanatory or written on the App Store description, so it gets a 0/3.


Browser

[Action] Osashimi Tsukuru Yo (Makin' Sashimi!)

Very short, but charming and fun for what it's worth! You're a cat that wants sashimi, but you have to make it by... hand-chopping the plate as it comes. The timing is random; see if you can make a whole plate! I'd say it gets a 2/3 juuuuust so you can appreciate the types of dishes and the cat's determination to eat.



That's it for this week! Hit me up on Twitter if you want to see more of a certain genre, want me to promote a specific Japanese game, etc.
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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Twitter Roundup 8/27

Here are the games I've found this past week! Any games that are not free offer a free demo.


Mobile (iOS / Android)

[Puzzle / Other] Escape Game Hotel
App Store description (translated):

This escape game is themed around a hotel room. Solve various puzzle challenges and escape!
Whereas 3D is mainstream for escape games, this game utilizes flat images.
[Features]-Autosave feature- Hint Display Feature (if you ever get stuck)
[How to Play]- You can check out an area by tapping it.- There are items in the room you can pick up. Use them wisely.- You can move around the room using the arrows on the bottom of the screen.- You can open the menu by pressing the button in the upper-left.
(0/3) The App Store description says there's an English version!
(After the fact, I realized that there is already a description in the English-language App Store...)


[Puzzle / Other] Dasshutsu Geemu Nazotoki Nyanko 11 ~Ninki Shingaku Juku no Kaki Koushuu Kaijou~
(Escape Room Game Puzzle-Solving Cat 11 ~Popular Collegiate Cram School's Summer Class Venue~)
App Store description (translated):

The newest installment of the popular escape game series from a cat's perspective... where you don't escape?You're a cat. You collect items, solve puzzles, and try to rat out the treats the humans hid!
This time, a tabby cat does its best to search for treats in the cram school classroom.It seems that there's another cat besides the player...
- "Need a Paw?" FeatureYou can get a clue for solving the puzzle when you get stuck.
- Big Hint FeatureBy watching an ad, you can get an even bigger hint.
- Screen Notes FeatureYou can take up to 7 screenshots and see them within the game.
- It Wouldn't Be A Game About Cats Without...We've thrown in a feature to end all sentences with the feline "nya", something you can only find in a cat-themed game.
[Escape Game Controls]
Single Tap: Inspect, Choose Item
Double Tap (on the item screen): Expand Image
You can use items by having them selected while inspecting an area.You can hold 7 items at once.
[Special Thanks]
Music Note (BGM)http://www.music-note.jp/
Sound Effect Labo (Sound Effects)http://soundeffect-lab.info/
Pocket Sound (Escape Room Assets: Sound Effects)http://pocket-se.info/
Sound Dictionary (Sound Effects)http://sounddictionary.info/
Using "ZENRIN City Asset Series(TM)" distributed on the following site under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License(CC-BY)　http://www.zenrin.co.jp/product/service/3d/asset/

In a sea of identical escape room puzzles... this one is actually quite intriguing! (It helps if you like cats.)
(2/3) In terms of Japanese, you'll need it to get through the menus and understand the hints. Plus, you'll want to understand the cat's dialogue as he's quite cute.
There's a whole series of these, too, so if you didn't get enough of this one... there are still 10 more in the App Store!


[Puzzle / Other] Mojitan (Word Search)
App Store description (translated):

Refreshing Flash Game Puzzle: just search for characters!
Drag your finger vertically, horizontally, and diagonally to find words according to the theme.
The level is cleared when you find all words.
With 210 tasks, it gets harder as you go... but you can handle it, right?
If you have no idea what the word is, use the Hint Button.
It'll be easier to find the word.
There's also a puzzle-making function, so you can make your own "Word Search" and get your friends to play!
It's great for people who like crosswords and line-drawing puzzles.
Optimal for brain-training or killing time.

 (1/3) You're going to want to know Japanese words to solve the puzzles, but they're in hiragana. It could make a fun vocabulary booster!


[Fighting] Drop into manhole! Urban Knuckle

(0/3) It may a bit difficult to understand at first, but there is an English version! Knock out the baddies in this blocky fighter.
* There's a free version that appears to be a trial. If you like it, buy the full version so you can follow the story!


[Sim] My Cafe Story

(0/3) The English version is quite well-done! And with the polish present in all games made by this developer, no wonder they have consistently high reviews!


[Puzzle / Other] a[Q]ua The Water Puzzle. -Welcome to the Ahiroom!

(0/3) Have fun with the English version!
Somehow your Little Rubber Ducky made his way out of your bathtub and into your smartphone. C'mon, you can't possible ignore the little ducklings!


[Puzzle / Other] ZombieEsc

(2/3) The App Store description is in English, but you'll definitely need to know some Japanese to get through the game.
Apparently it's fully voiced, so you'll also get listening practice, and since the main character is a young girl she probably won't be reciting the Japanese equivalent of Shakespeare.


[Action] Dojikko OL Dojiko: Ofisu de Run! (Clumsy Office Lady Dojiko: Run in the Office!)
App Store description (translated):

You know that kinda clumsy lady in our office? We call her Dojiko.
Now she's going to rush around the office?!
Control the klutz, who's running around like a headless chicken, and try to get a high score!
~Controls~
It's simple: only two buttons!
Dodge obstructions with jumps and slides!
~Compete for a high score! Ranking Feature~
You can match your score against other players' scores in the ranking.
Go for gold!
~Asset Providers~
Sound: PANICPUMPKIN (c)
http://pansound.com/panicpumpkin/index.html
Some pixel art: Pixel Art World http://yms.main.jp/
~Device Features Used~
- Network Access: to display ads and send high scores.
- Reading SD Card Data: screenshots for sharing on social media, reads only in-game data.
(1/3) I don't think you'll need to know much Japanese to play the game itself, but if you want to understand the menus- and share your high score- you might need to know a few words.
Also, I assume "office lady" doesn't translate well for Western audiences; we'd probably find it a bit old-fashioned, but you can find OL in quite a lot of media in Japan.



[Sim] High School Simulator 2018

(0/3) It's in English!
It's called a simulator... but somehow it doesn't look like something I'd find in a real Japanese high school... (And I'm not talking about the graphics!)


Desktop

[Action] Hito Natsu no Boken: Mushi Tori Hen
(One Summer's Adventure: Bug-Catching Vers.)
Description from website (translated):

Catching bugs, watching festivals, going to the pool... the works. You probably have some memory of each of these during summer. In On Summer's Adventure, you're a young boy in the middle of summer who can have different adventures.
In this project, you can try your hand at one such adventure: bug-catching. So, find your inner kid and reminisce on your summer memories!

Text-flowing effect (Character Particle):
onotchi: http://onoty3d.hatenablog.com/ 
Cicada Sound: 
Sound Effect Lab (https://soundeffect-lab.info/)
It's only one part of a larger game in development, but it gives me Ape Escape vibes (now that's a summer childhood memory!).
(1/3) Once you know the controls, you won't have any problems. Directional keys to move, SHIFT + directional keys makes you tiptoe, WASD moves the camera, C is to jump and V is to swing your net.



Read more »
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Sunday, August 20, 2017

Twitter Roundup 8/20

Some of these games don't get picked up by blogs in Japan. Well, they're on Twitter, you just need to know where to look!


iOS / Android

[Shooting] Enemy Snatcher
App Store description (translated):
Don't take down your enemies, just take them!
You're the next Enemy Snatcher.
Enemy Snatcher: the third installment from Tsuchigoe Games.
A simple shooting game where the goal is not to defeat enemies but to snatch them.
Enemies that have been hit become "snatchable", at which point you can capture, or "snatch", them.
You can make longer combos by snatching many enemies in a row.
Try to get a high score by making long combos!
I'm really terrible at any shooting games. We'll see how this one goes, but I don't know if I can handle the extra challenge of picking up the enemies, too! Anyway, it's in English so the language shouldn't be an issue.

[Puzzle/Action]  Circles and Triangles
App Store description (translated):
Oh my, the main character's girl has been kidnapped by the enemy. Let's go save her, shall we?
●How to Play
The main character is a wimp.
He'll be taken by the enemy once he's discovered.
He has to sneak to the goal.
●Enemies' Weak Points
The enemy can only see in front of them.
As long as you're not right in front of them, you won't be discovered.
Also, they're extremely dense.
You can push them from behind.
Just try not to get caught.
●Levels
There are many kinds of enemies and levels. You'll even see giant enemies.
With 30 levels in total, you should be able to complete the game in 30 minutes to an hour.
Other
If you have any questions or would like to report a bug, don't hesitate to contact me!
Twitter: @oioinknk3you
Gmail: oioinknk3you@gmail.com
The opening video is full of expression, considering the characters are made only of circles and triangles! You will need some level of Japanese to understand the instructions, but you may be able to figure out (especially by reading "How to Play" above).

[Action] Ayakashi Dochuden (Haunted Journey)
App Store description (translated):
In a world ravaged by monsters... a lone wanderer stood to defend it.
Fight the monsters and bring back peace to the land.
■How to PlayTravel between areas and eliminate the monsters.Power up through the money and items won in battle.Defeat the boss monster lying in wait!
■Day and NightTime passes as you travel through each area.Daytime monsters are weak, but those at night are strong.Keep that in mind.
■BattlesBattle commences when you approach an enemy.Cut them down with the "slash" button!
■GuardWithstand monster attacks with the "guard" button.When you guard right before an enemy attack,they will flinch and be unable to move!That's your chance to deliver the finishing blow!

The only problem is that the button for the healing item gets replaced with "slash" when you enter battle, so when it's over you may end up healing yourself and wasting an item!

[Casual] Ichiban Yoi Namae o Tanomu (The Best Name, Please)
App Store description (translated):
One day, you are placed at a new office.
Your job is to give names to the babies born into this world.
To the babies just waiting in their mothers' bellies, wondering when their mothers will give them birth, you are to give the best name and send them off to the rest of their lives.
◆ Simple Gameplay You don't need any complicated controls at all to play this game.
Just think of a name for the baby and tap the screen a few times.
◆ Results Change With the Name The name you give has a big effect on the baby's life.
Possible combinations number more than a trillion.
Try to give a name that will provide a rosy path.
◆ Play in Your Free Time Each session takes less than 60 seconds.
While you're waiting for friends, on the bus, or during any free time,go ahead and try giving the names you've come up with.
It's one of those apps that pushes the boundaries of the meaning of "games", but if you believe hard enough... !
[Casual] Nananengode Matteru (Waiting for Seven Years)
App Store description (translated):

Seven years ago, I lost my memory...
But I still remember that one promise...
"I'll be waiting here for you in seven years."
I don't remember their face or name, only that promise.
That's why I came back to this town:
to recover my fragmented memories
and to keep the promise I made that day.
Game Description
▼Story
The story starts with the main character, who somehow lost his memories seven years ago, coming back to his hometown for spring vacation after begging his parents.
▼Game Type
You could call it an RPG-like game without battles.
▼Free to Play?
You can play the whole game until the end without pause.
There's no counter for stamina or anything like that.

 It's more like an interactive story, but you'll get hooked on the mystery! And it's completely in Japanese, so you can get a lot of reading practice in if you're willing to look up kanji.



PC / Mac

 [Puzzle / Action] Jump Gun (DEMO)

In this game, you can't jump... but you have a gun that makes things jump! Click the Google Drive link for the download.

[Action] Eisalvia (DEMO)

Looks like a sidescroller where your character fights with a sword and warps in four directions. The download link for the demo is in the banner above the YouTube video.

Feel free to contact me about your game! Or request me to feature a game you think deserves more love.
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Saturday, August 12, 2017

[Action] Pink Hour

As I was browsing through games on Freegame-Mugen, this one caught my eye. Something seemed so familiar... then I saw the developer, Studio Pixel, known for Cave Story and Kero Blaster. In fact, this game might have been released as promotion for Kero Blaster. I'm pretty sure they were also at BitSummit in the past; this year I saw another project that, while vastly different in pace, had its own pixelated, side-scrolling charm: Opake, by Saino.

 But that's not what you're here for!

 Pink Hour
by Studio Pixel
An action game for side-scrolling newbies. Small adventure, small story.
Travel through caves looking for the important document lost by the main character, the pink office worker from Kero Blaster [on sale at the time].
Simple gameplay: move left and right and jump. Add the attack, and that's all you need.In the darkest caves, there's nowhere to go but forward... err, right.
HighlightsCompleting the game takes about 5 to 10 minutes.


 A reviewer said they expected to play once, but ended up playing through 5 times! That's just how interesting it was.

 Language Difficulty: 0 / 3 ✩✩✩
There's an English version!

 To download, find the blue button under the social media icons!
(This time, it'll take you to the studio's site. It's really a prologue to Pink Heaven, so if you follow the Playism or App Store link you can find both games.)
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Thursday, August 10, 2017

[Puzzle / Other] Healer's Yell by Strayひろま

Healer's Yell
genre: Puzzle / Other
2014
"Though I cannot fight, with this power I will protect you all!"
In this minigame, do your best to heal and support your allies while an automatic battle ensues.
Each level lasts about 1 to 5 minutes, with the whole game lasting roughly 30 to 50 minutes.
No scenarios, no stories, only your mouse and the ability to autosave.
10/26 Now available in English!
Highlights
  • Made in WOLFRPG Editor
  • Controlled completely by mouse, built-in autosave


Conveniently, this game has an English version, but the download page is in Japanese! Don't worry; either copy + paste the URL under "English Edition" or click on the blue button under the social media icons. Either way, you'll find the download link. Just look for a small white button under the URL and file name that says ダウンロード (download).

Reviews say it's a great concept and easy to play, but could probably be taken a bit further. For instance, the other jobs on the team are fixed, so it might be interesting to switch between them. Otherwise, it's fun as a minigame, and the graphics are quite cute! Plus, you'll get to know how tough it is to be a healer.

Tip: it seems that there's no way to return to the menu after selecting the Gallery, so you'll have to start the game again!

Language Difficulty: 0 / 3 ✩✩✩
There's an English version!
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Thursday, July 13, 2017

[Shooting] EntreatDream by OMA

You know what, I've started to like Free Game Mugen ("mugen" meaning "between dreams and reality"). First of all, it has a great design that's easy to explore. Even without understanding the words, you can figure out each category by its icon.
If you've studied katakana, you'll be able to recognize most of them already!

 Plus, they tag each game with its operating system, going back as far as Windows 95!
Back in my day... actually, let's not date myself.

 And, since I got permission from the site manager to translate what's written for each game, I'll be introducing some of them... with insider information(?)!

 We'll start with something anyone can play...

 EntreatDream 
genre: shooting
"A scrolling bullet hell game."
It's split into four difficulty levels, so there's fun for anyone from newbies to pros. In addition to three basic types of equipment, you can choose two of four magic-consuming powers.
In a somehow-familiar foreign world, a magician struggles to solve the riddle of the foreboding skies. What truths will be revealed?! 
Highlights
  • Compatible with controllers
  • About 30 minutes per round, with 7 stages total
  • *Epilogue unincluded
Player reviews say it makes up for its unfinished polish with a great design sense, specifically in terms of its unique graphics and shooting gameplay. It's just a bit hard to tell things apart on the screen,  but you'll get used to it. Other than that, it's interesting if only a bit difficult!

 Language Difficulty: 0 / 3 ✩✩✩
Looks like it's all in English!
To download, click the blue button under the social media icons!
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Thursday, July 6, 2017

[Action] ELMIA by AECRNIA

I've just discovered Mogura Games, a website dedicated to introducing free and indie games from around the world... but of course that also means Japan. Weeding out the ones that have already gone to Steam or elsewhere, the first one I came across was ELMIA by AECRNIA.

[Action] ELMIA
by AECRNIA
for PC (Windows, Mac)
to be released later this year on Steam
expected price of 980 yen

It's a cute, storybook-style side-scroller made with Unity in which your character can be transported to her spirit at any moment. That means you have control over both your character and the spirit... which gets tricky at times. Plus, you have to recharge after using your transportation ability, so time it well. The story is written in Japanese but the menu is in English and additional hints throughout the game are given through illustrations.



You can choose from normal, hard, and one-life mode, plus three additional modes that seem to be unlockable. Anyone able to get that far, let me know! The demo on their website is free.

Language Difficulty: 0 / 3　✩✩✩

While the introduction is written in Japanese, it doesn't affect your ability to play or understand the story, as hints are given through illustrations.

Website and download here.

Update 12/07: ELMIA has been released on Steam! Here's the update!

Update 10/21: I have it from an insider source that the game will be on Steam later this year with support for Japanese, English, and Simplified Chinese! The OST will also be put on sale at that time.

Update 8/14: The full game has been released! Public online release scheduled for late 2017.


Tweets about the game:

Way from the beginning, it looks like they designed the controls and explanations to be understandable from a glance.


In June, they started uploading videos on Nico Nico Douga.


At Comiket (short for Comic Market, a huge convention for dojinshi, or self-published works), they handed out these buttons and sold download cards for the game and its soundtrack. The things you get at Comiket tend to be created for the convention only, so they can become extremely valuable!


By the way, guess how many levels ELMIA has! ... 50 levels! Even the developer is surprised.

To set things straight, the developer is an effects designer at the company they entered after graduation, and in their hobby group they're a technical artist.


The spirit's name is El, and the girls' name is Mia. Put them together, and you get ELMIA. (No connection to the convention center in Sweden... probably.)

ELMIA starts out like Kirby and ends like Donkey Kong. How many lives will it take you? The developer's bad at games so they're looking at a lot of dead girls...


Earlier, the developer was asked if they wanted to sell their game on a self-publishing site. It might be easier for Japanese gamers to play? Maybe they'll start selling on Steam and "DOO" [I've never heard of this!]. But prospects look good!

They want to localize into Japanese, English, Chinese, French, and German!

And after sending a DM, it sounds like they plan to release the game on Steam in November, within the year at the latest! Of course, I'll have the link here when they do.
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