Houkago Shounen for Nintendo DS

Houkago Shounen is for anyone who remembers the bitter-sweetness of childhood. The story takes place in Japan in 1976, yet it is timeless and if properly translated would surely make even the most foul-mouthed sailor weep like a little girl.

The game’s story focuses on a young boy in a yellow shirt named Osamu (although you can change his name) whose father takes a job in a faraway city. This means Osamu will be forced to leave his rural town in Japan at the end of his semester. This town is where he grew up and has established friendships with classmates and individuals in the town.

The game begins here, and it is the player’s responsibility to interact with other characters and create fond memories in the one short month you are alloted. One way this is done is through a series of mini-games such as (Japanese) childhood activities like menko and collecting and racing car-shaper erasers. There is also a candy store to loiter in front of, and pinball games to play.

Aside from mini-games there are also quests that the player can complete for certain characters which increase their attachment. Having different levels of attachment and forming different relationships assembles the ending the player will get.

It is extremely unlikely that this game will even be ported to America, but it is always good to learn about different genres of games. It seems like the DS and Wii get most of the really unique titles. If you happen to know a Japanese person who has a Nintendo DS, grew up around Showa year 50, and has some free time I highly recommend buying it for them.

The games official Japanese site can be found here.