Sagashi ni Ikouyo

"Very basic, but heart-warming RPH"

This game has only been released in Japan, and will probably never make it across the Pacific, but nevertheless it's an interesting RPG.

This game was made specifically as an "entry level" game for very young gamers. For this reason, the game system is deliberately made very simple and the main characters are all children. The plot is generally straightforward and doesn't involve political intrigue, treachery, torture, or blood/gore. However, the game manages to create a very warm, homey atmosphere and does an excellent job at building subtle tension as the plot progresses.

The core of what makes this game enjoyable despite its simplicity is the interactions between the main characters. Although you do not get to choose the hero, you must choose your party among a number of other characters. All of the characters have an assortment of skills, which are essential for solving certain puzzles. Depending on the mission you are involved in, you will likely have to change party members. The longer you have a certain party member within your group, the friendlier they become towards you. This leads to special events between you and the other characters, which I found to be enjoyable.

The characters also show different traits as well. You have a prissy magic user who is a daughter of a rich family, but who gradually opens up to you as you continue to user her, a macho fighter type who looks down upon you at the start but shows his soft side as you befriend him, and an eccentric narcissist who has a hero complex. As you interact with these characters, you get a sense of community, which is essential for any RPG to be successful.

The plot of the game starts out very simple. You are given various small missions which you can look up in a nice little interface. Basically, the plot progresses as you complete these missions until you reach the final mission.
Tension builds up gradually, particularly when you first leave your first town. It's rare for a game to be able to adequately make the player experience the "fear of the unknown," but this game did it for me when my characters had to venture out into the open for the first time. The plot is overall very much PG, and thus the game is suitable for children; despite there being many battles, all of the battles are against non-human monsters.

There are many puzzles within this game, but none of them are excessively difficult. It may be a good way for your children to learn some reasoning skills (if you have any children), because the puzzles are logical and pretty fun to solve.

The music of the game is nothing to gawk at, but quite adequate for the setting. Some of the music in the dungeons can be a bit spooky, but it's all in good taste.

The controls of this game is straightforward and the load time is generally not noticeable unless you are moving between major areas. However, this only happens once in a while, so it is not particularly bothersome. In fact, it prepares you for what is to come, and it may actually be a good thing in that regards.

Overall, I really liked this game despite its simplicity, mainly because of how they successfully construct the feeling that you are actually living in that world. PRG veterans may find this game lacking, but it can also make you re-experience your early RPG experiences--at least, that is what I felt.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/20/06