Ihatovo Monogatari (1993)
Ihatovo Monogatari (literally "Ihatovo Story") is a role-playing game developed by Hect and published by Hect for the Super Famicom, released on March 5, 1993. The game is a unique RPG set in a world inspired by the literary works of Kenji Miyazawa, a famous Japanese poet and author of children's literature. The game follows the journey of a young boy who must travel through a dreamlike world, meeting various characters and solving puzzles, with a focus on themes of nature, spirituality, and human connection. Hect, known for their action and shooting games, brought their creativity to this experimental RPG.
Gameplay and RPG Mechanics
Ihatovo Monogatari is a turn-based RPG where players control a young boy, exploring a whimsical world inspired by Miyazawa's stories, including Night on the Galactic Railroad and The Cat Office. The game features a "dialogue" system, where conversations with characters reveal insights into the world and its lore. The game's combat is turn-based, but the focus is on exploration and storytelling rather than intense action. The game's world is large and diverse, with various towns, forests, mountains, and celestial settings to explore.
The game's story follows the boy's journey to find his missing sister, with a narrative that incorporates themes of love, loss, and the beauty of nature. The game's visual style is colorful and dreamlike, with large, expressive character sprites and beautifully rendered backgrounds inspired by Miyazawa's illustrations. The soundtrack features a mix of orchestral and ambient music that enhances the ethereal atmosphere.
Ihatovo Monogatari received positive reviews for its unique setting and emotional storytelling, becoming a cult classic among RPG fans. It remains a hidden gem of the Super Famicom library, appreciated for its literary inspiration and atmospheric design.