Itadaki Street 2: Neon Sign wa Bara-iro ni (1994)
Itadaki Street 2: Neon Sign wa Bara-iro ni (literally "Itadaki Street 2: The Neon Sign is Rose-Colored") is a board game-style party game developed and published by Enix for the Super Famicom, released on February 18, 1994. It is part of the Itadaki Street series, which is similar to Monopoly, where players buy and sell properties, manage finances, and compete to become the richest. The game is known for its lighthearted, party-game atmosphere and its use of dice-based movement. Enix, known for their Dragon Quest series and other RPGs, brought their storytelling and game design expertise to this board game adaptation.
Gameplay and Board Game Mechanics
Itadaki Street 2 is a virtual board game where up to four players (or CPU opponents) take turns rolling dice and moving their pieces around a game board, purchasing properties and paying rent. The game features a "stock" system, where players can invest in companies and earn dividends, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay. The game also features a "chance" system, where players draw cards that introduce random events, adding a layer of unpredictability. The game's objective is to accumulate the most wealth by the end of the game.
The game includes a "story" mode where players follow a narrative arc, and a "free" mode for casual play. The game's visual style is colorful and cartoonish, with detailed board graphics and animated character sprites. The soundtrack features cheerful and whimsical music that matches the lighthearted tone.
Itadaki Street 2: Neon Sign wa Bara-iro ni received positive reviews for its fun gameplay and party-friendly design, becoming a popular title for family gatherings and social events. It remains a nostalgic classic for fans of board game simulations and Enix's entertainment products.