Super Momotarou Dentetsu III (1994)
Super Momotarou Dentetsu III is a board game-style party game developed and published by Hudson Soft for the Super Famicom, released on December 2, 1994. It is the third entry in the Momotarou Dentetsu series, which is a popular Japanese board game franchise similar to Monopoly, where players travel around Japan by train, buying properties and competing to accumulate wealth. The series is known for its humorous and lighthearted tone, featuring characters from Japanese folklore. Hudson Soft, masters of party games, brought their signature charm and accessibility to this installment.
Gameplay and Board Game Mechanics
Super Momotarou Dentetsu III is a virtual board game where up to four players (or CPU opponents) take turns rolling dice and moving their pieces around a map of Japan, buying train stations and other properties. The game features a variety of spaces, including property spaces, event spaces, and special spaces that trigger mini-games or random events. The game's objective is to accumulate the most wealth and properties by the end of the game, with a set number of turns or until a player goes bankrupt.
The game includes a "stock" system, where players can invest in companies and earn dividends, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay. The game also features a "poverty" system, where the player with the least money may receive assistance from the game, keeping the competition close. The game's visual style is colorful and cartoonish, with detailed board graphics and animated character sprites. The soundtrack features cheerful and upbeat music that matches the lighthearted tone.
Super Momotarou Dentetsu III was a commercial success in Japan and 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 the series and a staple of Hudson Soft's party game catalog.