He seemed mischievous, a bit of a menace, and part of a fun family dynamic.
Flash forward to now and I can only describe the lad as… jarring.
But, and this is abigbut: I can’t stop thinking about it.
Of all the games of 2024, Coal Town may have left the biggest impression on me.
In a way, I hope it does for you, too.
Being Shin chan is jarring and at times, a bit exhausting.
But the general rhythm of the game is nice, and illustrated by frankly gorgeous art.
You run between these artworks, collecting wildlife and picking herbs for the townsfolk.
Gradually, you create a daily routine that grows alongside the town’s expansion.
As you collect horned stag beetles and shiso leaves and carp for people, previously blocked pathways open up.
And the collectathon doesn’t stop at Akita, either.
It’s undeniably satisfying when it all comes together.
It’s a good time!
But it’s once again tied to the collectathon.
Ten of those fortwentyof those.
And yet, I find the game occupies a spot in my head I can’t seem to shake.
Townsfolk around Akita are surprised to see you, avisitorof all things.
Of course, Coal Town is a representation of rural Japan’s forgotten industry.
A rusted, dwindling community of people succumbing to the winds of change.
To the adult members of his family?
It’s nothing but Shin chan playing pretend; a dream.
But what it will do is, hopefully, make more kids interested in the countryside.
Maybe, it’ll just help everyone else discover even a slice of sunny joy through a screen.
