Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is the highly anticipated follow-up to Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation. I had the opportunity to play a preview of the game, exploring the first three days in-game, courtesy of Neos Corporation.
The game starts with the familiar tune of “Like N and S on Magnets,” setting the tone for a cozy gaming experience. As Shin-chan, players get to join the Nohara family in Akita prefecture, staying with Shin-chan’s grandparents in the fictional Unbent Village. The gameplay revolves around exploring the countryside, engaging in activities like bug catching, fishing, foraging, and farming with grandma. Completing missions for villagers unlocks new areas and mini-games, adding variety to the gameplay experience.
The game’s aesthetics are stunning, with beautifully stylized backgrounds that enhance the overall atmosphere. The introduction of the mysterious Coal Town on the third day adds a new dimension to the gameplay, contrasting the peaceful Unbent Village with its nostalgic and grungy setting. Players can interact with quirky characters, collect minerals, craft inventions, and unlock new features like racing.
Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a treat for fans of the series, offering a glimpse into the world of Japanese anime games. The game features Japanese audio with English subtitles, making it a valuable resource for Japanese language learners. While Shin-chan’s pronunciation may not be perfect, his cheeky humor adds to the game’s charm.
The preview left me intrigued about the secrets of Coal Town and eager to uncover more in the full game. With its release scheduled for October 24th on Steam and Nintendo Switch, fans can look forward to diving deeper into the nostalgic world of Shin-chan.
Special thanks to Neos Corporation for providing a preview copy of the game.
