【Masterpiece x Full Remake】 A Masterpiece from the 1990s is Getting a Full Remake for the Nintendo Switch! Yuukyuu Gensoukyoku, Which Is Faithful to the Original While Adding Major Improvements to Its Playability and System, is Now Available for Pre-order

Released in 1997 on the Sega Saturn and PlayStation, “Yuukyuu Gensoukyoku” made a splash in the gaming scene of its time. It wasn't just an RPG or a romance adventure; it staked its claim on the unique genre of a “friendship-building simulation,” placing human connection at the very center of the gaming experience. Its innovativeness feels fresh even when looking back today, and the sense of building trust with characters as you weave the story was a special charm you couldn't get from any other game.

The stage is the town of Enfield, a place that has just recovered from the scars of war. The protagonist, who collapses during his journey, is helped by a blind widow named Arisa, which leads him to start working at her “Jotoshop.” The days spent in this small convenience store on the outskirts of town seem peaceful, but an unjust crime is suddenly thrust upon the protagonist. From the shocking development of being imprisoned on charges of theft, the story's tension immediately rises. In the subsequent events, the protagonist is tasked with a mission to “win the town's trust” and spends a year with his friends and the residents.

The core of this work lies in its unique rule: “You can receive a retrial if you gain the support of the townspeople in one year.” It's not about simple battles or adventures; it's about how you nurture your bonds with people that determines the protagonist's future. The friendships and trust that blossom as you solve the residents' problems and spend time with them through your work at the Jotoshop. That accumulation is the true pleasure of the game, and the unique reactions and growth of the characters give the player a deep sense of immersion. It's rare to find a game that makes you realize how dramatic and heartwarming the act of gaining trust can be.

The character designs were handled by the then and still popular artist, moo. His delicate and warm illustrations breathe life into the characters, creating a foundation for players to truly empathize with them. The residents of Enfield, in particular, each have a strong personality, yet moo's touch creates a strange sense of unity, giving the game a unique atmosphere that makes you want to live in that town yourself.

And in December 2025, the long-awaited remake, “Yuukyuu Gensoukyoku Revival,” will be released for the Nintendo Switch. It's a finished product that fuses nostalgia and newness, as it brings back the original staff and new visuals by moo while preserving the character voices and story from back then. It's a comeback that will bring tears to the eyes of players who were obsessed with it in '97, and it will be a perfect opportunity for newcomers to experience the essence of a “friendship-building simulation.”