Kuukiyomi has been around since 2008, but only ten years later, in 2018, did G-Mode corporation finally release the first game in the series internationally, with English subtitles. The premise of the game is simple: You get put into various situations and have to think about which action is most considerate towards other people in this scenario. The situations are usually no longer than 30 seconds and wildly range in absurdity, from you moving on the train as to allow a couple to sit next to each other all the way to you being a giant space-monster and letting a superhero defeat you so you don’t hurt his feelings. Let’s start by discussing what is most important about any game.
The Gameplay
The main game mode is the “Consider it!” mode, in which you go through all 100 scenarios the game has to offer. Usually, the gameplay is very restricted, only allowing you to move or perform one action. This is refreshing and allows players of all skill level to play the game without any huge problems. The main challenge in the game lies more with your ability to read a room than you being able to pull of 10-hit combos or complicated actions. There is, however, one issue with this aspect of the game, even though it is hard to fault the game for it. In many instances, players unversed in the art of Japanese culture not know which action to perform, seeing as some of the scenarios are heavily based on Japanese values, such as one situation in which you have to decide on which side of an escalator you have to stand still on whilst in Tokyo, with the game later presenting the same issue to you again, except that now, you’re in Osaka. But again, it’s not necessarily bad game design – just a problem that comes with making a game based heavily on Japanese culture.
Presentation
On the other side of things, it’s nice to see a game tackle the aesthetic of modern-day Japan from the perspective of an average citizen. In fact, the presentation of the game is another one of its strong points. Looking at the art style of Kuukiyomi, it’s really nothing all that special. There are basically no colors, no backgrounds, no 3D graphics – its mostly stick figures in black and white, except for your character, who is always red.
Even though it’s very basic, it has a certain childlike charm to it, which makes it a joy to look at. Furthermore, if the graphics were very detailed or convoluted, the game would run the risk of becoming even more difficult to understand. What is more, the game is thoroughly enhanced by it’s short but sweet soundtrack. Again, it really isn’t anything to write home about, but it gets the job done, and actually got me emotional once or twice.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, I had a mostly really great time playing Kuukiyomi, when I wasn’t completely unsure of what I needed to do. And what was really most unexpected, is that I cried at the end; while the game does not have much in terms of a story, what is there is quite impactful, and leads to me heavily recommending the game to anyone who is interested in experiencing one of the most unique games to have been made. It is available on all modern platforms, including steam, and it costs less than 5$, so I think it is most definitely worth considering a purchase. Yes, pun very much intended.