The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a groundbreaking console that brought gaming to the masses in the 1980s and 1990s. One of its most infamous games is "Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken," which translates to "The Cursed Ghost Murder Case" in English. This game, developed by Yamamura Misa, was initially released in Japan for the NES and has since become a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Game Overview

Released in 1988, "Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" is an adventure game that follows the story of a detective who must solve a series of mysterious murders in a small town. The gameplay revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and interaction with non-playable characters (NPCs). Players must collect clues, interview suspects, and unravel the mysteries behind each murder to progress through the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics in "Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" are relatively straightforward. Players control the detective as he explores the town, interacts with NPCs, and solves puzzles to uncover clues. The game features a variety of interactions, including:

• Conversations: Players can engage in conversations with NPCs to gather information about the murders.
• Puzzles: The game includes various puzzles that must be solved to unlock new areas or reveal clues.
• Exploration: Players must explore the town, searching for hidden items and clues.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in "Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" are simple yet effective. The game features pixel art characters and environments, which were typical of NES games at the time. The sound effects and music are also noteworthy, with a haunting soundtrack that complements the game's spooky atmosphere.

Storyline

The storyline in "Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" is centered around a series of mysterious murders that take place in a small town. The player must gather clues, interview suspects, and solve puzzles to uncover the truth behind each murder. Along the way, the player discovers that the murders are connected to an ancient curse that has been unleashed on the town.

Age Rating

"Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" is rated as "Mature" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means it is suitable for players aged 17 and above. This rating is due to the game's violent content, including graphic descriptions of murder and some suggestive dialogue.

In Japan, the game was initially rated as "C" by the Central Marketing Association, which is equivalent to an "M" rating in other countries. However, it has since been re-rated as "B," indicating that while it contains mature themes, it does not contain explicit content.

Availability

"Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" was initially released for the NES in Japan in 1988. Since then, it has become a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and is still sought after by collectors today. The game can be found on various online marketplaces, including Amazon and eBay, although its availability may vary depending on location.

In recent years, there have been efforts to re-release the game on modern platforms, including PC and mobile devices. In 2020, a fan-made port of the game was released for PC via the GOG platform, which allows players to experience the game's retro charm in high definition.

Conclusion

"Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" is a classic NES game that has captured the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts around the world. Its unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and interactive storytelling makes it a standout title among NES games. While its age rating may deter some players, fans of the genre will appreciate its challenging gameplay and spooky atmosphere.

For collectors and enthusiasts, "Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" is a must-have title that showcases the creativity and innovation of Yamamura Misa's development team. Its availability on modern platforms has made it easier than ever to experience this cult classic for oneself.

Recommendation

If you're a fan of retro gaming or are looking for a challenging adventure game, "Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" is definitely worth checking out. However, be aware that its age rating may not be suitable for all players.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the game's re-release on modern platforms is a must-have. The fan-made port available on GOG offers a high-definition experience that does justice to the original game.

Rating Breakdown

• Gameplay: 8/10
• Graphics and Sound: 7/10
• Storyline: 9/10
• Age Rating: M (for Mature)
• Availability: 8/10

Overall, "Kyouto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" is a classic NES game that deserves attention from retro gaming enthusiasts. Its unique blend of exploration and puzzle-solving makes it a standout title among NES games.