The Nintendo FDS is a fascinating piece of gaming history, and one of its most notable titles is the Famicom Mukashibanashi series. The series includes three games: Shin Onigashima (Zenpen), which is the subject of this review. Released in Japan for the Famicom Disk System (FDS) in 1987, Shin Onigashima Zenpen is a unique blend of adventure and role-playing elements that has garnered significant attention from retro gaming enthusiasts.

Game Overview

Shin Onigashima Zenpen, which translates to "New Onigashima Story" or simply "Zenpen," is the first installment in the Famicom Mukashibanashi series. The game's story revolves around a young boy named Taro who lives on the island of Onigashima, where he discovers a mysterious power that allows him to travel through time.

Players control Taro as he navigates various stages set in different time periods, from ancient times to the present day. Along the way, he must interact with historical figures and solve puzzles to uncover the secrets behind his newfound ability.

Gameplay Mechanics

Shin Onigashima Zenpen features a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and RPG elements. The game's interface is simple yet intuitive, allowing players to navigate through different stages using a variety of movement options.

Players can interact with NPCs (non-playable characters), collect items and power-ups, and engage in turn-based battles against enemies. The game also features a day-night cycle, which affects the behavior and difficulty level of enemies.

One of the standout features of Shin Onigashima Zenpen is its use of the Famicom Disk System's disk drive technology. The game utilizes this feature to store additional data and assets that enhance the gameplay experience. For example, some stages contain hidden secrets or Easter eggs that can be accessed by using specific items or codes.

Age Rating

As with many classic games released in Japan, Shin Onigashima Zenpen carries an age rating of C (Children) in Japan. This rating is based on the game's content, which includes mild violence, some suggestive themes, and brief scenes of horror.

In terms of explicit content, there are no explicit scenes or mature themes present in the game. However, some players may find certain elements, such as the occasional zombie or ghost appearance, to be slightly unsettling.

It is worth noting that the age rating for Shin Onigashima Zenpen has not been officially rated by organizations such as the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) or the UK's Pan European Game Information (PEGI). As a result, the game's content is open to interpretation and may not be suitable for all players.

Availability

Shin Onigashima Zenpen was initially released in Japan for the Famicom Disk System in 1987. Due to its limited release and rarity, the game has become highly sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.

In recent years, there have been several releases of Shin Onigashima Zenpen on various platforms, including:

• The Nintendo Virtual Console service for the Wii and Wii U consoles
• The Wii U's Game & Information System (GCN)
• The PC Engine CD (known as the TurboGrafx-CD in North America) via emulation or re-releases
• Various bootleg and unofficial re-releases on modern platforms

Conclusion

Shin Onigashima Zenpen is a unique and captivating game that showcases the creative potential of the Famicom Disk System. With its blend of adventure, puzzle-solving, and RPG elements, this game is sure to appeal to fans of retro gaming.

While some players may be put off by the game's age rating or limited availability, collectors and enthusiasts will likely be drawn to Shin Onigashima Zenpen due to its rarity and historical significance.

Overall, Shin Onigashima Zenpen is an essential experience for anyone interested in exploring the lesser-known corners of retro gaming.