Nintendo FDS Famicom Tantei Club Part II - Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo - Kouhen

In the world of retro gaming, there exist a multitude of games that have been lost to the sands of time. However, with the advent of digital distribution and re-releases on modern consoles, many of these forgotten titles have seen the light of day once again. One such game is Nintendo FDS Famicom Tantei Club Part II - Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo - Kouhen, a detective adventure game that was originally released in Japan for the Famicom Disk System (FDS) in 1991.

For those who may not be familiar with the Famicom Disk System, it was an add-on for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) designed to play games from disk, offering improved sound and graphics compared to traditional cartridges. Famicom Tantei Club Part II - Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo - Kouhen is a part of the larger Famicom Detective Club series, which was incredibly popular in Japan during the 1990s.

This particular game was designed by Yoko Shimomura, a renowned Japanese video game designer and composer, best known for her work on the Kingdom Hearts series. The story follows a young girl named Haruko, who becomes involved in solving mysteries with the help of an amnesiac detective named Takano. As Haruko delves deeper into each case, she uncovers a sinister plot threatening the entire city.

Age Rating:

The original release of Famicom Tantei Club Part II - Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo - Kouhen was rated "A" by the Japanese rating board, equivalent to an ESRB PG rating in North America. This is due to its mild violence and suggestive themes.

However, when released on the 3DS Virtual Console, Nintendo removed some of the more mature content, including a few scenes that might be considered violent or disturbing. The revised version maintains the overall charm and mystery of the original game while making it more suitable for younger audiences.

Gameplay:

Famicom Tantei Club Part II - Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo - Kouhen is an adventure game with elements of mystery and puzzle-solving. Players control Haruko as she navigates through various locations, including homes, offices, and crime scenes, gathering clues and interviewing witnesses to unravel the mysteries.

The gameplay involves exploring environments, interacting with non-playable characters (NPCs), solving puzzles, and using items to progress through the story. The game also features a unique "memory book" system, where Haruko records her findings in a notebook, which serves as a sort of puzzle book that helps players unlock new areas or reveal hidden information.

The game's atmosphere is heavily influenced by its 1990s setting, with a blend of jazz and pop music tracks that add to the overall mystery and intrigue. The graphics, while dated, hold up surprisingly well, especially considering the age of the game.

Visuals and Soundtrack:

The visuals in Famicom Tantei Club Part II - Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo - Kouhen are characteristic of 1990s Japanese gaming, with pixel art characters and environments that have a nostalgic appeal. The sound effects and music are also noteworthy, with a memorable soundtrack that complements the game's atmosphere.

The character designs are simple yet effective, capturing the essence of the era. Haruko, in particular, is an iconic character, with her distinctive style and mannerisms making her stand out as a detective.

Availability:

Famicom Tantei Club Part II - Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo - Kouhen was originally released for the Famicom Disk System (FDS) in Japan in 1991. The game saw several revisions, including an updated version with new graphics and sound effects.

In recent years, the game has been re-released on various platforms, including:

• Nintendo eShop (3DS Virtual Console): A revised version of the game, free from some mature content, was released as part of the 3DS Virtual Console service in Japan.
• Wii U Virtual Console: The original Famicom Disk System version was released for the Wii U Virtual Console in Japan in 2014.
• Nintendo Switch Online Service (Japan Only): The original Famicom Disk System version is available on Nintendo Switch Online Service, a subscription-based service that offers access to various classic games and content.

Conclusion:

Famicom Tantei Club Part II - Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo - Kouhen is a hidden gem of retro gaming that has captivated audiences with its engaging mystery story, likable protagonist Haruko, and challenging puzzles. The game's availability on modern platforms, including the 3DS Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online Service, makes it easier for new players to experience this classic detective adventure.

While some content has been removed from the revised version, the game remains a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Japanese video game designers in the early 1990s. For fans of retro gaming, mystery enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique gaming experience, Famicom Tantei Club Part II - Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo - Kouhen is an excellent choice that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.