The Nintendo SNES is a legendary console that has been a staple of gaming for decades. Released in 1991, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was designed to be more powerful and user-friendly than its predecessor, the NES. The SNES went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with an incredible lineup of games that continue to be celebrated by gamers around the world.

One of the most iconic and beloved games for the SNES is Ihatov Monogatari, also known as "The Story of Hata." This game was released in Japan in 1992 and has since become a cult classic among fans of the platformer genre. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Ihatov Monogatari, including its gameplay, storyline, and age rating.

Gameplay

Ihatov Monogatari is a side-scrolling platformer that follows the adventures of Hata, a young warrior who must navigate through treacherous landscapes to defeat his enemies. The game features challenging platforming sections, puzzle-solving elements, and an engaging storyline that draws players into Hata's world.

The gameplay in Ihatov Monogatari is reminiscent of classic platformers like Super Mario Bros. and Mega Man. Players control Hata as he runs, jumps, and punches his way through levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and treasure. The game also features a variety of power-ups and items that can be used to aid Hata in his quest.

Storyline

The storyline of Ihatov Monogatari is set in feudal Japan and follows the adventures of Hata as he seeks revenge against the evil forces that have taken over his village. Along the way, Hata must face off against powerful enemies, including samurai warriors, demons, and other supernatural creatures.

The game's narrative is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue boxes, which add to the game's charm and atmosphere. Players are treated to a richly detailed world that is full of character, from the vibrant landscapes to the colorful NPCs (non-player characters).

Age Rating

Ihatov Monogatari was released in Japan in 1992, and its age rating reflects the game's content at the time. In Japan, the game is rated "Suitable for All Ages" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means that it is suitable for players of all ages.

However, when the game was released outside of Japan, its age rating was more conservative. The ESRB initially rated the game as "Mature 17+" (M), indicating that it contains content that may not be suitable for children under the age of 17.

In recent years, the game's age rating has been revised to reflect its current content. In 2019, the game was re-rated as "Everyone 10+", which indicates that it is suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Release and Reception

Ihatov Monogatari was released in Japan in 1992 by Hudson Soft, a renowned Japanese video game developer and publisher. The game was later released in North America and Europe by different companies, including Taito Corporation and THQ (THQ Inc.).

The game received generally positive reviews at the time of its release, with critics praising its engaging gameplay, charming storyline, and beautiful graphics. However, some reviewers noted that the game's difficulty level was quite high, which may have been a turn-off for some players.

In recent years, Ihatov Monogatari has gained a cult following among fans of platformers and retro gaming. The game is often praised for its unique gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and memorable soundtrack. However, it also suffers from the usual pitfalls of an older game, including outdated sound effects and a sometimes frustrating difficulty curve.

Conclusion

Ihatov Monogatari is a beloved classic that has stood the test of time, thanks to its engaging gameplay, charming storyline, and beautiful graphics. The game's age rating reflects its content at the time of its release, but its recent re-rating as "Everyone 10+" indicates that it is suitable for players aged 10 and above.

If you're a fan of platformers or retro gaming, Ihatov Monogatari is definitely worth checking out. With its challenging gameplay, memorable characters, and beautiful graphics, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment for fans of the genre.