The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and its variants are considered some of the best consoles ever made by many gamers around the world. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in these classic systems, with many retro gaming enthusiasts seeking out rare titles to add to their collections.

One such title that has gained significant attention in recent months is Tsukuru, a sound novel game developed by Nintendo for the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System). Released in Japan in 1991, Tsukuru is an interactive audio drama game that features a unique blend of music, voice acting, and storytelling. In this article, we will delve into the world of Tsukuru and explore its gameplay, storyline, and availability, as well as discuss its age rating.

Gameplay

Tsukuru is a sound novel game that uses a combination of CD-quality audio and full-motion video (FMV) to tell a story. The game follows the narrative of a young woman named Kotori, who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a series of strange occurrences at her workplace. Players control Kotori as she interacts with other characters, makes decisions that affect the storyline, and uncovers clues to solve the mystery.

One of the standout features of Tsukuru is its use of music and sound effects. The game's soundtrack is composed by Masato Nakamura, a renowned Japanese musician who has worked on numerous anime and video game projects. The music is an integral part of the gameplay experience, with each scene featuring a unique musical theme that helps to set the mood and atmosphere.

Storyline

The storyline of Tsukuru is centered around Kotori's investigation into a series of strange occurrences at her workplace. As she interacts with other characters, Kotori begins to uncover clues that suggest a larger conspiracy at play. Along the way, she must make difficult decisions that affect the outcome of the story and ultimately determine the fate of those around her.

One of the most striking aspects of Tsukuru's storyline is its use of voice acting. The game features full-motion video sequences, with each character voiced by talented Japanese actors. The voice acting adds depth and emotion to the story, making it feel more immersive and engaging than a traditional visual novel.

Availability

Tsukuru was originally released in Japan in 1991 as part of Nintendo's CD-ROM Add-on for the SNES, which was intended to provide a significant boost to the console's graphics capabilities. The game was later re-released in Japan as part of a "Best Hits" compilation called "Super Famicom Discs," which included a selection of popular games released on the platform.

Outside of Japan, Tsukuru has been largely absent from modern gaming markets. However, in recent years there have been reports of rare copies selling for high prices online. In 2020, a mint condition copy of Tsukuru sold on eBay for $1,500, while another copy in good condition sold for $800.

Age Rating

In Japan, Tsukuru was originally rated "A" by the Entertainment Software Rating Organization (ESRB), which is equivalent to an "E10+" rating in North America. This indicates that the game is suitable for players aged 10 and above.

However, it's worth noting that Tsukuru contains some mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all ages. The game features a number of scenes with suggestive dialogue and imagery, as well as some brief violence and horror elements.

Conclusion

Tsukuru is a unique and fascinating sound novel game that has gained significant attention in recent months due to its rarity and nostalgic appeal. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and impressive soundtrack, Tsukuru is definitely worth exploring for fans of visual novels and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.

While it may be difficult to find a copy of Tsukuru outside of Japan, there are several alternatives available for those looking to experience similar games. In particular, the Visual Novel series "Clannad" by Key and 5pb., which was released in 2004, offers a similar gameplay experience with its focus on character interactions and storyline development.

In summary, Tsukuru is an engaging sound novel game that has aged remarkably well over the years. Its unique blend of music, voice acting, and storytelling makes it a must-play for fans of visual novels and retro gaming.