Japan’s gaming landscape continues to evolve, with many beloved titles embracing the open-world format. One of the latest entries in this trend is Natsu-Mon, a delightful adventure that breathes new life into a lesser-known subgenre. This title is a spiritual successor to Sony’s Boku no Natsuyasumi (“My Summer Holiday”) series, which was a pioneer in life simulation games during the early 2000s. As a long-time fan of these games, I find this transformation refreshing, allowing for a nostalgic yet novel experience as I wander through virtual sunflower fields once again.
What is it? A charming open-world adventure set in a remote Japanese town during summer 1999
Release date: August 6, 2024
Expect to pay: .99/£39.99
Developer: Toybox/Millennium Kitchen
Publisher: Spike Chunsoft
Reviewed on: Threadripper 3960X, RTX 3060 Ti, 64GB RAM; Steam Deck
Multiplayer: No
Steam Deck: Not Verified
Link: Steam
Natsu-Mon marks a return to form for Kaz Ayabe, the original creator of Natsuyasumi, who has been involved in various projects since then, including the 2022 title Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation. Unlike its predecessors, Natsu-Mon features English localization, making it more accessible to a global audience. Initially released on the Nintendo Switch last year, it now boasts a robust PC port.
Staying true to its roots, Natsu-Mon retains the essence of Boku no Natsuyasumi, allowing players to step into the shoes of a young boy named Satoru during the summer of 1999. The game spans all 31 days of August, encapsulating a quintessential summer break for Japanese schoolchildren in a picturesque countryside setting. Players will find themselves in the quaint town of Yomogi, surrounded by hills, grasslands, and a neighboring village, where Satoru, the son of circus managers, engages with the local community and assists in their performances.
As the narrative unfolds, Satoru’s parents face challenges, leaving him in the care of the circus performers and the townsfolk. The game features a vibrant cast of characters, including neighbor kids with a “detective agency,” a café owner and his twin brother who runs the lighthouse, and a curious journalist. While some characters provide essential plot points, others create memorable moments, such as late-night gatherings or impromptu folk music sessions under a tree. Although the routine of interacting with characters can become repetitive, it adds depth to the exploration of the scenic environment.
Out of breath in the wild
Upon its release on the Switch, comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild were inevitable. However, Natsu-Mon carves its own niche, borrowing select mechanics such as an upgradable stamina meter and the ability to glide across distances. Unlike traditional RPGs, Satoru’s journey is devoid of health penalties; players can explore freely without the fear of losing progress. The only limitations are the stamina meter and the impending dinner bell, allowing for a carefree experience.
This freedom encourages players to embrace the game’s leisurely pace, though the desire to collect stamina stickers can sometimes detract from the enjoyment of the serene surroundings. Side activities like fishing and fossil hunting, along with a variety of quests, keep players engaged while unveiling more of the story and character backgrounds. The experience feels reminiscent of a blend between Zelda and A Short Hike, inviting players to relish in the small joys of life.
While the transition to a fully 3D environment offers greater freedom, it does come with a trade-off in visual fidelity. The Natsuyasumi series was celebrated for its beautifully painted backgrounds, but Natsu-Mon opts for a more cartoonish aesthetic. Although some areas may appear less polished, the charm of the lower-poly art style shines through in the game’s vibrant fields and rolling hills, evoking a storybook ambiance.
A breezy time
Given its cartoonish design and modest install size of under 3GB, Natsu-Mon runs smoothly on a variety of hardware. While the Switch version struggles to maintain a steady frame rate, the PC version consistently delivers a stable 60 FPS, even on devices like the Steam Deck. The graphics settings are straightforward, with limited options for frame rates and image quality, but they suit the game’s relaxed nature.
The recent addition of the Broadcast Over Sunset DLC expands the experience, introducing Sunset Island for Satoru to explore. This new area, while not drastically different from the main game, offers additional creatures and characters to discover. The DLC enhances the core gameplay, inviting players to continue their adventures in a familiar yet fresh environment. Although it may not reach the heights of its predecessors, Natsu-Mon captures the essence of exploration and whimsy, suggesting a future where smaller open-world games can provide a vacation-like experience rather than a demanding quest. For now, the lighthouse awaits my ascent.
