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Yukemuri Suspense's real-world adventure
Zenrin's Yukemuri Suspense (Steam Suspense) uses real-world locations and maps of Japan in its mystery story, sending players (virtually) to landmarks and hotspots. More screens of the investigative adventure game have come out showing the digitized, realistic style of the game, and, well, we don't know what to say. We had this vague hope that the total-realism approach would imbue the game with a serious, dramatic tone. But it doesn't! It's just kind of goofy. We suppose you still have to hire realistic actors.The latest Famitsu post about the game mentions that not only are the locations in this murder-mystery real, but so are the lodgings and the food served. It's a mystery game as a travel guide! We can look past silly faces and appreciate the innovation.
Japanese game adds a touch of reality
As if we don't already hear enough on the lack of separation between reality and games, a new Japanese title will use real-life locations in its game. It isn't anything that would cause alarm, like murder or something, but it is something that definitely caused a "!" here at the DS Fanboy offices. Mainly because we think it's such a cool idea.We can definitely say that Zenrin Co. Ltd., the title of this game, is right up our alley. A detective title that asks players to visit tourist hot-spots and other locales of interest, we find the idea of a game sending us on a hunt for things in real life very intriguing. It's funny, because we can't imagine anything other than gaming to cause us to want to leave our dungeon of business (the years have made us fond of the stench and cage we're forced to live with down here).[Via Nintendic]
PSP maps unrolled in Japan
Minna No Chizu, or 'Everyone’s Map,' was released today, providing PSP owners a comprehensive map of Japan (including Okinawa). Though the software currently lacks GPS support, Zenrin compiled the maps — the same company that provides data for Japan's Google Maps. Priced at 3,990 yen (roughly $34), Minna No Chizu is affordable, while providing a respectable level of scalable detail, at least for major metropolitan areas.Japan Chronicles found the controls user-friendly, despite a tedious address location system. The software supports bookmarking and purchasable upgrades, which will add points of interest to the maps. Thankfully, Mickey D's made the initial cut.
