Publisher Spike Chunksoft, developer ToyBox, and Millennium Kitchen have revealed new information and screenshots about the 3D open-world features and various activities that players will be able to wander in Natsu-Mon! 20th Century Summer Vacation. First revealed at the Nintendo Direct live stream back in February, the title is set to arrive on the Nintendo Switch in the Summer of 2023 in Japan.
Natsu-Mon! puts the players in the role of a 10-year-old boy enjoying a special summer vacation in the verdant countryside by the sea. Players are given one month to spend their summer vacation in a 3D open-world countryside.
The game is the latest title by Kaz Ayabe of Millennium Kitchen, who is known for creating many nostalgic summer vacation and childhood-themed games, namely the “Boku no Natsuyasumi” (My Summer Vacation) titles that began life back on the PlayStation 1 in 2000.
▍ Natsu-Mon! 20th Century Summer Vacation Gameplay
■ Activities all-around in the Country-side
Players are given the freedom to wander the world by taking part in various activities such as bug collecting, swimming, and tree climbing. A key feature in the game is your player character’s picture journal which changes depending on the activities they had participated in that day. Filling out the journal every night and enjoying the month-long vacation to its fullest, is the name of the game.
■ Interacting with the local townsfolk
Interacting with the various townsfolk is one of the charms of Natsu-Mon. Even the adults that usually work during the day will show their more relaxed sides at night and on days off. Proactively engaging with the townspeople rewards players by unlocking various interactions, such as helping out those with troubles or solving incidents together with the local kids.
■ Events that Keep Things Fresh
From collecting stamps by participating in the morning calisthenics routine to summer festivals and local fireworks shows, Natsu-Mon is packed with events that will ensure any player’s summer vacation is a memorable one. Experience the various events that occur almost every day in town, from delightful ones to those with a melancholic aftertaste.
As the only son of the ringmaster of the circus troupe who has visited the town, players will be able to help out in making sure their performance is a success. Checking back on your family and friends at the troupe will be necessary to solve their problems at times.
▍ Open-World Features
Eschewing the fixed camera angles seen in the past entries of the genre, Natsu-mon instead incorporates a fully realized 3D open-world format gameplay where the player is free to wander the map and move the camera around as they see fit. The game features minimal loading or switching screens, opting for a seamless experience that pulls its players into its environment from rustic shopping arcades to the thickets of the local forest.
Explore the immersive world as a child in your way, whether it is diving into the ocean, running through the sunflower fields, or taking the train to visit the next town over!
