Trying to capture the spirit of being young and happy in Japan in a raising simulation game.
It’s time for the next update of Happy Memories: Azalea Town, devlog! I wanted to show some reference material we’re using to establish the atmosphere of this game. What would you expect to see in a raising simulation game set in modern Japan?
I would definitely expect a convenience store, game center, part time jobs where they tell you that egao (smiling face) is worker’s most important attribute, cute characters / mascots everywhere (hmmm… a relaxed bear would get us in legal trouble – perhaps a relaxed frog would do?)
Being young and Japanese involves so many other things! It’s tempting to try to cram all of it into the game – fashion trends, interesting hobbies peculiar to Japan, various references to Japanese pop culture – but only a few select features will actually make it in. Still, it’s fun to look at all the reference material. So many possibilities!
Will the protagonist be able to make her own bento, buy fashion magazines, perhaps even participate in cosplay? Well… we’ll see. The current plans include two different styles for most clothes (cute or casual), six different clubs to join in school and lots of different shops and dating spots in town. We better get back to work.
