Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid truly brings you back to the wonder of a child. Embark on the heartwarming summer vacation adventure of any child’s dream! The circus has arrived at the quaint seaside village nestled in the natural beauty of rural Japan. Step into the life of Satoru, the ringmaster’s son, eager to explore this new terrain, interact with the townsfolk, and embrace new experiences.

Satoru revisits the chapters of his childhood summer vacation through engaging interactions, quests, and adventure. Narrated in a manner that echoes the purity of childhood memories, the game unfolds in a charming 3-D world brimming with vibrant locations surrounded by diverse terrains. It’s as if the player has stepped into a whimsical Studio Ghibli film, thanks to the adorable, cartoonish graphics. The game features a wide Japanese voiceover cast and a full soundtrack, immersing players in the nostalgic tale of Satoru. Unfolding into an expansive open-world setting devoid of any loading interruptions or screen transitions, Natsu-Mon also offers you a unique chance to take the reins of the circus!

Explore the Wonder of the Japanese Countryside

Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid captivates players with dialogue thoughtfully crafted for the NPCs you encounter. Some interactions offer choices that mirror the innocent and exploratory nature of a child’s conversation. The game excels in its ability to convey information when needed as players wander the countryside. With timely pop-ups and concise side missions, players won’t feel bombarded with too much information and won’t lose the game’s playful ambiance.

Among these quests, players can indulge in fishing. Some catches may be worthy enough for a spot at the dinner table. You can also earn stickers for completing the numerous side tasks Natsu-mon has to offer.  These stickers are collected in Satoru’s picture diary and are not merely decorative but also important. They enhance abilities like Satoru’s Dash speed and Climbing potential through the Sticker Gauge. This is a stamina meter displayed at the bottom of the screen, which recharges on a small cooldown timer. Doing all these things, such as discovering unique locations, enriches Satoru’s picture diary, which features delightful doodle illustrations reflecting Satoru’s adventures.

Moreover, the Adventure Journal lets players glance at completed quests or current sidequests. This helped my gameplay experience quite a bit. Paired with the map, I could see where sidequests were and remember the details of each quest. Helpful guides like reading fishing tips and discovering “recommended spots” can be found in the local bookstore, a workspace hangout of a character named Junko. There are also mini-games with Zashiki-Warashi, the ghostly child, which requires thoughtful strategy but rewards you greatly! Players can also collect yellow diamonds, bottles, and other treasures to trade for money. This currency can then be exchanged for upgrades like new equipment, acorn shooter ammo, or fishing bait.

Verdict

Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is an exceptionally engaging and soothing experience, perfect for explorers at heart. I applaud Spike Chunsoft, Inc. for their attention to detail and immersive strategies to bring this game to life. The ease of control was another highlight, with the only concern mainly revolving around managing the stamina bar. In Settings, an adjustable time passage option was the first and only thing I customized. I choose to have my experience with a “Relaxed” setting for a slower, deeper exploration.

After spending two hours engrossed in Natsu-mon, I’m already looking forward to diving back in. My favorite part so far is exploration, finding bugs and treasures scattered around. I eagerly navigated my map, aiming for the unexplored spots, each day offering something new to discover: from fishing to using the acorn shooter or participating in mini-games with the ghost child. The charming graphics and Satoru’s delightful design added to my enjoyment. Leaping about, sprinting over rooftops, and engaging with various NPCs added to my adventure. This game effortlessly recaptured the essence of childhood wonder—roaming freely, oblivious to time or duties, and only pausing when called back to reality (usually by an adult).

Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is now available for Nintendo Switch™ (NA) (UK) and Steam.

Reviewed on Steam. Review code provided by the publisher.