“Digigame Expo 2024” was a doujin/indie game exhibition and sale held on November 3, 2024. Among them, Heisei Retro Danchi Adventure “Danchi Days‘ was exhibited for the first time as a playable game.
The main character, Hoshino, who has moved to a certain housing complex, decides to invite the residents to the summer festival together with his partner Morokyu in order to revive the summer festival, which has not been held for a while due to the aging of the residents. If there is someone who has worries or problems that make it difficult for them to participate in the summer festival, let’s work together to solve them.
There are a total of 151 residents of the housing complex (Hyakugo Juichi…if you’re the same generation as me or the author, you can almost hear Unsho Ishizuka’s voice singing). The more people who participate, the more lively the summer festival will become.
The number at the top right of the screen is the time limit set only for the trial version.
Released as software for Game Boy Advance,Momoko Sakura’s Exciting Carnival“or,”Tottoko Hamtaro” series, and the anime “Azuki-chan”, and is developing a game that has a warm, “Heisei retro” feel like these.
In the trial version that was on display at Digigame Expo, you could play the beginning of the game, where you make promises with several residents to participate in the summer festival.
When exploring a housing complex, it is important not only to communicate face-to-face with the residents, but also to gather information using a computer. Although you may find malicious articles, the internet can be a great ally if you are careful how you use it.
If Hoshino comes up with a new keyword, the number of sites that come up in searches will increase, and more information will be available. The information obtained can be useful in communicating with residents. Even in the PC interface and the structure of the homepage, you can feel the “back in the day” when people first started using the Internet without much effort.
Hoshino is determined to tell the writer of the malicious article about the wonderful things about the housing complex.
There are also residents of the housing complex who promise to participate in the summer festival just by communicating with them online and by email. He seemed happy that people read his personal homepage.
This work also features a variety of mini-games that can be played with “sensory points.” By receiving stimulation from the surroundings with Hoshino’s rich sensitivity, a short game will begin depending on the stimulation. This may help you develop bonds with residents, or even come up with new search keywords.
When you press the “feel” button while the old man is cleaning with a bamboo broom, a mini-game related to “sound” will start!
Hoshino, who has a rich sense of sensibility, finds himself thinking about the connections between people from the drainpipe where U◯ flows. You can get the keyword “connection”.
In addition, it seems that the product version will use even more diverse approaches to communicate with residents, including the use of items and the element of “experience points” that were not present in the trial version, and will invite them to the summer festival.
Full of respect for Heisei culture
“Danchi Days” also contains “prayers” for the times to come. One of the themes is the “aging” population, which is one of the reasons why summer festivals are no longer held in a certain housing complex. In the future story, “dementia” will also be an important keyword.
We live in a world where there are many hardships, but if people can trust each other and cooperate even just a little bit more, it might become the driving force to change something…The cheerful style of this work , I felt that such feelings were put into it.
My partner, Morokyu, is a raincoat but cannot eat cucumbers. It’s a bit surprising, but you can’t judge people in real life just by their appearance or skin color, right?
The expected release date is 2026, which is a little later. The game’s system is almost complete, but it’s the text that takes time.
It’s a long wait, but it makes sense when you imagine the volume of text that will be used to bring each of the 151 residents to life, and the websites related to them… Let’s wait patiently and look forward to it.
Heisei retro housing complex adventure “Danchi Days” announced. Thinking about GBA “Tottoko Hamtaro” and “Sakura Momoko’s Exciting Carnival”
Analgesic Productions has released the Steam store page for the “Heisei retro” housing complex adventure “Danchi Days.” It has been decided that this work will be available in Japanese.
Digigame Expo 2024: A Dive into Danchi Days
Well, well, well, look at what we have here! On November 3, 2024, the Digigame Expo 2024 graced us with its presence, showcasing a delightful array of indie games—because who doesn’t love diving into the real pixelated gems of the gaming world? And right in the centre of it all was a rather unique title that tickled the nostalgia of your average Heisei retro fanboy: Danchi Days.
Picture this: our main character, Hoshino, has moved into a charmingly retro housing complex, one that seems to have seen better days—much like my last Tinder date. Together with a whimsical partner named Morokyu (not to be confused with some bizarre sushi), Hoshino sets out on a noble quest to revive the summer festival that’s been on ice for ages, thanks to a lack of enthusiasm among the aging residents. If only coaxing my cat into a carrier could be as easy as inviting 151 residents to a summer bash.
Meet the Residents
Diving deeper, we learn that there are a whopping 151 residents—yes, Hyakugo Juichi, and if you’re of a certain vintage, you can practically hear Unsho Ishizuka’s iconic voice belting out the theme tune! Each resident has their quirks and stories, providing ample opportunity for players to chat and potentially solve their problems—because nothing screams “fun summer festival” like turning into a neighbourhood therapist.
Exploration & Communication
Now, if you think the gameplay is all about cheerful interactions and gathering people like Pokémon, think again! To connect with these charmingly grumpy grandmas and grandpas, you’ll have to explore the housing complex, gather intel online (watch out for those malicious articles!), and chat face-to-face. Hint: don’t let the internet consume you like a mystery Netflix series, or you might end up deep in conspiracy theories instead of helping old Maud with her pie recipe!
Every time Hoshino strikes a new keyword, the universe—or at least Google—opens up with more information. It’s like playing a detective in a sitcom where the jokes sometimes just fly over your head like my hopes of ever understanding my in-laws.
The Sensory Adventure
Hold on to your controllers, folks, because here comes the sensory aspect! Mini-games pop up when Hoshino interacts with the residents. Touch a bamboo broom, and—bam!—there’s a sound-related mini-game waiting for you. If only life were like that, right? Someone annoys you? Just press the “feel” button and turn it into a carnival game. “Dad, can you stop asking about my job?” *BOOM*—instant mini-game on how to dodge awkward family questions. Perfect!
Flavours of Life
In true Heisei fashion, this game doesn’t shy away from the heavier themes, either. Aging populations and even dementia are tackled amidst the quest for joy, cleverly woven into the narrative. Honestly, when was the last time a game made you care about societal issues while simultaneously reminding you of cuddly anime characters? This could very well outshine my therapist’s session!
Release and Reflection
The game is projected to launch in 2026. Yes, you heard that right! While it seems like eons away—like waiting for my phone to update—let’s just take a moment to appreciate what’s coming. If the developers are working to truly breathe life into each one of these 151 residents, well, I guess we can afford to wait.
So here’s the scoop: as we reflect on the past and peer into this unique upcoming adventure, “Danchi Days” promises to look at life beyond the surface. Who knows? Maybe it will inspire us to reconnect with those in our own communities or even give us a laugh or two along the way. And who doesn’t want to infuse a bit of Heisei nostalgia into their life?
Let’s enjoy the journey of waiting for “Danchi Days”; I hear it’s all about the connections we make along the way—just like that decent chat I had with the pizza delivery guy last Thursday. Who knows? Maybe he’ll be a character in the sequel!
“Digigame Expo 2024” was a vibrant doujin/indie game exhibition and sale held on November 3, 2024, showcasing a diverse range of innovative titles from independent developers. Among the standout features of the event was the first public playable demo of Heisei Retro Danchi Adventure, “Danchi Days.”
In this enchanting game, players assume the role of Hoshino, who has recently relocated to a charming housing complex. This summer, he, alongside his quirky partner Morokyu, aims to breathe life back into the community by inviting fellow residents to participate in a long-absent summer festival. The pair is determined to address any concerns or barriers that residents may face, emphasizing a spirit of collaboration and unity.
The housing complex comprises 151 residents (Hyakugo Juichi… for those familiar with the era, Unsho Ishizuka’s iconic voice may echo in your mind), and the game’s design encourages players to engage as many residents as possible for an energetic festival atmosphere.
In the trial version presented at Digigame Expo, players could experience the game’s opening segment, where Hoshino makes promises with his neighbors to attend the summer festival. Notably, the countdown in the top right corner of the screen serves as a time limit specifically for this demo experience.
Drawing inspiration from beloved titles like “Momoko Sakura’s Exciting Carnival” and the “Tottoko Hamtaro” series, “Danchi Days” aims to evoke a nostalgic “Heisei retro” ambiance, resonating with fans of this cherished era.
Exploring the housing complex involves not only direct interactions with residents but also leveraging technology to gather relevant information, highlighting a balance of old and new. Utilizing the internet presents both challenges and opportunities; while it may harbor misleading narratives, it can be a valuable tool for those who approach it with care.
As Hoshino uncovers new keywords, the breadth of online resources expands, enriching his understanding and interactions with residents. The PC interface, mimicking the rustic aesthetics of early internet design, immerses players in a nostalgic technological landscape.
Hoshino’s mission extends to countering negative portrayals of the housing complex, as he passionately wishes to share the community’s unique charms with those who might misjudge it.
Through digital conversations, Hoshino finds residents willing to engage, revealing a sense of joy as they connect online and through personal hompages, supporting their participation in the festival.
Strikingly, the game also features numerous mini-games that utilize “sensory points.” Players can engage in brief challenges prompted by their environment, strengthening bonds and uncovering new keywords. For instance, initiating a mini-game related to “sound” happens when players press the “feel” button while observing an elderly resident tidying the grounds with a bamboo broom.
In a whimsical moment, Hoshino’s heightened sensitivity leads him to contemplate the intricate connections among residents, even stemming from a simple drainpipe—resulting in the keyword “connection.”
The final product is set to incorporate a broader array of interaction methods, including items and experience points, to create an even more engaging summer festival experience.
“Danchi Days” pays homage to Heisei culture while weaving vital narratives about contemporary themes, particularly the challenges posed by an aging population—one reason the summer festival has been neglected. Future storylines hint at tackling important issues such as “dementia,” underscoring the community’s need for connection in a world fraught with difficulties.
Through this cheerful yet poignant adventure, we are prompted to reflect on the potential for trust and cooperation among individuals to spur change in our lives.
Notably, Hoshino’s partner, Morokyu, is a raincoat with a peculiar trait of disliking cucumbers; this playful character detail serves as a reminder that, in real life, appearances and initial judgments can be misleading.
Although the game’s anticipated release is set for 2026, players are encouraged to remain patient. With the systems nearing completion, the lengthy developmental phase primarily revolves around crafting the intricate dialogue that will breathe life into each of the 151 residents and their respective online profiles.
As anticipation builds for this Heisei retro housing complex adventure, “Danchi Days,” fans are reminded of the nostalgic joy reminiscent of beloved Game Boy Advance classics like “Tottoko Hamtaro” and “Sakura Momoko’s Exciting Carnival.”
Analgesic Productions has released the Steam store page for the “Heisei retro” housing complex adventure “Danchi Days,” confirming that the game will be available in Japanese.
Sidents, from their sharing of memories to their daily struggles, including the delicate topic of dementia. By weaving these poignant themes into the gameplay, “Danchi Days” creates a rich tapestry of human experiences that reflects the complexities of community life.
As players guide Hoshino through the vibrant yet often melancholic world of the housing complex, they will encounter the challenges faced by the elderly, including fading memories and the fear of isolation. Instead of shying away from these heavy subjects, the game embraces them, offering players an opportunity to engage with and understand the nuances of aging and mental health.
Through Hoshino’s interactions with the residents, players will not only help rekindle the sense of community needed for the summer festival but will also develop a deeper empathy for those living in similar environments. Just as players work to resolve the residents’ issues and encourage participation in the festivities, they are simultaneously reminded of the importance of connection and support in real life.
Moreover, this narrative strength is complemented by the charming art style reminiscent of the Heisei period—enjoyable enough to evoke nostalgia while still feeling fresh and playful. Each interaction, whether it’s through playful mini-games or heartfelt conversations, helps to flesh out the characters beyond their initial quirks, ultimately allowing Hoshino—and the player—to discover the rich lives hidden within the complex walls.
So as we gear up for the release of “Danchi Days” in 2026, it’s clear that this game aims to be more than just a nostalgic adventure. It’s set to be a heartfelt exploration of community, connection, and the challenges of aging. With its delightful mix of cheerful gameplay and deeper themes, it promises to resonate with players both young and old, urging us to cherish the bonds we form with one another, no matter how quirky or complex they may be.
while we wait for this colorful yet heartfelt journey into the world of “Danchi Days,” let’s continue to celebrate the importance of trust, cooperation, and compassion in our own communities. Because if there’s one thing that this game aims to remind us of, it’s that even in the face of hardship, joy can be sparked through simple connections and shared experiences.
