A few weeks back, I shared my enthusiasm for an intriguing fantasy farming RPG deeply rooted in Japanese mythology amid the sea of “cozy” games. Returning to check on its Kickstarter campaign, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Tales of Seikyu has garnered widespread excitement.
When I last wrote about it, the Kickstarter campaign for Tales of Seikyu hadn’t even commenced. Fast forward to today, and it stands as one of the most popular game projects on the platform, securing a remarkable $185,343 in funding and counting. To put this into perspective, it’s nearly five times its initial funding goal of $40,000.
The project boasts ambitious stretch goals, reaching up to $1.3 million, with multiplayer as the target. While that remains on the horizon, the campaign is on the cusp of reaching its next milestone at $200,000. Achieving this would mean incorporating consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, into the game’s launch plans.
For those unfamiliar with Tales of Seikyu, it presents a truly distinctive fantasy life-sim RPG. Players engage in familiar activities like developing their farm, fishing, crafting furniture, socializing with neighbors, and forming romantic connections. What sets this game apart is the depth of its systems and the charming, cozy ambiance it exudes.
The breadth of activities is thrilling, from participating in fishing competitions to a captivating cooking system featuring over 60 recipes, complete with detailed food art, including iconic Japanese dishes.
Seikyu Island boasts more than 40 distinct personalities to interact with, and romance is open to any gender. With four seasons and various holidays, both Japanese and universal, the town undergoes visual and atmospheric transformations.
The game expands beyond mere farming, allowing players to rejuvenate a hot spring, construct a luxury casino, and contribute to the town tavern’s operation. In the open world, there are intriguing “Scenic Puzzles” akin to environmental challenges, offering rewards for successful solutions.
What truly captivated my attention, however, is the focus on Japanese folklore, particularly yokai—ghosts, shapeshifters, and other supernatural entities. Seikyu Island is teeming with yokai, implying that all residents are yokai, even if some appear as ordinary people.
ACE Entertainment invites players to “build friendships, form families with the residents of the Yōkai town, support town development, and become proud members of the flourishing mountainous Seikyu Island.”
The standout feature is the ability to shapeshift into yokai, unlocking unique powers. Whether transforming into a mighty boar to till fields or soaring through the sky as a crow tengu, the game offers diverse and immersive experiences. Shapeshifting into a water slime allows for underwater exploration in search of sunken treasure.
In conclusion, Tales of Seikyu transcends the typical farming sim RPG hybrid, presenting a compelling blend of cultural depth and diverse gameplay mechanics. The evident enthusiasm in its Kickstarter campaign suggests a significant market for a relaxed game with unique cultural twists. I’m eagerly anticipating the launch of Tales of Seikyu in December 2024.
