Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid, published by Spike Chunsoft, is one of the most laid back, relaxing, entertaining, and pleasant games that has come out in some time. There are very few objectives, the player never feels rushed, and while there is somewhat of an overall plot its weight never feels crushing. The game simply lets you be a young kid living in Japan by the ocean for his summer break.
This doesn’t mean that there aren’t things to do, as the game has tons of random activities. Meeting towns people and assisting in their lives, catching butterflies, fishing, and simply just exploring. There isn’t a real right or wrong way to experience the game. Getting distracted and catching butterflies all day is equally as valid of a play experience as exploring every section of the map or filling the museum full of artifacts. While the game does have a time limit of 30 in game days, that time can be adjusted to either move more quickly or slowly. The only real objective is to enjoy yourself.
You can watch our stream of Natsu-Mon below:
Visually, Natsu-Mon does a great job of invoking the late 90s. While it is set in Japan everything seems to be era correct, although I am not an expert one that particular field. The entire town very clearly has a sense of time and place, like it is something that actually exists/existed, something that wasn’t ever far away—just the neighboring quiet town. For running on the Switch, the game actually looks pretty nice with a decent draw distance and specific art style.
The Switch, though, is where the issues with the game come in. The game does not always have a constant frame rate, frequently stuttering when entering a newer area or when too many things are about to be on screen. While it isn’t something that is anywhere near enough to put down the game, it is hard to not notice it when it suddenly breaks the emersion of running around in a field and catching bugs and the frame rate briefly hits the single digits. The game is also on the PC and, while that version was not reviewed, it should probably run without any such issue over there.
There really isn’t anything that should keep someone from playing Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid. It is a slow and relaxing experience that is something that just is. It doesn’t try to justify itself with strong, heavy-handed messages, complex plots, zany twisters, or anything like that. It is simply an experience that it takes the player along the ride for. If you are looking to simply get away, or you are looking for a somewhat stress-free life for a short burst this game is for you. Considering that it is available on both the Switch and PC it is pretty accessible to everyone who is even passing interested in the title. Do yourself a huge favor and pick this game up. It is just that good.
RATING
OUR RATING - 9
9
SCORE
A chill, casual, laid-back experience that is charming AF.
PC Editor. I am amazing and super awesome. I also fight crime in my free time
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