Shin Chan's new location is fresh and fun
By Paul Hunter
Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is an exciting new adventure that's a heartwarming follow-up to Shin Chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation. Developed by h.a.n.d. and published by Neos, this game is sure to capture the hearts of fans with its charming blend of everyday tasks and whimsical storytelling.
Set in the picturesque Coal Town, this brand new town invites you to explore its vibrant streets and establishments filled with quirky characters and delightful interactions. You join Shin Chan and his trusty dog, Shiro, as they embark on a series of light-hearted missions ranging from capturing exotic fish to using a magic crafting machine to help locals solve their problems and eventually revive the entire town.
What really stands out about this game is just how relaxed it is, as you immerse yourself in the daily life of Shin Chan and his family. This approach creates a powerful nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of carefree childhood summers spent exploring and discovering new things.
As you dive deeper into this charming world, you’ll uncover mysteries and challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. Let's take the train over to Coal Town to explore what makes this such a fantastic and memorable experience!
Shiro and the Coal Town narrative really captures the essence of playful childhood adventuring. The story begins with Shin Chan and his family visiting Nomagari for his father's business trip. As the Nohara family settles into their rented home, you quickly feel the warmth of their familial bonds as you sit down for evening dinners, family baths and Shin Chan's mom and dad tucking him into bed.
The first part of the game introduces you to Shin Chan's simple yet engaging life of roaming around town collecting bugs, plants and fish as he strives to complete his collection. Soon enough, Shin Chan's grandfather, Ginnosuke, will teach him about the countryside, sharing secrets and wisdom that enrich the young boy's understanding of life. These moments are beautifully handled, allowing you to appreciate the simplicity and joy of being mentored by a loving family member.
The adventure takes an exciting turn when Shiro, Shin Chan's loyal dog, gets covered in coal and runs off. This incident leads Shin Chan on a whimsical chase that introduces you to the mysterious Coal Town, and the just as mysterious emptry train car that transport you to the town. Not only does is this town filled with unique characters and delightful surprises, it becomes the central spot for the game's main missions, which range from helping a local diner attract customers to entering in go kart races to become the town's speed demon.
As you navigate through Coal Town (and Unbent Village where you start out), you'll gain tons of fun tasks and missions that completely immerse you in the life of Shin Chan. Simple missions like acquiring ten different bug types becomes a fun little adventure of rooting through the grass, investigating rocks and spotting little critters climbing trees. While most mission are 'fetch-based' in this game it's just such a joy because the towns are so vibrant and alive, not to mention how cute it is to hear Shin Chan saying his signature 'buri buri' line or how funny it is when he wiggles him bum after you press the run button.
I also really enjoyed how quickly you acquire items—there's very little item grinding to do in this game. Most items I needed were acquired naturally as I sat down at the nearby pond to catch crayfish and wandering around town with my bug net at the ready. There's also a day-night cycle adds depth to the gameplay, as you balance your time between completing tasks before it's time to head to bed.
The narrative also eventually unveils a larger mystery involving a character named Chuck, who causes trouble for the Coal townspeople. While this subplot adds a layer of conflict, it never overshadows the main focus on Shin Chan's interactions with his friends and family. Overall, Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town delivers a delightful narrative that's perfect for kids or the young at heart folks like me.
One standout feature of Shiro and the Coal Town is the mini-games scattered throughout Coal Town. These mini-games are not only entertaining but also provide a break from the main tasks. You might find yourself racing in cart competitions, of which there are several to unlock with increasing difficulty, and there are a few merchants that sell handy cart upgrades to help you ride faster or take out opponents.
There are other fun mini-games, too, like how you need to find different ingredients for a restaurant owner, who will then craft special dishes that specific townsfolks crave the most. Or if you want, you can head on over to Coal Town's public bath to hear the latest gossip or get gameplay tips from the local residents. Each mini-game is designed to be easy to pick up, ensuring that you can enjoy them over and over again without getting repetitive.
The day-night cycle also adds variety and some activities depend on the time of day. For example, during the day, you might help with farming crops or gathering items, while at night, you can collect fireflies that are worth a lot of Yen (the in-game currency) to help you buy items the following day.
Visually, Shiro and the Coal Town impresses with its colourful presentation that oozes with delightful charm. The game uses a soft palette that captures the essence of the beloved anime, bringing its characters and world to life. Best of all, the developers have put significant effort into ensuring that the graphics are not only appealing but also detailed, whether that's intricate scales and fins of the fish you catch or towns stuffed with tiny easter eggs waiting for you to discover.
One of the standout features is the 2.5D design of the environments, giving depth to the backgrounds, such as the lush landscapes or bustling town scenes. Each area is carefully crafted, inviting you to explore every nook and cranny, and the dynamic camera angles adds even more visual flavour.
The character designs are another highlight. Each character is instantly recognisable from the anime, reflecting their personalities and quirks. Shin Chan, with his mischievous grin and playful posture, naturally stands out among the cast, but his pet dog Shiro is equally adorable to watch in action.
Turning our attention to the sound design, the background music is cheerful and upbeat, perfectly complementing the game's light-hearted tone. Each area has its own unique soundtrack, adding character to the places you visit. Don't be surprised if you find yourself humming along as you progress through the game.
Voice acting is another area where Shin Chan shines. The original Japanese voice actors reprise their roles, bringing authenticity to the characters. Their performances are lively and engaging, and I instantly felt a connection to the characters because of their expressive voices. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the series, the game's presentation is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Developer: h.a.n.d. Inc.
Publisher: Neos Corporation
Genre: Adventure, Casual
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is an exciting new adventure that's a heartwarming follow-up to Shin Chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation. Developed by h.a.n.d. and published by Neos, this game is sure to capture the hearts of fans with its charming blend of everyday tasks and whimsical storytelling.
Set in the picturesque Coal Town, this brand new town invites you to explore its vibrant streets and establishments filled with quirky characters and delightful interactions. You join Shin Chan and his trusty dog, Shiro, as they embark on a series of light-hearted missions ranging from capturing exotic fish to using a magic crafting machine to help locals solve their problems and eventually revive the entire town.
What really stands out about this game is just how relaxed it is, as you immerse yourself in the daily life of Shin Chan and his family. This approach creates a powerful nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of carefree childhood summers spent exploring and discovering new things.
As you dive deeper into this charming world, you’ll uncover mysteries and challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. Let's take the train over to Coal Town to explore what makes this such a fantastic and memorable experience!
Shiro and the Coal Town narrative really captures the essence of playful childhood adventuring. The story begins with Shin Chan and his family visiting Nomagari for his father's business trip. As the Nohara family settles into their rented home, you quickly feel the warmth of their familial bonds as you sit down for evening dinners, family baths and Shin Chan's mom and dad tucking him into bed.
The first part of the game introduces you to Shin Chan's simple yet engaging life of roaming around town collecting bugs, plants and fish as he strives to complete his collection. Soon enough, Shin Chan's grandfather, Ginnosuke, will teach him about the countryside, sharing secrets and wisdom that enrich the young boy's understanding of life. These moments are beautifully handled, allowing you to appreciate the simplicity and joy of being mentored by a loving family member.
The adventure takes an exciting turn when Shiro, Shin Chan's loyal dog, gets covered in coal and runs off. This incident leads Shin Chan on a whimsical chase that introduces you to the mysterious Coal Town, and the just as mysterious emptry train car that transport you to the town. Not only does is this town filled with unique characters and delightful surprises, it becomes the central spot for the game's main missions, which range from helping a local diner attract customers to entering in go kart races to become the town's speed demon.
As you navigate through Coal Town (and Unbent Village where you start out), you'll gain tons of fun tasks and missions that completely immerse you in the life of Shin Chan. Simple missions like acquiring ten different bug types becomes a fun little adventure of rooting through the grass, investigating rocks and spotting little critters climbing trees. While most mission are 'fetch-based' in this game it's just such a joy because the towns are so vibrant and alive, not to mention how cute it is to hear Shin Chan saying his signature 'buri buri' line or how funny it is when he wiggles him bum after you press the run button.
I also really enjoyed how quickly you acquire items—there's very little item grinding to do in this game. Most items I needed were acquired naturally as I sat down at the nearby pond to catch crayfish and wandering around town with my bug net at the ready. There's also a day-night cycle adds depth to the gameplay, as you balance your time between completing tasks before it's time to head to bed.
The narrative also eventually unveils a larger mystery involving a character named Chuck, who causes trouble for the Coal townspeople. While this subplot adds a layer of conflict, it never overshadows the main focus on Shin Chan's interactions with his friends and family. Overall, Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town delivers a delightful narrative that's perfect for kids or the young at heart folks like me.
One standout feature of Shiro and the Coal Town is the mini-games scattered throughout Coal Town. These mini-games are not only entertaining but also provide a break from the main tasks. You might find yourself racing in cart competitions, of which there are several to unlock with increasing difficulty, and there are a few merchants that sell handy cart upgrades to help you ride faster or take out opponents.
There are other fun mini-games, too, like how you need to find different ingredients for a restaurant owner, who will then craft special dishes that specific townsfolks crave the most. Or if you want, you can head on over to Coal Town's public bath to hear the latest gossip or get gameplay tips from the local residents. Each mini-game is designed to be easy to pick up, ensuring that you can enjoy them over and over again without getting repetitive.
The day-night cycle also adds variety and some activities depend on the time of day. For example, during the day, you might help with farming crops or gathering items, while at night, you can collect fireflies that are worth a lot of Yen (the in-game currency) to help you buy items the following day.
Visually, Shiro and the Coal Town impresses with its colourful presentation that oozes with delightful charm. The game uses a soft palette that captures the essence of the beloved anime, bringing its characters and world to life. Best of all, the developers have put significant effort into ensuring that the graphics are not only appealing but also detailed, whether that's intricate scales and fins of the fish you catch or towns stuffed with tiny easter eggs waiting for you to discover.
One of the standout features is the 2.5D design of the environments, giving depth to the backgrounds, such as the lush landscapes or bustling town scenes. Each area is carefully crafted, inviting you to explore every nook and cranny, and the dynamic camera angles adds even more visual flavour.
The character designs are another highlight. Each character is instantly recognisable from the anime, reflecting their personalities and quirks. Shin Chan, with his mischievous grin and playful posture, naturally stands out among the cast, but his pet dog Shiro is equally adorable to watch in action.
Turning our attention to the sound design, the background music is cheerful and upbeat, perfectly complementing the game's light-hearted tone. Each area has its own unique soundtrack, adding character to the places you visit. Don't be surprised if you find yourself humming along as you progress through the game.
Voice acting is another area where Shin Chan shines. The original Japanese voice actors reprise their roles, bringing authenticity to the characters. Their performances are lively and engaging, and I instantly felt a connection to the characters because of their expressive voices. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the series, the game's presentation is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Verdict
Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a charming addition to the Shin Chan video game franchise. It successfully captures the playful spirit of the popular anime while offering a relaxing gameplay experience perfect for kids and adults alike. The game excels in its vibrant visuals and engaging character designs, which bring the world of Coal Town to life. But it's the satisfying gameplay that really drew me in. Taking on everyday tasks, such as catching insects, fishing, and gathering materials are enjoyable and provide a great sense of accomplishment. If you are looking for a light-hearted escape into the world of Shin Chan, this game should be at the top of your list.Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town details
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PCDeveloper: h.a.n.d. Inc.
Publisher: Neos Corporation
Genre: Adventure, Casual
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
A key was provided by the publisher.