The release of Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid marks one of the rare instances where this franchise has received an official English localization. Although it is a cult classic in Japan, it has seldom made its way to the West—until now. This latest entry, Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid, offers a unique experience, standing apart from many traditional games today. It presents itself as a relaxing adventure, with a focus on fun and exploration.
The story revolves around Satoru, set at the turn of the millennium, which ties into the game’s title. The narrative evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood when life was carefree and free of responsibilities—exactly what Satoru experiences in the game. He has an entire summer vacation to himself, allowing him to explore various locations, meet locals, play games, and more. The gameplay shares similarities with the Story of Seasons/Harvest Moon series, with a structured daily routine. Players start the day by completing morning tasks like eating and doing routine chores, and then they are free to pursue any activities they wish.
For me, the game’s biggest appeal lies in its rural Japan setting, allowing players to explore the countryside. The world is beautifully designed, blending childhood nostalgia with the charm of Japanese culture. Satoru can explore freely during the day, but he must return home before sunset. While there is some nightlife in the game, it is somewhat limited. Daytime exploration feels much more liberating, as Satoru can roam the town, ride buses, and assist residents. These are simple yet enjoyable activities, designed to keep players engaged while offering small but satisfying rewards.
There are no set objectives in Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid to guide players toward a specific conclusion. Instead, the game features a countdown timer, giving players 31 days to live in the game’s world. You are free to spend those days however you like—whether you prefer relaxing or trying to accomplish as much as possible. The total playtime is roughly around 20 hours. While the mission structure can feel somewhat repetitive, completing missions rewards upgrades for Satoru, making them essential for fully experiencing what the game has to offer.
For fans of collect-a-thon gameplay, there is plenty to keep you occupied. You can catch bugs, fish, or hunt for rare items to sell within the game’s economy. Since the game uses a stamina meter, completing missions helps increase your stamina. Other rewards include money to buy items like toys or bus tickets, which also serve as fast travel options. You can even assist your parents with their financial difficulties to some extent. Some in-game activities require you to have money, so it is not a bad idea to grind for it when necessary.
The Nintendo Switch version, however, is not without its issues. The visuals are somewhat blurry, and there are noticeable performance problems. While there is a PC port of the game, I did not get the chance to try it. That said, the Switch port is not terrible, and the game’s art style helps mask some of the visual shortcomings. The most significant issue I encountered was during open-world exploration, where the performance drops can lead to frustrating moments.
Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is not a game for everyone. It is a relaxing adventure, best suited for a laid-back experience, such as during a vacation. Think of Animal Crossing but with a distinctly Japanese atmosphere and a nostalgic childhood charm. While I thoroughly enjoyed what the game had to offer, there is still room for improvement, particularly in creating more engaging missions. The technical performance, especially on the Nintendo Switch, is also a drawback that impacts the overall experience.
Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid Game Information
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: Spike Chunsoft
- Developer: Toy Box
- Platform: Nintendo Switch (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
