Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town offers a relaxing experience of life in rural Japan, capturing the charm of a peaceful countryside setting. Based on the popular manga and anime, Crayon Shin-chan, this game introduces players worldwide to a familiar character who has a wide fan base beyond Japan. For years, games in the Shin-chan series were rarely localized, meaning they were available only to those who could read Japanese. However, with recent releases, fans everywhere now have the opportunity to experience these charming adventures.
Shiro and the Coal Town continues the gameplay and narrative style introduced in Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation – The Endless Seven-Day Journey. The story begins with Shin-chan’s family moving to a new village because of his father’s job. Here, Shin-chan meets the villagers and assists them with various tasks, mostly simple fetch quests. This involves leisurely activities like catching bugs and fishing, allowing players to wander and enjoy the scenery at their own pace. Soon after, Coal Town—a place that exists only in Shin-chan’s imagination—enters the story.
Coal Town adds a unique narrative twist, as it serves as a fictional counterpart to the real-life village of Akita. The story shifts between these two places, blending reality with imagination as Shin-chan explores both settings. However, frequent travel between the village and Coal Town may feel repetitive for some players. The gameplay itself is simple, with a fixed camera angle that occasionally makes it challenging to navigate and locate specific insects. Nonetheless, the game maintains a relaxing pace and a nostalgic atmosphere, creating an enjoyable escape into Shin-chan’s world.
In Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town, gameplay begins with straightforward tasks like catching bugs, which Shin-chan accomplishes using a net that swings with a single button press. Bugs appear as glowing particles on-screen, but capturing them can be a bit tricky due to the fixed camera angle, making it occasionally hit-or-miss. The fishing mini-game is similarly simple, involving just casting a line and waiting for a bite before reeling in the fish. The game includes two types of fishing rods: one for regular fishing and another for catching fish in shallow water. Beyond that, the mechanics remain accessible and uncomplicated, focusing on ease and relaxation.
The game’s main appeal lies in its simplicity, charming visuals, and open-ended gameplay. Players can explore a beautifully animated world at their own pace. The day-night cycle adds a touch of realism, with Shin-chan needing to return home by a certain time each evening, though this rule never feels restrictive. The world is visually stunning, creating the immersive feeling of stepping into an animated story. Most of the quests given by non-playable characters (NPCs) involve gathering items like herbs and ore, while Shin-chan can also tend his own garden, growing vegetables without the need for complex mechanics.
The map gradually opens as players progress through quests, allowing access to more areas in both Akita and the imaginative Coal Town. Each NPC has a unique personality and contributes to the village’s authentic feel, making them memorable parts of the game’s world. The writing is well-crafted and natural, ensuring the dialogue doesn’t feel forced or overly stylized. Even players who are not long-time fans of Shin-chan can appreciate the game’s relaxed pace and engaging atmosphere, while fans will enjoy the thoughtful touches and references to the beloved series.
The developers have done a commendable job capturing Shin-chan’s unique personality in Shiro and the Coal Town. For instance, when Shin-chan runs at full speed, he performs his signature, comically mischievous pose, showing his butt—a humorous nod that fans of the series will instantly recognize. The game also includes plenty of child-like humor, with fart jokes and playful antics, creating lighthearted moments balanced by genuine family-oriented comedy.
Overall, this sequel builds on the first game in meaningful ways without dramatically altering the formula. The developers have struck a balance, keeping the gameplay familiar while polishing it for both PC and console platforms. For those who may feel exhausted by complex, story-driven games with intricate mechanics, Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town offers a refreshing change of pace.
Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town Game Information
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: Neos Corporation
- Developer: H.A.N.D
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
