Found 0 item(s) for sale
- No items currently for sale.
During the golden age of the Super Famicom, the Japanese gaming market was a treasure trove of experimental titles that often combined multiple genres into a single, cohesive experience. One such title that remains a fascinating relic of the mid-90s is Motteke Oh! Dorobou (also known as もってけＯｈ！ドロボー). Released in 1995 by the legendary and often eccentric publisher Data East, this game stands out as a unique entry in the "Miscellaneous" category, blending board game mechanics with competitive strategy and a heavy dose of whimsical crime. At a time when the industry was beginning to transition toward 3D graphics, Data East stayed true to high-quality 2D sprite work and engaging multiplayer dynamics, creating a party game that felt distinct from popular staples like Mario Party or Dokapon Kingdom.
Unlike traditional RPGs or action games of the era, the narrative of Motteke Oh! Dorobou is lighthearted and serves primarily to facilitate its competitive nature. The game is set in a vibrant, cartoonish world populated by stylish thieves, eccentric law enforcement, and wealthy targets. Players take on the roles of aspiring master thieves who are competing to prove who among them is the most skilled at the craft of larceny. The setting is divided into various themed boards that range from bustling cityscapes to more exotic locales. The world is filled with colorful characters and humorous scenarios, leaning heavily into a "cops and robbers" aesthetic that is more reminiscent of a Saturday morning anime than a gritty crime drama. The primary goal is simple: gather the most loot and outsmart your rivals before the time runs out.
At its core, Motteke Oh! Dorobou plays like a digital board game, often referred to as a "Sugoroku" style game in Japan. Players roll dice to navigate a series of interconnected paths on a map. However, the game adds layers of complexity through its "thief" mechanics. Each tile on the board can trigger specific events—some might grant the player money or items, while others might lead to traps or encounters with the police.
Strategy is paramount, as players can use a variety of specialized tools and gadgets to hinder their opponents' progress or outright steal their hard-earned treasure. Landing on the same space as another player often triggers a confrontation, allowing for direct competition. There is also an element of resource management, as players must decide when to spend their funds on better equipment or when to save up to meet the winning criteria of the specific map. The inclusion of mini-games and random events ensures that no two matches play out exactly the same way, maintaining a high level of replayability for groups of friends.
This game was released exclusively in the Japanese market for the Super Famicom, catering to the local audience's love for digital board games.
Motteke Oh! Dorobou occupies a niche but respected position in the history of Data East. While it never achieved the international fame of titles like Burgertime or Magical Drop, it is remembered by retro gaming enthusiasts for its charming art style and polished multiplayer mechanics. The game represents a specific era of Japanese gaming where developers were willing to take risks on "Miscellaneous" hybrid genres. Today, it is a sought-after title for collectors of Super Famicom imports, particularly those who appreciate the "NTSC-J" library's unique offerings that never saw a Western release. It serves as a testament to Data East's creativity before the company eventually faced financial difficulties in the early 2000s.