Kiteretsu Daihyakka: Choujikuu Sugoroku

Kiteretsu Daihyakka: Choujikuu Sugoroku

Introduction

Released in the twilight years of the 16-bit era, Kiteretsu Daihyakka: Choujikuu Sugoroku is a charming and vibrant digital board game that brings the beloved world of Fujiko F. Fujio to life. Published by Video System in 1995, this Super Famicom exclusive captures the essence of the popular manga and anime series, Kiteretsu Daihyakka. While many Western gamers are familiar with the creator's other work, Doraemon, this title offers a unique look into one of Japan's most cherished intellectual properties. Developed by Fill-In Cafe—a studio primarily known for their expertise in fighting games—this title represents a fascinating departure into the "Miscellaneous" or board game genre, blending strategy, luck, and nostalgia into a cohesive package.

Story & Setting

The game is set within the whimsical universe of Eiichi Kite, a young boy nicknamed "Kiteretsu" who is a mathematical and scientific genius. Having inherited the "Kiteretsu Daihyakka," a multi-volume encyclopedia of inventions written by his ancestor Kiteretsu-sai, the protagonist spends his days building incredible gadgets. In Choujikuu Sugoroku (which translates to "Super Space-Time Sugoroku"), the narrative takes a grand turn.

Kiteretsu, along with his loyal robot companion Korosuke and their friends Miyoko, Butagorira, and Tongari, find themselves embroiled in a journey through time and space. The setting spans various historical eras and futuristic landscapes, all rendered with the colorful, rounded aesthetic characteristic of Fujiko F. Fujio’s art style. The goal is to navigate these different time periods, using Kiteretsu’s inventions to overcome obstacles and win the ultimate board game challenge.

Gameplay

At its core, Kiteretsu Daihyakka: Choujikuu Sugoroku follows the rules of Sugoroku, a traditional Japanese board game similar to Western "race to the finish" games like Snakes and Ladders or Mario Party. Players choose from the main cast and take turns rolling dice to navigate across various themed boards.

However, the gameplay is deepened significantly by the inclusion of Kiteretsu’s inventions. Players can collect and utilize gadgets from the encyclopedia to gain advantages, such as moving extra spaces, hindering opponents, or protecting themselves from negative board events. The boards are filled with interactive spaces, including shops, mini-games, and event triggers that can change the tide of the game instantly. The competitive nature of the game makes it an excellent multiplayer choice, though the AI provides a respectable challenge for solo players. The influence of Fill-In Cafe is felt in the smooth animations and the polished user interface, which was quite advanced for a board game of that era.

Platforms

This game was released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom, catering to the massive local fanbase of the anime series.

Legacy

Kiteretsu Daihyakka: Choujikuu Sugoroku remains a cult classic among Super Famicom collectors and fans of Fujiko F. Fujio. Because it was released late in the console's life cycle (1995), it benefited from a deep understanding of the hardware, resulting in high-quality sprite work and catchy synthesized music.

Historically, the game is a notable entry in the library of Fill-In Cafe. Shortly after this release, the developer would become famous for the Asuka 120% fighting game series. For the publisher, Video System, it was a move away from their usual arcade-style shooters like Aero Fighters. While it never saw an official international release, fan translations and the burgeoning retro-gaming community have kept the game relevant for modern audiences seeking to explore the broader works of the Doraemon creator.

Fun Facts

  • Despite being less famous internationally than Doraemon, the Kiteretsu Daihyakka anime actually ran for a staggering 331 episodes from 1988 to 1996.
  • The developer, Fill-In Cafe, was known for high-quality 2D animation, which is why the character sprites in this board game look exceptionally fluid compared to its contemporaries.
  • The game does not have any alternative titles; it is known exclusively by its Japanese name, even among Western collectors.
  • Many of the inventions featured in the game are direct references to specific episodes of the anime, rewarding long-time fans with deep-cut trivia.

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