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Rejoice: Aretha Oukoku no Kanata is a charming and often overlooked gem from the golden age of 16-bit JRPGs. Released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom, it represents a unique entry in the Aretha franchise, a series known for its mix of traditional role-playing elements and a distinct, often quirky sense of humor. Unlike many epic fantasies of its time that focus on noble knights or destiny-bound chosen ones, Rejoice places players in the shoes of a band of thieves. This narrative choice offers a refreshing and grounded perspective on adventuring, blending high-stakes drama with the lighthearted camaraderie of a group of rogues.
The narrative centers on a group of four thieves living together in a small village. Their daily lives are a mix of lighthearted mischief and treasure hunting, as they spend their time robbing the wealthy and plumbing the depths of ancient ruins for valuable relics. The game establishes a unique tone early on, alternating between comedic character interactions and more serious plot developments.
However, the status quo is shattered when a catastrophic flood devastates the region, wiping away the villagers and scattering the group across the land. One of the thieves, Trezno, finds himself washed up on a distant seashore, only to be abducted by the nefarious Demon King Howard. Howard has dark, evolving designs for Trezno as part of a grander, nefarious scheme. The remaining thieves must regroup and embark on a desperate rescue mission. As they track down their friend, their personal quest eventually expands into a battle against Howard's growing power, forcing the band of thieves to become unlikely heroes in the face of a kingdom-wide threat.
Mechanically, Rejoice: Aretha Oukoku no Kanata follows the established blueprint of turn-based JRPGs while adding its own flavor to the mix. Players navigate a top-down world map, visit various towns to gather information, and delve into complex dungeons filled with puzzles and traps. Combat is traditional, featuring a menu-driven system where players must manage their party's abilities and resources effectively.
Given that the protagonists are professional thieves, the game emphasizes the search for treasure and the use of specialized skills to overcome environmental obstacles. Dungeon exploration is a core pillar of the experience, reflecting the characters' background in raiding ancient ruins. The interaction between the four main characters is central to the gameplay, with their contrasting personalities and roles within the group driving both the dialogue and the tactical options available during battle. The game rewards thorough exploration, often hiding powerful items in the darkest corners of its labyrinthine ruins.
This game was released on several platforms, including the Super Famicom.
While Rejoice: Aretha Oukoku no Kanata never received an official Western release, it remains a cult classic among enthusiasts of Japanese imports and Super Famicom collectors. Developed by Japan Art Media and published by Yanoman, the game demonstrated the creative risks developers were willing to take in the mid-90s to distinguish their RPGs in a crowded market. Its legacy is tied to the broader Aretha universe, which originally gained popularity on the Game Boy. Rejoice is often cited as a more polished and narratively experimental entry that helped bridge the gap between portable gaming and home console RPGs, standing as a testament to the depth and variety of the Super Famicom’s RPG library.