In The Rural Village of Nagoro

About

In The Rural Village of Nagoro is a short, side-scrolling game with minimalist gameplay ‘Interact button’ to tell a fate that falls on Nagoro village. Explore and press ‘F' button’ to greet all cheerful neighborhood.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

In The Rural Village of Nagoro screenshot

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 334 reviews

story40 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game features beautiful hand-drawn visuals and a soothing soundtrack that enhances the emotional narrative.
It's a short yet impactful experience that effectively conveys the poignant story of Nagoro village, leaving players with a sense of nostalgia and reflection.
As a free game, it offers a unique and educational glimpse into the history of a real place, making it a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in storytelling.

The gameplay is very simplistic, requiring minimal interaction which may not appeal to those looking for a more engaging experience.
Some players found the walking speed to be frustratingly slow, detracting from their overall enjoyment of the game.
The need to constantly press a button to interact can feel tedious and may disrupt the flow of the narrative.

story
92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
54%
3%
The game's story is a poignant and bittersweet narrative based on a true tale, celebrating the memory of a rural village in Japan. Players are captivated by its charming storytelling, beautiful art, and emotional soundtrack, often leading to unexpected moments of reflection and tears. Despite its short length, the game effectively conveys deep themes about change and loss, making it a must-play for those who appreciate heartfelt narratives.
- “This little gem is a charming storytelling pearl and a celebration of a true story; everyone should play it.”
- “It's a beautiful, if not sad, story and I think this one is definitely worth a playthrough, including reading the texts at the end of the game.”
- “And knowing the true story, the moment I realized that the delightful little story I had been playing was nothing but a prelude to show what actually happened to that town... I burst into tears, and I thought there couldn't be a more beautiful way to honor the memory of a village and the person who continues to keep it alive.”
- “It's a short story that reminds us of the sad truth about rural villages in Japan.”
- “I totally did not expect that such a short and simple game based on a real-life story would give me chills.”
music
74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
37%
4%
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and emotional depth, enhancing the overall atmosphere and storytelling. Reviewers highlight its soothing qualities, with a mix of instruments like guitar, strings, and piano, creating a nostalgic and evocative soundscape that complements the game's artistic visuals. Many describe the soundtrack as a masterpiece that significantly contributes to the game's charm and emotional impact.
- “What an absolute masterpiece of musical and artistic talent, all handcrafted to tell a somber yet unique story about Nagoro's history.”
- “The charming music has a calm but evocative feeling and includes guitar, strings, woodwind, piano, and beautiful vocals.”
- “The music perfectly enhances the feelings the scenes were conveying and also provides some relaxing atmosphere as you walk and as you read the reviews and facts on offer at the end.”
- “The music is well written and the illustration style is perfect for the narrative.”
- “The message, the theme, the graphics, and the music are all so harmoniously interwoven and really let you feel the weight of the situation.”
- “As I played through, a lot of thoughts came to me as the music started to play.”
graphics
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
50%
8%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming and nostalgic aesthetic, featuring hand-drawn visuals that resemble an interactive watercolor painting. The art style, described as cute and soothing, is complemented by a calming soundtrack, creating a harmonious experience that enhances the narrative. Overall, the visuals are a standout aspect, evoking a sense of relaxation and emotional depth.
- “The artwork for this game is beautiful, like an interactive watercolor painting.”
- “The visuals are a highlight with colored pencil-like outlines filled with textured block color in muted pastel shades, giving a very relaxing feeling.”
- “Another thought that came to me just now about the artwork is that it could belong in a children's picture book and works well with conveying the experience through Ms. Ayano's eyes as a child and as she takes a trip down memory lane as an adult.”
- “The message, the theme, the graphics, and the music are all so harmoniously interwoven and really let you feel the weight of the situation.”
emotional
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game evokes strong emotions, with many players describing it as a heartwarming and nostalgic experience that can lead to tears. Its simple yet touching narrative, combined with a wholesome atmosphere and emotional soundtrack, creates a melancholic journey that resonates deeply, often reminding players of their childhood and the passage of time. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics, the emotional impact remains a standout feature.
- “Playing this game is like reliving a wholesome memory from your childhood and then remembering that everything is different now, the world has changed and so did you, and nothing will ever be the same again.”
- “I cried, actually still crying.”
- “It kind of shocked me how a game so short, with so little narrative (initially) affected me so emotionally.”
gameplay
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
65%
21%
The gameplay of "In the Rural Village of Nagoro" is characterized by its simplicity, utilizing minimal 2D mechanics and only a few buttons, which allows players to focus on the captivating aesthetic and poignant narrative. While the gameplay is straightforward and short, it effectively conveys a heartfelt story that resonates with players. Overall, it offers an engaging experience despite its minimalist approach.
- “"In the rural village of Nagoro" is a short, side-scrolling game with minimalist gameplay to tell a fate that falls on Nagoro village.”
- “A very short game with very simple 2D mechanics where you only need 3 buttons to play, but it holds a very heartstring-pulling message.”
- “Gameplay is simplistic, but the aesthetic and subtle narrative are captivating.”
- “When first play, it feels like an old story gameplay.”
- “A very short game with very simple 2D mechanics where you only need 3 buttons to play, but holds a very heartstring-pulling message.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its sweetness and effectiveness in conveying a sense of change over time. The music is highlighted as a key element that enhances the overall experience, providing a relaxing backdrop that complements the game's wholesome story and immersive environment. Overall, players find the atmosphere to be enjoyable and meditative, making it a standout feature of the game.
- “I love the music; it's definitely great for the atmosphere of the game.”
- “The music perfectly enhances the feelings the scenes were conveying and also provides a relaxing atmosphere as you walk and read the reviews and facts at the end.”
- “A really effective meditation on how the world changes with time, and with a sweet atmosphere.”
- “The music perfectly enhances the feelings the scenes were conveying and also provides some relaxing atmosphere as you walk and as you read the reviews and facts on offer at the end.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for resembling a Japanese tourism advertisement, suggesting that it may prioritize promotional content over gameplay value.

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In The Rural Village of Nagoro
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In The Rural Village of Nagoro

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About

Buy In The Rural Village of Nagoro

In The Rural Village of Nagoro

Videos

Games Like In The Rural Village of Nagoro

When The Past Was Around

Missed Messages

A Raven Monologue

Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery

A Taste of the Past

HOME

Narcissu 1st & 2nd

A Bird Story

Old Man's Journey

To the Moon