The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and its variants have been beloved by gamers for decades. One of the most iconic consoles from Japan is the Famicom, which was later released in other countries as the NES. The SNES Famicom Bunko series features a collection of games that were originally released in Japan, showcasing the unique charm and style of Japanese gaming culture. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Hajimari no Mori (Forest of Dreams) from the SNES Famicom Bunko series, exploring its gameplay, graphics, and age rating.

Introduction

The SNES Famicom Bunko series is a line of licensed games that were released in Japan exclusively for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The name "Bunko" translates to "bookstore" in Japanese, which was chosen to evoke a sense of nostalgia and classic literature. These games are often characterized by their unique blend of genres, such as RPG, platformer, and adventure elements.

Hajimari no Mori (Forest of Dreams) is one of the many titles in this series, developed by T&E Soft and released in 1991 for the Famicom. The game was later re-released in other countries, including North America, under different titles such as " Forest of Dreams" or simply "Hajimari no Mori."

Gameplay

In Hajimari no Mori, you play as a young girl named Erika who finds herself trapped in a mystical forest filled with ancient trees and mythical creatures. The game is divided into two main parts: exploration and puzzle-solving.

During the exploration phase, Erika will wander through various biomes, including forests, deserts, and caves, each containing secrets, items, and mini-games. These areas are designed to resemble classic Japanese literature and folklore, with intricate details and atmospheric sound effects that immerse players in the world of Forest of Dreams.

The puzzle-solving aspect of the game is where things get interesting. Erika will need to solve various puzzles to unlock new areas, such as decoding ancient symbols, solving environmental puzzles, or interacting with creatures to progress through the story.

One of the most unique features of Hajimari no Mori is its use of "story-reading" elements. Throughout the game, Erika will come across ancient texts and scrolls that contain cryptic messages and stories. These can be read by players to gain insight into the world's lore and unlock new paths or items.

Graphics and Soundtrack

The graphics in Hajimari no Mori are reminiscent of classic Japanese literature and folklore. The character designs, environments, and creatures all have a distinct, whimsical quality that sets them apart from more modern games. While not as flashy as some other SNES titles, the game's visuals still hold up today, with intricate details and colorful palettes.

The soundtrack in Hajimari no Mori is equally enchanting, featuring a mix of traditional Japanese instruments and Western-style orchestral elements. The music perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, from the eerie sound effects to the more upbeat, adventurous tunes that accompany Erika's exploration.

Age Rating

Hajimari no Mori was originally rated "A" for All Ages in Japan by the Famicom Rating Commission, indicating that it was suitable for players of all ages. However, due to its unique blend of fantasy and adventure elements, as well as some mild violence and occasional scary moments, the game's age rating may vary depending on the region.

In North America, Hajimari no Mori was released under the title "Forest of Dreams" with a rating of E (Everyone) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This rating indicates that the game is suitable for players of all ages, with no explicit content or violence that would prevent it from being played by younger audiences.

Conclusion

Hajimari no Mori is a hidden gem in the SNES Famicom Bunko series, offering a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and fantasy elements that will captivate players of all ages. With its enchanting graphics, soothing soundtrack, and intriguing story-reading mechanics, Forest of Dreams (or Hajimari no Mori) is a must-play for anyone looking to experience the charm of classic Japanese gaming culture.

While some may find the game's pacing and difficulty a bit slow or uneven, the rewards are well worth the effort. With its immersive atmosphere and addictive gameplay, Hajimari no Mori is sure to delight both retro gamers and newcomers alike.

Additional Information

For those looking for more information about the SNES Famicom Bunko series or other games in the Forest of Dreams franchise, here are a few additional resources:

• The official Forest of Dreams website (Japanese only)
• Hajimari no Mori on MobyGames
• Forest of Dreams on GameFAQs

Disclaimer

This article is based on information available up to December 2023 and may not reflect any changes or updates that have occurred since then.