Mr. Saitou Explained

Mr. Saitou
Developer:Laura Shigihara
Publisher:Laura Shigihara
Designer:Laura Shigihara
Composer:
Engine:RPG Maker[1]
Platforms:
Genre:Adventure
Modes:Single-player

Mr. Saitou is a 2023 adventure game developed by Laura Shigihara. It is set in the same world as Rakuen.

Gameplay

Players control a salaryman who is hospitalized. There, he enters a fantastical alternate reality imagined by a boy and becomes a llamaworm, a combination of llama and worm. Besides a bizarre office life, he collects gemstones in a cave inhabited by various creatures. He does this by completing various puzzles.[1]

Development

Mr. Saitou was released for Linux, macOS, and Windows on March 23, 2023. It is included in the deluxe version of Rakuen, which was released the same day.[2]

Reception

PC Gamer called it "a bite-sized experience" compared to Rakuen but said it has "a soulful bittersweetness".[1] RPGFan said that it "has heart and something to say", but they felt there was not enough interesting gameplay to recommend it.[3] Rock Paper Shotgun called it "a wonderful, short RPG" that satirizes Japanese work life[4] and identified it as one of their favorite games of 2023 as of July.[5] Reviewing the deluxe version of Rakuen for the Switch, NintendoWorldReport said both games "deliver a delightfully charming experience".[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: This single-serving Ghibli-esque adventure about work and worms will warm your heart. Macgregor. Jody. PC Gamer. 2023-03-22. 2023-07-11.
  2. Web site: RPGs Coming This Week, 3/19/23. Castillo. Gio. RPGFan. 2023-03-19. 2023-07-11.
  3. Web site: Mr. Saitou. Richardson. Bob. RPGFan. 2023-03-21. 2023-07-11.
  4. Web site: Mr. Saitou is a heartfelt commentary on the absurdities of business. Thorn. Ed. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2023-04-14. 2023-07-11.
  5. Web site: Our 22 favourite games of 2023 so far. Castle. Katherine. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2023-06-29. 2023-07-11.
  6. Web site: Rakuen: Deluxe Edition (Switch). DeVader. Joe. NintendoWorldReport. 2023-03-21. 2023-07-11.