Umihara Kawase [Model SHVC-ATAJ-JPN]

海腹川背 © 1994 TNN
(Umihara Kawase)

Umihara Kawase is an unique side-scrolling platform game by TNN (which stands for 'Think about Needs of Notice for human being') and published by the Japan's public broadcasting organization NHK. It is the first episode of a game series that put players in the shoes of a cute schoolgirl named Umihara Kawase, and equipped with a fishing rod and a pink backpack. The goal of the game is fairly simple - in each stage (called 'Fields'), the objective for the young heroine is to reach one of the exit doors before running out of time. However, sea creatures ranging from fish, squids and other sea-snails roam each level and attack the little girl on sight. This is where the fishing rod steps in. Umihara can cast her fishing line out, stunt enemies with it and tuck them away in her bottomless backpack. But the fishing line has another incredible ability that lies at the heart of the gameplay - it can also hook onto platforms and help Umihara swing around and reach higher ground. The length of the line is also fully adjustable allowing for incredible acrobatic stunts. The game's structure is strictly non-linear and Umihara's journey quickly branch out - various levels have different exit doors that lead to alternate routes and deadly bosses.