![Araiguma Rascal [Model SHVC-R9] screenshot](images/game/61037_2.png "Araiguma Rascal [Model SHVC-R9]")
ăăăăăŸă©ăčă«ă« © 1994 Masaya
(Araiguma Rascal)
Araiguma Rascal is a charming, action-oriented puzzle game based on the classic anime series of the same name. Players take on the role of Rascal, a mischievous and industrious raccoon, tasked with organizing a collection of jars overflowing with fruit and sweets. The core gameplay revolves around a high-energy "falling-object" premise: two squirrels constantly shove jars out of their treehouse, and it is up to Rascal to catch, carry, jump, toss, and push them into place. By arranging three or more identical jars, the player clears them from the play area, filling a progress meter at the bottom of the screen. Filling this meter clears the stage and allows Rascal to advance, though the game offers a flexible stage-select feature from the start.
![Goodies for Araiguma Rascal [Model SHVC-R9]](images/covermini160/61037_1.jpg)
GAME ID: SHVC-R9
Araiguma Rascal was released on June 25, 1994 in Japan at a retail price of 8,900 JPY. The game was never exported outside Japan.
Diverse Multiplayer Modes: Beyond the solo puzzle experience, the game includes three distinct two-player modes featuring the character Sterling North. These range from a competitive race mode where players navigate a course filled with obstacles to more traditional cooperative and versus puzzle modes that expand on the core mechanics.
The "Action-Puzzle" Feel: Unlike static block-dropping games like Tetris or Puyo Puyo, Araiguma Rascal feels more like a platformer. Because the player directly controls Rascalâwho can jump, catch, and throw items in real-timeâthe game requires quick reflexes and physical dexterity in addition to basic pattern recognition.
Anime-Inspired Charm: Araiguma Rascal was a Japanese anime series originally aired in 1977, and based on the book 'Rascal A memoir of a better era' written by Sterling North in 1963. The game faithfully recreates the heartwarming, rustic atmosphere of the Rascal anime. The visual design and animations capture the playful spirit of the titular raccoon, making it a standout title for fans of the source material who enjoy lighter, more whimsical gaming experiences.
Strategic Item Handling: The mechanics for manipulating the jarsâsuch as throwing them into the air or dropping them directly beneath Rascalâadd a layer of spatial strategy. Players must constantly decide whether to organize a stack for a big combo or quickly clear space to prevent the play area from becoming cluttered by the squirrels' relentless contributions.
Accessibility and Pacing: By allowing players to choose their starting stage, Masaya made the game accessible for players of varying skill levels. It provides a "pick-up-and-play" experience that is as relaxing or as frantic as the player wants it to be, depending on how quickly the squirrels push out the next batch of items.
A Unique Masaya Title: While Masaya is often associated with more serious tactical or action franchises, Araiguma Rascal highlights their versatility in creating polished, character-driven titles. It remains a memorable piece of the Super Famicomâs diverse library, blending platforming movement with classic arcade-puzzle logic.