Holy Umbrella - Dondera no Mubou!! [Model SHVC-ADQJ-JPN]

Holy Umbrella - Dondera no Mubou!! [Model SHVC-ADQJ-JPN] screenshot
31 Years old Nintendo Super Famicom cart. Naxat Soft. [Japan]

Holy Umbrella - Dondera no Mubou!! © 1995 Naxat Soft.

Holy Umbrella: Dondera no Mubou!! is an imaginative action-adventure platformer. The game follows a young boy named Tanaka who is transported to a fantasy world after finding a magical, talking umbrella. The gameplay is a blend of traditional side-scrolling platforming, puzzle-solving, and light RPG elements, set against a vibrant, whimsical aesthetic.

TECHNICAL

GAME ID: SHVC-ADQJ-JPN

TRIVIA

Released on September 29, 1995 (Friday) in Japan.

Unique Mechanics: The "umbrella" serves as the core mechanic, functioning as a weapon, a shield, and a tool for gliding. Its ability to change forms and interact with the environment differentiates the game from the typical "run-and-jump" platformers of the era.

Genre Blend: While often categorized as a platformer, the game features a heavy emphasis on dialogue and world-building, common in Naxat Soft’s adventure-leaning projects. The narrative is noted for its comedic tone and surreal character designs, which lean into the "wacky" spirit of the mid-90s Japanese gaming scene.

A Hidden Gem: Due to its late release in the Super Famicom's lifecycle and its relatively modest marketing, the game has gained a reputation as a "hidden gem" among retro collectors. It is praised for its high production values, smooth animation, and surprisingly deep level design.

STAFF
👥
Character Design: Tatsuya Egawa
Concept & Scenario: Atsunori Kawachi
Player Character Design: Hirofumi Yamamoto
Stage Design: Hidekazu Miyajima
Town Map Design: Akiyoshi Yajima
Graphics: Yoshitaka Mizushima, Shiho Itō, Kayoko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Masayuki Muryoi
Main Program: Akimitsu Oba
Sub Program: Takashi Abe, Takahide Yamakawa
Program Support: Makoto Yoshitake
Sound: Hisashi Matsushita
Helpers: Shigehiro Tenman, Yoshiaki Goto
Director: Kazuhiko Inoue
Producers: Ryoichi Kado, Hiroshi Shimoji
Supervisor: Haruo Kon
Produced by: Naxat Soft, Earthly Soft
SOURCES
🔗
ROM dump (MAME).