![Ihatov Monogatari [Model SHVC-H8] screenshot](images/game/61516_2.png "Ihatov Monogatari [Model SHVC-H8]")
Ihatov Monogatari © 1993 Hect [Hector].
Ihatov Monogatari is a unique, non-linear adventure game based on the works of the acclaimed Japanese poet and children's author Kenji Miyazawa. The game is celebrated for its surreal art direction, dreamlike atmosphere, and departure from the traditional RPG mechanics—such as battles or character upgrades—that were standard for the era.
![Goodies for Ihatov Monogatari [Model SHVC-H8]](images/covermini160/61516_1.jpg)
GAME ID: SHVC-H8
BARCODE: 4961508933022
Released on March 5, 1993 in Japan.
Miyazawa's Utopia: The game’s world, "Ihatovo," is derived from the Esperanto-inspired term Kenji Miyazawa used to describe his own personal utopia. Players explore this world to interact with its inhabitants and collect seven notebooks, each corresponding to a different fable or story by the author.
A "Non-RPG" Adventure: Despite being categorized as an RPG by some retailers at the time, Ihatov Monogatari is a pure adventure game. There is no game-over screen, no inventory management in the traditional sense, and the gameplay is focused entirely on narrative exploration and interaction.
Developer Anomaly: Developed by Hect—a studio otherwise known for producing generic simulations, casino games, and sports titles—this game is widely considered a creative outlier for the company, possessing a level of artistic polish and conceptual depth that stands in stark contrast to their usual portfolio.