Lizhuoqi (Nancy) Ruan
Showa Lost Memories: Loop
Showa lost memories is a game that tells stories in past, now and future. The game is about “I” received a CRT and surprisingly, the game contain a game that tells a story happen in 1980, Japan.
The game is about “me” getting a present from my Father and experiencing a game about a 22-year-old character during Japan in 1980. The game discusses nihilism, romance and bravery through visual elements, sounds, story and decision making to perform the emotions, experience and connections between Yamada Takashi, “me” and the player.
The story about Yamada Takashi introduced “me” to past stories in Japan and guided “me” to consider my life, environments and connection with Yamada Takashi.
Players could experience the game through multiple decision making which leads towards to unique endings. This game maintains the concept that denies the traditional game design which defines results such as “good ending” and “bad ending”. In fact, I encourage players to experience the stories themselves and build your own understanding of nihilism.
And in a certain moment during this journey, we can’t help but ask ourselves: In the game we’re making, is it the serene moon of Tokyo that’s dropped its light on us, or is it the cold, sharp wind in London?