GameRant has been informed by international anime distributor Crunchyroll that their mascot, the orange-haired Crunchyroll-Hime, is going to star in the new retro-inspired video game Hime’s Quest, which is available for pre-order now. The game’s initial launch isn’t going to be on a platform you’ve heard much buzz about recently, the Game Boy Color.
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In a partnership between Crunchyroll and Limited Run Games, the boutique company specializing in the production and aesthetic of physical gaming merch, Hime’s Quest is going to be released with special physical cartridges that give a modern mascot a decidedly retro feel. For those who don’t want to dust-off the farthest reaches of their game cabinet for the old GBC, the game will also be launching with browser and downloadable-ROM editions later this year.
As described by Crunchyroll, Hime’s Quest is a JRPG-inspired game in which the anime girl mascot, Crunchyroll-Hime, goes on a late-90s adventure to save the world’s electronics from the danger of the Y2K apocalypse. Playing heavily on the tropes of the late 90s anime boom, Hime’s Quest combines aspects of GBC JRPG with tongue-in-cheek nods to the tech and anime cultures of the time.
In fact, one of the settings is going to be an old-school anime club. The promotional art released by Crunchyroll is clearly inspired by the shading and lineart of Johto-era Pokemon, and in true Pokemon fashion, the game will be released in two editions. “Crunchyroll Orange” will be exclusive to Crunchyroll’s online store, whereas “Limited Run Blue” will be exclusive to Limited Run’s. In addition, Crunchyroll has released a trailer for the game on their YouTube channel:
As described in a statement from Crunchyroll, here’s the kind of vibes you might have been getting from the back of an old box of the game in 1999:
Take control as Crunchyroll-Hime to save the anime club from Y2K in her first-ever video game: Hime’s Quest. Set in 1999, something electric is in the air. A malevolent force has crept into New Crunchy City, wreaking havoc on its technology, and tragically destroying the Anime Club’s precious DVD/VCR combo player. Kick-back with Crunchyroll-Hime’s friends in the anime club or pay a visit to spooky manga creator Junji Ito who is currently OBSESSED with spirals. PLAY IT LOUD! with a chiptune soundtrack by future (time paradox averted) award-winning 8-bit composer and musician Protodome.
Hime’s Quest is open for physical pre-orders now through December 23rd on Crunchyroll’s website. We aren’t sure if the Nintendo Seal of Approval is still being stamped for the Game Boy Color or not, but the retro spirit is alive and well.
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