Maboroshi Tsukiyo | September 23, 1999

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まぼろし月夜

Maboroshi Tsukiyo

"Maboroshi Tsukiyo" (まぼろし月夜) is a visual novel-style romantic adventure game released on Dreamcast on September 23, 1999. The game was later ported to PlayStation on April 6, 2000, with additional characters and system improvements. On July 14, 2010, it was made available on PS3 and PSP through Game Archives. The subtitle of the PS version is "Tsukiyonokitan" (月夜野綺譚). This document primarily discusses the PS version and the Game Archives version. The original artwork was done by Yasué Tajima.

System

At the start of the game, players input the protagonist's surname, first name, reading of the name, and nickname. These choices will later influence how the heroines address the protagonist. This game is a visual novel, where the story progresses by reading text. Occasionally, choices appear, and the route changes depending on the player's selections. Additionally, players can choose locations on specific dates. After the second playthrough, icons of characters the player met at a given location appear, and the "Date, Location, and Character Icon List" can be checked via the "Calendar" option.

Saving and loading can be done anytime except when a choice appears, with up to 9 save slots available. After completing an ending, players can skip the prologue in future playthroughs. Additionally, after seeing an ending, including a bad one, a password is provided, which can be entered on the official website to view settings of the heroines or staff behind-the-scenes stories, although this is no longer available.

Story

In 1999, the protagonist, a third-year high school student, is left to live alone in Tsukiyonoma village when his parents are transferred. He spends his peaceful days with his childhood friend Io, his classmate Hazuki, and his mischievous friend Takeda.

One summer day, the protagonist meets a mysterious girl in a kimono at a park on a hill. She calls the protagonist’s name before disappearing. That night, a girl, who was the protagonist's junior, appears at the park along with the same girl, who turns out to be a ghost.

Characters

  • Takashi Tanaka (Protagonist): A third-year high school student who lives alone in Tsukiyonoma after his parents are transferred. He is called "Taka" by others.

  • Ayame Asagiri (Voice: Yui Horie): The main heroine of the game, born on September 12. She was once in a romantic relationship with the protagonist's great-grandfather, who perished in a great earthquake, and now appears as a ghost to meet the protagonist again. She refers to the protagonist by his full name.

  • Minami Asagiri (Voice: Yuka Imai): A first-year high school student and the younger sister of Ayame’s great-grandfather. She works together with the protagonist to help Ayame pass on.

  • Hazuki Sakagami (Voice: Yumi Kakazu): A third-year high school student and the captain of the judo club. She is close to the protagonist and popular among her juniors.

  • Miyuki Sakagami (Voice: Yuko Kato): Hazuki’s twin sister, a third-year high school student who specializes in chemistry. She conducts experiments on Ayame.

  • Rio Narumi (Voice: Omi Minami): A third-year middle school student and a member of the drama club. She has been a close friend of the protagonist since childhood.

  • Christina Goram (Voice: Mayumi Asano): A 13-year-old global musical star and a big fan of Rio.

  • Sanae Sasakawa (Voice: Maya Okamoto): The 22-year-old owner of the flower shop "Nae," where the protagonist works part-time.

  • Asami Sasakawa (Voice: Hiroko Taguchi): A 5th-grade elementary school student who calls the protagonist "Onii-chan" and is very friendly with him.

  • Tamako Amano (Voice: Satsuki Yukino): A female police officer from the heavenly realm, who tries to resolve the issues caused by Ayame’s ghost lingering in the human world.

  • Satsuki Gose (Voice: Miki Nagasawa): A third-year high school student who threatens the protagonist in order to help Ayame pass on.

  • Tsumugi Oshima (Voice: Yuki Masuda): A first-year high school student and a member of the film club, who is a friend of Minami. She is curious about the relationship between Minami and the protagonist.

Theme Songs

  • Opening Theme: "Soyo Kaze no Hōmonsha" (VISITOR) (Song: REM, Lyrics: REM, Composition/Arrangement: Hikoshi Hashimoto)
  • Ending Theme: "Maboroshi Tsukiyo" (Lyrics: Sasanakita Ro, Composition: Itokawa Kaku, Arrangement: Hikoshi Hashimoto, Song: REM)

Related Products

  • Novel: "Maboroshi Tsukiyo Junai Yūrei Kitan" (Sony Magazines, released May 30, 2000)
  • Soundtrack: Released on October 22, 1999, by NEC Interchannel
  • Art Book: "Oboro Maboroshi Tsukiyo Official Setting Art Book" (Keibunsha, released in July 2000)
  • Mahjong Game: "Konbi Mahjong Awasuechi with 'Maboroshi Tsukiyo' Characters" (GAPS, released June 1, 2000)

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