Onyanko Town (Japan)

In Onyanko Town, players are tasked with managing a house and taking care of adorable cats. This is one of the earliest pet-raising simulation games on the NES console, offering a unique experience of interacting with and nurturing virtual animals.

The primary objective of the game is to keep your cats happy and healthy. Players start with a few cats and must perform daily tasks such as feeding them, cleaning their living areas, and playing with them. Each action will affect the cats' mood and well-being. To perform these tasks, players need to manage resources, primarily money. Money can be earned through mini-activities or by selling in-game items. Players can purchase food, toys, and other items to improve the living environment for their cats.

The gameplay of Onyanko Town unfolds in a day-night cycle, with each day representing a period within the game. Players navigate through the house, interacting with objects and the cats. The interface is simple, allowing players to select actions via a menu. Beyond basic care, the game may also feature special events or hidden objectives for players to discover. Time and resource management are key to success. If cats are not well-cared for, they might become unhappy or even leave, presenting a challenge to the player. The game focuses on relaxation and the joy of nurturing, but also requires attention and patience.