Sanma no Meitantei (Japan)

In Sanma no Meitantei, players assume the role of the famous detective Sanma Akashiya, a humorous caricature of the real-life comedian, to solve a series of mysterious and bizarre cases. The game falls into the adventure puzzle genre, focusing on interacting with the environment and characters to gather information and crack the cases.

The gameplay of Sanma no Meitantei primarily revolves around a command menu system. Players will navigate Sanma through various locations and utilize options such as "Talk", "Examine", "Move", "Use Item", and "Think" to conduct their investigation. Choosing the correct command at the right time is key to uncovering clues and unlocking new plot developments.

Each case typically begins with a strange situation or a mysterious victim. The player's task is to interview witnesses, search for hidden evidence, and piece together fragments of information. The dialogues in the game are often very humorous and filled with comedic elements, reflecting Sanma Akashiya's distinctive style. Players need to pay close attention and read the conversations carefully, as they often contain important hints or puzzles to solve.

The game also features simple item management, where players can collect and use items to solve puzzles or unlock new areas. Sometimes, combining items or using them in specific locations will help Sanma get closer to the solution. Sanma no Meitantei demands not only deductive reasoning but also patience and a sense of humor to fully enjoy.

A notable aspect of the game is the appearance of many characters based on real-life Japanese celebrities and TV personalities of the time, creating a unique entertainment atmosphere. Despite being an old NES game, Sanma no Meitantei is still remembered as a humorous and unique adventure title, especially for those who appreciate Japanese culture and Sanma Akashiya's comedic style.