Sweet Home (Japan)

Sweet Home is a pioneering survival horror RPG, developed by Capcom and released for the Famicom (NES) in 1989. This game not only laid the foundation for the survival horror genre but also served as a direct inspiration for the famous Resident Evil series.

The plot revolves around a group of five documentary filmmakers who visit the old mansion of artist Ichirō Mamiya to film valuable frescoes. However, they quickly become trapped and must confront vengeful spirits and deadly traps.

Sweet Home's gameplay combines traditional RPG elements with puzzles and exploration. Players control a team of five characters, each with their own unique special skill:

• Kazuo (camera): Takes photos of frescoes, sometimes revealing hidden clues.
• Akiko (medic): Can heal party members.
• Asuka (cleaner): Cleans cobwebs or debris, opening pathways.
• Taro (lock picker): Opens jammed locks.
• Emi (key maker): Can create keys from molds.

Players can split the group into pairs or go solo to solve complex puzzles and cover more areas. However, going alone increases the risk of attack and inability to be revived if knocked out.

Battles are turn-based, encountering various monsters and spirits. Players use weapons and items to fight them. A unique aspect is that items can break permanently, forcing players to manage resources carefully.

One of the most notable mechanics is the permanent death (permadeath) of characters. If a character dies, they are permanently removed from the game, affecting the group's puzzle-solving and combat capabilities. This creates a significant sense of tension and pressure.

The game also features multiple endings depending on the number of surviving characters. Sweet Home's graphics and sound, though simple by NES standards, created a chilling and haunting atmosphere, contributing to shaping the horror genre.