Oboro no Ichi is an upcoming cosy market-management simulation game that instantly reminded me of Spirited Away. The Japanese-inspired setting, little night market stalls, warm colours, and a place where supernatural beings come and go is catnip for anyone who loves that kind of atmosphere.
The game comes from solo developer TheLaba, and continues the world established in their earlier game Midori no Kaori. However, the meaning behind the two games is different. Midori no Kaori is a restaurant management game which was about helping lost souls remember and follow their path toward Tokoyo.
Oboro no Ichi has a softer approach, focusing instead on accepting, letting go, and finding comfort in Kakuriyo. It takes place in a spiritual world where wandering souls can rest, trade away their memories, and slowly find peace.
As for the actual meaning, Oboro no Ichi translates to a hazy or misty market in Japanese. And the game is all about building and managing a spiritual market. You’re welcoming spirits, producing and selling resources, and expanding your market, which sits between memories.
You get to freely design the market by connecting stalls, buildings, and pathways however you want. You can add decorations, plants, lights, water features and small shrines as well. The different structures actually have jobs to do, too. Some produce resources, some supply your stalls, and everything contributes to gradually expanding the market.
Catch a glimpse of Oboro no Ichi here!
You need to balance how the market looks with how well it actually functions. Organise production, manage sales, expand your space, and make the market more appealing so more spirits want to visit. The usual stuff!
If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, especially of Spirited Away, this game will surely make you spend hours on it. The game is currently planned for an Early Access release on Steam and is available to wishlist.
Also, read our news on Oregon Trail II-Like Management Game Keep Driving Coming to Consoles This Month.
