Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid

While light on visuals and variety, Natsu-Mon's comforting world makes it a delightful summer escape.

We're delighted that this game has made it to the West. And although performance and graphics aren't up to scratch, and the translation is a bit wonky in places, Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid still is very much a playable and enjoyable experience. The game teaches some genuinely valuable lessons and makes you think about life and how we must live it to its fullest. It's a game that shouldn't be rushed through, and the 25-45 minutes it takes to get through each day lends itself perfectly to the Switch. This game isn't for everyone - it's slow in many places and may test your patience - but if what you're looking for is a relaxing experience with lots of freedom and activities at your disposal, then we're sure you'll have a great summer with this one.

Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is a great summery, relaxing time, with an engaging story, decent visual and sound design, and a lot of heart. There is a lot of fun to be had, even with the slightly unbalanced elements like character voicing. For anyone looking for a somewhat nostalgic and cheeky adventure where they can switch off and have a blast, look no further.

Ultimately, I truly enjoyed the time I spent on Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid. It was fitting to play this game slowly throughout the month of August and it was definitely the carefree summer adventure I was looking for. One last thing I’d like to mention, while on the normal time speed, the game days can seem to move a bit too fast to accomplish much. Despite that, I really do suggest enjoying the game at your own pace and playing it as carefree as possible. A new game plus mode is included, where you can transfer your sticker energy and quests you’ve already completed over to a new path. I wouldn’t worry about getting everything possible done in one playthrough. Also, the game has a $15 DLC expansion with more to do and some extra story revolving around a radio station. Unfortunately, I don’t yet have that DLC and can’t tell you whether or not it’s worth the cost. But, if a relaxing slice-of-life summer adventure in a Japanese town back in 1999 sounds like a fun time to you, then I do highly recommend this game. I should also mention that while I did spend 32 hours on the game, I spent most days on the relaxed time speed. So, your playtime with this one may vary and you’ll have to decide for yourself if you think it’s worth $40 for the base game.

Natsu-Mon might not be the best game of the year, but it's destined to be one of the most memorable and affecting. Its emergent storytelling helps you feel like the author of your own adventure. Its seamless open world provides an exciting sense of discovery. And its many quests and quest-givers will keep you engaged for over two dozen hours.

Natsu-mon is a lovely summer getaway, with a ton of adventure packed that is sure to get you nostalgic as you catch bugs, fish, and take a break from your own reality.

Natsu-mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is a heartwarming and magical ode to the long-lost summers of our childhood. It captures the essence of carefree exploration, the simple joys of rural life, and the power of making memories in a place that feels both timeless and alive. Whether you’re solving mysteries with friends, enjoying a quiet moment by the sea, or orchestrating a dazzling circus performance, Natsu-mon transports you to a world where the wonders of the Japanese countryside are yours to discover.

Natsu-Mon! 20th Century Summer Kid is an open-world life simulator I had a lot of fun with. Live summer to the fullest as you explore Yomogi Town. Go climbing, fishing, bug catching, and even treasure hunting to collect everything. Talk to the town and make friends, even solve mysteries and play with spirits. A world of limitless possibilities await you in this nostalgic adventure.

The joy and nostalgia truly make Natsu-Mon shine as an open-world game, and its goal of reminding people how wonderful the world around them can be is refreshing given the doom and gloom we often see in many video games and our lives.

Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid isn't exactly an emotional game, not an action-filled adventure or an extremely intricate story, but it's a game sensible to memories and feelings that many people have experienced during their childhoods, be it in Japan or even in Brazil. Playing has always been good, remembering that age as an adult is also good, and a game that manages to communicate this nostalgic vibe so well to the player is an extreme success for Millenium Kitchen.