Reminiscent Game 'InKonbini' Echoes Retail Experience of 'Shenmue'
Reminiscent Game 'InKonbini' Echoes Retail Experience of 'Shenmue'
Since I got my mitts on a North American version of Shenmue way back in 2000, I've been yearning for a similar dose of pleasant, homely small-town sentiment. Essentially, I was thinking, maybe I should give it another go. If you've played it, you know.
Sega's Yakuza series does deliver a decent measure of that fondness, seeing as they embrace the bizarre Japanese character of Shenmue to some degree, especially within their strange charm. However, those titles aren't exactly cozy, unless you count frequent visits to in-game arcades or shops—outside the main storyline, that is, which feels somewhat removed from the contained, homely atmosphere of Shenmue.
Numerous cozy games have surfaced since then, primarily through the indie scene (Sun Haven, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons), but none have managed to capture the enigmatic charm that made me adore Shenmue so deeply. That is, until I saw the trailer for the retail simulation game InKonbini, which appears to be a recreation of Ryo's Dreamcast adventure, but this time limited to a Tokyo-inspired convenience store.
I just stumbled upon InKonbini: One Store. Many Stories. recently, having stumbled upon the Game Awards video on X. The game's striking similarities to Shenmue immediately piqued my interest, and it makes sense given that founding developer of Nagai Industries Dima Shen "has been infatuated with the unassuming Tomato Convenience Store [from Shenmue] since he was a teen."
Rock Paper Shotgun labeled the game as "immediately charming and an absolutely shameless daydream," as well as "eerie," citing the game's surreal, frozen-in-time atmosphere, which could be a desperate tribute to an older game.
There's a chance that this fondness might veer into toxic territory, where imitation becomes a disheartening melancholy. Perhaps even tragic art. I haven't played the game yet, so I can only base my impressions on these hesitant opinions, so it remains to be seen if InKonbini offers more inspired joy or nostalgic grasping.
According to the game's Steam page,
InKonbini: One Store. Many Stories is a cozy narrative-driven simulation game about connection, nostalgia, and the understated beauty of everyday life.
Play as Makoto Hayakawa, a college student who gets a job behind the counter of a small-town convenience store set in a vibrant, 1990s-inspired backdrop.
Discover the wonders hidden behind the typical routine of a konbini worker, explore every nook and cranny within the store, and help your customers manage their lives through meaningful conversations with various choices.
Similar to Shenmue, the game takes place in retro Japan, but instead of the 1980s, it's the edgy 1990s. From what I can discern, the story doesn't revolve around avenging a murdered father or anything, which is refreshing to see, especially given the lack of... murder? Instead, the narrative revolves around managing the store, meeting interesting customers and discovering their passions and struggles. The focus on other people is quite Shenmue-like, now that I think about it. And as we know, Tom's hot dog stand didn't just serve glizzies without customers getting to know the man behind the grill, and that was meaningful to us '90s kids.
ASMR is mentioned on the game's website—and not some twisted prison guard roleplay that you stash away in a hidden YouTube playlist—so this project aims to be a soothing one, rooted in the "Japanese concept ichi-go, ichi-e (one time, one meeting) at the heart of the experience." Publisher and developer Nagai Industries also highlight how player choices will shape the story's direction, and the main focus will be on meaningful dialogue and the meditation of routine.
The trailer is filled with smooth jazz, cozy lighting, and kind locals coming in to buy their daily necessities. Rain is pouring outside, but inside, it's a haven of warmth and comfort. The idea of finding sanctuary in a welcoming, secure place during a storm remains incredibly comforting. So, while early criticism tempers my excitement, being a passionate Shenmue fan, I can't deny my tinges of anticipation. Even if it turns out to be an outrageous copycat, basing an entire game on a virtual convenience store inspired by 25-year-old Dreamcast software and real stores in Japan could be balls-to-the-wall insane, in a good way.
InKonbini is slated to release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch and Steam at some point in 2025.
After discovering the trailer for the retail simulation game InKonbini, reminiscent of Shenmue's Dreamcast adventure, I started to consider playing it again. The game's developer, Nagai Industries, has expressed a deep fascination with Shenmue's Tomato Convenience Store, even mentioning that their founder, Dima Shen, was a fan since his teenage years.
To my surprise, I learned that InKonbini will be available for purchase at an inconbini, a classic Japanese convenience store. This setting is reminiscent of Shenmue, offering a nostalgic throwback to the 1990s, much like Shenmue's retro Japan setting. While InKonbini doesn't revolve around avenging a murdered father, it does focus on meeting interesting customers and their passions, similar to Shenmue's interaction with Tom's hot dog stand.