Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town Reviews
The successful execution of these elements is almost enough to distract you from the game’s highly basic and low-impact gameplay for a while, but not entirely. Even with the introduction of more minigames and narrative situations, the game remains a highly consistent experience for better and worse. Still, if Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town looks like a game for you, chances are good you’ll have a great time settling in and immersing yourself in its simplistic charm.
Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a charming little adventure that brings back childhood memories of carefree summer holidays. The beautifully drawn landscapes paired with the classic Shin chan humour is bound to put a smile on your face no matter what.
Review in German | Read full review
Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a fantastic adventure game in that it is laid back, funny, and easy enough to be enjoyed by just about everyone be they child or senior. You might not know who Shin-chan is, but don’t let that stop you from taking it easy and looking up once in a while. ∎
Soapboxing aside, Shiro and the Coal Town is legitimately interesting and has a pretty sizable tail for a game of this style. There’s tons to discover, the jokes that aren’t inherently problematic are funny (and the puns are even better if you know a touch of Japanese), and it runs wonderfully on the Switch. I can easily see this being an investable game for people looking for a marathon, not a sprint, and it’ll be more easily recognizable for younger players.
In the sea of anime-based games, it's rare to find one that combines the freshness of the authors' ideas with a simple purpose, without hundreds of secrets that complicate or destroy the story as it progresses. For this reason, this game is a pleasant experience.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a charming, visually appealing game suitable for all ages, though its simplicity and short day-night cycle can make the gameplay feel repetitive at times.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Truly, I hadn’t expected to like Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town as much as I do. I was never a big fan of the little boy when my daughter wanted to watch the anime many years ago, so I was a bit sceptical. But I have really warmed up to him, even though he is still a strange little boy. The game is full of details, little adventures and bigger mysteries. Some of the interactions made me smile, and I was never left frustrated or in a rush. I took my time uncovering it all, and it was a grand journey. This is a serious contender for my Game of the Year 2024! Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is not for gamers who want to be bowled over by fast-paced action or striving for bigger and better goals. Instead, this is a game to curl up with on the couch and see Shin chan’s world with a kind of childlike wonder. If you want to know more about this game, don’t miss our interview with Akira Nagashima, the producer of the game.
“ This is a game I want to keep playing forever.”
More of a sidegrade than an upgrade to its predecessor, the inherent appeal of Shin-chan, Japanese countrysides and summertime lollygagging come through enough to keep me captivated by the series.
Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is not a game that comes with great bombast. It is a calm, almost meditative experience that impresses above all with its charming atmosphere and variety of small activities. Fans of the series will love Shin chan and his adventures, but players looking for a relaxed adventure will also find a welcome change of pace here. The coal town with its many secrets and nostalgic atmosphere will go down particularly well with players who have a fondness for Japanese culture and life simulations.
Review in German | Read full review
Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is another laid-back and charming title like its predecessor and the Boku no Natsuyasumi series before it. There’s lots to do and no pressure to get anything done, making for a bountiful title that lets you do what you want, when you want, as much as you want. It’s a great game to relax with, and worth grabbing if you need a break between bigger and more fast-paced games.