Title - Tokimeki Memorial
Alternative title(s) - "Exciting Romance Memorial" (if you want a rough translation)
Genre(s) - Ren'ai
Platform(s) - Arcade, Saturn, Super Famicom and Play Station as well as the computer
This game has two side titles: "Densetsu no Ki no Shita de" which is seen on the Super Famicom version meaning "The Legend of the Tree Down Below" and "Forever With You" for every other one. Don't worry. They're the same game. Oh and as for a rough translation, it means along the lines of "Romantic Opportunity Memorial".
"Tokimeki Memorial" or "Tokimemo" as many fans call it, is a ren'ai game by Konami. Believe it or not, someone told me that there was an arcade machine of this game in Japan. You had sensors to work with. For example, as you wore the sensors, if you were acting nervous, the girl would be asking you if you're blushing. Talk about realism there.
Anyway, "Tokimemo" came out for the Super Famicom in 1996. Before then, you were also able to see it on the Sega Saturn and the Play Station. The series started out as a computer game in 1994. It was because of this game you see many ren'ai/visual novel spinoffs in Japan right now like "Kanon", "Sakura Taisen", "Air", "To Heart" and so forth.
One of the games I've always wanted to play was "Tokimeki Memorial". Why? I always wondered what it was like to play a ren'ai game in general. I picked "Tokimemo" because this happens to be the most popular ren'ai series in Japan. Well, after playing a rom, now I know why this happens to be popular.
Story: You are a male 10th grader entering Kirameki High School. (Japanese high schools start in the 10th grade and end in the 12th grade, unlike high schools in the United States and other countries out west.) What's interesting is that you happen to see Fujisaki Shiori, the main character of this game. You two were childhood friends, but as time passed by you two went your separate ways. Well, this is probably the last chance you will finally confess your love to her.
The main focus point is a tree. Legend has it that if you confess your love to a girl under this legendary tree, your life will be filled with eternal happiness. That's why the Super Famicom's side title is called that way.
Of course there are several other girls that check you out and you make some male friends along the way like Saotome Yoshio. At first, you may think that Injuin Rei looks like a long lost Bogard brother, but Rei is actually a girl who has to dress like a boy and she will be there to guide you as well. Anyway, you have a decision to make. Are you going after Shiori or someone else? If you're aiming at Shiori, she will be one hard girl to please.
You now decide your fate. Choose one of the beautiful girls carefully. The list is down below.
Fujisaki Shiori
Kisagari Mio
Him
Yuina
Katagiri Ayako
Nijino Saki
Koshiki Yukari
Kiyokawa Nozomi
Kagami Mira
Asahina Y
ko
Mikihara Megumi
Saotome Yumi (Yup. This is Yoshio's sister.)
Tatebayashi Miharu
Remember that this is only a video game. This is not reality. You can wish this game happens to be reality, but there's no way your request will come true. ^_^
How to play: All I can say is, you better have a Japanese-English dictionary ready, like I do because majority of the text is in Japanese. Also, it's best if you actually know a little Japanese. What's so simple is that you press A to accept an action for the most part.
Some interesting points about "Tokimemo" before I start giving out scores:
- The most recent "Tokimemo" game is "Tokimeki Memorial: Girl's Side". It's pretty much like any "Tokimemo" game, expect that this time, you are a girl who tries to find a good boyfriend.
- Word has it that "Tokimeki Memorial: Girl's Side" will have a sequel.
- I heard somewhere that the next game of the series will be a pachinko game.
Fun - 9
You have to try and build up your stats.
Stamina, Humanities, Science, Art, Athletics, General Knowledge, Appearance, Perseverance, and Stress
You also have your commands.
Humanities, Science, Arts, Exercise, Socialize, Fashion and Rest
Every command can increase and decrease various stats. The Arts command can increase arts (obviously) and sometimes general knowledge points, but your athletics points will drop for example. So pick your commands carefully.
So, what is the game in a nutshell? The concept is spiffy. The problem is well, it is so frustrating to make every girl happy. I guess you can't help it though. Some girls are easy to get like Yko, Ayako and Nozomi, while others are hard like Shiori obviously and Mio.
Life - 10
Well, if you must get every girl, I don't see why not. This sure is one game you'll be hooked on for a while. There's no doubt about that.
Story - 10
You get the chance to go out with one of twelve girls (as well as some others). This was very original back then. "Tokimeki Memorial" is the god father of ren'ai games.
Audio - 9
The music fits the game. Yoshi's theme is pretty catchy and Shiori's is calm. Yukari's came out of nowhere, but it's fine.
There's not much voice acting if you play the Super Famicom version, which is the only reason why I subtracted a point. You'll only hear Shiori's ''Ohay!'' call when you continue a saved file. I shouldn't be surprised, considering that we're dealing with cartridges and not compact discs here. If you want voice acting, go and play the Play Station port. You can hear Ueda Yji-san as Yoshio for example.
The sound effects are great overall. You have your high school bells and other sound effects. Right on the spot!
Art - 10
The art is nice overall. You have an anime-like surrounding. Sometimes, I wondered if I am actually playing an anime. Anyway, I do like the portraits of everyone. I like the portrait of your room. Is there a matter to complain about? No.
Control - 10
This is a very easy game to learn. Just raise your stats to impress your particular girl. There are not many complaints here. The side games can make you perform mistakes once in a while, but that's about it.
Overall - 10
If you are able to get a copy of "Tokimeki Memorial", please treasure it. This is one of the most important games in the gaming world ever. You bet that was a serious statement! I'll say it again. This is one of the most important games in the gaming world ever! Ever!
+
You have to love the concepts, the surroundings, and the feel overall.
-
It's hard to please every girl.
Date of creation - 2/4/03
Last update - 8/11/04