Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click, Simulator
- Platforms: Amiga, DOS
Nippon Safes Inc. (1993): A Unique and Humorous Point-and-Click Adventure
Nippon Safes Inc. is a charming and funny point-and-click adventure game released in 1993 by Italian developer Dynabyte. It is the predecessor to the more well-known Big Red Adventure, and shares many of the same features, such as cartoonish graphics, a non-linear plot, and a focus on humor.
In Nippon Safes Inc., players take on the role of three different characters: Doug, the smart safe cracker; Dino, the strong but dim-witted boxer; and Donna, the sexy club dancer. Each character has their own unique story to follow and puzzles to solve, and the player can choose which character to play as first, and which to play as last.
The game takes place in Tokyo, and the player is free to explore the city at their leisure. The game’s world is full of colorful characters and strange events, and the player is never quite sure what to expect around the next corner.
One of the things that makes Nippon Safes Inc. so unique is its icon-based interface. Instead of using a traditional point-and-click interface, the player interacts with the world using a set of icons that represent different actions, such as talking, examining, and using items. This system makes the game very easy to learn and play, and it also adds to the game’s charm.
Another thing that sets Nippon Safes Inc. apart from other adventure games is its non-linear plot. The player is free to explore the game world in any order they choose, and the game’s story will adapt to the player’s choices. This gives the game a great deal of replayability, as players can experience different parts of the story and solve different puzzles depending on the order in which they play the game.
Nippon Safes Inc. is full of Italian humor, and the game is played more like a comedy than a crime-based adventure. The game’s characters are all larger-than-life, and the dialogue is full of puns and slapstick humor. The game’s world is also full of funny and bizarre details, such as a talking dog and a giant robot.
Overall, Nippon Safes Inc. is a charming and funny point-and-click adventure game that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s unique icon-based interface, non-linear plot, and Italian humor make it a truly unique and memorable experience.
Characters
- Doug is the brains of the operation. He’s a safe cracker with a knack for solving puzzles. He’s also the most level-headed of the three characters, and he often has to keep Dino and Donna in line.
- Dino is the muscle of the group. He’s a boxer with a heart of gold, but he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. He’s always getting into trouble, but he’s also always there to help his friends.
- Donna is the beauty of the group. She’s a club dancer with a fiery temper. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, and she’s always up for a good time.
Gameplay
Nippon Safes Inc. is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls one of the three characters and explores the game world, interacting with objects and characters using a set of icons that represent different actions. The game’s puzzles are mostly inventory-based, and the player must often use items in the environment to solve them.
The game’s world is non-linear, and the player is free to explore it in any order they choose. The game’s story will adapt to the player’s choices, and the player can experience different parts of the story and solve different puzzles depending on the order in which they play the game.
Reception
Nippon Safes Inc. was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its unique icon-based interface, non-linear plot, and Italian humor. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Nippon Safes Inc. is considered to be a classic point-and-click adventure game. The game’s unique features and charming humor have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. The game has also been cited as an influence on later adventure games, such as the Broken Sword series and the Monkey Island series.
Fun Facts
- The game’s original title was “Safes Inc.”. The name was changed to “Nippon Safes Inc.” for the international release.
- The game’s characters are based on the developers’ friends and family.
- The game’s music was composed by Italian musician Marco Salvitti.
- The game was released on a variety of platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, DOS, and Macintosh.
- The game was re-released on GOG.com in 2014.
Review Score
8/10