TGS 2009: Jigen Kairou Hands-On
Jigen Kairou is a curious PSP game that was on display at this year's Tokyo Game Show, although it's doubtful it will ever see a Western release. Developed by Japan Studio, it looks and feels like an updated, but different version of Echo Chrome.
In what appears to be a quickly developing concept, the gameplay focuses on time as the main element. Players are given access to nine different versions of themselves, which can be used to solve puzzles. The key here is that there is only a limited amount of time for each character's usage, and there are some puzzles that just need more than one person to complete.
To do this, players can fulfil a mini-objective, then start off with a new character. For example, if there is a bridge that needs to be crossed, but it isn't displaying, the first character can press a switch to make the bridge appear. Then, when the second character is playing through, the first character is playing out their actions, so by the time the second character gets to the bridge, it should then be there. It sounds like a very simple concept, but it can get exceedingly complicated, and all nine characters will be necessary to complete some of the later puzzles.
It seems like the kind of game that will definitely challenge people, and it certainly isn't for the faint of heart in terms of difficulty. The art style is similar to Echo Chrome, except there are now plenty of colours present in the gameplay to make things more vibrant. The gameplay is present in a 2D fashion, and it's possible to scout out the level before it begins. This is definitely a crucial facet of the game, as without it, there would be even more trial and error involved.
Ultimately, Jigen Kairou presents an interesting concept, and while it might not necessarily be anything drastically new, it's still implemented well. It seems like a game that would be perfect to play on the go, as the levels are all relatively short due to the time restrictions. As previously pointed out though, there are currently no plans for a Western release, which is a shame.
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