Tsukibito (ツキビト) is an adventure game developed by SNK Playmore for the Nintendo DS. It was revealed for the first time at the 2008 Tokyo Game Show and was released on August 6, 2009. The target audience for this title are teenagers or younger gamers.
The game's story is about "Tsukibito", supernatural beings that the normal human eye cannot see, and the young girl who can see them. It is advertised as a "heartful adventure" with a mysterious demonic fantasy twist.
Tsukibito is given a passing mention in the DS version of the ninth Days of Memories title.
Hirota and Wang formerly worked on the Shadow Hearts series developed by Sacnoth.
Gameplay
The story is split into ten chapters, each exploring a different part of the town where the story takes place.
Every action determined by the player needs to use the touch screen of the DS. There are no button commands to substitute for it.
Once the protagonist cuts her hair, she is given the task of handling the townspeople's problems (or "Komari Goto") written on wooden boards at the northern shrine. She has to find each resident for each request and needs to handle the problem found with their respective tsukibito. During her search, she needs to talk to other residents to get an idea of the poster's whereabouts.
During sporadic parts of the game, the protagonist will check the online community board to get hints on the local news. She does this by breezing through comments mailed to her cellphone.
When the protagonist is traveling through the town, she explores each spot one at a time. These areas are indicated as green spots during the map view of the town. Each spot offers an individual render on the touch screen for the specific area. There are also three icons listed at the bottom of the touch screen during this screen. The one on the left displays the strengths and current attitude of the player's tsukibito. The middle icon allows the player to save. The farthest right icon allows the player to switch between the map or cutaway screen.
Touching an object of interest while in a secluded spot will have the protagonist search and identify it. People can exchange conversations with Kyoko if the player touches them.
As a resident speaks to their audience, their emotions emerge as food for their listener's tsukibito. These colored orbs emerge as "Ki Mochi" (a pun of "feelings" and "rice cakes"). Ki Mochi is labeled by categories and colors representing emotions (happiness, doubt, fear, sadness, ect.) and are used to level up the protagonist's own tsukibito. Leveling up the protagonist's tsukibito powers up its dances against other tsukibito (see below). There are times when the protagonist will be exempt from having Ki Mochi float towards her, meaning that she won't always benefit from every conversation.
When the protagonist finds the tsukibito who is causing the problem, she tells her own tsukibito to convince it to right itself. Tsukibito solve their disagreements through dances. Each dance is done in a "monkey see, monkey do" fashion. First, the opposing tsukibito will dance their respective steps shown at the bottom of the dual screen. The protagonist's tsukibito is then asked to mimic it with the cards available on the touch screen. Precise timing from the player will do more "damage" to the opposing tsukibito; missing decreases their own tsukibito's power. The player has a limited amount of time to successfully defeat another tsukibito. To sample a rough dance sequence, click on the mini-game option on the official website and select the left option in the pop-up window.
At times, the protagonist will need to say her thoughts to pass an obstacle. This triggers the "Koto no Ha Battle", or word battle. She needs to first pick a sentence to say to respond to her foe. After selecting this sentence, she is then asked to formulate the syllables and words together. If she makes a mistake, she won't say anything and will lose her foothold in the argument. The goal is to successfully convince the opposing party of her side on things.
Characters
Main Characters
Tsukibito image at 2008 TGS.
Kyoko - default name for female protagonist (name can be changed by player). When the game begins, she has long hair that covers her face and wears a long dress. Constantly ridiculed for being awkward and too weird, several residents of the town complain on the community blog about her, a few eventually saying that she should just disappear. Having little faith in herself and unable to stand it, she starts the game in desperate need of help. Intending to hang herself over the cliff at the city's northern shrine, she forgets the stool she needs to reach the noose she tied. She mysteriously finds a boy hanging from the noose when she returns and saves him. Soon after, she is informed of the existence of tsukibito and has her hair drastically cut short. Forced to reinvent herself at the tsukibito's request, Kyoko tries to solve any problems found amongst the tsukibito floating near residents.
Kagami - a pale haired boy with a pale complexion, he is first saved by Kyoko from her own noose. Since he is unable to remember anything about himself, he mainly moans or makes baby-like sounds when he talks. At a lost with what to do with him, Kyoko decides to take care of him at her home and fibs that he is her cousin to curious residents. She learns his name through the community board, which reports that Kagami has been missing from school. He likes to follow Kyoko around, also being able to see tsukibito and occasionally coming to her rescue. When a nearby tsukibito wants to talk to Kyoko, Kagami is usually the person possessed by them. Later in the game, he is able to actually speak words when he remembers more about himself.
Saki - Kyoko's best friend and classmate who is known as a cheery and pretty girl at school. Worried for Kyoko, she defends her from being bullied. Saki has the mysterious ability to erase a person's memories yet she tries to keep her talents hidden.
Mamoru - a boy who somehow possesses a working knowledge of tsukibito and is fascinated by Kyoko. He asks her a series of questions regarding her relationship with Kagami, seeming interested in the girl's answers. Acts cool until he hears Kyoko praise Kagami.
N Association Members - mischievous children in town who are able to see tsukibito. They are easily recognizable by the multi zipper hoodies they wear. Unlike Kyoko, they desire to control tsukibito as they see them as dangerous threats to the everyday lives for people. Their leader is a member who is identified by the name Hector.
Tsukibito
Tsukibito are beings that influence the attitude of the person they float over. They are supernatural beings, neither ghosts or fairies, that have no physical form yet have distinct personalities and abilities of their own. They nickname themselves as tsukibito since they make an inexplicable impression (tsuki) on humans. It becomes troublesome for people if tsukibito make a mistake or float over a completely different person.
Tsuki Mushi - tiny cloud shaped tsukibito that carry people's emotions in themselves and become Ki Mochi. They carry no distinct traits of their own and often become food for other tsukibito. It follows the visitor's cursor for the flash intensive version of the official website.
Kokoro Utsurushi - Kyoko's mute tsukibito friend who has been following her since the beginning of the game. A white being with a huge open mouth, it influences Kyoko's easy-going yet strong willed traits. It has the unique ability to devour Ki Mochi and become stronger with the emotions carried in its food.
Futa Pieru - the leader of the Tsukimono Nushi, tsukibito dedicated to granting the wishes of the townspeople. It retains a personality of its own and resides in Kagura Town's shrine, gently watching over the residents. It is the tsukibito responsible for cutting Kyoko's hair -severing the negative tsukibito feeding on her thoughts- and introducing her to tsukibito. It gives Kyoko new Komari Goto to fulfill in his stead.
Narashi - tiny yellow tsukibito who roughly resembles a dog in appearance. It likes to follow people who strongly don't want to go to important events or those who have a flatulence problem. It compels the person it floats over to break wind more often, in hopes to relieve that person's stress.
Oregamichi - cloud-like tsukibito who floats over people who "change the atmosphere" in someway. It can affect the person attached to it with two extreme methods. If the person is moping, it can make them depressed and fidgety. A happy person will turn into a vibrant and passionate leader.
Warai Nodotsubo - gourd-shaped being who follows those with nervous giggles or those who laugh a lot. It loves to create smiles and laughter, even if its own face is sadly incapable of doing the same.
Hibikinashi - monkey-like tsukibito who adheres to people good in sports. It isn't very good at expressing its own thoughts, but it can run at a mad pace if needed. It's hard to get close to this particular tsukibito.
Kira Hoshiai - glamorous rabbit-like being who likes to be near those who consider themselves feminine. It also loves womanly charms and makes the person it floats over express them flamboyantly with pride.
Hitome Boreru - butterfly inspired being who flies over popular people or those well liked in the entertainment business. They mysteriously seem to be responsible for the person's boost in popularity.
Megariki - a gelatinous cyclops tsukibito who normally floats over local punks and models. Akin to the gorgons in Greek mythology, Megariki has the ability to petrify people who meet their gaze. When looking though the eyes of a normal person, its as if the audience is mesmerized or grasped by a sinking feeling of fear.
Chabashira Tachimakuri - three green skinny tsukibito who love people with money. They are greedy and love to see things being built for them. The people they float over go into a craze because of all the money they seem to get with them.
Moe Calorie - plump looking tsukibito who loves to eat. It is a bottomless pit for food, liking to stick close to competitive food eaters and people who eat a lot. Conversely, they can also be capricious for their diet and will float over models instead. People who have this being floating near them will eat a ridiculous amount of food and never gain a single gram of weight on them. The downside is that they will always feel hungry.
Yotteke - a godsend to failing and worn down businesses, this tsukibito likes to visit empty stores and make them instantly bustle with rows of customers. It does this mainly because it likes to fill in empty places and for the indirect thanks it gets from business owners.
Hikari no Zuna - a middle-classed Tsukimono Nushi residing at a miniature shrine in the second district of the town. It considers itself to be a little more responsible than Futa Pieru since it actively tries to solve problems with the tsukibito in town. It helps Kyoko during her searches after it introduces itself and asks her to participate in the Tsukibito Festival with Kokoro Utsurushi.
Chikuri Tosuri - twin tsukibito who dearly understand the human heart and offer sage words of encouragement. Due to their traits, they like to follow people who are fortune tellers, consolers, and other such professionals who give advice to others. They playfully form the letters "UE" (or "up") during their dance sequence.
Sekaidehitori - blue-and-white tsukibito who likes to be by itself. Thus, it floats over people who are in their own little world and get tired by talking with others, such as spies, artists, and other unique trades.
Otohiroi - a tsukibito with huge disc shaped ears who can discern even the tiniest of sounds apart from one another. It works well with sound tuners and musicians. If it uses its powers too strongly however, it'll make the person it hovers over nearly deaf.
Pachikedachi - electric type tsukibito who likes to stick near people who use up a lot of electricity. It seems to have the power to conduct power as well.
Kuro no Otsukai - small dark tsukibito. They resonate with the grief, envy, and anger found within humans. When a normal person is inflicted with too many of them, they will think gloomy thoughts and will have a hard time thinking optimistically. It's best for these tsukibito to be removed once they gather in large groups. These tsukibito used to inhibit Kyoko's hair until Futa Pieru chopped most of it off (alternatively Kagami based on the player's responses).
Sora no Waikara - white puffy tsukibito who likes to invoke inspiration. It hovers near people who always seems to be creative and can make ideas on the fly. However, if they get angry, they will put the person they hover in a horrible creative slump.
Aki no Tsubone - the third Tsukimono Nushi in Kagura Town who is the only one among them who identifies itself as a female. She resides in the shrine carved into the old, giant tree in the third district of town. She often sleeps and naps, hoping to one day erase her tsukibito existence. The place where she sleeps is the base for the giant tree surrounding her.
Idatenko - tsukibito with long green legs who has never-ending endurance. Since they often seem to get picked on, they perfected a superb dash to use in any situation. They work well with gofers and people who need to run to places quickly.
Nukani Kuikuki - a tsukibito who lives at its own pace and not anyone else's. If someone crosses them in the slightest way, they get a little upset. They like to head toward people who aren't assertive of themselves to make them stand a little taller.
Tsutsusumashi - an easy going tsukibito who only takes a little of everything. However, if it thinks that it might be forgotten for being so humble, it takes desperate measures in order to get noticed.
Ganteshi - tsukibito with a pig-like appearance who is interested in any knowledge, be it common place or lost tidbits to the public eye. It likes to share its findings, but it may come off as being too arrogant and will only upset others. It goes well with people who give information for a living, such as researchers and historians.
Dekasoshow - a huge squid-like tsukibito who is a passive yet friendly type. It can easily spot honesty and integrity, and can impart their genuine thoughts to others gently. It is an ideal match for teachers as it naturally mentors others.
Keoritsuki - tsukibito with a clown-like face. It hates its own appearance yet loves to be near every animal it comes across, including insects. Ideally matched with animal lovers or veterinarians.
Omoininai - tsukibito with a profound brain, it acts like anything bad that happened to it "never happened" and forgets it. It hangs around cheerful and bright women who glaze over awkward events with a simple smile. When pushed to extremes, it can elongate its legs and radiate a purple energy from its brain. This makes those within its range -people and tsukibito included- completely forget an event that occurred.
Sottosasaeru - a loving tsukibito who kindly supports those who really need it. It gives babies the courage to take their first steps, calms the elderly with weak hearts, and comforts those who feel pressured by sports. It can also give an extra peck of bravery to those confessing to their loved ones for the first time.
Zottosasaeru - the lone giant version of the Sottosasaeru, it supports the roots of trees and guards the entire town. Never relenting from its job as a protector, it can only be found in select places of the town. It is strong enough to retain a solid shape at all times, and it can even be felt by those who can't see tsukibito.
Kofuta Peiru - an upright tsukibito who likes to save new organizations and fearless drivers. It likes to experience the strange and unknown to learn new things. If it lives a century while being true to its beliefs, it will one day mature to be a Futa Pieru.
Muscle Thrilling - an adventurous tsukibito who is unaffected by any illness or negative behaviors. It's also an expert at using everything found in nature, whether it be as a poison or a medicine. It works well with survivors in dangerous environments.
Kuro no Otsukani - the fourth hidden Tsukimono Nushi in Kagura Town who understands both sides of the human heart. It has an enormous amount of power, but it is avoided by humans since it easily shows them their deepest inner fears. It isn't good with light and always resides in the shadows.
Ookunitsuki - the king of all tsukibito and the eldest of all Tsukimono Nushi. He is said to have been born from dreams in the town. He keeps balance in the people's hearts and eats as many negative feelings as he can. However, since he hasn't moved at all in twelve years, the bad feelings within him have affected his appearance and mind greatly.
Residents in Town
Kyoko's parents - her father is a reporter and photographer and her mother is traveling with him. For the majority of the game, Kyoko lives alone at her home with an amnesic Kagami.
Mister Kihara - Insisting to be called Mister and not "-san", he is an older gentlemen who likes to entertain with his library of scary stories. He tells Kyoko and her friends about the ghost story surrounding an abandoned building in town. He is the self insert of Hirokatsu Kihara.
Mysterious Man - a young mysterious man who always hangs out at the town's bridge with his fishing pole. He is unemployed but he is very knowledgeable about mythology, local gossip, and the town's history. The town's residents don't know his name yet the school girls remark that he is unbelievably handsome for someone who doesn't seem to have a house. When Kyoko is lost, he kindly encourages her to proceed forward. He is the self insert of Kazunari Suzuki.
Gallery
Tsukibito-kihara.jpg|Kihara in Tsukibito artstyle (different than one in game)
Tsukibito-suzuki.jpg|Suzuki in Tsukibito artstyle (different than one in game)
