Released exclusively in Japan more than 26 years ago, Ningyo no Rakuin is a Lovecraft-inspired tactical RPG that most Western players have never experienced. A dedicated group of fan translators is finally changing that, with an entirely human-made English patch arriving just in time for Halloween.

Halloween article time!!!

I’ve written a little article about Ningyo no Rakuin, an obscure Japanese PS1 horror RPG from 2000 that’s finally receiving an English fan translation under the title The Curse of Ogaeritō.

Interestingly (to me, at least), the original Japanese name roughly translates to Brand of the Merfolk, although it’s not really a game about mermaids. Instead, it’s heavily inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, particularly The Shadow over Innsmouth, with mysterious cults, disturbing creatures and plenty of cosmic horror. I’ve always found these forgotten Japanese games fascinating, especially when dedicated fans put so much effort into making them accessible to English-speaking players. With the translation arriving just in time for Halloween, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to cover a little of the game’s history and the people responsible for bringing it back into the spotlight!

Hope some here enjoy this one :)

  • massive_bereavement@fedia.io
    2·
    2 days ago

    Fantastic recommendation! Way before H.P. Lovecraft cast his quite racist eyes towards the sea in horror, Japanese folklore had a long list of stories with many horrific sea creatures. I do remember vibidly that capturing a mermaid will spell one of the worst fates to those who attempt it.

    Maybe that’s why Call of Chtulhu is so popular as a ttrpg.