Shujinkou (2025)

Developer: Rice Games Inc
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Genres: Adventure, RPG, Strategy
Rating: 4.6 of 5, 25 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 23 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A methodical turn-based JRPG that gradually teaches Japanese through dungeon crawling and story, with a lighthearted yet earnest tone.

educationalstory richatmosphericturn-basedwhimsicalslow-pacedlanguage learningexplorative

What players say

Players appreciate Shujinkou as a solid dungeon crawler that integrates Japanese learning into its mechanics, though some say it cannot replace other study methods. A few report crashes, especially around a drawing practice feature, and some find the $60 price hard to justify. Players also praise the music and say the game works well for those prone to motion sickness.

Screenshots

More games like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.