[N-Direct] Megami Meguri (Capcom IC card game): details, trailer, screens

3 September 2016 Lite_Agent Capcom, Megami Meguri, Tokyo Game Show, Tokyo Game Show 2016

A few days ago, Capcom a mysterious game for the Nintendo 3DS, that would use the IC Card (such as PASMO, SUICA, etc.) used in public transportation in Japan. That game is actually called Megami Meguri, and was featured in the Japanese Nintendo 3DS presentation on Thursday.

Here’s the very first trailer for it:

The game is about an artifact spirit called Tsukumo, who dwells within an IC Card. Her wish? To become a goddess that will illuminate people, like the Sun itself. By playing, you will help her grow by going on her journey through Japan, in order to grant her wish. While the game uses IC Cards like PASMO, SUICA, etc., one is not required to play (though we assume there are some limitations).

Here’s the characters that will appear in the game (they were designed by Tarou Minoboshi):

Tsukumo (voiced by Ayasa Ito): a novice artifact spirit, who wishes to become a Goddess. Along with you, she goes on a journey under the guidance of Amaterasu (see below for details). The stronger your “friendship” with her, the more her powers will grow. She is described as a pretty friendly person, who always remains optimistic, but she can easily get carried away. She’s pretty determined, and always do things at her own pace.
Amaterasu (voiced by Yuka Ozaki): a goddess whose job is to train other goddesses. She accompanies Tsukumo and you on your journey.

When playing, Tsukumo will ask you (the player) a lot of questions. By doing so, you teach her words, and she remembers them. She then uses those very words in conversations with you. Megami Meguri uses the Megami Speak Engine (developed by Capcom and Toshiba), which gives Tsukumo a “near natural” voice. Anything you input will be read aloud.

But there’s more: thanks to a database, Tsukumo can interpret what yo uwrite, and respond accordingly. This will give you the impression you’re having a “natural” conversation with Tsukumo, especially with her facial expressions (see the artworks below).

Finally, Capcom mentions the seven Goddesses that watch over the human world. To become a full-fledged goddess, Tsukumo will need to pass their trials (what those trials are… we don’t know yet!).

Details translation by Gematsu.

Here’s some screenshots and artworks for the game: