Boku no Natsuyasumi 3 Review - Part 2

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Boku no Natsuyasumi 3 for the PS3 captures a great deal of childhood nostalgia in it's portrayal of childhood discovery, but it further recreates that experience of discovery for a non-Japanese gamer in the present. People say that the best introduction to another culture is to stay with a host family so you can experience first-hand what daily life is like. Nothing could be closer to having the opportunity to home stay in Japan in video game form than Boku no Natsuyasumi 3.

From the moment you perform "rajio taiso" (radio calisthenics) in the morning, to the moment you say "oyasuminasai" at night, you are being introduced in a very honest way to the culture of Japan as remembered by native Japanese. You are able to glimpse a view of Japan through the eyes of those now in their 40s looking back into their own pasts. As a foreigner this is simply fascinating and a priceless experience to be able to have in the comfort of your home via a Playstation 3 game.

You may imagine Japanese family meals conducted at a short table with everyone sitting on the floor. That's exactly the way it is in Boku no Natsuyasumi 3. The variety of Japanese meals is both mouthwatering and authentic. The time at the kitchen table is also an important time when the family is together and can provide you with information. Often-times you can learn about things to do during the day or things you may have missed out on. You can sometimes accept opportunities to participate in events with others.

There are a great number of events that demonstrate something about Japanese culture as well as add fun and interest to the game. There are some typical summer events such as the "test of courage", but most events are more personal having to do with the people you meet. Don't let me spoil them for you, rather you should play the game and discover what you can for yourself.

Activities you can perform include Japanese children's games like playing gomu (similar to skipping rope with a large rubber band), a clapping game called "Se-se-se" (a.k.a 10,000 feet up in the Alps), and beetle sumo where you pit beetles (and various other fighting insects) on a platform where they can either push the other off or tire the other out. The collection elements of the game introduce you to a variety of Japanese bugs and fish faithfully reproduced on the PS3. There are a number of animals to meet including ushi (cow), tsubame (swallow), niwatori (chicken), risu (squirrel), hitsuji (sheep), kuma (bear), and kitsune (fox).

If you are remotely interested in Japanese culture I'd highly recommend playing Boku no Natsuyasumi 3 on the PS3. If you'd like to learn more please continue to the next part of my review of Boku no Natsuyasumi 3 - Part 3. Or you may go back to my Boku no Natsuyasumi 3 Review for PS3.