A tourist-style puzzle-solving game called Catrip Ueno is now available in both physical and online stores in Japan. Similar to ARG like Pokemon Go and Pikmin Bloom, Catrip Ueno requires physically going outside, though differs in that you have to go to specific locations to play the game.
Here is a trailer for Catrip Ueno, which you can watch on the Square Enix YouTube channel:
Catrip Ueno costs 2500 JPY ($16.40), and all of the items you’ll need to solve the game’s puzzles will come in a clear bag with the game’s key visual on it. You’ll also need a smartphone, a LINE account, and Internet access. Though you can clear the game with a group of people, everyone in the group will need their own Catrip Ueno kit to participate properly. As well, Square Enix suggests starting your day early if you want to play, since some locations you need to enter to solve the puzzles might close if you’re too late.
The website doesn’t give examples of what types of puzzles to expect. But it involves using the solutions to go to your next location, collecting digital stamps, and advancing the story. The website will also give you hints if you’re stuck. Square Enix advises against asking random people on the street for clues, as not everyone is involved in the game. As you collect stamps, you can also receive coupons to use at stores around Ueno. According to Square Enix, the puzzles are easy enough that children can solve them as well. This makes Catrip Ueno a good game for domestic and international tourists of all ages.
Catrip Ueno is available in Japan. This is the first game in the Catrip series, and Square Enix will add more locations to explore in the future.