Tantei Jinguji Saburo (series)
Encyclopedia
Jake Hunter, known in Japan
as is a mystery-adventure game series originally developed by Data East
in , and later developed by WorkJam and other companies.
Despite its popularity in Japan, only one of its games have been released overseas: Tantei Jingūji Saburō DS: Inishie no Kioku was retitled and released in North America
on June 11, 2008 by Aksys Games
as Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles. The game was rereleased on May 26, 2009 as Jake Hunter Detective Story: Memories of the Past, which contains the original three cases with new translations to improve the original game content, plus three new cases, and a large number of unlockables including comics.
for the Family Computer Disk System. Numerous sequels have been released since then, and the series marked its 20th anniversary in 2007 by releasing a new title for the Nintendo DS
. According to Enterbrain
, the franchise has sold over 2,220,000 copies in total, making it one of the longest standing and best-selling Japanese adventure game series in history.
scenarios to set itself apart from other adventure games of the time. Kazushige Nojima
, the scenario writer of Final Fantasy VII
, wrote the scenarios for the 3rd and 4th installments of the series. Time played an important role in the Famicom games, as each command selected by the player caused a certain amount of time to elapse within the game, and failure to solve the mystery during the allotted time period would result in a bad ending. This time system was later revived in the 7th installment of the series.
. The series was revamped with improved graphics and sound made possible by the use of the CD-ROM disk, and featured voice acting
for the first time.
went bankrupt, permanently halting production of many of its game series. WorkJam took over production of Tantei Jingūji Saburō, and the series continued with two games released for the PlayStation 2
and two games released as mobile phone applications. There are currently 12 console games in the entire series and 16 mobile phone games; 4 of which are remakes from the console releases.
in Japanese versions). He was born as the third son of a wealthy business enterprise owner, and traveled to New York
during his youth to work as an assistant detective. He is a heavy smoker, and often assembles his thoughts while smoking a Marlboro cigarette. According to his in-game profile, his favorite alcoholic beverage is cognac
, and he drives a green Mini Cooper.
Other recurring characters include: Yulia Marks (known in Japan as ), Jake's assistant, and Scott Kingsley (known in Japan as ), the inspector of the Aspicio police.
, Akio Ōtsuka, Jūrōta Kosugi
, and Kaoru Katō. Yōko's character has been voiced by Tsumugi Ōsawa, Yōko Saitō, Fumiko Orikasa
, and Kazue Nakamoto. Other notable voice actors include Fumihiko Tachiki
, Kōji Ishii
, and Masaaki Tsukada
as Sanzō Kumano.
and Famitsu Bunko
). Four soundtrack CDs have also been released.
The first four games in the series were ported to the Wii
's Virtual Console
exclusively in Japan.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
as is a mystery-adventure game series originally developed by Data East
Data East
also abbreviated as DECO, was a Japanese video game developer and publisher. The company was in operation from 1976 to 2003, when it declared bankruptcy...
in , and later developed by WorkJam and other companies.
Despite its popularity in Japan, only one of its games have been released overseas: Tantei Jingūji Saburō DS: Inishie no Kioku was retitled and released in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
on June 11, 2008 by Aksys Games
Aksys Games
Aksys Games Localization, Inc. is a video game publisher that specializes in translating and localizing Japanese video games for English-speaking markets. It was founded by Akibo Shieh in 2006. Some of its clients include Namco Bandai Games, Xseed Games, and Atlus USA. Aksys Games is best known for...
as Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles. The game was rereleased on May 26, 2009 as Jake Hunter Detective Story: Memories of the Past, which contains the original three cases with new translations to improve the original game content, plus three new cases, and a large number of unlockables including comics.
History
The first game of the series, was released in 1987 by Data EastData East
also abbreviated as DECO, was a Japanese video game developer and publisher. The company was in operation from 1976 to 2003, when it declared bankruptcy...
for the Family Computer Disk System. Numerous sequels have been released since then, and the series marked its 20th anniversary in 2007 by releasing a new title for the Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
. According to Enterbrain
Enterbrain
is a Japanese magazine publisher established on April 1, 2000. Enterbrain magazines are generally focused on video games and computer entertainment as well as video game and strategy guides. In addition, the company publishes a small selection of anime artbooks. Enterbrain is based in Tokyo, Japan...
, the franchise has sold over 2,220,000 copies in total, making it one of the longest standing and best-selling Japanese adventure game series in history.
Family Computer
Tantei Jingūji Saburō debuted on the Family Computer with advanced graphics, sound effects, and distinct hardboiledHardboiled
Hardboiled crime fiction is a literary style, most commonly associated with detective stories, distinguished by the unsentimental portrayal of violence and sex. The style was pioneered by Carroll John Daly in the mid-1920s, popularized by Dashiell Hammett over the course of the decade, and refined...
scenarios to set itself apart from other adventure games of the time. Kazushige Nojima
Kazushige Nojima
is a Japanese game scenario writer and is the founder of Stellavista Ltd.. He is best known for writing parts of Square Enix's Final Fantasy video game series—namely Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy X-2—and the Kingdom Hearts series...
, the scenario writer of Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII
is a role-playing video game developed by Square and published by Sony Computer Entertainment as the seventh installment in the Final Fantasy series. It was originally released in 1997 for the Sony PlayStation and was re-released in 1998 for Microsoft Windows-based personal computers and in 2009...
, wrote the scenarios for the 3rd and 4th installments of the series. Time played an important role in the Famicom games, as each command selected by the player caused a certain amount of time to elapse within the game, and failure to solve the mystery during the allotted time period would result in a bad ending. This time system was later revived in the 7th installment of the series.
Fifth generation consoles
Production was halted after the 4th installment, but was revived in 1996 with the release of the 5th game in the series on the PlayStation and Sega SaturnSega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
. The series was revamped with improved graphics and sound made possible by the use of the CD-ROM disk, and featured voice acting
Voice acting
Voice acting is the art of providing voices for animated characters and radio and audio dramas and comedy, as well as doing voice-overs in radio and television commercials, audio dramas, dubbed foreign language films, video games, puppet shows, and amusement rides.Performers are called...
for the first time.
Sixth generation consoles
In 2003, Data EastData East
also abbreviated as DECO, was a Japanese video game developer and publisher. The company was in operation from 1976 to 2003, when it declared bankruptcy...
went bankrupt, permanently halting production of many of its game series. WorkJam took over production of Tantei Jingūji Saburō, and the series continued with two games released for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
and two games released as mobile phone applications. There are currently 12 console games in the entire series and 16 mobile phone games; 4 of which are remakes from the console releases.
Characters
The main character of the series is Jake Hunter (known in Japan as ), a 32 year-old private detective who operates a detective agency in Aspicio, USA (Shinjuku, TokyoShinjuku, Tokyo
is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It is a major commercial and administrative center, housing the busiest train station in the world and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the administration center for the government of Tokyo.As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population...
in Japanese versions). He was born as the third son of a wealthy business enterprise owner, and traveled to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
during his youth to work as an assistant detective. He is a heavy smoker, and often assembles his thoughts while smoking a Marlboro cigarette. According to his in-game profile, his favorite alcoholic beverage is cognac
Cognac (drink)
Cognac , named after the town of Cognac in France, is a variety of brandy. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name, in the French Departements of Charente and Charente-Maritime....
, and he drives a green Mini Cooper.
Other recurring characters include: Yulia Marks (known in Japan as ), Jake's assistant, and Scott Kingsley (known in Japan as ), the inspector of the Aspicio police.
Voice acting
Voice acting was first used in certain game scenes in the 5th installment, , and has been implemented in all subsequent releases, excluding those released as mobile phone applications. Jingūji's character has been voiced by Yukimasa KishinoYukimasa Kishino
is a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Aoni Production. He is also active in the theatrical entertainment field and is the chairman of his own theatrical group, Gekidan Kishino Gumi...
, Akio Ōtsuka, Jūrōta Kosugi
Jurota Kosugi
is a Japanese voice actor. His deep voice is often used for rough and imposing characters. He is well known for playing the role of Sukashii from Kyattou Ninden Teyandee and Asuma Sarutobi from Naruto....
, and Kaoru Katō. Yōko's character has been voiced by Tsumugi Ōsawa, Yōko Saitō, Fumiko Orikasa
Fumiko Orikasa
is a Japanese voice actress and singer who works for Atomic Monkey. Her record label is Geneon Entertainment. Shopping is one of her hobbies. She is a skilled dancer, and is referred to as "Oririn" by fellow voice actors and fans. She also performed a fair number of anime insert and character image...
, and Kazue Nakamoto. Other notable voice actors include Fumihiko Tachiki
Fumihiko Tachiki
is a Japanese voice actor and narrator.-Career:Formerly a blues singer and known for his low voice, Tachiki is best known as the narrator for the pre-fight movies for Pride Fighting Championships and currently for Dream...
, Kōji Ishii
Koji Ishii
is a Japanese voice actor currently affiliated with Vi-Vo.-Notable voice roles:*Chief Koutarou Taiga in The King of Braves GaoGaiGar and The King of Braves GaoGaiGar FINAL*Kimura-sensei in Azumanga Daioh*Jose Collins in A.D...
, and Masaaki Tsukada
Masaaki Tsukada
is a Japanese voice actor working for Mouse Promotion. His wife, Masako Nozawa, is also a voice actress.-Voice roles:Major roles are in bold.* Black Lagoon as Chief Watsup* Bleach as Shikeguni Yamamoto-Genryūsai* Crusher Joe as Barney...
as Sanzō Kumano.
Main series
| Japanese title | English title | Release date | Developer | Platform | Synopsis | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shinjuku Chūō Kōen Satsujin Jiken 新宿中央公園殺人事件 Shinjuku Central Park Murder Mystery |
The Petty Murder of a Fragile Heart (on DS remake) | Data East Data East also abbreviated as DECO, was a Japanese video game developer and publisher. The company was in operation from 1976 to 2003, when it declared bankruptcy... |
Disk System | The strangled corpse of a popular hostess is discovered at Asipicio Central Park. A doctor, homeless man and someone else may know something. | ||
| 2 | Yokohama-kō Renzoku Satsujin Jiken 横浜港連続殺人事件 Yokohama Port Serial Murder Mystery |
Seaside City Conspiracy (on DS remake) | Family Computer | The search for a missing girlfriend results in the discovery of her hiding guns, and the police begin to suspect a link with an underground trafficking organization. | |||
| 3 | Kiken na Futari Zenpen 危険な二人 前編 A Dangerous Duo Part 1 |
Crash and Burn (on DS remake) | Disk System | Jake visits a race circuit at the invitation of one of Yulia's friends. A motorcycle racer, Sabin Olsen, crashes at the circuit, but a different racer's body is recovered from the crash site. At the same time, Sabin Olsen, at a hotel, is found where a man he was supposed to meet was killed causing Olsen to be framed as he fled the hotel. | |||
| Kiken na Futari Kōhen 危険な二人 後編 A Dangerous Duo Part 2 |
Crash and Burn (on DS remake) | Disk System | |||||
| 4 | Toki no Sugiyuku Mama ni... 時の過ぎゆくままに… Let Time Pass By... |
As Time Goes By (on DS remake) | Family Computer | Jake investigates a burglary at a mansion, while Yulia searches for the home of a young boy. Both cases seemed simple, until they become one. | |||
| 5 | Mikan no Rupo 未完のルポ The Unfinished Reportage |
— | PlayStation Sega Saturn Sega Saturn The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe... |
An overseas package containing a small key arrives at the detective agency from Jingūji's journalist acquaintance. Jingūji must uncover the hidden meaning of the key. | |||
| 6 | Yume no Owari ni 夢の終わりに At the End of the Dream |
— | PlayStation Sega Saturn |
Jingūji is tormented by hideous dreams of his past. The mystery begins as Yōko unwittingly decides to investigate a requested case. | |||
| 7 | Tomoshibi ga Kienu Ma ni 灯火が消えぬ間に While the Light Remains |
— | PlayStation | An injured young man suddenly takes refuge at the detective agency. Investigation of two cases becomes complex as they are gradually woven together. | |||
| 8 | Innocent Black | — | WorkJam | PlayStation 2 PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan... |
Jingūji is asked to search for a missing daughter from the director of a hospital where he had received treatment. This small case gradually expands to revive a deep and complex mystery. The game's scenario was written by Yutaka Kaminaga of WorkJam. | ||
| 9 | KIND OF BLUE | — | PlayStation 2 | Jingūji is bored and tired after several months without any cases. He gladly returns to work when the Kantō mafia requests the investigation of a certain individual. | |||
| 10 | Shiroi Kage no Shōjo 白い影の少女 The Girl with the White Shadow |
— | WorkJam Marvelous Interactive |
Game Boy Advance Game Boy Advance The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China... |
When Jingūji attends his friend's funeral, his friend's mother asks him to investigate a missing person, while police inspector Kumano asks him to investigate the urban myth called "Yū-chan". | ||
| 11 | Inishie no Kioku いにしえの記憶 The Ancient Memory |
Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles Jake Hunter Detective Story: Memories of the Past |
WorkJam Arc System Works Arc System Works is a video game developer and publisher based in Yokohama, Japan. It was founded by Minoru Kidooka in 1988. Arc System Works is best known for its arcade 2D fighting game, Guilty Gear and its sequels.-BlazBlue series:... |
Nintendo DS Nintendo DS The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP... |
Jake is arrested by the police for a crime he did not commit. He must prove his innocence while another story of a boy named Ken becomes a part of it and the cause of it. The release marks the 20th anniversary of Tantei Jingūji Saburō, and includes the first five games from the mobile phone series. The first four cases originally released on the Disk System and Family Computer were remade along with two new ones. This game is the only one in the series released in the U.S.; however, unlike the Japanese version, the U.S. version title Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles only contains the first three cases and many of the extras were cut from the game. The game was later rereleased as Jake Hunter Detective Story: Memories of the Past, unedited and retranslated. |
||
| 12 | Kienai Kokoro きえないこころ The Abiding Spirit |
— | WorkJam Arc System Works Arc System Works is a video game developer and publisher based in Yokohama, Japan. It was founded by Minoru Kidooka in 1988. Arc System Works is best known for its arcade 2D fighting game, Guilty Gear and its sequels.-BlazBlue series:... |
Nintendo DS | Jingūji is asked to investigate the suicide of an elementary school girl from 20 years ago. When he visits the girl's school, he meets the school principal, who demands the investigation of another new case... The title also contains five games from the mobile phone series (No.6–No.10) |
||
| 13 | Fuserareta Shinjitsu 伏せられた真実 The Withheld Truth |
— | WorkJam Arc System Works Arc System Works is a video game developer and publisher based in Yokohama, Japan. It was founded by Minoru Kidooka in 1988. Arc System Works is best known for its arcade 2D fighting game, Guilty Gear and its sequels.-BlazBlue series:... |
Nintendo DS Nintendo DS The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP... |
|||
| 14 | Hai to Daiyamondo 灰とダイヤモンド Ashes and Diamonds |
— | WorkJam Arc System Works Arc System Works is a video game developer and publisher based in Yokohama, Japan. It was founded by Minoru Kidooka in 1988. Arc System Works is best known for its arcade 2D fighting game, Guilty Gear and its sequels.-BlazBlue series:... |
PlayStation Portable PlayStation Portable The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004... |
Jingūji meets the Kasumi Sisters, who run a Shinjuku bar. He ends up investigating five seemingly unconnected cases, but... (No.6–No.10) | ||
| 15 | Akai Chō 赤い蝶 Red Butterfly |
— | WorkJam Arc System Works Arc System Works is a video game developer and publisher based in Yokohama, Japan. It was founded by Minoru Kidooka in 1988. Arc System Works is best known for its arcade 2D fighting game, Guilty Gear and its sequels.-BlazBlue series:... |
Nintendo DS Nintendo DS The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP... |
|||
| 0 | Tantei Jingūji Saburō Early Collection | — | Data East | PlayStation | This is a compilation of the early games released for the Family Computer and Family Computer Disk System | ||
Mobile phone series
The mobile phone games were developed by WorkJam. The first four games are remakes of the original Famicom versions, with minor changes made in text.| Japanese title | English title | |
|---|---|---|
| No.01 | Shinjuku Chūō Kōen Satsujin Jiken 新宿中央公園殺人事件 Shinjuku Central Park Murder Mystery |
The Petty Murder of a Fragile Heart (on DS remake) |
| No.02 | Yokohama-kō Renzoku Satsujin Jiken 横浜港連続殺人事件 Yokohama Port Serial Murder Mystery |
Seaside City Conspiracy (on DS remake) |
| No.03 | Kiken na Futari 危険な二人 A Dangerous Duo |
Crash and Burn (on DS remake) |
| No.04 | Toki no Sugiyuku Mama Ni... 時の過ぎゆくままに… Let Time Pass By... |
As Time Goes By (on DS remake) |
| No.05 | Akai Me no Tora アカイメノトラ The Red-Eyed Tiger |
The Red-Eyed Tiger (on DS remake) |
| No.06 | Rokumai no Hankō 6枚の犯行 The Six Pieces of Crime |
— |
| No.07 | Bōen wo Sagase 亡煙を捜せ! Search for the Dying Smoke! |
— |
| No.08 | Aoi Me no Ryū アオイメノリュウ The Blue-Eyed Dragon |
— |
| No.09 | Kito no Yoru キトの夜 Kito's Night |
— |
| No.10 | Shikaku no Wana 四角の罠 The Square Trap |
— |
| No.11 | Inu to Yobareta Otoko イヌと呼ばれた男 The Man Who Was Called a Dog |
— |
| No.12 | Futairo no Shojō ふた色の少女 The Two-Colored Girl |
— |
| No.13 | Inochi Tatsu Kokugen 命絶つ刻限 Prophecy of Death |
— |
| No.14 | Takusareta Yubiwa 託された指輪 The Bequeathed Ring |
— |
| No.15 | Shingi no Hazama 真偽の狭間 In Between Truths |
— |
| No.16 | Tsubaki no Yukue 椿のゆくえ Whereabouts of the Camellia |
— |
| No.17 | Akenai Yoru ni 明けない夜に The Endless Night |
— |
| No.18 | Kadan no Itte 果断の一手 One Decisive Move |
— |
| No.19 | Rensasuru Noroi 連鎖する呪い The Linking Curse |
— |
| No.20 | Naki Ko no Shōzō 亡き子の肖像 Portrait of a Dead Child |
— |
| No.21 | Onihimeden 鬼姫伝 The Legend of the Demon Princess |
— |
| No.22 | Ai Yue ni 愛ゆえに For the Sake of Love |
— |
| No.23 | Wasurenagusa no Omoi 勿忘草の想い Forget Me Not |
— |
| No.24 | Yurameku Hitotose 揺らめくひととせ One Wavering Year |
— |
Other media
Eight novels based around the game have been released from 1988 to 2007 by various authors and publishing companies (most notably Dengeki BunkoDengeki Bunko
is a publishing imprint affiliated with the Japanese publishing company ASCII Media Works . It was established in June 1993 with the publication of Hyōryū Densetsu Crystania volume one, and is a light novel imprint aimed at a male audience...
and Famitsu Bunko
Famitsu
is a line of Japanese video game magazines published by Enterbrain, Inc. and Tokuma. Currently, there are five Famitsū magazines: Shūkan Famitsū, Famitsū PS3 + PSP, Famitsū Xbox 360, Famitsū Wii+DS, and Famitsū Wave DVD...
). Four soundtrack CDs have also been released.
The first four games in the series were ported to the Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
's Virtual Console
Virtual console
A virtual console – also known as a virtual terminal – is a conceptual combination of the keyboard and display for a computer user interface. It is a feature of some operating systems such as UnixWare, Linux, and BSD, in which the system console of the computer can be used to switch between...
exclusively in Japan.
See also
- Katsuya TeradaKatsuya Terada, is a Japanese illustrator and cartoonist from the town of Tamano, Okayama. His alias is .-Biography:Katsuya Terada is probably best known in the United States as the character-designer for the animated film Blood: The Last Vampire...
(character designer and illustrator throughout the series) - Famicom Tantei Club
External links
- WorkJam
- Marvelous Entertainment
- Arc System Works