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Mr. Saitou is a heartfelt commentary on the absurdities of businessYou also play as a llamaworm, there’s that too
You also play as a llamaworm, there’s that too
Japan’s brutal working culture isn’t exactly a secret. You’ve probably heard the horror stories, or at least, got the general gist that success in Japanese business often equates to time. You don’t necessarily need to be doing work, you just need to be present as the clock hands shift. A hard worker is reduced to a statue that only springs to life again when their boss gets up to leave.
Mr. Saitouis a short pixel art RPG that offers a hilarious commentary on the absurdities of working culture in Japan, with occasional flashes of seriousness. Completable in one sitting, it’s a game I’d recommend to anyone.
Mr. Saitou Official Trailer (a new Rakuen game)Watch on YouTube
Mr. Saitou Official Trailer (a new Rakuen game)
Mr. Saitou comes courtesy of Laura Shigihara, the brilliant mind behindRakuen, another pixel art RPG of a similar ilk which we absolutely adored. Mr. Saitou is an extension of that universe, but if you’ve not playedRakuen, don’t worry! Mr. Saitou tells its own story and you don’t need any prior knowledge to enjoy its short tale.
The game stars Mr. Saitou, an average white collar worker who’s being crushed under the weight of overwork. A combination of burnout and social isolation result in a hospital visit, where he wakes up to find an innocent kid called Brandon hiding in his room. At the time, Brandon is everything Saitou isn’t: easygoing, fun-loving, enthusiastic. The only things Saitou is able to muster are slight irritation and a frown.
Brandon eventually draws Saitou as a Llamaworm - a cross between a llama and a worm - amidst a gaggle of other llamaworm friends. They’re all called Saitou according to Brandon, as he explains that even if the wider llamaworm is called Widetou, they’re all variants of Saitou. It’s at this point where things shift from reality as we know it, to one that’s composed of llamaworms and big blue owls called minimoris.
Saitou is warped to an office that mirrors his own in reality, except in this one, he’s a llama worm.Everyoneis a llamaworm. His boss is called Bosstou, a strict individual who has a moustache that exudes authority. One of your very first tasks is to collect bundles of paper simply called “metrics” - because obvious decisions can’t be made without metrics!
From there on, the game becomes a very simple RPG where you steer Saitou around, chat to folks, and complete basic puzzles. There’s a slight element of backtracking later on, but the path forwards is mostly obvious and cleverly constructed. Without spoiling too much, the vast majority of the game doesn’t take place in an office, but sees you explore the mysterious cavern systems of the llamaworms. Your overarching aim is to collect the blue owls and place them on platforms, which unlocks something I won’t get into.
I found Widetou to be an interesting character. He likes cake and has a calming persona, often coming to Saitou and others' aid when they need reassurance. But I couldn’t shake the sense that he’s this sort of envoy for obedience. He’s supportive of other Saitous, but he largely tells them to cope with their situation. Maybe I’m reading too much into it?
Mr. Saitou is a wonderful, short RPG which sees a troubled salaryman rediscover bits of himself, all thanks to a bright kid with a dream of his own. And while there’s some serious bits in there, Shigihara cleverly ensures that the overarching theme of Japan’s working culture is presented as laughable - because it is. Ultimately, business is weird, so make sure it’s your business to give the game a whirl.
