While social networking and Web 2.0 have caused many a misanthropic headache (see Jonathon’s weeklyFanboy Fridayposts, for example), Twitter and Facebook can certainly be useful. On the rather heavy side of the spectrum, ther’re great outlets for political dissent in (ahem) restrictive countries likeGuatemalaorIran; on the lighter side, Orange Lounge Radio have harnessed Twitter ina grassroots effortto get Jorudan’sSukeban Shachou Rena Wiilocalized for Western markets.
Affectionately calledPresident Cat,Sukeban Shachou Renais an obscure Japanese title (of course) about Rena, the mascot of popular blogNekopunchand CEO of the fictional Cat Queen, Inc. You play as an entry-level feline trying to work her way to the top, completing tasks to earn Rena’s respect. Depending onhow realistic the game is, those tasks might include making my entire apartment smell like catsh*t, stepping on my keyboard as my computer boots up (and entering DOS prompts that don’t exist), and leaving the gallbladders of tiny creatures on my kitchen table.
At least, that’s what my cat Tristan does.
Anyway, OLR (@olr) has started Tweeting about the game with the #presidentcat hashtag, and fans are catching on. The Rena account (@renawii) has started responding in both Japanese and English although they seem a little confused about all the positive feedback from us gaijin.
On the one hand, I’d love for a tiny, quirky game likeSukeban Shachou Rena Wiito make it to the United States. On the other, talking about the game on Twitter is a lot different than paying $40 to be a cat secretary. I’d hate for developer Jorudan to go through the trouble (and money) of localizing the game, only to have it rot in American bargain bins.
P.S. The game hits Japanese shelves tomorrow. All hail President Cat!
[ViaJoystiq]
