Can Chinese People Who Speak Japanese Fly? | Playing 2 Hours of Showa American Story

Summary

This article is a hands-on preview of Showa American Story, offering a two-hour gameplay experience. The author answers the title question with "you can fly, but only a little." The game is superficially packed with Japanese and American cultural symbols, seemingly a pure fusion of the two. However, during gameplay, a familiar Chinese flavor seeps out from within, even carrying the distinct taste of Chinese internet meme culture. The author notes that the game confidently stands from a Chinese perspective, playfully mocking and critiquing Japanese and American cultures. From detailed environmental storytelling to hilarious dialogue and over-the-top performances, the exploration kept the author amused. This unique cultural clash not only makes the game entertaining but also sparks reflection on how domestic Chinese games can go global: they don't have to be restricted to Chinese themes; deconstructing foreign cultures through a Chinese lens can create something uniquely Chinese. The preview emphasizes this innovative cultural expression as the key to the game's appeal, while also hinting that the gameplay and depth may have limitations, hence "only flying a little." For players, this game demonstrates new possibilities in themes and expression for Chinese-developed titles and is worth anticipating. For the industry, it proves that combining cultural fusion with a local…