Waiting for the Mystic Mansion Update
The challenging part about enjoying a game from Japan is that we often don't receive timely updates. We know that there are probably distribution reasons, but the wait can provide such a high window of uncertainty. Mystic Mansion hasn't yet added the levels from Japan to its American version. I get why, but still, not having an update is killing me, and the creators haven't provided a release date.
I've been playing Mystic Mansion long after completing a challenge involving the game for Swagbucks. Since mythology is one of my hyperfixations, the game's storyline of an apartment mansion home for deities is my jam. The game takes advantage of the cute style for visual humor; I found it hilarious to learn why the king of the Greek Gods is a sentient teacup, or how Gal was having trouble using all the makeup she had to look amazing.
Mystic Mansion is a standard sorting game where you clear boards using matching pieces, power-ups, and tools like arrows. It also has an ongoing plot where you, the human, are working undercover in an apartment house with gods. Meowlin, the owner, knows who you are, but he keeps that information on the down-low. In fact, any tenant suspecting the truth gets a surprise visit from him, with threats and ominous shadows. Every time he thinks about his plan, he chuckles. That's surely not ominous.
Your partner-in-crime and building superintendent, Purrcy, doesn't know. While you complete the challenges by matching gemstones within a series of limited moves and different obstacles, Purrcy does the grunt work of replacing windows, making carpets, or installing sparkly lights.
What Makes the Game Work?
The characters are a lot of fun. They provide challenges with their requests for different types of furniture, protesting when you clear their papers, and offering hints of backstories. Some blend in with the garbage in their apartments, while others stand out like the idols they admire.
There is also plenty of lore to go with each character's designs and quirky interactions. As mentioned, Zeus has been turned into a teacup while his son has no idea (Hera is not in this game, not yet, as far as I know). Cleopatra remains miserly while getting as many renovations out of us as she can. We have an owl deity who can't get a good night's sleep while taking residence indoors, and a penguin Poseidon that cannot shed a cute nature to look fierce. The dialogue between completing challenges and fulfilling tasks is entertaining, especially if Purrcy tries to back out and Meowlin has to remind Purrcy that the superintendent has a job to do.
Also, having Ganesha running an Indian restaurant but not making it look Indian hit close to home for me, with everyone wanting hamburgers. I can make decent almond burgers, but you're on your own with the meat stuff since I'd probably be making lamb, and I'd need to try out the recipe before. At the same time, as a diaspora, I wouldn't know exactly what details to put into restaurant decor to make it look authentically "Indian" since a lot of what I make at home is fusion.
What I'm Waiting for In Mystic Mansion
Reaching the top floor. Seriously, the original game does have an ending according to its Wikipedia entry, but we Americans just haven't received it yet. It could be needing the translations or having to deal with the red tape of distributing international video games to Americans (thanks for that, by the way, tech bros).
I still can't figure out why Meowlin needs a human to work discreetly as the handyman. The way Purrcy reacts, a demigod or spirit could work just as well. Humans seem to be special to Meowlin's mysterious plans, but it's unclear. The gods have powers, just a lot of emotional dysfunction given their various backstories and failures. What makes us special?
If the developers have a newsletter or social media account, it would be great to get an update. I want to know what happens next, sooner rather than later.
