Description

"Free Talk Studio ~Mari no Kimama na O-Shaberi~" is a unique video game developed for the Sega Saturn, released exclusively in Japan in 1997. This game stands out in the genre of simulation and adventure as it focuses on interpersonal communication rather than action or strategy. In it, players interact with Mari, a virtual character who is depicted as a young female TV presenter. The core gameplay involves engaging in conversations with Mari and responding to her questions and comments in a manner that builds rapport and friendship. Players must listen to her talks on various topics and choose appropriate responses from multiple-choice options to advance the dialogue and deepen the relationship.

The game utilizes a voice recognition system, a novel feature at the time, that allows players to actually speak their choices, which the game then processes and reacts to. This interactivity was a significant technological achievement on the Sega Saturn, leveraging the console's capabilities to create a more immersive conversational experience. "Free Talk Studio ~Mari no Kimama na O-Shaberi~" also incorporates daily themes based on the calendar, providing players with fresh topics and dialogue each day, which encourages repeated play. The game's focus on communication rather than conventional gaming challenges, along with its innovative use of voice recognition, made it a distinctive title in the Sega Saturn's library, though its niche appeal limited its exposure outside of Japan.