Description

"House of Tarot" is a unique and somewhat obscure title for the Sega Game Gear, released exclusively in Japan in 1991. Developed by Japan System Supply and published by Sega, this game combines elements of tarot card reading with a narrative-driven adventure, offering players a distinct departure from the platformer and action-heavy titles that populated the Game Gear’s library. In "House of Tarot," players take on the role of a tarot card reader who provides guidance to a variety of clients. The game unfolds as a series of encounters where the player selects cards and interprets them, aiming to solve the clients' personal dilemmas, with choices affecting the outcomes of their stories.

The gameplay of "House of Tarot" is more about exploration of spiritual themes and storytelling than high-energy action, making it quite unique, especially for the era. It uses a simple interface where players choose and lay out cards and then interpret them based on traditional tarot meanings. Each reading affects the narrative path, leading to multiple endings based on the tarot outcomes. While not broadly popular, especially in Western markets due to its exclusivity to Japan and the niche appeal of tarot reading as a game mechanic, "House of Tarot" remains a fascinating footnote in the Game Gear’s lineup. It reflects the era's experimentation with video game formats and the broader Japanese cultural inclination to blend gaming with other life aspects, such as fortune-telling.