The Re:Sharin no Kuni project is perhaps one of the more messy localization efforts to bring a visual novel west. The Kickstarter campaign for Sharin no Kuni: The Girl Among the Sunflowers launched in 2016 and was somewhat successful after securing a physical Vita release. However, that wouldn’t end up being the case post-launch as the team ran into development and localization issues throughout the localization project.
If that was bad enough, during the game’s development manufacturing of Vita physical cartridges was up in the air, and the original producer, Limited Run Games, had to give the project to EastAsiaSoft, who is based in a region that can still release physical Vita goods. Still, that was the only set back that the team encountered, causing numerous delays to the project.
The team is currently focused on the Vita release, and will then focus on fixing the PC version of the game for release. The publisher has confirmed that they have cleared the many steps necessary in order to manufacture the game and are in the final steps of debugging. This led to the team sharing screenshots of the debug version, which is the first some backers have seen of this game in years.
The team adds, “We do not have any intention of giving up on this project, and we’re determined to make these beloved characters reach our backers. We will continue working hard to achieve this as soon as possible.”
Developed by Akabeisoft2 Sharin no Kuni: The Girl Among the Sunflowers was initially released in 2005 on PC until it received an updated console port in 2010. The game is set in a farming town where players assume the role of Kenichi Morita, who is training to become a member of Special High Class Individuals (SHCI), an elite group of people. These members are given Obligations, which they must follow or face punishment.
For Kenichi’s final test, he is sent to his childhood home to rehabilitate three students who possess obligations and prepare them to re-enter society.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the development and localization of Sharin no Kuni: The Girl Among the Sunflowers.
In the meantime, check out the screenshots below:
