2005 · Visual novel

Yo-Jin-Bo

PlayStation console exclusive

Yo-Jin-Bo: The Bodyguards is a Japanese visual novel produced by Two-Five.

Released: 29 July 2005
Platforms: PlayStation 2 Windows macOS
Genres: Visual novel
Developers: —
Publishers: Hirameki
Modes: Single-player
Themes: Historical Comedy Romance
Country: Japan
Age ratings: CERO B ESRB T

About

Yo-Jin-Bo (The Bodyguards) (用心棒, Yōjinbō) is a Japanese visual novel produced by Two-Five. In October 2006, Hirameki International released an English edition of the Windows version in the United States. It is part of their AnimePlay PC line, and as such is a Windows game (as opposed to the DVD games in that line, which have limited features). There is also a version for the PlayStation 2 titled Yo-Jin-Bo: Unmei no Freude and a manga adaptation of the game.

The explanation for this name is a bit of a pun, as "yojinbo" itself means "bodyguards" in English, and three of the main characters have nicknames that make up this phrase (Yo, Jin, and Bo). Incidentally, these three characters are the ones that seem to be naturally grouped by themselves, and the reader sees them all at a festival together at the introduction of the story.

›Story

The story focuses on Sayori, a modern-day school girl with an interest in history. She joins her history club in an excavation, and discovers an old Jade pendant buried in the mud and takes it home with her. That night, the pendant comes to life, glowing a weird green and putting Sayori in touch with the ghost of a princess named Hatsuhime, who used to live in the castle that the club was excavating.

Keywords

time travel
multiple endings
otome

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

This is considered a visual novel, and not a dating sim; however, effectively there are six "bodyguard" characters throughout the course of the game. The choices made by the player usually determine which one of these characters Sayori falls in love with. The game is also mainly targeted at teenage girls, and falls in the category of otome games.

The atmosphere is similar to the anime series Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, due to all the anachronisms and references to aspects of popular culture.

Story

The story focuses on the main character Sayori, who is a modern high school girl. She finds a mysterious pendant while out helping with an archaeological dig, and later has a strange dream; she witnesses a scene from about 150 years ago, during the last days of the samurai, in which Hatsuhime, princess of the Mochizuke clan, is assassinated.

The scene changes, and Sayori realizes that she's in Hatsuhime's body. She realizes she has somehow seen how things were, and the situation has "reset", giving her the chance to avert the princess's terrible fate.