Released in 1989 by Victor Musical Industries, '89 Dennou Kyuusei Uranai is less of a traditional video game and more of a digital lifestyle utility for the Famicom. Based on the "Kyuusei Kigaku" or Nine Star Ki astrological system, the software allows players to input their birth dates to receive personalized readings regarding luck, health, and interpersonal compatibility. The presentation is functional yet sparse, typical of the late 80s "non-game" software boom in Japan, where developers experimented with the console as a practical household tool rather than a dedicated toy for children.
Navigating the software requires a solid grasp of Japanese, as the experience is entirely menu-driven and text-heavy. The interface features a distinctive "Nine Star" grid, calculating various aspects of one's destiny based on traditional Chinese and Japanese elemental cycles. While the graphics are minimal, featuring small avatars and basic kanji, the background music provides a surprisingly calming and atmospheric backdrop to the divination process. It stands as a curious cultural artifact, reflecting a specific era’s obsession with fortune-telling and the expanding demographic of the Famicom into the adult market.
Despite being a niche title, it represents a lineage of unconventional software that prioritized information and lifestyle over action, a trend that would later flourish on portable devices like the Game Boy. It is interesting to note the divergence in regional libraries during this period; while Japanese consumers were receiving localized cultural software like this, Western audiences were seeing a focus on more traditional genres.
