About the Game

Quick Facts ✅

Title: Mr. Saito

Genre: Story Rich, Fantasy, Adventure, Funny, Puzzle

System(s): Steam & Nintendo Switch (bundled with Rakuen)

Developer | Publisher: Laura Shigihara | Laura Shigihara

Age Rating: E

Price: $11.99

Release Date: Mar 23, 2023

Time to Play: Approximately 4 hours

Steam Description: https://store.steampowered.com/app/628740/Mr_Saitou/

A short game about an average white-collar worker who struggles to find meaning in a life full of constant overtime and isolation. After an accident lands him in the hospital, Mr. Saitou is spirited away to a strange fantasy world where an unexpected friend takes him on a life-changing adventure.

Why Mr. Saitou?

💡 There are many factors I take into account when selecting the month’s title. Price, platforms, accessibility, narrative, and more. Here are some of the reasons for Mr. Saitou!

Blend of whimsical world, humorous dialogue, and resonant themes like work, time, and identity.
Beautiful and expressive pixel art.
The lead developer, Laura, is a prolific composer and developer. We’ve already heard her work in our January selection, To The Moon. She also developed Rakuen.
If you’ve ever worked in an office or job you didn’t feel passionate about, this one will make you feel things!
There is a Sphinx of Basic Math.
KPIs, metrics, and BUSINESS. All the big important synergies. Yes.

Watch the trailer reaction here on YouTube with Joel and Jenny!

Keep in Mind

Content Warnings

💡 I do my best to flag content that may impact your decision to play so you can go in as informed as possible (without spoiling the plot of the game) — if you think I’ve missed something, please let me know!

Please note this game is quite gentle and thoughtful with it’s discussion of tough topics, but it may hit close to home for some. Please use your discretion!

Highlight the bullet points below if you’d like to see the content notes:

Mention of suicide/self harm
Alcohol use
Discussion of anxiety and depression

Timeline & Topic Guide

💡 This timeline is a general guide to help you stay on track to finish by the end of the month, as well as have an idea of the topics we may focus on that week. You know yourself best, though, and please play however suits you!

Week 01 — Synergies! Metrics! Trains! + Game Announcement (June 27th)
Play from the Beginning until you head out to Happy Hour

Week 02 — Inner Length & Inner Strength! + Developer Interview (July 4th)
Start at Happy Hour until you enter the cave and gain the Meeting Ground Quest.

Week 03 — Some kind of…Sphinx? (July 11th)
Play from just after the Meeting Ground Quest until right after dropping off your 6th MiniMori.

Week 04 — No Holds Bard + Deep Dive (July 18th)
Play from getting your disguise until rolling end credits!

Week 05 — Thank you for helping me keep my promise, Mr. Saitou + Monthly Hangout (July 25th)
Catch-up week + Synthesis

Monthly Hangout: July 27th at 3pm PST / 6pm EST / 11pm BST

Mr. Saitou Playthrough Guide