Creepy Dreamcast Horror: Seven Mansions Gastly Smile Now In English

Sega Dreamcast was a successful but very short-lived console that experienced a steep decline. The short shelf-life was due to Sony’s PlayStation 2 being hyped up and that led to its downfall. Diminishing sales despite price cuts left Sega to suffer substantial financial losses. Sega eventually moved on from the console market leaving Dreamcast as the last installment. 

Sega was discontinued just after three years of its inception yet that minuscule period saw a bundle of alluring titles like Rez, The Typing of the Dead, Skies of Arcadia, and Jet Set Radio dominating on the console. One of the creepier titles includes Seven Mansions: Gastly Smile which is best defined as the more bizarre version of the Resident Evil franchise.

The horror-shooter title, Seven Mansions: Ghastly Smile (Nanatsu no Hikan: Senritsu no Bishou) is a Dreamcast survival horror game from Koei released on January 20th, 2000. Players can assume control of Kei or Reina and go on a quest on New Russell Island in search of the missing Doctor Ernest. The game lets you explore seven mansions having different layouts and unique scenes. 

The title is a sequel to the first installment, Nanatsu no Hikan released on Saturn in 1996. Seven Mansions: Gastly Smile was planned to come out in the western hemisphere but the idea was never executed. Perhaps, the title could have become a popular horror game in the west. The wild and unique approach to the horror genre helped Seven Mansions: Gastly Smile accumulate positive reception.

The odd horror title is a hot topic among the community even after decennia. The global reach of Seven Mansions: Gastly Smile was hindered due to the title being locked in the Japanese language but it has finally been translated to English a while ago for the international audience to enjoy.

The fan-translation project is deeply explored by Youtuber, Video Game Esoterica who discusses the nostalgic horror title. The English version can be downloaded in the aforementioned interlink. The video below dives into the details of this translation project.

The description under the youtube video cites the peculiar title, “Seven Mansions: Gastly Smile is a wild survival horror game on the Sega Dreamcast that for the longest time was locked behind the Japanese language barrier. Well not any longer! Retro gaming goodness!”

It continues, “You have to love a good fan translation project…it brings an amazing game to a brand new audience! So translation theater is here to celebrate those amazing efforts!” Seven Mansions: Gastly Smile has awakened out of its slumber by being translated into English. Western gamers can now dive into the game to live through the wild ventures of this horror title.

The game can be somewhat relished without the English version by watching a walk-through as discussed in the video. However, the intriguing and engaging story can only be thoroughly experienced when played in English fan translation. Understanding all the particulars of the story adds a bundle of dynamic to the overall venture. 

The game also lets you decide the camera angles and features dreary soundtracks that send shivers down your spine. The puzzle-filled horror also incorporates graphics that are a treat for a Dreamcast game. Moreover, you can offer lollipops to a monster to ensure you aren’t swallowed alive, who wouldn’t love that?

What are your thoughts regarding this wild survival horror? Do let us know your opinions in the comments below.

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