«©NCSX» Itoh and Chika Nobue are sisters, with Itoh playing the part of jaded teenager who is seemingly disaffected beyond her years. Chika is younger but more sensible than her older sibling. Three young friends complete their unholy circle and the quintet involve themselves in mundane situations made interesting by their reactions to normal situations and occurrences. An innocuous door-to-door cosmetics salesman is accused of being a molester, an underage Itoh smokes and drinks, and other contrasts which challenge the rhyme of "sugar and spice, and everything nice."

In the PS2 game, the protagonist returns to Hamamatsu and spends four weeks of the summer with Itoh and gang in interactive scenarios. The world map in Ichigo is viewed from overhead and a few buildings of interest are highlighted. Five little faces appear on the buildings where the different girls are hanging out. To visit someone, click on a building and be greeted by a girl that is morose, puzzled, peeved, happy, or bored. It all depends on the situation and how one handles it will affect how the girl feels towards the protagonist. Various sound effects also convey the surroundings. When the gals are at the beach, the sound of water and waves will reverberate in the background. Various mini-games such as "Space Shot" may also be enjoyed.

To reinforce the atmosphere of the Ichigo Mashimaro animation, the voice actresses from the series supply their impressive vocal talents to the girls as follows:

Nobue Itoh - Played by Hitomi Nabatame
Chika Itoh - Played by Saeko Chiba
Matsuri Sakuragi - Played by Ayako Kawasumi
Miu Matsuoka - Played by Fumiko Orikasa
Ana Coppola - Mamiko Noto

The voice actresses mutter, yell, snipe, and massage every word for a lively Ichigo Hashimaro experience.

During the course of interaction, the girls will develop feelings for the protagonist which is denoted by hearts. Each girl's portrait is shown inside a circle and five hearts are above each one. If you have pleasant interactions, the hearts will slowly fill up.

When indoors, options available include:
Go out - View the overhead map and inspect where the gals are
Phone - Reach out and touch someone
Item - Use an item
Schedule - check the calendar for pre-arranged outings

When in your room, options include:
Sleep - Visit the sandman
Mail - Email a girl and get to know her better
Item - Use an item
Schedule - check the calendar for pre-arranged outings

Every order will include a large 16-page pamphlet which contains full color artwork of the five gals.

View the back cover and screenshots.

This document is ©NCSX 2005. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.