So to Speak

So to Speak is a puzzle/simulation game about learning the Japanese language. Players navigate a Japan-inspired 2D game world and use context clues to decipher the meaning of words they see and hear. All of the text in the game can be dragged and manipulated. The player must connect Japanese words to their meaning, either to the objects to which they refer or to English words appearing in thought bubbles. Players gradually progress from isolated words such as "road" and "tree" to more complex language such as "the bridge is green" and "people who are not customers of the convenience store are prohibited from parking here". The game currently includes about 400 words, introduced within puzzle sequences highlighting specific ideas (directions, size, numbers, time, existence, greetings, caution, weather, etc.).