It's an announcement that will make fans of retro curiosities smile. Long inaccessible outside of Japan, Milano's Odd Job Collection, a compilation of atypical mini-games released in 1997 on PlayStation, is about to be released for the first time in a localized version on PS5 and PS4.
An unexpected return for a cult PS1 game
In the PS1 era, many Japanese titles mixed unusual concepts with charming graphics. Milano's Odd Job Collection was one of those unclassifiable games, never translated or exported. Thanks to a collaboration between the studio Implicit Conversions (already known for its emulation work in the PS Plus Premium offering) and XSEED, the game will finally be entitled to a worldwide release in 2025. The original game already had a cult reputation among collectors and import fans. It returns today with a full English translation and modern compatibility, while retaining its typical 90s visual style.
The plot of Milano’s Odd Job Collection is as offbeat as its gameplay. It follows Milano, an 11-year-old girl sent to spend the summer holidays with her uncle. Problem: his uncle goes on a trip too, leaving Milano alone in the city. Rather than getting bored, the heroine decides to fill her days with a series of odd jobs, ranging from delivering pizzas to much more absurd tasks, like milking flying cows or treating strange patients. The goal? Earn a little money, furnish the summer... and maybe bring her uncle's house back to life. In short, it was already pretty crazy back in the day on PS1.
A compilation of old-school mini-games
The game, originally on PS1, is based on a simple format: a succession of mini-games, each one crazier than the last. Each corresponds to a "job" that Milano can try over the course of the 40 days of vacation. Some require precision, others rhythm, or simply attention. The overall feel evokes the wackiest experiences of the PS1 era, in the vein of titles like Bishi Bashi Special or Incredible Crisis. It's colorful, fast-paced, a little crazy... and decidedly nostalgic.
Beyond the simple PS1 port, the PS5/PS4 version has benefited from a faithful restoration. The graphics retain their retro feel, but compatibility with current consoles allows for a seamless experience, with quick saves and modernized navigation.
Source: PlayStation
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