Since its announcement last November, gamers all over Japan have been anxiously awaiting a new virtual outing by D3 Publisher which combines the open-world freedom of titles like Grand Theft Auto and Skyrim with the dating sim fun and frivolity of titles like Kokeshi and Kikenna Kare ni Koishiteru.

However, what has captured everyone’s attention is the apparent feature to use “stealth” tactics to take photos of characters’ panties. And with one week to go before the game’s launch, the developers have released another video showing more gameplay footage.

You can get a pretty good sense of the game here but get a snack before watching – the video is a good eight minutes long.

And here’s a previous shorter trailer for – let me take a breath – Natsuiro Haisukuru ★ Seishun Hakusoku~ Tenko Shonichi no Ore ga Osananajimi to Sakai Shitara Hodobuin ni Sareteite Gekisha Shonen no Hibi wa Sukupu Dairenpatsu de Igai to Motemotena noni Nazeka Maimemori wa Pantsu Shashin Bakkari to Iu Genjitsu to Mukiainagara Kangaeru Hito Natsu no Shima no Gakuen Seikatsu to Sekirarana Koi no Yukue. ~

In English this of course translates to: Summer Color High School ★ Youth Files ~ The First Day at a New School and I’m reunited with an old friend after being forced to join the school paper and trying to get great photos every day but while looking for a big scoop suddenly I’m more super attractive to girls than I thought and yet for some reason all I can remember are the pictures of panties I took and while I face that reality and contemplate it I must choose my true love during school life on this island for one summer. ~

While taking pictures of girls’ underwear certainly does feature prominently in the title and scenes of the game. The trailers hint at other activities such as bike riding, fishing, cow tipping, and the taking of non-panty pictures.

Earlier this year, Inside Games had an interview with the game’s creator, who dressed in black leather, sunglasses and a surgical mask. Needless to say, it was pretty weird, but we did learn a little about the game’s conception.

To truly capture the freedom of being young again, he maintains, romance games should be set in an open environment where the player can experience that complete freedom. The game takes place on an island where you can interact with the 300 NPC residents including the seven classmates whom you must attempt to find love with.

Of course there are challenges to this – namely the main character’s predilection to taking pictures of panties. Much like in real life (take note, future tourists) such actions will get you arrested and thus ruin your romantic summer. Or I suppose you could just not take pictures of panties… Sorry, no, I was just thinking out loud.

The game’s creator also hinted at some of the technology to employ this groundbreaking game. For example, it will use a Pantsu Hakikae System (PHS) which means that the characters will change their underwear every day just like in real life. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this is the first time this has been achieved in a video game.

In addition to this there is also the Gekisha Pantsu System (GPS) which is the complex system of controls and maneuvers to obtain photos of panties. It seems to involve a Matrix-style slow-motion effect allowing you to shoot while sliding along the ground. His mother must be so proud.

With these technical accomplishments Natsuiro Haisukuru ★ Seishun Hakusoku has its sights set on a coveted Game of the Year award. That is, if any publication can fit the game’s entire name on a plaque.

It’s too early to say though, many times games fail to meet expectations once they’re in the hands of users, so we’ll have to wait until 4 June when the PS3 and PS4 versions hit the shelves for 6,980 yen (US$56) and 7,480 yen ($60), respectively.

Natsuiro Haisukuru ★ Seishun Hakusoku~ Tenko Shonichi no Ore ga Osananajimi to Sakai Shitara Hodobuin ni Sareteite Gekisha Shonen no Hibi wa Sukupu Dairenpatsu de Igai to Motemotena noni Nazeka Maimemori wa Pantsu Shashin Bakkari to Iu Genjitsu to Mukiainagara Kangaeru Hito Natsu no Shima no Gakuen Seikatsu to Sekirarana Koi no Yukue. ~
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Source/screenshots: YouTube – D3 Publisher, Inside Games, Himajin Sokuho (Japanese)