Famicase 2026: Unicorn Gumball

This post is part of a collection on Famicase.

I participated in Famicase again this year. This year's game is Unicorn Gumball, and here's the description:

時は25XXUT(ユニコーン・タイムライン)。群れは落ち着かない。角は輝きを失い、魔法の森に影が伸びる。ユニ コーン一族の生存と魂は危機に瀕している。しかしあなたは試練に立ち向かう。そしてガムボールを作るのだ。

ベリーベリー、ロッキーロード、夏嵐、泥炭などの人気フレーバーを売ってユニコーン一族を救え！

ジャンル：お菓子店経営シミュレーター、ローグライク、ピンボール

Or in English:

The year is 25XXUT (Unicorn Timeline). The herd is restless. Horns lose their sparkle, and a shadow stretches over the magic forest. The survival and soul of the unicorn tribe are at a crisis. But you will rise to the occasion. You will make gumballs.

Sell popular flavors like Berry Berry, Rocky Road, Summer Storm, and Peat to save the unicorn tribe!

Genre: Sweet Shop Simulator, Roguelike, Pinball

The original idea for this was a throwaway game description I made to fill in a template for Tokyo Indies. Someone said I should actually make the game, and while that hasn't happened the idea stuck with me, so I used it for this year's cartridge.

For visual inspiration I was mindful of what has been called The Groovy Look. In particular I was mindful of Bob Pepper's work in Dragonmaster (see also all cards), which I managed to pick up a copy of last year. If I had more time and experience I might have tried to emulate the airbrush look, but I ended up keeping things flat. I've been doing this a long time and I always end up wishing I started earlier...

This was my eleventh year participating in Famicase. Looking forward to next year! Ψ