Secret Ties

Secret Ties

Overview & History

Released exclusively in Japan in 1990 by KID, Secret Ties (known originally as *Hissatsu Shigoto Nin*) is an obscure, atmospheric action-RPG for the Famicom based on the famous jidaigeki historical drama franchise. Steeped in Edo-period intrigue, the storyline casts players as undercover vigilantes operating in the shadows of feudal Japan. By day, these protagonists blend seamlessly into society as ordinary artisans and townsfolk; by night, they dispense clandestine justice against corrupt officials, ruthless syndicates, and oppressive overlords. Unlike standard hack-and-slash Famicom titles, Secret Ties heavily emphasizes stealth, societal deception, and investigative dialogue trees before transitioning into brutal, real-time arcade combat.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The gameplay loop is divided into two distinct phases: investigation and assassination. During the day, players must navigate bustling towns, interrogate NPCs, gather intel, and avoid drawing the suspicion of local guards. Once a target is confirmed, the game shifts to nocturnal action sequences where characters utilize specialized trade tools as deadly weapons. Characters feature unique movesets reflecting their day-jobs: master carpenter Toranosuke wields a reinforced, weighted timber-ruler for heavy melee strikes, while Okatsu employs hidden poison needles for silent, long-range assassination. Players must manage a "Secrecy Meter"—if too much public attention is drawn during investigations, the local constabulary will ambush the hideout, resulting in an immediate game over.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move protagonist / Navigate dialogue menus
• Action Keys: Attack / Interact with objects and NPCs
• Enter: Start / Pause