Milano’s Odd Job Collection: A Cozy PS1 Game Revived on Steam
A beloved PS1 game from 1999, Milano’s Odd Job Collection, has found new life on Steam. This charming title, once lost to time and language barriers, is now officially available in English thanks to a unique collaboration between fan translators and industry professionals.
A Summer of Mini‑Games
Milano’s Odd Job Collection, originally released in Japan in 1999, is a delightful minigame collection that lets players experience a young girl’s summer vacation through various part‑time jobs. From scrubbing dishes to dodging cars on a scooter ride to work, the game offers a unique blend of cozy and engaging activities.
From Fan Translation to Steam Release
The game’s journey to Steam is as fascinating as the gameplay itself. Fan translators at Hilltop Works, who previously worked on translating another classic Japanese game, Boku no Natsuyasumi 2, teamed up with publisher XSeed and emulation experts Implicit Conversions to bring Milano’s Odd Job Collection to English‑speaking audiences for the first time.
Before this release, the only way to play Milano’s Odd Job Collection was to track down an expensive copy on the second‑hand market. Now, thanks to the efforts of passionate fans and supportive publishers, the game is accessible to a whole new generation of players.
Developer’s Perspective
Designer Ryuichi Nishizawa expressed his joy at seeing the game reach new audiences. “Among the countless pieces of content available today, the fact that Milano was found and brought back is incredibly fortunate,” he said in a recent interview. “As a creator, it’s a wonderful experience to see a small project from decades ago reach new players around the world.”
Nishizawa also noted how the global gaming landscape has changed over his 40‑year career. “Japanese culture as a whole has become admired worldwide, even beyond gaming,” he said. “This game was created without any consideration for the global market, and I believe that is why it turned out to be so distinctly Japanese.”
Why It Matters
Milano’s Odd Job Collection is more than just a game; it’s a testament to the power of fan passion and the evolving acceptance of fan translations within the gaming industry. With its charming gameplay and heart‑warming backstory, it’s a must‑play for fans of cozy games and retro gaming alike.
