This week, Hamster's Console Archives continues its trend of releasing titles that are, unfortunately, pretty much unplayable outside of Japan, with the arrival of PlayStation's The Drug Store: Matsumoto Kiyoshi de Okaimono! now available on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.

Released in 1998 and developed by Human Entertainment, The Drug Store, as its name suggests, is a management title tasking players with the operation of a pharmaceutical/grocery outlet. As manager, the player is responsible for the store's layout, item stock, customer footfall, and staff management. Deliver good service and high profits, and one small store will expand into several, and eventually a conglomerate.

Finally, your opportunity to be a part of Big Pharma.

The Drug Store was a spin-off release from Human's previous release, The Coveni (1996), which operated in a similar manner but was based around a typical convenience store. The Drug Store more or less replicates the style and mechanics of that title, with some streamlining and tweaking for a more optimised gameplay experience.

The "Matsumoto Kiyoshi de Okaimono!" affix in the title refers to the real-life pharmacy chain Matsumoto Kiyoshi. Founded in 1954, Matsumoto Kiyoshi is one of Japan's biggest and most recognisable high-street chains, and agreed to work with Human Entertainment for marketing purposes, at least for the game's initial release.

The Drug Store: Matsumoto Kiyoshi de Okaimono! opens today on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.