Taboo: The Sixth Sense
System: NES
Release Date: April 1989
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Tradewest
Genre: Novelty
Taboo: The Sixth Sense is another odd game brought to the NES by Rare. Game is used loosely in this sense, I would say it’s more of a novelty. This is because it’s a tarot reading. Yep, Rare and Tradewest decided it would be a good idea to digitize a tarot card reading, making a big mockery of everyone in the process. I’m not hip to the world of the occult, so let’s just take a look at what I did and see if I can interpret the results.
You start by entering your name, birth date, and sex. Then you ask a question, mine was “Will I ever reach one thousand subscribers.” The game then “shuffles” the cards and lays them out. I am represented by the Knight of Cups. The internet says “You have dreamed about what it is you want to create and now are moving forward with this dream to make it a reality. It may be an art project or something you feel ‘called’ to do, based on your emotions, imagination and intuition. Be open to exploring your passions and your big ideas. You may find yourself drawn to a particular passion or hobby and now is the time to turn it into something.” So far, so good.
The first card is the Significator which represents the general atmosphere surrounding the questioner. The Seven of Staffs says my present position is obtaining success or gain. The Crossing Card shows influences working for or against me. The Nine of Staffs says the existing obstacle is setbacks or hindrances to overcome. The Crowning Card shows influences which will be brought to bare, The Eight of Swords says within my present frame of reference is criticism or quarrel. The Base of the Matter can represent the hidden subconscious root of the background to the situation. The Ace of Staffs says the influences of the distant past are inheritance or other gain. Past Influences depict the broad sphere of events which have existed in the past and led to the present situation. The Three of Cups says to enjoy the good things of life whilst they are available. Forthcoming Influences show the effects or situations which will operate in the very near future. The Five of Swords says the near forthcoming influence is defeat or destruction of others.
Where One Finds Oneself shows the questioners present state or attitude within surrounding circumstances. The Six of Swords says I’m on a journey to overcome difficulties with success. The Views of Others represents the situation as it appears to others. The Two of Swords says others view me as peace after war. Hopes and Fears represents the inner feelings, desires and dreads of the questioner. The Five of Cups says my inner hopes and fears are a shallow friendship or loveless marriage. The Final Outcome contains the answer to the question in regards to all of the other cards. The Eight of Cups says the outcome of all previous mentioned problems will be disappointment or abandonment.
Well, that’s a bummer! According to Taboo, I will either be disappointed, meaning I won’t reach one thousand subscribers in the near future, or I will quit before I make it. I don’t like that response… Then you can snag some lucky numbers based on your state, the amount of numbers you want and the minimum and maximum numbers possible. And then you’re done.
Graphics: 0.5
There are very few graphics in the game. Mostly text.
Sound: 1.0
It seems each suit has a short song attached to it.
Gameplay: 0.0
This isn’t a game. The manual says so. There’s no gameplay here.
Difficulty: 0.5
The difficulty inherent comes from interpreting the reading of the cards.
Fun Factor: 0.0
There’s no fun to be had here. Go to a fortune teller, instead. At least they’ll have some flair.
Overall Grade: 0.4
Taboo: The Sixth Sense earns an E. Don’t even bother with this. It isn’t a game.