N1GHTMARE

灯

Gathering the embers…

A Japanese learning adventure · Original beta practice

Learn Japanese. Restore a forgotten world.

N1GHTMARE is a free browser RPG for English-speaking Japanese learners. Create a character, answer Japanese questions, and bring light back to a world of shrines, lanterns, and a sleeping city.

Practice kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading across estimated JLPT N5–N1 levels. Each answer has an explanation to help you understand the next encounter.

The snowy Kotohara city hub, with railway bridges and entrances to practice, equipment, rankings, and social areas.
Return to Kotohara between encounters.
A Japanese kanji reading question with four answers during a lantern-lit encounter.
Turn a study question into the next step of your adventure.

Four ways to practice

Find a comfortable starting level

Start with examples before entering an encounter. Level labels are estimates, not official exam classifications. The beta is a small original practice collection, not a complete JLPT course or an official test.

Begin as a guest. Bring your journey with you.

No account is needed to start. Guest characters stay in this browser on this device, so avoid clearing site data. Optional Google sign-in lets you use a cloud roster and explicitly transfer a guest character.

Read the checkpoint and account-transfer guide before switching devices. Wait for a confirmed save; signing in alone does not silently merge characters.

Before you enter

Is N1GHTMARE free to play?

Yes. You can start a guest journey in your browser without a download or payment.

Do I need to know Japanese already?

The interface and explanations are in English; practice questions use Japanese. Basic kana knowledge helps. Try the N5 examples to decide where to begin.

Does this replace a JLPT textbook or mock exam?

No. These are original beta questions with estimated levels. Use the game alongside your other study materials. It does not provide official JLPT questions, listening practice, or a score prediction.

Can I play on a phone?

The game has a responsive browser interface. It uses 3D graphics, so performance depends on your device and browser. The guides work independently of the game. Settings include reduced motion and audio controls.

Where can I send feedback?

Contact the creator or visit the community linked there. For a content issue, include the question wording or ID. Please do not send passwords or private invitation links.

Written and reviewed for this release on . N1GHTMARE is independently made by Norman Yang and is not affiliated with the JLPT organizers.