Game Recommendations: Non game DS games

There are a lot of non-game games on the DS. In fact some of them are pretty much just books that have been shoehorned into cartridge form. This list does not contain software such as the etiquette guide, wine information or the secret diary games, because of that very reason. These may be games in only the loosest sense of the word but at least they are not books. Rather than looking down my nose at these games I choose to embrace them. I do believe that anyone can enjoy using a DS and this list is based on the deep-seated desire I have to convert even the most tech abhorrent friend into someone who carries a portable gaming device. Having seen senior citizens in Japan pull out their DSs in order to play Sudoku, I am convinced that the crusade to get the world to embrace gaming starts here. If the games on the last list seemed to o frightening to contemplate, pop your gaming cherry with one of these treats. If at least one of these games doesn’t intrigue you then you don’t have a pulse.
Note: These are actually all real games amazingly. None of them is a joke. Funny old world, eh?

Nintendogs



Bam. You have just been smacked in the head with the biggest mallet of cuteness Nintendo could find. A sack full of puppies. There is no escape as their sparkling black eyes beat your cynicism to a pulp. There is no way that your virtual puppy could be any cuter. And then you scratch it's tummy. As your new best friend rolls on its back and gazes up, imploring you to scratch again, you know that you have betrayed any principle or sense of self respect you ever had. You’ve made a deal with the Devil. Damn you Nintendo. Your self loathing at your devotion to your new focus of your life is causing you chest pains, and the only comfort you have is knowing that things can't get any worse. That is, until you realize that by speaking into the microphone you can teach your darling Rex to do tricks. Finally your family and friends are forced to intervene as you have been ‘too busy’ lately. As they reach over and smash the game before your eyes, the spell is broken. And you realize you haven’t fed your real dog for over a month.

Brain Age



This one has more legitimate worth than any other game on the list. It actually makes you smarter. Well to be honest, it improves your ability to do the activities within the brain training software but there is no denying it will make you a lot sharper with your simple math. The basic idea of the software is that most people don’t really use their brains anymore. Most of us sleepwalk through our work and in our free time we prefer to destroy our brain cells rather than nurture them. By playing various math, spatial reasoning, vision, and logic games daily, the game aims to keep you sharp. The real satisfaction and motivation for this game comes from the game giving you your ‘brain age’ everyday based on how you did in the challenges. 21 is apparently the optimum brain age and the fun really does come from seeing yourself improve. Video games aren’t only bad for you. Take that society!

Animal Crossing

I really have no idea how to start describing this game. Umm, you live in a town with animals. You can go fishing, plant trees, dig up fossils, design clothes, buy furniture, decorate you house, expand your house, visit your neighbors, write letters to you neighbors, answer questions from your neighbors, catch insects, donate objects to the museum, have a coffee whilst listening to a dog play the guitar…and other stuff. And you have to pay off you mortgage. This game sounds absolutely terrible but from the many, many hours I have spent in this game I can attest to its addictive nature. The real pleasure comes from see how you affect the world. Work hard and your house will get bigger. Always wanted to have a cowboy theme in your bedroom? Go ahead. You don’t like apples? You can chop down every apple tree there is. If the real world isn’t up to much, make your own world.

Animal crossing trailer

Face training

Confession time, this is the only game on the list that I have never played or owned. I just can’t bring myself to do it. The game…it shows you stretches you can do with your face… to improve your face muscles… or something… and there is a camera…so the game can tell you if you are stretching your face in the right way…
So why is this game on the list? Well because even if you don’t buy it, the fact that it exists at all is a hilarious, yet oddly magnificent achievement. You have to respect the person who had the balls not only to come up with this idea, but also to get it made. This is something that hasn’t or maybe couldn’t be done in any other media. And therefore it is one of the best five non game games on the DS.

Face training trailer

Cooking Mama



There are no two ways about it. Cooking Mama is hot. From her cute massive grin to her come hither eyes, the way she playfully scolds you when you fail, to her screams of ecstasy when you succeed, she is an utterly enchanting woman. If you don’t have the same fetish for large eyed, apparently middle-aged, game characters then there is still much to enjoy in Cooking Mama. This game is different from the others in that the touch screen gestures really do reflect the cooking action that you are trying to emulate. It’s pretty easy and it’s fun to see the final results of your cooking. It’s not an amazing game by any stretch of the imagination but for new gamers you will delighted at the ability of the DS to mimic real life actions with the game. Just don’t ask me why playing this game is any better than actually cooking in real life. Those kinds of questions confuse me. Plus she’s totally hot!

Game Recommendations: Non traditional DS games

If you are someone who has convinced themselves that they don’t like games, then you haven’t played these games before. If you have a bit of disposable income (a pretty laughable concept in the current financial climate) and you will ever have to use a train, bus or get a lift, pick up a DS and these games. If you don’t have to, then get one anyway and discover that lying in bed can be fun for more reasons than you previously thought. These are not traditional games in a sense, but they represent the most interesting and addictive games available for even those who didn’t ‘get’ Mario.
(For the best non game games, please consult the other list)

Rhythm Tengoku

To explain how to play this game seems pointless. If you watch someone play for about three second you will understand and be hooked. Nonetheless I will do my best. You hold the DS like a book. On the left screen will be the scene. A rhythm or beat will start playing. You have to tap the right screen at certain points. By following the rhythm you can figure out when you need to tap the screen. I’m fully aware that made no sense at all check out the video. Still don’t know what’s going on? Then buy it and prepare to fall in love. As of now this game is only available in Japan, so if you don’t live here you now have an excuse to book your plane ticket. Now watch this and try and figure out what the hell is going on.

Rhythm trailer

Warioware Touched!

This game is completely mad and all the more charming and entertaining for it. It consists of having to complete an endless stream of 10 second mini-games which gradually increase in speed and difficulty until your head explodes. But it’s damn fun. Help people to pick their nose, sculpt wooden statues, steal bones from dogs and feed babies all in the same place and in under ten seconds. As another game which seems too baffling to explain take a peek after the jump. Even if you are not into the whole getting a top score thing, there is so much else to enjoy about this game. If you have a few minutes to kill, then hop into the game’s toy box room. As you play the main game you unlock more toys to mess around with. From the pointless (changing a chameleon’s skin color) to the silly (pulling around a wobbly pudding) to the surprisingly addictive (blow into the microphone to launch a paper plane as far as you can), the toy box is a charming thing to show off to you friends and keep you entertained whilst you are waiting for a bus. As a great showcase for the vast potential the DS has as well as bizarre fun, Warioware is perfect.

Warioware trailer

Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass

Hear me about on this one. I know that this seems like a game for the hardcore but anyone will find this game charming and enjoyable. If you have never played a Zelda game, this is the perfect entry level into the series. The style is bright, cheering, charming and at times very evocative. There really are a lot of beautiful transitions in the game from the sprawl of the rolling ocean, to the change in mood and palette as you run across the ghost ship that you are pursuing. But what you really need to know is that the main character is controlled using the stylus on the touch scene and this method works very well. In fact newcomers will take to it more easily than hardened veterans of the franchise. It’s undeniable that this game is the most challenging and daunting on this list for a newcomer. But have patience and persistence and you will discover why this character is one of the most revered amongst videogame fans.

Zelda trailer

Ouendan/ Elite Beat agents



Another rhythm game but stylistically very different from Rhythm Tengoku. These games might just have the best stories ever for music games. You pick a song, then watch a manga that sets up the situation (it is skippable) and then thrusts you into action. That action is tapping numbered balls on the screen in numerical order which corresponds to the rhythm of the song. Sounds stupid? Try it. It’s easily my second favorite portable game, and if it weren’t for the next game it would be a worthy winner. There is so much to like about these games. From normal difficulty upwards the timing of your taps really resonates to the songs and immerses you. The soundtrack for the Japanese versions is incredible, and if you have no knowledge of Japanese music this game is a great entry point. Some of the most famous and popular songs in J-pop history are here and irresistibly catchy. The Western version has a soundtrack that is a little more hit and miss, but I believe it’s a testament to how good the game is that you will enjoy the hell out playing songs which you would be too ashamed to mention to you friends. And there are quite a few as represented by Avril Lavigne, Madonna, Good Charlotte and even Cher. Oh, and did I forget to mention the Village People? The comics themselves are really great and considering that you are looking at them for less than a minute then playing the song for less than four minutes, they always manage to conjure up an emotional response or are just damn funny. From the horse chasing down the burglar, the women trying to save their pop idol from Vikings, a retired baseball player taking on a Golem to a child trying to deal with the tragic death of her father (seriously… I was pretty shocked too), these stories really grab the attention and add motivational and feeling to make this an experience rather than a game. Watch two people reminisce about their favorite songs and scenarios in the games and you might be impressed (or disturbed) by the depth of affection that it’s possible to feel for a rhythm game. Who knows, you might surprise yourself if you try it.

Ouendan 2 trailer

Phoenix Wright

For in-depth information about this game please check the story about it. Long story short; you’re a lawyer in a bloody amazing videogame.

Phoenix Wright trailer

Game Recommendations: Phoenix Wright

Your palms are sweaty, your hands shaking and your stomach knotted. Your client’s life is on the line, as is your reputation. From across the courtroom the true killer sneers openly, confident in the knowledge that justice will not be served today. As you thumb desperately through the evidence you painstakingly compiled, a wave of nausea and futility washes over you. Then you see it. It was so obvious, staring you in the face for so long. Conclusive evidence to prove your client innocent and condemn the real perpetrator in the same, purifying sweep. You leap to your feet, adrenaline coursing through your veins, slam your fist on the table and bellow,



Welcome to the world of Phoenix Wright, ace attorney. This game manages to be simultaneously the most overrated and underrated game ever made. To it’s small but passionate fan base it contains one of the best narratives and compelling characters in fiction. To everyone else they hear that there is a lawyer game on the DS and assume that it’s as ridiculous as it sounds. I put myself firmly in the first group and strongly urge anybody and everybody to pick this fantastic series. When I talk to people who have heard about it, but are unwilling to try it, most commonly I hear that they are worried that it will be too difficult for them, or even that they think the game will make them feel ‘stupid’. Let me lay this myth to rest. The interface itself is incredibly simple; you merely use the touch screen to select different actions. That’s it. And whilst I understand that often many people prefer not to be mentally challenged or stimulated in their free time, this game has a gentle learning curve which will hold you by the hand at the beginning until you are comfortable with how everything works. The game itself is very linear and it’s impossible to get stuck on any part as you can blunder your way through any obstacle eventually with trial and error.
So what is the appeal of the game?
The best comparison I can make is to a good detective novel. Except that it’s smarter, sweeter, funnier, darker and more gripping than your average pulp fiction. You’ll be surprised with just how much you like the characters, both the heroes and villains. And the level of tension that the game manages to create (as implied to the ridiculously over-the-top first paragraph) is astonishing. Because you care about the characters, everything matters. Also I would be remiss in my duty if I failed to mention the music. It is unforgettable and instantly connects to and enhances your experience vastly. To play this game with the sound off is like watching sports without sound. The atmosphere just isn't the same. From the amazingly catchy Maya's theme, to the gut-wrenching dramatic decision music, very few of the tracks hit a bum note across all four games. To give you an idea about how passionate I am about the music alone, I recently spent ¥4000 yen on the live orchestral DVD. I haven't, however, paid by gas bill which means I’m currently taking ice cold showers every morning. It's all about prioritizing.
Finally there is a wonderfully satisfying feeling to solving the crimes. As you piece together the evidence and begin to draw you conclusions you will still have seemingly unanswerable questions. Often you will step in the courtroom only with the belief that your client is innocent. You may know who the killer is, but unless you can prove it, they walk free.



People also are worried about taking the plunge because they fear that they don’t know enough about legal proceedings. Fear not, this game disregards every current legal system (and plain common sense at times) yet creates its own clear and understandable internal logic. After playing for 30 minutes, you will have no concerns over procedure. Basically you have two phases, one in which you gather evidence, and the second takes place in the court room where you cross examine a series of witnesses in order to tear down their testimony which seems to prove your client guilty.
Don’t be afraid, don't dismiss it and don't ignore it. If you have a DS, get the first game, clear your schedule and be prepared to get sucked into a world where lawyers are noble guardians of truth and justice. You can thank me for the memories later.

The other brother has the talent

Jail Clothing


I have always been a fine appreciator of Japanese art and there are few examples finer these. When I saw these pieces I felt that I needed to reference them. Unfortunately they are by my brother. Despite this I was very impressed and jealous of this talented work. Of course I couldn't help but notice the inspiration of the culture of the rising sun. For those with even a passing interest in anime you might see some influence from such seminal works as Evangelion, Naruto or even FLCL. For those who have no interest in anime you will appreciate the fact that they look cool. I can't speak for the artist so do yourself a favor and check out his work after the jump.

Jail website

Jail facebook

Jail ebay

Top Five: reasons to hate Japan at Christmas

KFC is not Roast Turkey
Some genius on the PR marketing department of KFC in Japan managed to intrinsically link the wonderful and delicious feast that is a true Christmas meal, to the re-fried, oily carcasses of something that may or may not have been a living creature. Don't get me wrong, I've eating a lot of KFC in my time but to compare the two meals is practically heresy. And yet people will book their bucket of KFC take-out up to a week in advance to ensure they don't go away empty handed on the big day. Those who fail to make the necessary arrangements are forced to queue in lines that snake around the building out in the freezing cold. For KFC. Book in advance. Queue around the block. I apologize for repeating myself but even as I am typing this the recollection fills me with disbelief and disgust. The only reason I can possible think of is that Japanese people may have accidentally mistaken The Colonel for Saint Nick. I pray that's the reason. Don't get me started on “Christmas cake”. That's for another day.



The Colonel


Why is Chris so happy?
I like to think I'm a very lenient guy when it comes to Japanese people mispronouncing words. As a lazy student myself I'm fully aware of how easy it is to make a mistake. But the word is Christmas. Japanese people say “MerriChris!” It's not the individual making a pronunciation mistake, that’s just how everyone learns to say it. I would love to get my hands on the first worthless piece of crap that taught them the bastardized version of the word so I could beat into him the importance of teaching them the correct pronunciation in order that future generations might be spared.

‘Tis the season to make out in public


In most Western countries Christmas is for family and New Years is for friends. In Japan New years is for friends and Christmas is for couples. And it's hard to avoid really. If you are single at this time of year then Japan is not a great place to be. The normally very reserved Japanese couples suddenly begin to display their affection for each other in public. It's as though it's a government mandated policy. At this time of year all couples must engage in displays of romance. And even if you try to escape by locking yourself in your house then don't expect the assault to stop there as you are belted over the head repeatedly by romantic commercials like an amorous seal clubber. The only way it could be worse is if you are actually in a relationship at this time, in which case expect to send a lot of money in trying to express the depth of your emotion as well as an inevitable trip to…

Disneyland



Yes, the Magical Kingdom becomes even more magical at this time of year. Besides being swamped by the afore mentioned couples (the only time of year that adults seem to out-number the kids) the place is decked out in festive holiday cheer. As a fan of blatant commercialism this doesn't bother me at all. If fact it's hard to get more blatant than this. It's the musical numbers. I saw the main Christmas performance and after a few minutes I was shaking my head in remorseful disbelief. I understand that because the audience is Japanese, they didn't want to use complicated lyrics. But this 15 minute show used only two words. Happy Christmas. Repeated over and over in different songs, with various intonation and speed of delivery patterns. But it was only those two words. I want to say it has to be seen to be believed but then you would actually have to witness that wretched event. Hopefully this year's composer was given slightly more free reign.

Work



Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan. Understandable given its roots, however it's something that is difficult to forgive when you stumble in depressed and disheveled with a hangover that could kill a bear. As you sit in your office or conversation school staring blankly ahead and ponder the meaning of your existence, or rather what the hell you are doing in this country, a colleague or student will approach you. “Merry Chris!” they will say. “Happy Christmas” you will say back, wrestling with visions of tearing them to pieces with your teeth. Then your hangover stings into action once more and happily distracts you from your murderous intent.

Top Five: signs you play too many Japanese RPGs

Food = +2 stamina


Believe it or not this won't restore your hit points but it will help increase your chances of having a heart-attack

Despite what they have led you to believe, food does not magically make to stronger. You may have learned that consuming vast quantities of food and drink can only be beneficial to you, rather than potentially destroying your metabolism. Feel slightly fatigued? Have a slice of pizza. Scratched you knee? Eating meat will cure that. Been shot in the stomach? One Hamburger, coming right up. In the world of the JRPG food will heal almost any injury. In real life at best it is a band aid for chronic depression. And having drunk a bottle of the Final Fantasy potions that were released in limited qualities, the only way which you benefit from drinking one is the iron-cast certainty that you won’t want to taint your precious body by drinking another. Remember food is not love. And it certainly isn't a cure for near fatal injuries either.
See: Every RPG ever

You are a bit of a show off


You have a room key. Congratulations. Everyone within a one mile radius of you knows it too. Watch your back.

There they are. The new shoes you have been coveting for a long time. Finally you have enough money to purchase them. You stride over, pick them up and pay for them. Then, as you grasp your freshly bought footwear in your sweaty hands you feel the sudden compulsion to raise them high over your head in a breath-takingly ostentatious display, whilst a victory chime sounds clearly in your mind. Sadly this urge is not limited to rare occasions. Even buying something as simple as a piece of fruit results in this flamboyant action. Even picking up your car keys. Even when you find loose change. If you suffer from this affliction you won’t have to suffer for too long. The muggers know of your habit and spend their days trailing you after all.
See: Zelda games


“……….”


I couldn't leave this one out

When you try to engage in conversation you visualize other peoples’ words in speech bubbles complete with unnecessary additional punctuation. When a response is expected, you will likely remain mute and expect them to telepathically interpret your blank stare into something infused with meaning. You will probably still be waiting for three dialogue options to pop up, as the unfortunate individual walks away exasperated having tried several different languages including sign in a fruitless attempt to communicate with you. But why would you want to speak to them anyway? No one has anything particularily interesting to say, and yet find the same information worth repeating indefinitely. For you conversations are as stimulating as a mute person talking to a parrot.
See: Every pre PS2 RPG/ Zelda game


You'll never hit a homerun


This is as close as you will get to romance in most RPGs. That's why fan fiction exists

In fact getting to first base romantically might be too much for you. When a girl is attracted to you, rather than taking the hint and asking her for a date you are more likely to stare off into the sky/ fields/ middle distance like a constipated catalogue model. If the date scenario does arise then her father has no cause for concern as you will stride out in front of her as she follows a few steps behind and for some reason you will treat her no differently than if you are put in the same situation with a male companion. In addition it is likely that you will be hunting for a girl who has experienced trauma in the past that only you can cure through teaching her to laugh. Or vise-versa. And your incredibly hot childhood friend with the sexy, sassy personality and a body to die for will be overlooked for a less interesting, mousey woman with strong maternal instincts and the need to befriend woodland creatures.
See: Every Japanese RPG that isn't subcategorized as hentai

Peter Pan syndrome


Auron always told the others that he was 28

You don't understand why people seem so concerned that you are hanging around with people significantly younger than you. Sure your friends are overly emotional 14 and 15 year old kids, but there's nothing wrong with that ... right? You are their sage, their advisor, their council. In fact you are probably secretly the long-lost father of at least one of them, but it doesn't seem appropriate to reveal that until a later point. For now you are comfortable running around with your young chums, gallivanting through forests, skipping along mountainsides and sleeping under the stars. There's nothing wrong with that. You just wish that the police would see it the same way.
See: Most Final Fantasy/ Tales of/ Dragon Quest games

Akihabara Guide: Mandrake

Go if: you want to see a snapshot of everything implied by the word 'Otaku'

Mandrake is new to Akihabara, but certainly not new to fans of anime and manga goods. In fact it is somewhat baffling as to why it has taken so long for it to open a store in the hub of hobby enthusiasts. Mandrake has other stores around Japan, and what is usually striking about Mandrake stores is the scale. In Shibuya the underground shop seems akin to an aircraft hanger crossed with the Bat cave when you first enter. In this sense the Akihabara branch doesn't disappoint. It occupies its own imposing black building which towers menacingly over the surrounding buildings and it’s crammed with a little bit of everything. It was opened in April of 2008 and as such it is very well organized and you won't have to dislodge boxes in order to search for hidden treasures. What you will find is an overwhelming number of figures, Kubricks, Bearbricks, stickers, replica weapons, cosplay costumes, manga volumes, anime DVDs, soundtracks, video games, erotic novels, stationary and just about anything you can imagine that is connected in some way to Otaku culture. It’s one of the shops with the most complete collections of things to amuse and surprise you and for those with plenty of time and endurance it's worth souring every floor. If I seem to be describing it in a rather vague way it's only because there is so much here that it would take forever to go into detail about what is on display. But as a personal recommendation, please check out the old monster figurines in the Ultraman and Godzilla vein. Have a careful look and see which is the most expensive one you can find. If you can’t find anything over ¥250,000, you aren't looking hard enough. Whilst the Akihabara branch of Mandrake doesn't have quite the Gothic charm of its Shibuya counterpart, it is equally deserving of you attention. For a store that attempts to have everything, Mandrake comes pretty close.

Mandrake website

Wii Music: the fine line between art and shovelware

With the recent release of Wii Music the concept of what a game is has been challenged once more. Miyamoto himself expressed that he sees it as a toy rather than a game which inevitably put reviewers in a difficult position. How do you review something that even the creator has said is essentially unrelated to your field of expertise? The reviews were mixed, with some reviewers appreciating it charm and appeal for children, whereas others noted its lack of challenge and scores made the whole experience rather shallow. Personally I feel that reviews for this particular piece of software are irrelevant. Just as it’s hard to review a Tickle-me-Elmo, so I believe it’s hard to judge this game. What reviewers can do is to speak specifically to their target audience and demographic and try to relate exactly what the game is, and what particular aspects of it their demographic would find interesting. Put simply, we know that this game is primarily for kids, so the reviews should be aimed at parents. As parents are unlikely to read video game reviews this adds to the confusion that any reviewer faces.
So in the end many reviewers either consciously or subconsciously compared the game to its competitors in the music genre, namely Guitar Hero and Rock Band. In that respect the comparison is less than flattering. If you look at the game in a more abstract sense, however, it is a rhythmic game, with sound manipulation and creative editing techniques, a distinctive style (yes Miis do have artistic merit depending on how you exploit the available resources), and no scores or ending in the traditional sense. How about comparing it then to Electroplankton? Or Flow?



Whilst these games hardly have the most stunning metacritic scores, they are none the less appreciated for the experience they are trying to provide their audience. Why is Wii Music shovelware rather than art? Of course I’m being facetious. It’s hard for even the most open minded journalist to consider a music game with barking dog and cheerleader instruments as art. None the less, Wii music has succeeded in providing a conundrum for the more reflective of us to ponder. No I don’t mean what the hell was Miyamoto thinking, but rather how popular will this be. The NPDs and time will tell whether this will be seen as a pretty inexpensive folly or a juggernaut on the scale of Wii Fit. If you at all informed about the game you already know whether you are going to buy this game or not. As you play it let me know what you think it is; Guitar Hero for babies? Creative outlet for the masses? Or a game as review proof as the My Little Pony DS game?


Is he mad? You decide

Why won't you whip it out on the train? Portable gaming in Japan

I'm an English guy who grew up in the countryside with an unhealthy fear of being mugged, stabbed, murdered and raped (in no particular order) as soon as I head into London. I don’t have street smarts so much as a crippling fear which leads to heightened senses and the ability to traverse the streets without making eye contact. This comes partly from growing up in a sheltered rural area and partly from the news and my friends’ own experiences. When walking the streets my ipod remains firmly in my jacket with black headphones plugged in. The white ones betray the wealth on your person. So from my air of extreme paranoia in England I’m now living a slightly too carefree lifestyle in Tokyo. Whilst there is a significant amount of crime in Tokyo it’s hard not to believe that this is the safest capital city in the world. Ipods are brazenly strapped to arms, people sleep on the trains and everywhere you see people playing on their PSPs and DSs. Literally everywhere judging by the market saturation of the DS Lite. So why is it that so many Japanese people have fallen for portable gaming? Of course one aspect of it may be related to the feeling of safety. Because portable gaming is so commonplace these devices are hardly seen as luxury items and as such don’t paint the person as a potentially wealthy person. It also ties into the traditional image of Japanese people as shy and reserved. Even between friends few people converse loudly on public transportation, instead preferring to lose themselves in their own world through sleep, music or games. Playing Final Fantasy might be enough to distract you from the fact that a heavy set and vigorously perspiring man has his armpit pressed against your head. Or at least it might alleviate your suffering. Finally there is no sense of shame in playing portable games in Japan. Men and women of all ages indulge in this hobby, even if they wouldn’t dream of purchasing a console. The portable gaming device is an extension of their mobile phone entertainment, a substitute for a book and a study aid all rolled into one. While derided by videogame critics, language, etiquette and wine information software has given the portable gaming device acceptance and credibility in society. Recently in America commercials featuring celebrities promoting DS Lites have been aired in the hope of emulating that kind of mainstream popularity. So far it has not yet bore fruit, but in the future who knows? Maybe five years from now the portable gaming device will become as integral to daily life in America and England as it is now in Japan.

Has Japan gone soft-core?

Say what you will about it, the introduction of Xbox Live brought about a revolution in the way that we play games. From the point of the release of Halo 2, the Western hardcore gamer was born. Whilst many would argue with this statement and point to their years of devotion worshiping at the temple of the NES, essentially it was an emulation of the Japanese hardcore experience. Japanese hardcore gamers like to play alone. Competition is something which should be trained for in solitude. The satisfaction of victory is a private unburdening of the weight of past failures. The Western hardcore gamer is about domination, humiliation, destruction and making damn sure that your opponent knows that it was you who just handed him his ass. Whilst some may lament the collapse of society that Xbox Live represents, in fact it should be applauded. It was when the Western gamers found their own definition of hardcore and by defeating others it provided respect and justification for the days and weeks of your life dedicated to perfecting your skills. But still many Western gamers bemoan the perceived shift in emphasis of many companies away from them and towards the blue ocean, casual crowd. Rather than welcoming more people into the world of video games, they see the Wii as draining valuable resources away from imaginary, big budget hardcore games. If you feel that way then spare a thought for the Japanese hardcore gamers.




Go into some of the major video game shops in Japan and among the DS games in particular you might be hard pressed to find something there approaching gameplay. The quality games are often crowded out of shelf space by the face training games. So has Japan gone soft-core? Yes and no. Whilst the percentage of consumers that purchase video games has gone up significantly, the number purchasing what might be seen as hard-core games has not increased to nearly the same extent. So whilst there are no fewer people that are interested in hard-core games than there were before, there is a greater demand for soft-core games. This in turn has led to companies turning their attention to this newer and bigger market. It was easy to see at Tokyo Game Show this year that the number of big budget hard-core Japanese games has gone down significantly and many developers are worried. Despite this the Japanese domestic market is thriving. The problem is that there are simply not enough people in Japan to match the American markets. The difficulty of the comparison between Japanese and American hard-core games is further confused by the vastly different definitions for each country. In America the FPS is the definitive hard-core game and at the moment COD4 is its poster child. In Japan Monster Hunter still holds the dominant position, but other genres, like horse racing games, are taken so seriously by their fans that they cross into the area of being hard-core.



The frankly terrible Fate Stay Night fighting games have players devoting a lot of time and money to them, so does that make them hard-core? Whilst the American hard-core games have tended to homogenize into a few games that everyone learns and plays until the next big game comes along, the Japanese hard-core market has fractured. The budgets are not there anymore so the games are catering to the passions of the individual through game form, rather than for the quality of the game itself. You will still see new releases of anime related games for the PS2 with graphics that wouldn’t look out of place on a Super Famicom. Beyond the impressive examples set by Square-Enix and Capcom it’s a low risk, low reward strategy that has left them trailing the big American developers still keen to deliver the next blockbuster game. Japan hasn’t gone soft-core yet. It’s just gone low budget.

Akihabara Guide: Club Sega

or

Go if: you want to play the best. Otherwise don't bother going unless you want to get lung cancer

Club Sega is not simply an arcade, it’s an institution; a place when the most hardcore players can gather and challenge each other, anonymously, to prove themselves. When coming out the Electric town exit you can hardly miss it as it’s on the main street right next to the train tracks. The first floor is dedicated to UFO catchers, but besides that, this place is all business. For most foreigners a few of the floors will hold little long term interest beyond initial curiosity. The card based horse racing, sports and Dynasty Warriors style games will be baffling for even those fluent in Japanese. And the nation’s fascination with Gundam games will probably fail to spark devotion in you as it has for the hordes of faithful fans (to play the version in which you climb into a reproduction capsule you have to get a virtual driving license before you are allowed to compete). But for those looking to gauge themselves against the best fighters in Japan, it is definitely worth a visit. Once you wander into the smoky atmosphere (a ban on smoking indoors seems unlikely to happen in the near future) you will be struck by how such a noisy place can be so quiet. For despite the almost deafening volume of the arcade cabinets, there is no conversation. For someone as unskilled as myself this is somewhat of a comfort. Even after you have been destroyed by a far superior opponent it’s highly unlikely that anyone will engage in trash talk. This is partly due to the respectful nature of the culture and partly because you have no idea who you are actually playing. Unlike American arcades in which opponents literally stand next to each other, in Japanese arcades the systems are linked in way that everyone has their own machine and as such your machine obscures you from your opponent. This allows you to slink off gracefully following your defeat, your tears unseen by the victor. As well as the vigorous competition, the IC card system provides a compelling reason to continue to return to the arcades. A ¥500 card stores all of your battle information and over the course of your victories and losses you accumulate points which can be used to purchase accessories for your character. The more points you have, the more outlandish the accessories you can buy. Hence if you get into a battle in Street Fighter IV with an opponent using a Blanka that is wearing a pink tutu and has a toy bunny rabbit strapped around his waist, chances are you are about to get the shit kicked out of you. Currently the big fighting games in Club Sega are Street Fighter 4 and the latest iterations of Tekken and the ever popular Virtua fighter. As well as fighting games there is a very serious Initial D racing crowd that gathers here, but in almost any competitive game you are likely to face someone who is pretty handy. Even sitting down for a game of Virtua Tennis 3 will show you just how good someone can be at a game which seems so simple. For those not interested in the arcade scene Club Sega is nothing more than a dirty and confusing closet of flashing lights and sound. For those who are interested… welcome home.

Club Sega website

Akihabara Guide: Trader

Go if: you feel it's time to start a Sega Saturn game collection

If you love hunting for bargains, the Trader shops are some of the best in Akihabara. Specifically the one behind Club Sega, on a corner opposite KFC and Game Hollywood, is one of the best places to rummage around for something special. It has used games as well as anime, and some slightly seedier wares as well, but the game prices are particularly good. The ground floor has software for any console which is still popular. As well as Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 it also has PS2, GBA, DS and PSP games, and a few original Xbox games. For used games, this is one of the cheapest places to go, but you might find these games for a couple of hundred yen cheaper elsewhere. However, as a foreign gamer in Japan, the most useful thing is that they have a small selection of used American, European and Asian versions of PS3 and Xbox 360 games. In case you are unaware, Asian games are catered for countries like Singapore and Hong Kong and always are in English. Coupled to the fact that they will play in a Japanese Xbox 360 and their value becomes more obvious. A big advantage of these games is also that they are much cheaper than American, European, and even Japanese versions of games. In this shop I picked up the Asian versions of Bioshock and Burnout Paradise for only ¥2000 yen each. The only drawback is that you will have many fruitless visits as of course the shop relies on other people trading in the games that you are searching for. The other gaming centric area of the shop is on the third floor. This place is a real treat for those looking to build up a retro collection cheaply. The price of most of the games is cheaper than you would find in Super Potato, and there are a lot more interesting peripherals too. But undoubtedly the best feature of this floor is the junk box. There are a huge number of boxed and unboxed games here; mostly for the Dreamcast, Saturn, Famicom and Super Famicom, that are not guaranteed to work (although every game I have bought from a junk box has worked). It basically a way for them to clean out stock. So here you can find some of the best bargains in Akihabara, depending on what your are looking for. To give you some idea of prices I picked up Super Street Fighter II for ¥30, Virtua Fighter 2 for ¥20, Nights and Christmas Nights for ¥200, Soul Calibur for ¥200 and Guardian Heroes for ¥1000. If you don’t have a Saturn, I highly recommend doing so simply because the games are dirt-cheap, with most of them being sold for less than ¥50. At that price you can’t go wrong. To dive into the world of retro games, be prepared to get your hands a little dirty by mucking through junk boxes. This shop is for anyone who loves searching for things that they didn’t know that they were looking for.

Trader website

Akihabara Guide: Tokyo Anime Center

Go if: this is your first visit to Akihabara

The Tokyo Anime Center opened relatively recently in the UDX building next to Akihabara station, and its no great exaggeration to say that it has already become one of the most important places in the mecca of otaku. Its a breath of fresh air, almost literally due to the musty smell of most anime shops, and a point of interest for both novices and the more serious fan. It is definitely the acceptable face of anime and contains a wealth of information about events in and around Akihabara. Quite simply its a must visit. There are reams of leaflets and a monthly newsletter and four notice boards with the same event information in four different language so its an excellent place to go even if you aren't so confident with your kanji. Its also a fun and interesting shop, with lots of good merchandise, some of it exclusive to the store or at least hard to find in many of the other shops. On the downside its pretty expensive for certain items, but thats due in part to the fact that there is so much to tempt you. The manga theme toilet paper, limited edition cells and a range of your favorite Ghibli merchandise can all be purchased so stock up on cash before you go. As well as that there is a large video screen that constantly blares out commercials, a number of life sized figures to look at (and this is one of the few shops in Akihabara that will allow you to take photographs!) and rotating exhibitions that are always worth seeing. Also there are large banners which hang in the shop which display various famous anime characters which are changed occasionally. It all adds to the air of grandeur, and cleanliness which is absent from a lot of the more intimate akihabara stores. There is a very family friendly atmosphere to the place, and there is even a 3D cinema which shows movies aimed at the younger crowd such as the Pokemon movies and the latest Conan movie was recently screened there. Finally the shop also contains a small sound proof booth complete with radio microphones. If you check the upcoming events information you may get to see your favorite voice-over actors come in for a special recording session and you can even dub your voice over scenes from anime. On a personal note, one of my best memories of Japan was this the shop. As I went in there Chiaki Kuriyama, the Japanese actress that was in Kill Bill and Battle Royale, was filming a commercial dressed in a figure hugging leather costume. Well, I guess its a family friendly place 99% of the time. Even for something as simple as a map, The Tokyo Anime Center is one of the most useful places to go in Akiba.

Tokyo Anime Center website

Maid Cafe Review: @home 7F

Go if: you want to get a real taste of Akihabara. And if you want to learn the actions of 'Moe Moe' janken

@home has emerged as one of the most popular and successful maid cafes in Akihabara, and rightly so. It is very very well advertised for a start; the first thing your are likely to see upon leaving the station through the electric town exit, is a large billboard for @home. And the maids are much cuter and more attractive than those in other maid cafes. This is obviously a very subjective opinion but certainly it seems that their hiring policies might be a little more rigorous than other places. Most importantly, @home has established itself as a recognizable brand in a sea of individually owned maid cafes. There is plenty of merchandize to buy and methods of promoting customer loyalty. In this building alone there are three floors containing different styles of maid cafes operating under the @home brand. This review is about the 7F.
To make a rather glib comparison, @home is the Royal Host of maid cafes. It's has excellent customer service, is reasonably priced with decent food, and yet, as with most chain restaurants, there is a slightly sterile atmosphere. This is certainly something that the cafe hides pretty well through the variety of entertainment it offers. There are occasionally performances by the maids including song and dance numbers as well as a game of junken with more 'moe' actions to replace the original ones. Ever wanted to play pop up pirate with a maid? Step right up. There are a number of small games you can play with the maid of your choice for the paltry sum of ¥500, or alternatively get a polaroid with your favorite for the same price. There is certainly a lot here to amuse and entertain, and I personally like to take people here as it really encapsulates the best aspects of the maid cafe experience. Watch your friends squirm as the maid teaches them the special song and dance you have to perform in order to infuse your drinks and food with more love, or as our waitress put it 'moe power'. The food and drink is surprisingly decent and there are enough interesting designs for the food that you can have a bit of a giggle as you order lunch.
One of the best things about @home is the point card system. Please take the time to read the list outside that details the different levels of card; ranging from the first level 'My Master' through 'Familiar Master' to the final level of 'Legend'. Be warned, in order to find out what bonuses you get for the title of 'Legend' you have to have visited the cafe 2000 times. So if you have nothing planned everyday for the next six years, I suggest you give it a shot!
Finally, a warning. I once went there in the early afternoon on a weekday and had to wait 45 minutes before I could be seated. This place is popular. Really popular. Don't even try on a weekend or national holiday unless you don't mind sticking around. Still, for all or the entertainment it offers, @home 7F comes highly recommended.

@home website

Five things you didn't hear about from TGS, but should have

Custom painted consoles







One company had a beautiful display of decorated Xbox 360s, PSPs and DS Lites. They were available to order on the day and the company also has a website. These things were so tempting I almost wanted to ask about the price. Maybe when my 360 red rings then I can treat myself to a prettier version. You thought that Microsoft getting exclusive Square-Enix JRPGs was surprising? Having Mount Fuji emblazoned upon your favorite American console might send you into a state of paralysis. Although the loud buzzing it makes as soon as you fire it up might sound like soothing, crashing waves to the more delusional fanatic. Maybe in this situation no price is too high.

Sega, release these T-shirts... now!







And speaking of things that need to make their way off the show floor and into our homes, these Sega T-shirts gave me goosebumps. Im sure that they will appeal to different people but no one can deny the appeal of the Samba de Amigo bright yellow number. If having an insanely grinning monkey beaming out from your chest has always been your dream then start petitioning Sega right now.

Capcom's ramen stand at the SF IV booth



One of the highlights of the show floor was the Capcom booth and in particular the Street Fighter IV section. It was the best fighting game there, had polished versions of both the 360 and PS3, the best free schwag... and a ramen stall. It was set up like Chun Li's level, complete with a painted backdrop and did I mention a ramen stall? Whilst I have seen plenty of fake food in my time, this has to be among the best.

The real Ai Nori bus!


Love Ai Nori? Then this should send a shiver down your spine. Not pictured is the drivers cap which you could wear if you able to deal with the trauma of playing the demonstration of the mobile phone game. I couldn't swallow my pride to do so. I can only hope it had been thoroughly washed after its trip around the world.



The Phoenix Wright toys! Super cute, no objections

If you have dreamed of recreating famous moments from the greatest lawyer games ever made (stand down Harvey Birdman fans) then grab a video camera and these irresistible figurines. If you haven't, then get them anyway. Also available will be Trudy and Emma. Sadly I say will be available because there was only a 2009 date attached to the models. They are already done, just get them out there as soon as possible. Soon to be available on ebay for an astronomical price.

Cosplay: Tokyo Game Show 2008

Top Five: game characters with emotional issues

Any Resident Evil main character: Resident Evil series


Scared? If you aren't then something is wrong with you

There are not enough phobias in the world to cover what these people have been through. Giant snakes, spiders, bats, crocodiles, well any animal you can name they have encountered a giant version of it. A trip to a local petting zoo would reduce these people to weeping, wailing banshees. You can be sure none of them have any doors in their houses as they are cursed by the inevitability of terror lurking behind them. Add to that a fear of gimps with giant claws, rocket launcher wielding stalkers, robes, and anyone with a European accent and you have a group of people that probably check under the bed before they go to sleep. What's worse is that they can never escape the cycle. If they survive one traumatic crisis they inevitably will have to face another. The only way to escape that fate is to die, but on second thoughts not even the cold kiss of death was enough to save poor Barry from making a return. If they are not already checked into AA then a support group needs to be formed. After all every time Capcom announces another iteration of the franchise they know that one of them is going back in.

Waluigi: Mario sports games

Even he doesn't know why he exists

Waluigi is a truly tragic case. Sure, Wario is also fairly pathetic in his continued attempts to defeat Mario, as well as his painfully obvious copying of his rivals dress sense. But he has his own games. He has his own life. And at least his rival is Mario. Waluigi has LUIGI as a rival. The other Mario brother. Its like someone trying to emulate Danny Devito in Twins. Its just pointless. There should be no sense of achievement. Half the time he is either trapped, scared or at home watching TV whilst his more illustrious brother saves the day. Its like trying to have a rivalry with a piece of cheese. And as pathetic as Luigi is, Waluigi is so much more so.

Pokemon: The Pokemon series


Pokemon are cool in theory. The reality is similar to surrounding yourself with several hundred turrets syndrome sufferers

There have been famous narcissistic characters in video games before. Iconic figures such as Vega have dazzled us both with their arrogance and their love of talking about themselves. But for pure unadulterated self-centred adoration its hard to beat the Pokemon. They can't talk, but they sure as hell know their own name. And their not shy about telling you. Over and over again. Jigglypuff even sings his own name, serenading him/her/itself in a orgy of self love that would make Apollo Creed blush. As cute as Pikachu is, its a minor miracle that Ash hasn't throttled him to death yet. If you still can't completely comprehend just how irritating a real Pokemon would be, imagine having a miniature version of a pro wrestler sitting on your shoulder all day jabbering away in your ear. Narcissiscism is fine, just a little more eloquence would be appreciated.

Sonic: Sonic the Hedgehog


Sonic had no idea how to tell Amy about his results from the clinic

He runs. Hell he run pretty damn fast. But no matter how fast he runs he can never outpace his fear of relationships. Having tried the bachelor lifestyle initially, he grew tired of the loneliness and adopted a young ward in the shape of the gratingly cheerful Tails. But as with Batman and the boy wonder he grew tired of the increasingly vocal murmuring about his sexuality and he decided to try and take the plunge with a young lady called Amy Rose. And he's been running ever since. Constantly pursued by this crazed harlot who believes that they are dating Sonic desperately tries to evade her misguided love. It doesn't help that he only seems to meet girls from other species like Blaze the cat or the frankly disgustingly named Cream the rabbit. The poor bastard is Sonic THE Hedgehog. Apart from robotic versions of himself he just can't meet anything he could potentially hump. Or maybe he's just running so fast to lose that little shit Tails.

You: GTA


In his base jumping debut, he forgot to bring one crucial thing

Yeah you heard me. You. You're sick in the head. Oh, of course not for playing the game. And not even for murdering thousands of innocents because you thought someone on the street looked at you in a funny way. Pigeon killing? Take out every one of those pestilence carrying flying rats. The city is cleaner without them. Its the prostitute thing. Sure its funny to show your friends. And you all laugh when having defiled herself to make some hard earned cash, you beat her to death with a baseball bat to get your money back. Its when you are on your own that it gets creepy. Ruthlessly you continue this macabre dance taking victim after victim. But you can never purify the streets. The flow is endless. There are just too many.
And then one day you wake up in a white padded room having just become Jack Tomphson's new poster child.

'No more heroes' - the evolution of the silent beefcake

It used to be so simple. 'Kill the bad guys and save the princess'. Thankfully video games narratives have become somewhat more fulfilling than they used to be and yet they have always had to live in the shadow of the more mature movie industry. To the mainstream press and much of the general public, video games are still that simple. Instead now they believe that 'Kill the bad guys and save the princess' has been replaced by 'Be a bad guy and kill the hookers. Whilst dealing drugs.' Yet in some sense they are right. Thats not a disparaging comment, it just means that video game narratives have evolved to the point where they can deal with more adult themes, some more successfully than others. This is perhaps most true when looking at the protagonists of the games we play.

The tag-line of the movie seems to be an outdated reference to Oblivion horse armor DLC

The 80s was the era of the action hero as was reflected in the muscle bound, soulless killing machines that looked remarkably similar to Sly and Arnold. Games such as Contra and Bionic Commando had these stereotypical action heroes that actually managed to have less dialogue than their film counterparts.

The 90s encompassed some of the best platformers on the Super Nintendo and Genesis and yet was also contained some of the worst and most ill-conceived main characters. There seemed to be some confusion between 'attitude' and personality. This led to such tragic figures as Busby, Cool Spot and ultimately even Sonic. Sure his devil may care attitude and cocky attitude appealed at a time when there was little alternative, but recent iterations have become worse and worse. Of course this is primarily due to shoddy level design and game mechanics but he just isn't considered 'cool' anymore.


In case you are too young to remember, at the time this was known as "'tude"

There are of course many exceptions to these older games with many memorable and interesting characters, a lot of these were restricted to RPGs and point and clicks. But recently video game characters have begun to develop into more fully realized and engaging figures. Why? Because now our heroes are flawed.

In fact its almost hard to find a good protagonist that doesn't have a troubled past/ dark secret/ deformity/ severe mental problem. After all if Iron Man is an alcoholic and Spiderman has gone emo then you can't begrudge Snake his cigarettes. Character quirks and flaws have helped develop video games flesh out the reality of their world and to make their protagonists more three dimensional. But whilst it may seem that these flaws would make it more difficult to relate to the characters, thats not necessarily true. Because in many games now we have the choices. If a character is a social inept and violent thug, it is because we can make them act that way. Of course sandbox games like GTA are examples of this element of choice. Whilst its true that its hard to avoid killing people in order to progress through the game, side missions such as picking up hookers, cheating on your girlfriend or just murdering as many people as you can are entirely optional and some do not give your character any significant benefits.


Therapy not included in the box

Thus the character is bad because thats what we choose to do. But its games like Mass Effect that are perhaps more relevant when discussing the reflection of a player's own personality in the protagonist. More often than not when playing the game the player will make a conscious decision to be either 'good' or 'bad' and to stick to those responses throughout the game. It's pretty uncomfortable having to stomach being such a wuss when the Council is blaming you for everything. But its interesting to play the game using your genuine emotional responses to certain situations. Its not that the character expresses themselves exactly as the player would in real life situations but rather a distorted perspective. A response which could have been intended as a mild rebuke could result in your character taking a swing at someone. This distortion of the players response is something that the player can both relate to and to distance themselves from. Like many modern heroes, the player's own personality flaws are reflected in the game. The real challenge is to retain a sense of personality whilst giving the player these moral dilemmas.


Your own deep-seated passive aggressive rage is finally given an outlet in Mass Effect

Every character in a game with a narrative needs to have something to draw the player in and appeal to them, whether it is a well defined engaging character or a reflection the player's own psyche or just a genuinely charming and enduring character. Like the movie industry needs both Fight Club and Pixar movies, so too does the video game industry need both GTA and Mario.

Pixar movies appeal to many different age groups because of it layers of humor that appeal to different age groups and Mario manages the same feat through its simple charm but at times its intense difficulty. Yet even Mario has developed a sense of irony. His enduring appeal is based on the vibrant worlds that he is controlled in rather than as a character with a well developed personality. But in the Mario RPG series dating back to the SNES and most recently on the Wii, the games are littered with self-referencing winks and nudges to a knowledgeable audience, and well as a healthy dose of self deprecation. And whilst the character design in Gears of War might seem like the most lazy throw back to the action heroes of the 80s, their exaggerated swagger, casual profanities, macho banter and ridiculously ripped bodies parody old fashioned ideals of masculinity in games. So over-the-top are these meat-heads that it can be argued that the game pokes fun of its own influences. If the video game industry has developed to the point that it can reference itself so well and wittily then its a good sign of how much its matured. Unfortunately this may mean that one day we end up with the video game equivalent of Scary Movie 3. I guess its too early to celebrate.

Akihabara Guide: Game Hollywood

Go if: you want foreign games and no concept of the value of money

Game Hollywood used to be the only import game shop in Japan that was worth going to. But with Loax now having a decent collection of new foreign games and Asobit city recently dedicating an entire floor to Western games, where does this leave Game Hollywood? Well, surprisingly pretty much in the same place it was before. It still offers the most comprehensive collection of new foreign games available in Akihabara. The different console sections are clearly divided and it’s very easy to find what you are looking for. As well as stocking the latest PS3 and Xbox 360 games they also have a lot of last generation titles such as games for the Xbox and the GBA. Unlike many other shops they also stock American and Pal versions of the current generation consoles. But at a price. This is the fundamental drawback of shopping at Game Hollywood; it’s not cheap. The standard price for a new American game is ¥8800, although it does vary depending as to the console and whether it is a budget title or not. However you look at it, the mark up is pretty significant. The pricing for the consoles is even more ridiculous. If you have just over ¥100,000 burning a hole in your pocket then you might want to pick up an Elite 360.
Despite this it is a worthwhile place to check in on occasionally. Usually they have the import games in stock within a week of their release and any big releases are guaranteed to be there. They also have a wide variety of limited edition goodies for sale, bargain bins, peripherals and even ‘mystery bags’. Certainly, it was the only place I have been to in Japan which had the full set of instruments for both versions of Rock Band. Unfortunately the fact that all the instruments were packaged separately and had been marked up considerably dampened my enthusiasm. Although most games are overpriced, there are a few discounted gems that you can pick up if you are inclined to do so. Games that haven’t shifted do get marked down, and picking up the Gamecube version of Paper Mario for ¥3000 is an example of finding bargains with persistence. And whilst ¥8800 seems dear for a game, its competition has pretty much the same pricing scheme.
Well stocked with the latest releases and well as a few interesting toys and memorabilia, Game Hollywood is a savior for the foreign gamer who struggles with their kanji, but can’t give up their games. But the savior comes at a price.

15 minute review: Street Fighter IV

15 minute review: Street Fighter IV



In no way is this review indicative of the final product. My opinions are based on the demo that was at TGS and should be taken with that in mind.
The impressive thing about both home console versions of Street Fighter IV is that they seem indistinguishable from their arcade counterpart. That should be enough cause to push you towards a purchase. Street Fighter IV has been a great success in the Japanese arcade scene which already contains a number of popular fighting games. If you have played any version of Street Fighter beyond the first one then you will feel comfortable playing this one. However there have been enough tweaks and additions to the combat system to promote a different, more aggressive style of fighting. The focus attacks really do change the pace of the game in the hands of someone capable. But even for those who don’t feel the need to re-learn the game will find that their old tactics and combinations can still carry them to some extent.
If I was forced to differentiate between the PS3 and XBOX 360 versions then it did seem as though the colors in the 360 version were a little brighter and clearer than the PS3 version but it was barely noticeable and could have been a result of playing conditions. TGS doesn’t exactly have ideal conditions in which to determine subtle differences and this is an incredible looking game for either console. At the moment what may be more relevant as to deciding which console version to purchase, is which arcade stick you prefer. Of the two at the show I preferred the button layout and the feel of the PS3 version over the XBOX 360 one.
What is a little surprising is the fact that a release for the game isn’t until next year. What was showing at TGS had the full arcade roster of playable characters as well as the addition of Sakura and everything ran very smoothly. This makes me very optimistic about the amount of additional content that will be added in the time between now and its release. However the really important element for Capcom to focus on is the online multiplayer. It has to succeed where so many others have failed and provide a lag free experience. The gameplay would suffer so much if lag became a determining factor in matches. The home console versions of Street Fighter IV is shaping up to be an excellent adaptation of the arcade, and with exclusive content and additional fighters I feel comfortable in recommending it even at this early stage. Just how much popularity and success it achieves though will depend on how the game plays online.

Akihabara Guide: Sofmap

Go if: you want recent games for cheap

Although there are a seemingly countless number of Sofmap stores in Akihabara, the one next to Club Sega is definitely the most comprehensive in terms of new and used games. The first floor has new Wii and DS games; the second floor has new PS3, PS2, PSP and XBOX360 games, and the third floor has used games for the latest consoles as well as some of the older ones. The price of the new games is not especially cheaper than any other game store in Akihabara but there are occasionally good bargains to be found on the third floor. In particular there is a wide variety of 360 games available, most of them pretty cheap, and there are usually a few American or Asian copies of games for those looking to play their games in English. There are also timed special deals on selected software as well as a point card system that can be redeemed in any Sofmap store. Besides an extensive range of used games they also have a decent selection of consoles (varying from those in mint condition to those which are in a cellophane bag), peripherals, and limited edition box sets. So if you have really been hankering for the limited edition version of Idolmaster, including the performance stage and pop star figurines, this may be the cheapest place to get your hands on it. If you are looking to sell your games, the shop offers you a decent price for them on the next floor up. It should be one of the first places you check if you want to buy a recent game, but don’t want to pay the full retail price. For older systems though there are better places to go hunting.

Sofmap website

Akihabara Guide: Super Potato

Go if: you have any interest in retro games. And even if you don't

Super Potato is a shop which I highly recommend anyone to visit, whether you are interested in videogames or not. It is a shrine dedicated to the retro game scene. It is easy to pass by without even noticing it and yet it is one of the most famous places to buy retro games, popular with Otaku, foreign game enthusiasts and sightseers alike. Its size and unobtrusiveness belie its important stature amongst the Akiba faithful. It starts on the 3F which is perhaps the most impressive of the three. The walls are crammed with vast numbers of games for now defunct systems. Famicom, Super Famicom, Saturn, Dreamcast, Neo Geo, Mega Drive and even Virtual Boy games are represented here as well as the machines on which to play them. Without a firm grasp of Japanese it could be very difficult to find exactly the game you are looking for but as the search is so enjoyable it hardly matters. Bargain bins clutter the floor and demo kiosks jostle for space. If you have ever wanted to try to play the infamous 3D Virtual Boy, this is one of the few opportunities you will have without having to pay for the privilege. It is something worth doing, however if you suffer retinal damage, please don’t hold me responsible. And as another warning, I have been the recipient of several mild electrical shocks whilst picking up an old game pad. I guess that the improvement in technology has robbed us of these little quirks in some of the older consoles! Whilst it may prove a wonderful trip down gaming memory lane for some, for those who are interested in seeing unusual aspects of Japanese culture this is also a worthwhile trip. Seeing a rare Super Famicom game that is priced at \498,000 leads anyone to wonder just who would even consider buying it (oh, and its Yoshi’s Cookie in case you are wondering!) The 4F houses Playstation, Playstation 2, Xbox, Game and Watch, Nintendo 64 and Gameboy games as well as a wide variety of video game related memorabilia. In particular the vast collection of retro soundtracks and game guides is impressive, yet you are pretty likely to feel a sickening sensation in your stomach when you realize how much that old Game and Watch machine is now worth when you check them out from behind their glass case. The 5F is a small retro arcade center with some recognizable classic such as Tetris and Space invaders, as well as a few more obscure games which didn’t see release outside Japan. The dark and smoky atmosphere doesn’t exactly lend a social able atmosphere to the place, so only the really curious will linger for more than a moment.
What really stays with you after experiencing Super Potato is the smell. Whether that’s due to the musty scent of classic games, or to the dedicated clientele is a point for debate. But what should not be debated is the necessity of a visit to this Mecca of gaming. From the tinkling 8 bit soundtrack that blares out throughout the store and spills out onto the street, to the intimidating stacks containing the history of an industry, Super Potato has to been seen at least once. You might not find what you are looking for, but you are sure to find something to lighten your wallet.

Super Potato website

Maid Cafe Review: Mai:lish

Go if: you want to relax in the company of French Maid costumes

Café Mai:lish is a safe introduction to the potentially seedy world of Maido Kissa’s (Maid Cafes). Located off the main street and about a ten to fifteen minute walk from Akihabara Station, it’s not the easiest place to find. However it is one the oldest and most famous Maid Cafes, although I am well aware that is a very relative term. Light, spacious, clean and charming it might come as a shock to the first time visitor who was unsure what to expect but was dreading (or hoping for) the worst. Whilst it seems unnecessary to state the obvious, the staff are indeed very polite and personable; however there is more of a detachment from the customers than in some other establishments. They will take you order and engage in polite small talk with you but there are no games or activities which you can play with them as in other places. The selection of food and drinks is pretty impressive and there is an English menu available if you ask for it or just look slightly confused when anyone tries to speak to you. I personally recommend the rare cheesecake. Whilst not exactly cheap, it is fairly reasonable. Expect to pay around ¥1300 for a coffee and some cake. There is a large television on the wall which usually plays the Mai:lish DVD on loop (available in the gift shop for section for a surprisingly high price), but sometimes plays classic movies or TV shows. There are large standees on the same wall portraying the more famous Maids that work at the café in anime form, and it is fun to try and guess who is serving you on the day, partially because they bear little resemblance to their real life counterparts. There is also a small gift shop featuring Mai:lish themed cutlery, dolls, stationary, calendars and all other manner of knick knacks. There is also a point card system which rewards repeat visitors with some of their merchandise. Like many cafes there are also special theme days which are advertised in advance. Previous theme days have included cosplay day and the graduation from a fictitious French high school. Much of the appeal of Mai:lish comes from the personalities created for the staff, and it’s reflected in the merchandise, costume and portraits of the different maids. Whilst at many Maid cafes the staff often move on and are replaced, there is a comforting air of permanence and familiarity between the staff members. This no doubt adds to the comfortable and relaxing environment.
Mai:lish is a great aid café for first-timers and those who want to be able to say that it’s something they have done without much cause for personal embarrassment. The other customers are quiet and reserved and during the daytime on a weekday, usually there are more female customers than there are male ones. However due to the popularity of this establishment it is strongly recommended that visit on a weekday and preferably in the afternoon; on the weekends waits of around an hour are commonplace. Mai:lish is a Maid cafe where you could take even your own mother. Trust me; I can say that from personal experience.

Mai:lish homepage

Dutch Chris Redfield… Resident Evil just got a lot scarier

Dutch Chris Redfield… Resident Evil just got a lot scarier




One of undoubted highlights of Tokyo Game Show was the Resident Evil 5 booth. Not only did it have one of the most anticipated and entertaining games of the show, it also had the most unintentionally hilarious moment I have been privileged to witness. After patiently waiting in the queue we were finally ushered into darkened room with a projector hanging on the wall. It quickly went downhill from this point. Flashes of light and gunshot sounds echoed around the room. Then a tall, blonde man who bore no physical similarity to Chris Redfield leapt into the room brandishing his pistol and bellowing at the confused Japanese journalists to be careful and to get down. As he marched onto the stage and confirmed the area was secure there was an almost tangible sense of bemusement from the small crowd. His script appeared in English and Japanese on the screen behind him. And then he spoke. Whilst I remain uncertain just what nationality the actor was, it was clear that English was not his natural language. He spat out the script like a man attempting to fire bullets from his mouth. He would add great emphasis to prepositions, mangle words to the point at which they were unintelligible, and omit words at random. It is my fervent prayer that every person in the world be allowed to hear this man say “bioterrorism”. It’s difficult to convey through text what escaped from his lips but the closest I can come is “BIoTIRRIIIssium”. Make of that what you will. After strutting around on the stage for what seemed like an eternity he then directed us to watch an instructional video whilst he fled the room to no doubt get some more last minute voice coaching. My focus then switched to the screen as I attempted to get the image of him out of my mind so I could actually figure out how to play the game. As the video finished though, our intrepid hero returned to the stage under a hail of imaginary bullet and enough flashing lights to weed out any epileptics in the audience. The defining moment was at the very end. As the staff led us out one line at a time he started bellowing at us “Get the hell outta here” and “There’s no time” “Hurry hurry go!” As we had a Capcom staff member politely asking us to remain where we were until the line in front of us had left, we were left to stand and stare awkwardly at him as he stood in front of us, eyes bulging, brow furrowed gesturing wildly for us to “Get the hell outta here”. As I left the room I glanced over my shoulder to glimpse out iconic hero who had taught us so much. He stood alone on the small stage, arms hanging limply by his side, drained by his vital mission. Saving the world ain’t easy.

On a personal note I don’t blame the guy for his poor grasp of English or manic delivery. He was just there to do a job and he did a damn fine one. I’m sure that many of the Japanese journalists with a poor grasp of English may have not even picked up on it. I would like to think that he found the situation as ridiculous as I did. But I guess I will never know. I missed my chance when I saw him in civilian clothes in cosplay alley on Sunday. He was taking pictures of a scantily clad Tifa. I couldn’t approach him. It’s hard to be confronted by our heroes.

15 minute review: Prince of Persia

15 minute review: Prince of Persia



In no way is this review indicative of the final product. My opinions are based on the demo that was at TGS and should be taken with that in mind.
Now that I have freed myself of responsibility, I will begin. Prince of Persia was a series that needed a reboot following the entertaining trilogy available on the last generation consoles. It had been criticized for taking a darker turn whereas much of the appeal of the first game was built around its bright and evocative locations. The new Prince of Persia contains both kinds of styles in its settings whilst managing to retain the sense of wonder that the first one had. This is due to the new art style which looks incredible. The characters are crisp and well defined with a stylized cell shaded look that gives them personality and adds to the atmosphere significantly. Your ethereal partner, Elika, is a great addition to the game as it looks to differentiate itself from the previous incarnations. It’s the way in which the two characters interact that left a lasting impression from the demo, the way in which they acrobatically flow through the level, leaping and throwing each other forward that gives the player a sense of freedom, despite the fact that the paths are as linear as they always have been. Progressing through the world seamlessly is the joy of the game, so it was occasionally irritating when the camera would choose a position that hindered you. The camera seemed to struggle on the same parts of the level in the demo each time, so I believe it is something that will be amended for the final version. My biggest concern was with the combat. Rather than facing multiple enemies you are put in one-on-one confrontations. This makes for a more calculated an in-depth fighting system, but it also robs it of the free flowing nature of the game that is reflected in the platforming elements. It feels slow and ponderous, and the Prince does have the same agility that he displays otherwise. His sideways hops in particular were not very graceful or quick and left me longing for the nimble movement of Link. Having said that I feel that given more time with the combat system it is something that would become more enjoyable and cerebral, but I just feel as though the designers made decision to make the combat system different to the other games in order to make it different. When fighting the boss he will change color at which point you can only attack him with a certain button. This is not an especially terrible idea, but again it unnecessarily restricts the player when the game should embrace a more free flowing style.
Prince of Persia is shaping up to be an excellent game for people who are already fans of the series and those who had been turned off by the franchises descent into darkness. The combat sections and the platforming sections are very clearly divided and despite not being enamored by the combat, in the final game, the slower pace just might make for a welcome break from the platforming.

The joy and the shame: booth babes photography

One of my own personal demons that I had to wrestle with over the course of TGS was the role of the booth companion. This was not my first time to deal with this conundrum and I’m sure it will not be the last time I am faced with serious self analysis. The heart of the issue is simple; I consider myself an enlightened, educated individual. Objectifying women is wrong. Taking pictures of booth companions is objectifying women. It’s that simple. So I guess I’m a massive hypocrite.




To be honest the most grating part of the experience isn’t the taking of the pictures, but rather your single minded peers. Many times I had to witness a large, sweaty man holding a camera with a lens that would put the Hubble telescope to shame, taking hundreds of pictures of a slightly worried looking booth companion, who was no doubt wondering if her pride was only worth the $100 that she was getting paid for that day’s work. Oh, and I wasn’t exaggerating about the sheer volume of photographs either. I watched a man take photographs of one particularly unlucky girl for literally ten minutes whilst his hands trembled and sweat poured from his brow. Faced with this stark reminder, the shame of being essentially in the same boat as him struck me in an uncomfortable way. You can either attempt to separate yourself from this mentality and delude yourself into believing that you are in some way aiding medical research through your in-depth study of the female form, or you can take on the mantle of being amongst the least offensive in an unappealing group. Welcome to the top of the bottom of the barrel.

Little Big Obsession

Little Big Obsession
Having been unable to get a hold of the Beta version of little Big Planet, the Tokyo Game Show was my first opportunity to get my hands on the much hyped game. It was love at first sight. Or rather it would have been had I not already seen hours of footage on various websites. I had already fallen for the game. This was different. It was love at first touch. This in a sense is strange, because the controls are not particularly good. The jump in particular feels a little cumbersome. But the first time I pushed the analogue stick and saw Sackboy pelt off on his adventure, it made more sense. It’s not really a game so much as a social experience. I didn’t even think about how fun it would be as a local multiplayer game before I tried it. I didn’t get a chance to see the level editor but as I played the game I began to understand the sheer number of possibilities this game presents. Whilst I have been assured that there is a very robust single player experience available out of the box, the potential of this game to continue to provide a variety of challenging or artistically interesting levels is astonishing. With under a week to go until its American release I am desperately anticipating losing hours of my life in this game. Recently I have found it difficult to commit myself to games in the same way as I used to when I was a kid. What I find so appealing about this game is the choice over whether you mess around playing a couple of levels for a bit or that you might stay up all night trying to tweak your own level into something vaguely playable. The long term appeal of this game rests entirely on user generated content. So don’t let me down.

Tokyo Game Show: A retrospective

Tokyo Game Show: A retrospective

So with the dust having settled on a typically hectic TGS, what did we learn?




The rise of the Western developers
It was a poignant moment in the history of game development when Yoichi Wada, the current president of Square-Enix, stood on stage and declared that Japanese gaming had lost its way. In a view that has been echoed by other Japanese developers such as Hideo Kojima, Western games have begun to surpass those from the spiritual birthplace of the videogame. So why and how?
Essentially it comes down to budgets and ideas. Many upcoming Japanese titles seem to have one or the other but few encompass both. There are also the limitations of the Japanese market itself. Many Japanese games are tailored to the domestic market in a way which might prevent the game from achieving success overseas, and in recent times the American and European markets have expanded significantly.
The bread and butter of Japanese games, the RPGs, were present but few showed anything to significantly distinguish themselves or advance the genre. Like many others my hopes lay with FFXIII and the intriguing Versus XIII. But it’s clear that they are some way off and until then there seems to be a string of decent but unexceptional RPGs to tide us over.




The amount of DS games was another telling factor. The DS allows for low budget and innovative games to be produced with a high chance of getting a decent profit. Though it is clearly a tempting prospect it seems that Japanese developers are somewhat content to play it safe rather than to make slick looking console games. Capcom, Sega and Square-Enix are amongst the minority of Japanese developers willing to risk producing games that really push the hardware of consoles.




Yet I can’t help but feel that the problem has been blown out of perspective to some extent. There were no big surprises at the show but there were a number of reasons to be encouraged by the future health of the Japanese games industry. Resident Evil 5, the Final Fantasy franchise and Street Fighter IV are all games which look fantastic and have world-wide appeal. Other games such as Let’s Tap, Gyakuten Kenji, and Yakuza 3 contain the innovation, quirkiness or cultural representation that many people find so appealing. There is no reason for Japanese developers to hit the panic button yet, but certainly Yoichi Wada’s declaration should serve as a much needed wake-up call for the Japanese developers to stand up and be counted rather than to find themselves overwhelmed by the way the market has changed. Two games at the show provided a snapshot Japan’s position in the industry. Little Big Planet shone at the show. It’s cute, charming, fun and imaginative in a way which would have Miyamoto green with envy. And yet the big appeal of the game is in the customization. It’s You Tube in game form, where people can express themselves through their design. It’s also made by Media molecule, a British studio, which combined the best elements of Western and Eastern design. Then you have Quantum Theory. It’s difficult to make an in depth judgments about a game which has only been shown in trailer form. But it looks a lot like Gear of War. I am hopeful that it will show how Japanese developers can learn from Western ones, and yet adapt those game concepts into something which is uniquely Japanese. Or it could be symbolic of the failure of Japanese developers to emulate the success of Western developers. There will always be a thriving game scene in Japan, it just remains to be seen if it becomes more isolated.