Games featuring internet multiplayer are on the way, with Smash Bros. promising competitive and cooperative modes. Quality of the experience aside, Nintendo has been doing the 'net thing for some time, with multiplayer Pokemon Coliseum on the Wii last year and Endless Ocean a few months back, and a number of DS titles.
New to Nintendo's plans is network distribution. While the company has achieved 7.8 million downloads through the over 200 titles available on its Virtual Console download service, March 2008 will see the start of the Wii Ware program. Along side their favorite Famicom and Mega Drive classics, Wii owners will soon be able to download original titles to the Wii (hopefully taking advantage of new storage options).
Of course, both Sony and Microsoft have had original downloadable games available for their systems from the start. Let's take a look at how all three console makers are doing in what's sure to become one of the most contested gaming fields in 2008.
MICROSOFT
In Japan, Microsoft's game download service carries the same name as it does everywhere else in the world, Xbox Live Arcade. Fittingly, the Japanese lineup is also pretty much identical to the rest of the world. In fact, many of the games are listed with their overseas publishers (like Sega of America rather than its Japanese parent). Some games have even been released without Japanese translations!
The lineup of Japanese content has slowly been growing, though. Games like Pac-Man and Lumines Live will soon be joined by classics like Rez and Ikaruga. The first Neo Geo titles appeared recently, just in time for the start of Neo Geo games on the Virtual Console. Even in Japan, Xbox Live Arcade has the one major advantage over the Nintendo service -- improvements to the games, with full Xbox Live support.
Here's a look at the full Xbox Live Arcade lineup.
Xbox Live Arcade |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
12.10.05 | Bankshot Billiards 2 | PixelStorm | 1200 |
12.10.05 | Bejeweled 2 | Oberon Media | 800 |
12.10.05 | Ganutlet | Midway Games | 400 |
12.10.05 | Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved | Bizarre Creations | 400 |
12.10.05 | Hardwood Backgammon | Silver Creek Entertainment | 400 |
12.10.05 | Hardwood Hearts | Silver Creek Entertainment | 400 |
12.10.05 | Hardwood Spades | Silver Creek Entertainment | 400 |
12.10.05 | Hexic HD | Microsoft Game Studios | 0 |
12.10.05 | Joust | Midway Games | 400 |
12.10.05 | Mutant Storm Reloaded | PomPom | 800 |
12.10.05 | Outpost Kaloki X | NinjaBee | 800 |
12.10.05 | Smash TV | Midway Games | 400 |
12.10.05 | Zuma | Oberon Media | 800 |
12.14.05 | Wik: Fable of Souls | Reflexive Entertainment Inc. | 800 |
12.17.05 | Robotron 2084 | Midway Games | 400 |
01.26.06 | Marble Blast Ultra | Garage Games | 800 |
02.07.06 | Crystal Quest | Stainless Games | 400 |
03.09.06 | Jewel Quest | Microsoft | 800 |
03.16.06 | Feeding Frenzy | Oberon Media | 800 |
03.23.06 | Astropop | Oberon Media | 800 |
05.10.06 | Uno | Microsoft Game Studios | 400 |
07.12.06 | Frogger | Konami | 400 |
07.19.06 | Cloning Clyde | NinjaBee | 800 |
07.26.06 | Galaga | Bandai Namco Games | 400 |
08.09.06 | Pacman | Bandai Namco Games | 400 |
08.30.06 | Time Pilot | Konami Digital Entertainment | 400 |
09.13.06 | Scramble | Konami Digital Entertainment | 400 |
09.27.06 | DOOM | Activision | 800 |
10.11.06 | Dig Dug | Bandai Namco Games | 400 |
11.02.06 | TotemBall | Microsoft | 0 |
11.08.06 | Contra | Konami Digital Entertainment | 400 |
11.22.06 | Small Arms | Gastronaut Studios | 400 |
12.06.06 | RoboBlitz | Microsoft | 400 |
12.13.06 | Assault Heroes | Sierra Online | 400 |
12.20.06 | Novadrome | Buena Vista Games | 800 |
12.27.06 | New Rally X | Bandai Namco Games | 400 |
01.10.07 | Ms Pacman | Bandai Namco Games | 400 |
01.17.07 | Heavy Weapon: Atomic Tank | PopCap Games | 400 |
02.14.07 | Paperboy | Midway | 400 |
02.28.07 | Alien Hominid HD | The Behemoth | 800 |
03.07.07 | Lumines Live! | Q Entertainment | 1200 |
03.07.07 | Worms | Team17 Software | 800 |
03.28.07 | Jetpac Refuelled | Microsoft | 400 |
04.04.07 | Luxor 2 | United Developers | 800 |
04.18.07 | 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures | Sierra Online | 800 |
04.18.07 | Gyruss | Konami Digital Entertainment | 400 |
04.25.07 | Eets: Chowdown | Microsoft | 800 |
04.25.07 | Pinball FX | ZEN Studios | 800 |
05.02.07 | Catan | Big Huge Games | 800 |
05.09.07 | Double Dragon | Empire Interactive | 400 |
05.16.07 | Soltrio Solitaire | Silver Creek Entertainment | 800 |
05.23.07 | Rush'n Attack | Konami Digital Entertainment | 400 |
05.23.07 | Xevious | Microsoft | 400 |
05.30.07 | Mad Tracks | D3Publisher of America | 800 |
06.06.07 | Pacman World Championship Edition | Microsoft | 800 |
06.13.07 | Prince of Persia Classic | Ubisoft | 800 |
06.20.07 | Band of Bugs | NinjaBee | 800 |
06.27.07 | Carcassonne | Sierra Online | 800 |
07.11.07 | Golden Axe | Sega | 400 |
07.11.07 | Sonic the Hedgehog | Sega | 400 |
07.11.07 | Texas Hold 'em | Microsoft | 800 |
07.18.07 | Bomberman LiveBomb Up Pack 1 (price 250 yen) | Hudson | 800 |
07.18.07 | Yie Ar Kung-Fu | Konami | 400 |
07.25.07 | Akumajo Dracula X: Gekka no Yasoukyoku | Konami | 800 |
07.25.07 | Super Contra | Konami | 400 |
08.01.07 | Marathon Durandal | Microsoft | 800 |
08.01.07 | Spyglass Board Games | Microsoft | 400 |
08.08.07 | Track and Field | Konami | 400 |
08.15.07 | Ecco the Dolphin | Sega of America | 400 |
08.15.07 | Hexic 2 | Microsoft | 800 |
08.22.07 | Space Giraffe | Llamasoft | 400 |
08.22.07 | StreetTrace: NYC | Gaia Industries | 800 |
08.29.07 | Streets of Age | Sega | 400 |
09.05.07 | Fatal Fury Special | SNK Playmore | 400 |
09.12.07 | Sonic The Hedgehog 2 | Sega | 400 |
09.19.07 | Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords | D3Publisher of America | 1200 |
10.17.07 | Every Extend Extra Extreme | Q Entertainment | 800 |
10.17.07 | Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe | Empire Interactive | 800 |
SONY
Sony's PlayStation Network service has been pretty slow at getting content worldwide. Nowhere is this more true than in Japan, where only a handful of original titles Japanese-produced have been made available for the service so far.
Sony's focus on delivering full gaming experiences through online downloads is apparent in its Japanese lineup. Tekken Dark Resurrection was one of the few worthwhile PS3 releases last year, and with its upgraded 1080 specifications and huge roster, it could probably pass for a complete PS3 game.
Warhawk is a similar example of full-blown titles available in downloadable form for the service. Closer to home, Polyphony and Sony will be mirroring the distribution of that title with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, which will be available on 12/13 both as a 4,500 yen download, and as a 4,980 yen Blu-ray disk.
Future plans beyond this are still a bit vague. The producer of Tourist Trophy has been working away at Dress, to complement the Home virtual world early next year. As for those other games like Flower and Aqua... we don't know what they are.
Mainichi Issyo is a bit different from other downloadable titles in that it's available for free. Sony makes money via item sales, and has been updating the game with items and new mini games throughout the year. What originally left us baffled at its release on the PS3's launch day last year, has ballooned into a sizable piece of content.
Similar to this, Q Entertainment will be bringing something new to the PS3 later this winter through Angel Love Online. This online RPG will be available as a free download, with revenues expected to come in from item-based micro-transactions. We're sure there are about a million Korean MMORPG developers watching this experiment closely.
Sony also makes a big deal about the availability of demos over here. The original Gran Turismo HD demo actually got its very own commercial late last year! The new GT5 Prologue demo is somewhat of an event with a big tie-in with the Tokyo Motor Show.
For now, though, content is pretty slim. Here's what gamers have access to.
PlayStation Network |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
11.11.06 | Blast FactorExpansion (price 300 yen) | Sony Computer Entertainment | 840 |
11.11.06 | Mainichi Issho | Sony Computer Entertainment | 0 |
12.01.06 | Lemmings | Sony Computer Entertainment | 800 |
12.20.06 | KazuoIntermediate Pack (price 500 yen) Full Pack (price 1200 yen) Beginner Pack (price 500 yen) | Sony Computer Entertainment | MULTI |
12.24.06 | Gran Turismo HD Concept | Sony Computer Entertainment | 0 |
12.27.06 | Tekken 5 Dark ResurrectionOnline Expansion Pack (price 1000 yen) | Bandai Namco Games | 2000 |
05.11.07 | flOw | Sony Computer Entertainment | 800 |
05.25.07 | Calling all Cars | Sony Computer Entertainment | 762 |
05.25.07 | Pocha Pocha Ahiru-chan | Sony Computer Entertainment | 762 |
06.22.07 | Piyotama | Sony Computer Entertainment | 762 |
06.29.07 | Star Strike HD | Sony Computer Entertainment | 762 |
07.06.07 | Bacterius Full Pack | Sony Computer Entertainment | 762 |
08.01.07 | Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection Online Full Pack | Bandai Namco Games | 2800 |
09.06.07 | Go! PuzzleAquatica (price 286 yen) Full Pack (price 762 yen) Sky Scraper (price 286 yen) Swizzle (price 286 yen) | Sony Computer Entertainment | MULTI |
09.20.07 | PixelJunk Racers | Q Games | 857 |
09.21.07 | Oideyo LocoRoco!! BuuBuu Cocoreccho! | Sony Computer Entertainment | 762 |
09.28.07 | Go! Sports Ski | Sony Computer Entertainment | 762 |
10.04.07 | WARHAWK SCORES: Dengeki PS (B, 85, 85, 90, 95) | Sony Computer Entertainment | 3800 |
In addition to the original content, Sony has been slowly gradually filling up its library of downloadable PlayStation titles, most of which are playable on both the PS3 and PSP. While Sony previously updated its Game Archives service once a month, it has recently switched to twice a month. Maybe the entire PlayStation library will one day be complete.
Personal tastes aside, we're not sure how this lineup is faring in comparison to the Virtual Console. While Nintendo boasted 7.8 million Virtual Console downloads, Sony hasn't been as forthcoming with its figures for PlayStation downloads.
If you frequent the Japanese PSN shop and want to download some PlayStation classics, here's what you have at your disposal for 600 yen a pop (the prices listed with each game are their original price points -- all games now cost 600 yen).
PlayStation Network PSX |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
11.21.06 | Arc the Lad | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
11.21.06 | Bio Hazard Director's Cut | Capcom | 500 |
11.21.06 | Bishi Bashi Special | Konami | 500 |
11.21.06 | Jumping Flash! | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
11.21.06 | Konami Antiques MSX Collection Vol.1 | Konami | 500 |
11.21.06 | Konami Antiques MSX Collection Vol.2 | Konami | 500 |
11.21.06 | Minna no Golf 2 | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
11.21.06 | Silent Bomber | Bandai Namco Games | 500 |
11.21.06 | Tekken 2 | Bandai Namco Games | 500 |
12.21.06 | Baokusou Tomarasona | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
12.21.06 | Dino Crisis | Capcom | 500 |
12.21.06 | Global Force Shin Senki Kokka | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
12.21.06 | Marl Oukoku no Ningyou Hime | Nippon Ichi Software | 500 |
12.21.06 | Mister Driller | Bandai Namco Games | 500 |
12.21.06 | R-Types | Irem Software Engineering | 500 |
12.21.06 | Taiyo no Shippo | Art Dink | 500 |
12.21.06 | The Convenie Ano Machi wo Dokusen Seyo | Hamster | 500 |
12.21.06 | U-SA | Art Dink | 500 |
01.25.07 | A.IV. Evolution GLOBAL | Art Dink | 500 |
01.25.07 | Crash Bandicoot | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
01.25.07 | Logic Mahjong Souryu Yonnindachi Sannindachi | Nippon Ichi Software | 500 |
01.25.07 | Rally Cross | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
01.25.07 | Spectral Force | Idea Factory | 500 |
01.25.07 | Vampir Suiketsu Oni Densetsu | Art Dink | 500 |
02.22.07 | Ganbare Morigawa-kun Ni-go | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
02.22.07 | Ore no Shi wo Koete Yuke | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
02.22.07 | Puzzle Mania | Hamster | 500 |
02.22.07 | R-Type Delta | Irem Software Engineering | 500 |
02.22.07 | Shanghai Dynasty | Success | 500 |
02.22.07 | The Drug Store | Hamster | 500 |
02.22.07 | Yaku Yuujou Dangi | Idea Factory | 500 |
03.29.07 | Arcade Hits Raiden | Hamster | 500 |
03.29.07 | Galaxy Fight | Sun Denshi | 500 |
03.29.07 | Gunners Heaven | Sony Computer Entertainment | 500 |
03.29.07 | Hard Edge | Sun Denshi | 500 |
03.29.07 | Tall Unlimited | Hamster | 500 |
04.26.07 | A5: Take the A-Train 5 | Art Dink | 600 |
04.26.07 | The Last Blade | SNK Playmore | 600 |
04.26.07 | CG Mukashi Banashi Jiisan Ni-do Bikkuri | Idea Factory | 600 |
04.26.07 | Fushigi Keiji | Capcom | 600 |
04.26.07 | Fatal Fury Wild Ambition | SNK Playmore | 600 |
04.26.07 | Ikasama Mahjong | Idea Factory | 600 |
04.26.07 | Jigsaw World | Nippon Ichi Software | 600 |
04.26.07 | Samurai Showdown Warriors Rage | SNK Playmore | 600 |
04.26.07 | Lunatic Dawn III | Art Dink | 600 |
04.26.07 | Metal Slug X | SNK Playmore | 600 |
04.26.07 | Philosoma | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
04.26.07 | Real Bout Fatal Fury | SNK Playmore | 600 |
04.26.07 | Wai Wai Tennis Plus | Hamster | 600 |
04.26.07 | Yaku Tsu Noroi no Game | Idea Factory | 600 |
05.31.07 | Guilty Gear Fukkoku-ban | Arc System Works | 600 |
05.31.07 | Little Princess Marl Oukoku no Ningyouhime 2 | SNK Playmore | 600 |
05.31.07 | Real Bout Fatal Fury Special Dominated Mind | SNK Playmore | 600 |
05.31.07 | Samurai Spirits Kenkaku Yubinan Pack | SNK Playmore | 600 |
05.31.07 | Septentrion | SNK Playmore | 600 |
05.31.07 | Spectral Force 2 | Idea Factory | 600 |
05.31.07 | Spectral Tower | Idea Factory | 600 |
05.31.07 | Suna no Embrace | Idea Factory | 600 |
05.31.07 | The King of Fighters '95 | SNK Playmore | 600 |
05.31.07 | The King of Fighters '96 | SNK Playmore | 600 |
05.31.07 | The King of Fighters '97 | SNK Playmore | 600 |
06.28.07 | AI Mahjong Selection | Hamster | 600 |
06.28.07 | Depth | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
06.28.07 | Gussun Paradise | Irem Software Engineering | 600 |
06.28.07 | Jet Moto | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
06.28.07 | Jipang Shima: Unmei ha Saikuro ga Kimeru!? | Hamster | 600 |
06.28.07 | Jumping Flash! 2 | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
06.28.07 | Metal Slug | SNK Playmore | 600 |
06.28.07 | Oasis Road | Idea Factory | 600 |
06.28.07 | Panekit | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
06.28.07 | Puzzle Mania 2 | Hamster | 600 |
06.28.07 | Samurai Spirits: Amakusa Kourin Special | SNK Playmore | 600 |
06.28.07 | Samurai Spirits: Zankuro Musouken | SNK Playmore | 600 |
06.28.07 | Spectral Tower 2 | Idea Factory | 600 |
06.28.07 | SuperLite 1500 Series Cotton Original | Success | 600 |
06.28.07 | SuperLite 1500 Series Sanvein | Success | 600 |
06.28.07 | The King of Fighters '98 | SNK Playmore | 600 |
06.28.07 | The King of Fighters '99 | SNK Playmore | 600 |
06.28.07 | The King of Fighters Kyo | SNK Playmore | 600 |
06.28.07 | XI Sai | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
07.26.07 | AI Shogi Selection | Hamster | 600 |
07.26.07 | Armored Core | From Software | 600 |
07.26.07 | Beal Phareth | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
07.26.07 | Boxer's Road | Ertain | 600 |
07.26.07 | Chippoke Ralph no Daibouken | Ertain | 600 |
07.26.07 | Destruction Derby | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
07.26.07 | King's Field | From Software | 600 |
07.26.07 | Memorial Series Sunsoft Vol.1 | Sun Denshi | 600 |
07.26.07 | Robbit Mon Dieu | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
07.26.07 | SuperLite 1500 Series Chiki Chiki Chicken | Success | 600 |
07.26.07 | The Family Restaurant Shijou Saikyou no Menu | Hamster | 600 |
07.26.07 | Tiny Ballet | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
07.26.07 | Twisted Metal EX | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
07.26.07 | Wild Arms | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
08.30.07 | Arcade Hits Sonic Wings Special | Hamster | 600 |
08.30.07 | Athena Awakening from the ordinary life | SNK Playmore | 600 |
08.30.07 | Crash Bandicoot 2 Cortex no Gyakushu! | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
08.30.07 | Echo Night | From Software | 600 |
08.30.07 | Gakkou de Atta Kowai Hanashi S | Banpresto | 600 |
08.30.07 | King's Field II | From Software | 600 |
08.30.07 | Memorial Series Sunsoft Vol.2 | Sun Denshi | 600 |
08.30.07 | My Cooking | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
08.30.07 | Prismaticallization | Arc System Works | 600 |
08.30.07 | Sanwa Pachinko Paradise 5 | Irem Software Engineering | 600 |
08.30.07 | Sarugetchu | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
08.30.07 | Shinsou Kaiten!! Wanwan Umi Monogatari -- Sanwa Pachinko Paradise DX | Irem Software Engineering | 600 |
08.30.07 | The Convenience Store 2 -- Building a National Chain | Hamster | 600 |
08.30.07 | Wipeout | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
09.27.07 | Ajito | Hamster | 600 |
09.27.07 | Armored Core Project Phantasma | From Software | 600 |
09.27.07 | Blue Breaker: Egao no Yakusoku | Hamster | 600 |
09.27.07 | Crash Bandicoot 3: Buttobi! Sekai Isshu | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
09.27.07 | Ganbare Goemon Uchuu Kaizoku Akoging | Konami | 600 |
09.27.07 | Memorial Series Sunsoft Vol.3 | Sun Denshi | 600 |
09.27.07 | Michinoku Hitou Koimonogatari Kai | Fog | 600 |
09.27.07 | Popolocrois Monogatari | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
09.27.07 | Shadow Tower | From Software | 600 |
10.10.07 | Alundra | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
10.10.07 | Echo Night #2 Nemuri no Shihaisha | From Software | 600 |
10.10.07 | Hanafuda Graffiti Koikoi Monogatari | Hamster | 600 |
10.10.07 | King's Field III | From Software | 600 |
10.10.07 | Popologue | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
10.10.07 | Sansa Pachinko Paradise | Irem Software Engineering | 600 |
10.10.07 | Sanwa Pachinko Paradise 2 | Irem Software Engineering | 600 |
10.10.07 | XI Jumbo | Sony Computer Entertainment | 600 |
Turn the page for a look at Nintendo's lineup of downloadable content.
NINTENDO
Nintendo's Wii Ware service doesn't begin until 2008, but it already has more original Japanese titles than the PlayStation Network! Most impressively, Nintendo's is the only download service being supported by Square Enix, who was quick to announce a version of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (for more on the game, including bits from an interview with the producers, turn the page to our magazine recap).
The current Wii Ware lineup looks like this:
- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (Square Enix)
- Star Soldier R (Hudson)
- Kotoba no Puzzle Mojipittan (Bandai Namco)
- Pokemon Ranch Channel (Nintendo)
- Dr. Mario (Nintendo)
- Maru Bou Shikaku (Nintendo)
- Minna de Puzzloop (Nintendo)
- Bomberman (Hudson)
- Joy Sound (Hudson)
- Okiraku Ping Pong Wii (Arc System Works)
Hudson is taking a Sonyish approach with one of its titles. Joy Sound, a karaoke program, will be released in both package and download forms. The package version will include a microphone and a disk with minigames and pre-recorded songs.
Outside of this early lineup of games, Iwata mentioned something about 100 Wii Ware proposals, so we imagine the lineup ballooning rather quickly.
Until then, Wii owners will have to live with Famicom, Super Famicom, Mega Drive, PC Engine, Neo Geo, and now PC Engine CD titles. Here's the full Japanese VC lineup.
Virtual Console Famicom |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
12.02.06 | Baseball | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Donkey Kong | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Donkey Kong Jr. | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Gomoku Narabe | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Gradius | Konami | 500 |
12.02.06 | Ice Hockey | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Pinball | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Soccer | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Solomon no Kagi | Tecmo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Super Mario Brothers | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Tennis | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Urban Champion | Nintendo | 500 |
12.02.06 | Xevious | Bandai Namco Games | 500 |
12.02.06 | The Legend of Zelda | Nintendo | 500 |
12.12.06 | Mario Brothers | Nintendo | 500 |
12.12.06 | Wario no Mori | Nintendo | 500 |
12.19.06 | Kage no Densetsu | Taito | 500 |
12.26.06 | Ninja Jaja Maru Kun | Jaleco | 500 |
01.16.07 | Ice Climber | Nintendo | 500 |
01.16.07 | Ikki | Sunsoft | 500 |
01.23.07 | Kid Icarus | Nintendo | 500 |
01.23.07 | Zelda II: Adventures of Link | Nintendo | 500 |
02.06.07 | Galaga | Bandai Namco Games | 500 |
02.06.07 | Mighty Bomb Jack | Tecmo | 500 |
02.27.07 | Hoshi no Kirby Yume no Izumi no Monogatari | Nintendo | 500 |
03.06.07 | Lode Runner | Hudson | 500 |
03.06.07 | Yoshi no Tamago | Nintendo | 500 |
03.13.07 | Excite Bike | Nintendo | 500 |
03.20.07 | Valkyrie no Bouken | Bandai Namco Games | 500 |
03.27.07 | Donkey Kong Jr. Math | Nintendo | 500 |
04.03.07 | Elevator Action | Taito | 500 |
04.03.07 | Punch Out | Nintendo | 500 |
04.10.07 | Milon's Secret Castle | Hudson | 500 |
04.10.07 | Ninja Ryuukenden | Tecmo | 500 |
04.17.07 | PacMan | Bandai Namco Games | 500 |
04.24.07 | Gradius II | Konami | 500 |
05.01.07 | Exerion | Jaleco | 500 |
05.01.07 | Super Mario Bros. 2 | Nintendo | 500 |
05.15.07 | Tsuppari Daisumo | Tecmo | 500 |
05.22.07 | Challenger | Hudson | 500 |
06.05.07 | Adventures of Lolo | Nintendo | 500 |
06.05.07 | Front Line | Taito | 500 |
06.12.07 | Field Combat | Jaleco | 500 |
06.12.07 | Shining & the Darkness | Sega | 700 |
06.19.07 | Famicom Mukashi Banashi: Onigashima -- first/second parts | Nintendo | 600 |
06.26.07 | Pooyan | Hudson | 500 |
07.03.07 | Flappy | Net Farm | 500 |
07.03.07 | Star Soldier | Hudson | 500 |
07.17.07 | Akumajo Dracula | Konami | 500 |
07.24.07 | Mario Open Golf | Nintendo | 500 |
08.07.07 | Kekkyoku Nankyoku Daibouken | Konami | 500 |
08.10.07 | Super Mario USA | Nintendo | 500 |
08.21.07 | Volleyball | Nintendo | 500 |
08.28.07 | Spelunker | Irem Soft | 500 |
09.04.07 | Battle City | Bandai Namco Games | 500 |
09.04.07 | Mach Rider | Nintendo | 500 |
09.11.07 | Moero!! Pro Baseball | Jaleco | 500 |
09.25.07 | Tower of Druaga | Bandai Namco Games | 500 |
10.02.07 | Esper Dream | 600 | |
10.09.07 | Zanac | Pony Canion | 500 |
10.16.07 | Famicom Detective Club: Missing Successor (Parts 1&2) | Nintendo | 600 |
Virtual Console Super Famicom |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
12.02.06 | Akumajo Dracula | Konami | 800 |
12.02.06 | F-Zero | Nintendo | 800 |
12.02.06 | Street Fighter II | Capcom | 800 |
12.02.06 | Super Mario World | Nintendo | 800 |
12.02.06 | Zelda no Densetsu Kamigami no Triforce | Nintendo | 900 |
12.12.06 | Super Donkey Kong | Nintendo | 800 |
12.19.06 | Mario no Super Picross | Nintendo | 800 |
12.26.06 | Fire Emblem: Monshou no Nazo | Nintendo | 900 |
12.26.06 | R-Type III | Irem Software Engineering | 800 |
12.26.06 | Sim City | Nintendo | 900 |
01.16.07 | Contra Spirits | Konami | 800 |
01.30.07 | Fire Emblem Seisen no Keifu | Nintendo | 900 |
02.13.07 | Kamaitachi no Yoru | Chunsoft | 800 |
02.13.07 | Shin Megami Tensei | Atlus | 900 |
02.20.07 | Chou Makai Mura | Capcom | 800 |
02.20.07 | Sangokushi IV | Koei | 1000 |
03.13.07 | Legend of the Mystical Ninja | Konami | 800 |
03.20.07 | Actraiser | Square Enix | 800 |
04.06.07 | Hercules no Eikou | Pione Soft | 800 |
04.17.07 | Final Fight | Capcom | 800 |
04.24.07 | Kirby Bowl | Nintendo | 800 |
05.29.07 | Magical Drop | G Mode | 800 |
06.26.07 | Breath of Fire 2 | Capcom | 800 |
07.10.07 | Militia | Bandai Namco Games | 800 |
07.17.07 | Hajimari no Mori | Nintendo | 800 |
07.24.07 | Fushigi no Dungeon 2 Fuurai no Shiren | Chunsoft | 800 |
08.10.07 | Street Fighter II Turbo | Capcom | 800 |
08.28.07 | Otogirisou | Chunsoft | 800 |
09.20.07 | Super Metroid | Nintendo | 800 |
09.20.07 | Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Earth | Nintendo | 1000 |
09.25.07 | Gradius III | Konami | 800 |
10.16.07 | Assault Suits Valken | Hudson | 800 |
Virtual Console Nintendo 64 |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
12.02.06 | Super Mario 64 | Nintendo | 1000 |
01.30.07 | Mario Kart 64 | Nintendo | 1000 |
02.27.07 | Zelda no Densetsu Toki no Okarina | Nintendo | 1200 |
04.17.07 | Star Fox 64 | Nintendo | 1000 |
05.29.07 | F-Zero X | Nintendo | 1000 |
07.10.07 | Mario Story | Nintendo | 1000 |
07.31.07 | Wave Race 64 | Nintendo | 1000 |
Virtual Console Mega Drive |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
12.02.06 | Columns | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Ecco the Dolphin | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Golden Axe | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Gunstar Heroes | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Altered Beast | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Puyo Puyo | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Ristar the Shooting Star | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Shadow Dancer | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Sonic the Hedgehog | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Space Harrier II | Sega | 600 |
12.02.06 | Toejam & Earl | Sega | 600 |
01.30.07 | Bonnanza Brothers | Sega | 600 |
01.30.07 | Comix Zone | Sega | 600 |
01.30.07 | Bio-Hazard Battle | Sega | 600 |
01.30.07 | Gain Ground | Sega | 600 |
02.27.07 | Bare Knuckle Ikari no Tekken | Sega | 600 |
02.27.07 | Story of Thor Hikari wo Tsugu Mono | Sega | 600 |
02.27.07 | Vectorman | Sega | 600 |
02.27.07 | Vermillion | Sega | 600 |
03.06.07 | Tant-R | Sega | 600 |
03.13.07 | Sonic Spinball | Sega | 600 |
03.20.07 | Alex Kidd Tenkuu Majiro | Sega | 600 |
03.20.07 | Virtua Fighter 2 (Genesis Version) | Sega | 600 |
03.27.07 | Alien Storm | Sega | 600 |
03.27.07 | Dyna Brothers | Sega | 600 |
03.27.07 | Wonder Boy V Monster World III | Sega | 600 |
04.17.07 | Rent a Hero | Sega | 600 |
04.24.07 | Bahamut Senki | Sega | 600 |
04.24.07 | Pulseman | Sega | 600 |
04.24.07 | Puyo Puyo Tsu | Sega | 600 |
05.15.07 | Streets of Rage II | Sega | 600 |
05.22.07 | Chamelion Kid | Sega | 600 |
05.29.07 | Hybrid Front | Sega | 700 |
06.05.07 | Golden Axe II | Sega | 600 |
06.19.07 | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Sega | 600 |
06.26.07 | Ecco the Dolphin 2 | Sega | 600 |
07.03.07 | The Super Ninja II | Sega | 600 |
07.10.07 | Shining Force Kamigami no Isan | Sega | 700 |
07.17.07 | Ichi Dant-R | Sega | 600 |
07.24.07 | Dynamite Headdy | Sega | 600 |
07.31.07 | Dai Makaimura | Capcom | 600 |
08.07.07 | Crackdown | Sega | 600 |
08.21.07 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Sega | 600 |
08.28.07 | E-Swat Cyber Police | Sega | 600 |
09.04.07 | Golden Axe III | Sega | 600 |
09.11.07 | Chelnov | Pione Soft | 600 |
09.18.07 | Super Thunder Blade | Sega | 600 |
09.25.07 | LandStalker: Koutei no Zaihou | Sega | 700 |
10.02.07 | Streets of Rage III | Sega | 600 |
10.09.07 | Alien Soldier | Sega | 600 |
10.16.07 | Sonic 3D Blast | Sega | 600 |
Virtual Console PC Engine |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
12.02.06 | Bomberman '94 | Hudson | 600 |
12.02.06 | Dungeon Explorer | Hudson | 600 |
12.02.06 | Necromanser | Hudson | 600 |
12.02.06 | PC Genjin | Hudson | 600 |
12.02.06 | Super Star Soldier | Hudson | 600 |
12.02.06 | Takahashi Meijin's New Adventure Island | Hudson | 600 |
12.02.06 | Victory Run | Hudson | 600 |
12.13.06 | R-Type I | Hudson | 600 |
12.20.06 | Military Madness | Hudson | 600 |
01.09.07 | Alien Crush | Hudson | 600 |
01.16.07 | Moto Roader | Hudson | 600 |
01.23.07 | R-Type II | Hudson | 600 |
01.30.07 | Soldier Blade | Hudson | 600 |
02.06.07 | Vigilante | Irem Soft | 600 |
02.13.07 | Be Ball | Hudson | 600 |
02.20.07 | Youkai Douchuuki | Bandai Namco Games | 600 |
02.27.07 | Wonder Momo | Bandai Namco Games | 600 |
03.06.07 | Double Dungeon | Hudson | 600 |
03.13.07 | Firepro Wrestling Combination Tag | Spike | 600 |
03.20.07 | Galagga '88 | Bandai Namco Games | 600 |
03.27.07 | Shockman | Hudson | 600 |
04.03.07 | Final Soldier | Hudson | 600 |
04.10.07 | Narazumono Sentou Butai Bloody Wolf | G Mode | 600 |
04.10.07 | PC Genjin 2 | Hudson | 600 |
04.17.07 | Benki Gaiden | Sunsoft | 600 |
04.17.07 | Kaizou Choujin Shubibiman 2 | Hudson | 600 |
05.01.07 | Neutopia | Hudson | 600 |
05.08.07 | Ninja Spirit | Irem Soft | 600 |
05.15.07 | Out Live | Hudson | 600 |
05.15.07 | Sengoku Mahjong | Hudson | 600 |
05.22.07 | Bravoman | Hudson | 600 |
05.22.07 | PC Denjin | Hudson | 600 |
05.29.07 | Battle Lode Runner | Hudson | 600 |
06.05.07 | The Kung Fu | Hudson | 600 |
06.12.07 | Neutopia 2 | Hudson | 600 |
06.19.07 | Devil Crush | Hudson | 600 |
06.19.07 | PC Genjin 3 | Hudson | 600 |
06.26.07 | Silent Debuggers | G Mode | 600 |
07.03.07 | Splatterhouse | Bandai Namco Games | 600 |
07.10.07 | Makai Hakkenden Shada | G Mode | 600 |
07.17.07 | Dead Moon | Natsume | 600 |
07.17.07 | Power Sports | Hudson | 600 |
07.24.07 | Appare Gate Ball | Hudson | 600 |
07.31.07 | Power League 4 | Hudson | 600 |
08.07.07 | Adventure Island | Hudson | 600 |
08.07.07 | Gradius | Konami | 600 |
08.07.07 | Image Fight | Irem Soft | 600 |
08.21.07 | Ordyne | Bandai Namco Games | 600 |
08.28.07 | Drop Rock Hora Hora | G Mode | 600 |
09.04.07 | Legend of Hero Tonma | Irem Soft | 600 |
09.04.07 | Override | G Mode | 600 |
09.11.07 | Gaiflame | Hudson | 600 |
09.11.07 | Salamander | Konami | 600 |
09.18.07 | Detana!! Twinbee | Konami | 600 |
10.02.07 | Genpeitou Maden | Bandai Namco Games | 600 |
10.09.07 | Power Golf | Hudson | 600 |
Virtual Console PC Engine CD |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
10.16.07 | Ys Book I&II | Hudson | 800 |
Virtual Console Neo Geo |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
09.18.07 | Garou Densetsu Shukumei no Tatakai | D4 Enterprise | 900 |
09.28.07 | Magician Lord | D4 Enterprise | 900 |
09.28.07 | World Heroes | D4 Enterprise | 900 |
10.09.07 | Art of Fighting | D4 Enterprise | 900 |
10.16.07 | Samurai Spirits | D4 Enterprise | 900 |
Turn the page for a look at the latest magazines from Japan.
MAGAZINE RECAP
This section of Gaming Life in Japan takes a look at what's big in the latest game magazines from Japan. From Famitsu to Dengeki to smaller publications like Dorimaga, Japan has lots of videogame magazines. While we tend to put up all the news and game info revealed in the magazines on the main pages of IGN, this section gives you a closer look just so you can be sure that you're not missing out on anything.
Be sure and click on the covers of each magazine for larger versions. Print them out and hold them in your hand as you read!
FAMITSU -- NO. 985
Worst Famitsu cover ever? Pretty much, yeah.
Occupying the cover this week (well, half of it, at least) is the one, the only Gackt. You know, the self proclaimed vampire whose babies Tetsuya Nomura wants (this is based on rumors we hear may have been posted at 2-channel).
Whenever Famitsu has a chick on the cover, you can always look forward to four pages of hot pictures and filler interview text towards the back of the issue. Gackt isn't a hot chick -- at least I don't think he is (emphasis on the "I") -- but he was apparently deemed worthy of the same treatment given in the past to the Erika Todas and Kii Kitanos who help to make Japan much, much prettier than the rest of the world (especially America).
Unfortunately, unlike most of the Famitsu cover hotties, Gackt actually has something to do with games. He was the voice of Genesis in Crisis Core. The pictures in Famitsu have him dressed to look like Squall from Final Fantasy VIII. Shudder.
The big game this issue is Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Little King and the Promised Land. While we already shared an indirect playtest with you over at IGN Wii, Famitsu scored an interview with three key staffers, executive producer Akitoshi Kawazu, producer Toshiro Tsuchida, and art supervisor Toshiyuki Itahana.
According to Tsuchida, the project first came about when his team was asked if they could make a game for the Wii download service. They decided that the Crystal Chronicles world would be a perfect fit. Different from most titles at Square Enix, which Tsuchida admitted start off with the story side, Crystal Chronicles started off with the game design phase. Before characters were decided for the game, they already had the idea in place of having a king building a country. They even made a demo.
Itahana took it from there. He was asked to have his characters used in the demo title that had been created. Unlike Tsuchida, who comes from Front Mission, Itahada is a veteran Crystal Chronicles art designer. This time around, however, he acted as supervisor to Yasuhisa Izumisawa, who also worked on characters and designs on the original.
The Famitu article offers a look at a new character. Joining Leo, the little king himself, is Chime, who acts both as his older sister and as an official in his government. Chime is a cute girl with glasses. However, Tsuchida revealed that during the design phases, he originally pictured the character as an old man. This was vetoed by Izumisawa.
The three also commented on some download specific issues. Kawazu admitted that there was some concern during the initial prototype phase about size limitations. However, the designers and programmers worked together to get around limitations. Asked about the possibility of downloadable updates, they were a bit shy, only stating that updates are one of the possibilities that downloadable content opens up.
Crystal Chronicles is the only major game this issue. Other titles include Star Ocean 1st Departure, Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon (we get the feeling that Square Enix puts these exclusives in sets, with a game everyone cares about combined with one or two games that have already been covered to death), and Treasure Island Z.
This week's news section has four pages on the Nintendo Conference event with another page on Sony's price drop. Nothing new, but the magazine did score an interview on one game that didn't make it to the Nintendo event: Family Ski.
Family Ski represents the first step in a revival of Namco's classic Family Sports series. Set for Wii release this Winter, the game is being directed by Masaya Kobayashi and produced by Youzou Sakagami. The two revealed that one of the reasons for reviving the series is that they felt it matches up with the family user group which picked up Wii Sports and Wii Play en masse. They point to the game's control scheme, which uses the Wiimote and nunchuk as ski poles, as one of its big draws.
This week's Famitsu.com survey asked readers which two creators they'd like to see engage in a dialogue. Topping the list was Hironobu Sakaguchi and Yuji Horii. A close second was Hideo Kojima and Shigeru Miyamoto. Coming in at third was a conversation between Sakaguchi and Miyamoto, followed by Kojima and Level 5's Akihiro Hino. Closing off in fifth was a dialogue between Miyamoto and Hori.
A super huge release list this week as November approaches. The late fall game season is going to be crowded, especially if you're into the DS and Wii.
Weekly Famitsu -- 2007-11-02 |
GAME | SYSTEM | PUB | SCORES |
God of War II | PS2 | Capcom | 9, 10, 9, 9 |
Ar tonelico II Sekai ni Hibiku Shojotachi no Souzoushi (Metafarika) | PS2 | Banpresto | 8, 8, 7, 8 |
Baldr Bullet Equilibrium | PS2 | TGL Planning | 5, 6, 6, 6 |
Volleyball World Cup Venus Evolution | PS2 | Spike | 7, 7, 7, 7 |
Katei Kyoushi Hitman Reborn! Let's Ansatsu!? Nerawareta Jyuu-dai-me! | PS2 | Marvelous Entertainment | 4, 6, 5, 6 |
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 Fuketsu no Gurimore | NDS | Square Enix | 8, 9, 9, 8 |
Eigo wo Taberu Fushigi na Ikimono Marsh | NDS | Dimple | 5, 6, 4, 6 |
Sugar Bunnies DS Yume no Sweets Koubou | NDS | Takara Tomy | 6, 6, 6, 6 |
Code Geass Hangyaku no Lelouch | NDS | Bandai Namco Games | 6, 7, 7, 6 |
Apathy Gakuen Narukami Toushi Densetsu Tanteikyoku | NDS | Arc System Works | 6, 6, 6, 5 |
Simple DS Series Vol.24 The Sensha | NDS | D3 Publisher | 4, 6, 5, 4 |
The Blogman Show DS Datte, Shouganai Janai. | NDS | Compile Hearts | 7, 6, 5, 5 |
Simple DS Series Vol.25 The Koushounin | NDS | D3 Publisher | 7, 7, 6, 6 |
Dungeon Maker Mahou no Shaberu to Chiisa na Yuusha | NDS | Global A Entertainment | 7, 8, 7, 9 |
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann | NDS | Konami | 6, 7, 6, 7 |
The Eye of Judgment Biolith Rebellion Set 1 | PS3 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 9, 8, 8, 8 |
Imabikisou | PS3 | Sega | 9, 8, 8, 8 |
Ghost Squad | Wii | Sega | 8, 8, 8, 7 |
Takarajima Z Barbaros no Hihou | Wii | Capcom | 9, 9, 8, 7 |
Gintama Banjiya-chu | Wii | Bandai Namco Games | 5, 5, 6, 6 |
Simple Wii Series Vol.1 The Minna de Cart Race | Wii | D3 Publisher | 4, 5, 6, 6 |
Simple Wii Series Vol.2 The Minna de Bass Tsuri Taikai | Wii | D3 Publisher | 4, 5, 4, 3 |
DanceDanceRevolution HOTTEST PARTY | Wii | Konami | 7, 8, 7, 8 |
Turn the page for the latest releases from Japan.
NOW PLAYING
This section recaps the games that made their way onto store shelves over the course of the previous week. If you're having trouble keeping up with what's new in the Japanese market, turn to this section every week.
The following games were released between 10.07.2007 and 10.20.2007. Lots of DS releases once again, including two detective games, two horse racing games, and a bunch of edutainment titles. And check out that drama in the next generation field. The 360 has three Japan-developed titles compared to the PS3's zero. Shame on you, Sony.
The magazine review scores listed with each game are usually out of 10. Dengeki PlayStation and Dengeki DS Style have scores out of 100. Dengeki PlayStation also uses a S, A, B, C, D, E letter system with S highest and E lowest.
Nintendo DS |
Tashiten +Tashite 10 ni Suru Monogatari+ PUBLISHER: Nintendo GENRE/THEME: Puzzle RELEASE: 10.10.07 PRICE: 4800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (7, 7, 7, 9), Dengeki Style (70, 80, 90) |
DS Kyotaro Nishimura Suspense Shin Tantei Series PUBLISHER: Tecmo GENRE/THEME: Adventure RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 3800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (7, 7, 7, 8), Dengeki Style (85, 90) |
Koukou Juken Eitango Get Through 1900 Eitan Samurai DS PUBLISHER: Educational Network GENRE/THEME: Edutainment RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 3800 yen |
Namco Museum DS PUBLISHER: Bandai Namco Games GENRE/THEME: Anthology RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 3800 yen SCORES: Dengeki Style (85, 85) |
Otona no DS Mystery Izumi Jiken File PUBLISHER: Interchannel-Holon GENRE/THEME: Adventure RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 4800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (4, 4, 6, 6), Dengeki Style (60, 75) |
Oubunsha Derujun Koumin DS PUBLISHER: IE Institute GENRE/THEME: Edutainment RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 3800 yen |
Oubunsha Derujun Sansuu DS PUBLISHER: IE Institute GENRE/THEME: Edutainment RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 3800 yen |
Shokusai Roman Katei de Dekiru! Chomeijin, Yumei Ryourijin no Original Recipe PUBLISHER: Marvelous Interactive GENRE/THEME: Edutainment RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 3800 yen |
Tadanori Matsuda Onsen Kyouju Kanshu Zenkoku Dokodemo Onsen Techo PUBLISHER: Marvelous Interactive GENRE/THEME: Productivity RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 3800 yen |
DS Bungaku Zenshuu PUBLISHER: Nintendo GENRE/THEME: Edutainment RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 2800 yen |
Keiba Techou Uma no Suke 2 PUBLISHER: Starfish SD GENRE/THEME: Simulation, Horse Racing RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 5500 yen |
Osharena Koinu DS PUBLISHER: MTO GENRE/THEME: Simulation RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 4800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (6, 6, 6, 7) |
Saeki Chizu-shiki Yumebihada Dream Skincare PUBLISHER: Konami GENRE/THEME: Health RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 4500 yen |
Sansuu Puzzle de Michibiku Gakken Otona no Shikou Sense PUBLISHER: Gakken GENRE/THEME: Self Training RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 3800 yen |
Sonic Rush Adventure PUBLISHER: Sega GENRE/THEME: Action, Adventure RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 4800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (7, 8, 8, 9), Dengeki Style (70, 85, 85) |
Winners' Circle PUBLISHER: Genki GENRE/THEME: Simulation, Horse Racing, Growth RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 4800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (7, 7, 7, 7), Dengeki Style (70, 80) |
PlayStation 3 |
Godfather Don Edition PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts GENRE/THEME: Action RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 6980 yen SCORES: Dengeki PS (B) |
Rise From Lair US NAME: Lair PUBLISHER: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) GENRE/THEME: Action RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 5980 yen SCORES: Famitsu (7, 8, 9, 9), Dengeki PS (A, 70, 80, 85, 90) |
Spiderman 3 PUBLISHER: Activision GENRE/THEME: Action RELEASE: 10.17.07 PRICE: 6800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (7, 8, 8, 8), Dengeki PS (B, 60, 75, 80, 85) |
Turn the page for more of the latest Japanese releases.
NOW PLAYING (PAGE 2)
The magazine review scores listed with each game are usually out of 10. Dengeki PlayStation and Dengeki DS Style have scores out of 100. Dengeki PlayStation also uses a S, A, B, C, D, E letter system with S highest and E lowest.
PlayStation 2 |
Arabians Lost The Engagement on Desert PUBLISHER: Prototype GENRE/THEME: Adventure, Love, Fantasy RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 6400 yen SCORES: Famitsu (4, 5, 6, 6), Dengeki PS (C) |
Arcana Heart PUBLISHER: AQ Interactive GENRE/THEME: Fighting RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 5800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (6, 6, 7, 7), Dengeki PS (B) |
Idol Janshi Stew Pie IV PUBLISHER: Jaleco GENRE/THEME: Table Game, Mahjong RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 6800 yen ALSO: Limited Edition (8800 yen) SCORES: Famitsu (5, 6, 7, 8), Dengeki PS (A) |
Jissen Pachislot Hisshouhou! Hokutou no Ken 2 Ranse Haouden Tenha no Shou PUBLISHER: Sega GENRE/THEME: Simulation, Pachislot RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 4800 yen SCORES: Dengeki PS (B) |
Spiderman 3 PUBLISHER: Activision GENRE/THEME: Action RELEASE: 10.17.07 PRICE: 5980 yen SCORES: Famitsu (7, 7, 7, 7) |
Galaxy Angel II Mugen Kairou no Kagi PUBLISHER: Broccoli GENRE/THEME: Adventure RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 7800 yen ALSO: DX Pack (9500 yen), Zettai Mugen Set (12800) SCORES: Famitsu (6, 7, 7, 7), Dengeki PS (75, 75, 85, 90) |
NeoGeo Onlie Collection World Heroes Gorgeous PUBLISHER: SNK Playmore GENRE/THEME: Fighting, 2D, Arcade RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 4800 yen |
Palais de Reine PUBLISHER: Interchannel GENRE/THEME: Simulation, Love RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 6800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (6, 6, 7, 7) |
Seaman 2 Peking Genjin Ikusei Kit PUBLISHER: Sega GENRE/THEME: Simulation, Growth RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 6800 yen ALSO: Bundle with Sea Mic Controller (7800 yen) SCORES: Famitsu (7, 7, 7, 8), Dengeki PS (C, 70, 70, 75, 85) |
Xbox 360 |
Operation Darkness PUBLISHER: Success GENRE/THEME: Strategy RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 6800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (5, 6, 6, 6), Famitsu X360 (7, 7, 8, 8) |
PGR4 Project Gotham Racing 4 PUBLISHER: Microsoft GENRE/THEME: Drive RELEASE: 10.11.07 PRICE: 6800 yen ALSO: First Production Run Version (6800 yen) SCORES: Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 9), Famitsu X360 (8, 8, 9, 9) |
Beautiful Katamari Damacy PUBLISHER: Bandai Namco Games GENRE/THEME: Action RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 5800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 8), Famitsu X360 (8, 8, 8, 8) |
Zoids Alternative PUBLISHER: Takara Tomy GENRE/THEME: Strategy RELEASE: 10.18.07 PRICE: 6800 yen SCORES: Famitsu (6, 6, 6, 7), Famitsu X360 (6, 6, 6, 7) |
Turn the page for the latest sales charts.
RANK-IN!!!
Wondering what's hot in the Japanese gaming scene? This section of Gaming Life in Japan brings you the latest charts for hardware, home software and arcade titles, along with a top thirty most wanted list.
We've sourced retail tracker Media Create for the software and hardware charts and game magazine Famitsu Weekly for the most wanted chart.
We'll also occasionally provide sales data from more specialist magazines in the weekly magazine recap section. Check out that area for looks at sales for titles on individual systems.
Be sure and check back every week to find out what Japanese gamers are into!
GAME-RANK-IN: 10.08.07 - 10.14.07 |
Another release rush this week, with most newbies placing out of the top 10.
14. Tashi-ten (Nintendo, NDS)
23. Fist of the North Star 2 Pachinko (Sega, PS2)
25. PGR4: Project Gotham Racing 4 (Microsoft, X360)
26. Namco Museum DS (Bandai Namco Games, NDS)
28. Arabian's Lost (Prototype, PS2)
42. Idol Janshi Stew Pie IV (Jaleco, PS2)
47. Capcom Classics Collection Best Price (Capcom, PS2)
If only they'd marketing Arabian's Lost more.
# | SYS | GAME | PUB | RELEASE | SALES |
1 | NDS | DS Kyotaro Nishimura Suspense | Tecmo | 10.11.07 | 60,707 |
2 | PS2 | Dragon Ball Z Sparking! Meteor | Bandai Namco Games | 10.11.07 | 47,085 |
3 | PSP | Gundam Battle Chronicle | Bandai Namco Games | 10.04.07 | 27,721 |
4 | NDS | Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon Toki no Tankentai | Pokemon | 09.27.07 | 26,235 |
5 | PS2 | Archana Heart | AQ Interactive | 10.11.07 | 22,891 |
6 | NDS | Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon Yami no Tankentai | Pokemon | 09.27.07 | 22,375 |
7 | PS3 | Rise From Lair | SCE | 10.11.07 | 21,813 |
8 | NDS | Archaic Sealed Heat | Nintendo | 10.04.07 | 17,144 |
9 | NDS | Kanken DS 2 | Rocket Company | 09.27.07 | 16,421 |
10 | NDS | DS Eye Training | Nintendo | 05.31.07 | 15,910 |
HARD-RANK-IN: 10.08.07 - 10.14.07 |
# | MAKER | SYSTEM | THIS WEEK |
1 | Nintendo | DS Lite | 78,746 |
2 | Sony Computer Entertainment | PSP | 59,584 |
3 | Nintendo | Wii | 20,575 |
4 | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 3 | 12,365 |
5 | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 2 | 10,181 |
6 | Microsoft | Xbox 360 | 6,161 |
7 | Nintendo | GBA SP | 127 |
8 | Nintendo | GameCube | 79 |
9 | Microsoft | Game Boy Micro | 60 |
MOST WANTED |
# | SYS | GAME | MAKER |
1 | NDS | Dragon Quest IX | Square Enix |
2 | PS3 | Final Fantasy XIII | Square Enix |
3 | PS3 | Biohazard 5 | Capcom |
4 | PS3 | Metal Gear Solid 4 | Konami |
5 | WII | Smash Brothers X | Nintendo |
6 | NDS | Dragon Quest IV | Square Enix |
7 | NDS | Dragon Quest VI | Square Enix |
8 | X360 | Lost Odyssey | Microsoft |
9 | NDS | Final Fantasy IV | Square Enix |
10 | PS3 | Devil May Cry 4 | Capcom |
11 | NDS | Dragon Quest V | Square Enix |
12 | PS2 | Super Robot Taisen OG Gaiden | Banpresto |
13 | Wii | Super Mario Galaxy | Nintendo |
14 | PS3 | Dynasty Warriors 6 | Koei |
15 | WII | Animal Crossing | Nintendo |
16 | PS3 | Last Remnant | Square Enix |
17 | PS3 | Final Fantasy Versus XIII | Square Enix |
18 | NDS | Professor Layton and the Devil's Box | Level 5 |
19 | PS3 | Gran Turismo 5 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan |
20 | PS3 | White Knight Story | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan |
21 | PSP | Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G | Capcom |
22 | PS2 | Artorunerico 2 | Banpresto |
23 | Wii | Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles | Capcom |
24 | PS3 | Imabikisou | Sega |
25 | NDS | Final Fantasy Tactics A2 | Square Enix |
26 | PS2 | Haruhi no Dowaku | Banpresto |
27 | NDS | SD Gundam G Generation Spirits | Bandai Namco Games |
28 | PS2 | Yon-Hachi | Banpresto |
29 | PS3 | Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan! | Sega |
30 | WII | Mysterious Dungeon Fuurai no Shiren 3 | Sega |
Turn the page for the latest release dates from Japan.
RELEASE DATES
This section of Gaming Life in Japan provides you with an up-to-date release list of games coming out in Japan. We list pretty much everything that's been announced.
In order to make the list more readable, we've split things up into three sections: games that have a release date, games that are TBA and games that are budget re-releases of older titles. On this page, you'll find the new games that have some sort of date attached to them -- even if it's just something vague like TBA 2007.
Recent changes, including new dates and prices, are bolded. New entries are in red. If you encounter something you think may be an error, please e-mail us.
Nintendo DS |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
10.25.07 | Apathy Gakuen Narukami Toushi Densetsu Tanteikyoku | Arc System Works | 3800 |
10.25.07 | Code Geass Hangyaku no Lelouch | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
10.25.07 | Crossword DS + Sekai Isshu Cross | Hudson | 2800 |
10.25.07 | Crossword DS + Sekai Isshuu Cross | Hudson | 2800 |
10.25.07 | DS Dengeki Bunko Ira no Sora, UFO Natsu IIComplete Pack (price 5800 yen) | Media Works | 3200 |
10.25.07 | Dungeon Maker Mahou no Shaberu to Chiisa na Yuusha | Global A Entertainment | 4800 |
10.25.07 | Marsh, the Strange Creature Who Eats English | Dimple | 4800 |
10.25.07 | ESSE Shikkari Kakeibo DS | IE Institute | 3800 |
10.25.07 | Final Fantasy Tactics A2 Fuketsu no Gurimore | Square Enix | 4800 |
10.25.07 | Illustration Logic DS Colorful Logic | Hudson | 2800 |
10.25.07 | Every Day Happy! Kimimaro Ayanokouji's Happy Organizer | Dorasu | 3800 |
10.25.07 | Interview Master -- Job Changing Chapter | Success | 3800 |
10.25.07 | Sekai no Shougi | Success | 3800 |
10.25.07 | Simple DS Series Vol.24 The Sensha | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
10.25.07 | Simple DS Series Vol.25 The Negotiator | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
10.25.07 | Sugar Bunnies DS Dream Sweets Factory | Takara Tomy | 4800 |
10.25.07 | Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann | Konami | 5980 |
10.25.07 | The Blogman Show DS Datte, Shouganai Janai. | Compile Hearts | 4800 |
10.25.07 | The Frogman Show DS Datte, Shouganaijanai | Compile Hearts | 4800 |
10.25.07 | World Soccer Winning Eleven DS Goal X Goal! | Konami | 3980 |
11.01.07 | Dragon Tamer Sound Spirit | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
11.01.07 | Sangokushi DS 2 | Koei | 4800 |
11.01.07 | Zaidan Houjin Nihon Kanji Nouryoku Kentei Kyoukai Koushiki Soft 250-man-nin no Kanken Tokoton Kanjinou | IE Institute | 2800 |
11.08.07 | Mario Party DS | Nintendo | 4800 |
11.08.07 | Ryoukiki no Susume | Taito | 3800 |
11.08.07 | Yosumin. DS | Square Enix | 2800 |
11.15.07 | Cooking Mama 2 | Taito | 4800 |
11.15.07 | Dungeon Explorer | Hudson | 4980 |
11.15.07 | Game Center CX Yunou no Chousenjou | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
11.15.07 | Hamekomi Lucky Puzzle DS | Yukes | 3800 |
11.15.07 | Health Test DS | Yudo | 3800 |
11.15.07 | Pro Baseball Famisuta DS | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
11.15.07 | DS English Lesson with Snoopy | Gakken Index | 4800 |
11.15.07 | Wine no Hajimekata DS | Square Enix | 2800 |
11.21.07 | Ryusei no Rockman 2Berserk x Shinobi (price 4800 yen) Berserk x Dinosaur (price 4800 yen) | Capcom | MULTI |
11.22.07 | 1500 DS spirits Vol.6 Trump | Tasuke | 1500 |
11.22.07 | 1500 DS spirits Vol.7 Chess | Tasuke | 1500 |
11.22.07 | 1500 DS spirits Vol.8 Darts | Tasuke | 1500 |
11.22.07 | 1500 DS spirits Vol.9 Futari Uchi Mahjong | Tasuke | 1500 |
11.22.07 | Chou Kantan Boki Nyuumon DS | IE Institute | 3800 |
11.22.07 | Dragon Quest IV Michibikareshi Monotachi | Square Enix | 5229 |
11.22.07 | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | Electronic Arts | 4800 |
11.22.07 | Jyuushin Enshiki DS | Maxtra Games | 4980 |
11.22.07 | Koudai Ouja Kyouryuu King Nanatsu no Kakera | Sega | 4800 |
11.22.07 | Kouenji Joshi Soccer 2 -- Koi ha Nebagiba Kouenji | Starfish SD | 4800 |
11.22.07 | Nazotte Oboeru Adult Kanji Practice Complete Version | Now Productions | 3800 |
11.22.07 | Wi-Fi Horse Racing Prediction Training Umania 2007 Year Version, Supervised by Sankei Sports | Dimple | 6800 |
11.22.07 | Tornado | Success | 4800 |
11.22.07 | Right Brain Raiser: IQ Breeder -- A Friendly IQ Lesson with your Pet | Frontier Enterprise | 3800 |
11.22.07 | Wantame Music Channel Everywhere Style | Capcom | 5800 |
11.22.07 | Yomesou de Yomenai Kanji DS | TDK Core | 3800 |
11.29.07 | Cats 2 Daisuki Nyan Nyan Park | Ubisoft | 4800 |
11.29.07 | Disney Princess Mahou no Jewel | Disney Interactive Studio | 4800 |
11.29.07 | DS Kageyama Method Tadashii Kanji Kakitorikun Kondo ha Kanken Taisaku da yo! | Shougaku Kan | 3429 |
11.29.07 | Fukou Mori Moriri no Unhappy Project | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
11.29.07 | Gouma Fuden Izuna 2 | Success | 4800 |
11.29.07 | Stock Trading Trainer Kabu-Tore! Next | Konami | 4300 |
11.29.07 | Cute Kitten DS | MTO | 4800 |
11.29.07 | Mainichi Shimbun 1000 Big News Stories | Sega | 3800 |
11.29.07 | Brain Massage: IQ Suppliment DS2 -Sukkiri King Final Battle- | Spike | 3980 |
11.29.07 | Rekishi Shinsou presents Monoshiri Sengokuou | Global A Entertainment | 3800 |
11.29.07 | Rika-chan DS Girls' Lesson: Fashion, Work -- Leave it to Us! | Takara Tomy | 4800 |
11.29.07 | Simple DS Series Vol. 28 The Illust Puzzle & Suuji Puzzle 2 | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
11.29.07 | Simple DS Series Vol.26 The Quiz 30,000 Questions | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
11.29.07 | Simple DS Series Vol.27 The Misshitsu kara no Dasshutsu -- The Suiri Bangai-hen | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
11.29.07 | Takn Beat 2 Strike! German Army vs. Allies | Milestone | 3800 |
11.29.07 | Yes! Pretty Cure 5 | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
11.29.07 | Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters World Championship 2008 | Konami | 4980 |
Nov 07 | Itsumo no Shokuzai de Dekichau Suteki na Sweets to Gochisou. | Takara Tomy | 3800 |
Nov 07 | Simple DS Series Vol.23 The Puzzle Quest -- Agaria no Kishi | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
Fall 07 | Katei no Igaku DS de Kitaeru Shokuzai Kenkou Training | Rocket Company | 3800 |
Fall 07 | Make Yourself Pretty Keizou Kuroda's Beauty Makeup Navigator | Dorasu | 4000 |
12.06.07 | Arkanoid DSBattle Controller DS Bundle Version (price 4800 yen) | Taito | 3800 |
12.06.07 | Me and Sim City: Revive Yourself at a Resort! | Electronic Arts | 4980 |
12.06.07 | Daizemi no Center Shoujun Series: English Chapter | ASK | 3800 |
12.06.07 | Gintama Gindama Quest Ginsan ga Tenshoku Shitari Sekai wo Sukuttari | Banpresto | 4800 |
12.06.07 | Haneru no Tobira DS | Bandai Namco Games | 2800 |
12.06.07 | Game of Life DS Heisei Events | Takara Tomy | 4800 |
12.06.07 | Game of Life DS Showa Events | Takara Tomy | 4800 |
12.06.07 | Juushinden Ultimate Beast Battlers | Konami | 5980 |
12.06.07 | K-1 World GP Zettai Ousha Ikusei Keikaku | D3 Publisher | 4800 |
12.06.07 | Kirarin Revolution Tsukutte Misecchao! Kime Kira Stage | Konami | 4980 |
12.06.07 | Kokoro wo Yasumeru Otona no Nurie DS2 | Ertain | 3800 |
12.06.07 | Write to Gradually Remember -- Notsugawa Kyoui Form Kanji Memorization Techniques | Ertain | 3800 |
12.06.07 | Nepleague DS | Jaleco | 3800 |
12.06.07 | Pororon! Dokomo Dake DS | AQ Interactive | 4800 |
12.06.07 | Power Pro Kun Pocket 10 | Konami | 4980 |
12.06.07 | Tales of Innocence | Bandai Namco Games | 5800 |
12.06.07 | Let's Make Friends! Magic Exchange Diary | Ertain | 3800 |
12.13.07 | Chikyuu no Arukikata Hong Kong | Square Enix | 2800 |
12.13.07 | Chikyuu no Arukikata England | Square Enix | 2800 |
12.13.07 | Chikyuu no Arukikata Seoul, Pusan | Square Enix | 2800 |
12.13.07 | Chikyuu no Arukikata Shanghai | Square Enix | 2800 |
12.13.07 | Daigaku Ekiden 2008 Hakone | SNK Playmore | 4800 |
12.13.07 | DS Kageyama Method Masu x Masu Play Hyaku Masu Keisan Hyaku Masu no Mae ni Kore da yo! | Shougaku Kan | 2800 |
12.13.07 | Kuru Kuru Princess Yume no White Quartet | Spike | 4800 |
12.13.07 | Let's Tarot: From Today, You're Also a Fortune Teller | ASNetworks | 4800 |
12.13.07 | Ookiku Furikabutte Honto no Ace ni Nareru Kamo | Marvelous Interactive | 4800 |
12.20.07 | Dokodemo Pilates | Konami | 3800 |
12.20.07 | Dora Base Doraemon Extreme Baseball Sidestory | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
12.20.07 | Final Fantasy IV | Square Enix | 5695 |
12.20.07 | Heisei Kyoiku Iinkai DS Zenkoku | Bandai Namco Games | 3980 |
12.20.07 | Louis to Mirai Dorobou: Willbur no Kiken na Jikan Ryokou | Disney Interactive Studio | 4800 |
12.20.07 | Minna Atsumare! Quiz Party | Ertain | 3800 |
12.20.07 | Number Place Mugen | Ertain | 3800 |
12.20.07 | Pinky Street Kira Kira Music NightLimited Edition with Pinky Figure (price 6000 yen) | Dimple | 4800 |
12.20.07 | Pinky Street Kira Kira Rainbow Pack | Dimple | 7181 |
12.20.07 | Sponge Bob to Nakamatachi Toy Bot no Kougeki | THQ Japan | 4800 |
12.20.07 | Survival Kids: Chiisa na Shima no Ookina Himitsu!? | Konami | 4980 |
12.20.07 | Tennis no Oujisama Driving Smash! | Konami | 4980 |
12.20.07 | Waku Waku DS Ichi-nen-sei | Shin Gakusha | 3800 |
12.20.07 | Yasashi Igo | Mainichi Communications | 4800 |
Dec 07 | DS Puzzler Nanpure Fan & Oekaki Logic Wi-Fi Compatible | TDK Core | 2800 |
Dec 07 | From the Abyss | Sonic Powered | 4800 |
Dec 07 | Hokuto no Ken: Hokuto Shinken Denshousha no Michi | Spike | TBA |
Dec 07 | Kousoku Card Battle Card Hero | Nintendo | 4800 |
Dec 07 | Lux-Pain | Marvelous Entertainment | 4800 |
Dec 07 | Ochaken no Daibouken: Honwaka Yumemiru Sekai Ryokou | MTO | 4800 |
Dec 07 | Ojaru Maru DS Ojaru Toukeiko A-i-u-e-o | D3 Publisher | 3800 |
Dec 07 | Simple DS Series Vol.29 The Sports Collection: Baseball, Tennis, Volleyball, Footsal, Golf | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
Dec 07 | Sunrise Anime Tsuke Sunrise no Joushiki Minna no Hijoushiki -Vol.1- | Sunrise Interactive | 4800 |
Dec 07 | SuperLite 2500 Crimson Room | Success | 2500 |
Dec 07 | SuperLite 2500 Custom Mahjong | Success | 2500 |
Dec 07 | SuperLite 2500 Gekikara Nanpure 2500-mon | Success | 2500 |
Wnt 07 | 13-sai no Harowaaku DS | Digital Works Entertainment | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Bangai-O Spirits | ESP | 4800 |
Wnt 07 | Harvest Moon: Sparking Sun and Friends | Marvelous Entertainment | 4800 |
Wnt 07 | Chibi Maruko-chan DS Maru-chan no Machi | Banpresto | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Inazuma Eleven | Level 5 | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Indo Shiki Keisan Drill DS | GungHo Online Entertainment | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Luminous Arc 2 Will | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Magical Tounou Power!! DS | D3 Publisher | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Mushishi Ame Furusato | Marvelous Entertainment | 4800 |
Wnt 07 | Play With the Fish! Aqua Zone DS Kaisuigyo | GungHo Online Entertainment | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Sekaiju no Meikyuu II | Atlus | 4980 |
Wnt 07 | Transformers Autobot/DecepticonAutobot (price TBA) Decepticon (price TBA) | Activision | MULTI |
TBA 07 | Denshi Maid Techou Koi no Iroha | SNK Playmore | TBA |
TBA 07 | Gabu Gabu Planet | Koei | 4800 |
TBA 07 | Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword | Tecmo | TBA |
TBA 07 | Rekiken DS | Rocket Company | 3800 |
TBA 07 | Shrek 3 | Activision | TBA |
TBA 07 | Spiderman 3 | Activision | TBA |
01.03.08 | Rune Factory 2 | Marvelous Interactive | 4800 |
01.10.08 | Chishokuou Series Train Master | Global A Entertainment | 3800 |
01.18.08 | Touch de Zunou DS | Sega | 3800 |
01.24.08 | SPI Perfect Question Set DS | Genki | TBA |
01.24.08 | Tennis no Oujisama Driving Smash! Side King | Konami | 4980 |
01.31.08 | Away: The People Who Were Taken Away | AQ Interactive | 5695 |
01.31.08 | Rupupu Cube Rupu Sarada DS | Dimple | 4500 |
Jan 08 | DS Dengeki Bunko ADV Bakkano! | Media Works | 4800 |
Jan 08 | Hijouguchi Exit DS | Taito | 4800 |
Jan 08 | Mainichi Kokoropics DS Fortune Telling Happiness 2008 | Dimple | 4200 |
Jan 08 | SuperLite 2500 Brick Down Block Kuzushi no France Kakumei Yaa! | Success | 2500 |
Jan 08 | SuperLite2500 Joshi Kousei Nigeru! | Success | 2500 |
02.13.08 | Jinsei 87,000-kai no Shokuji wo Tanoshiku Suru Oishiku Kiwameru Shokutsuu DS | Square Enix | 3800 |
02.14.08 | Otometeki Ren Kakumei Rabu Rebo!! DS | Interchannel | 4800 |
Feb 08 | Disney Friends | Disney Interactive Studio | 4800 |
Feb 08 | Space Invaders Extreme | Taito | 4800 |
Feb 08 | The Legend of Kage 2 | Taito | 4800 |
Mar 08 | Blue Dragon DS | AQ Interactive | 5695 |
Spr 08 | Bleach The 3rd Phantom | Sega | TBA |
Spr 08 | Doraemon Nobita to Midori no Kyojinden DS | Sega | TBA |
Spr 08 | Duel Love | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
Spr 08 | Lyla no Bouken | Sega | TBA |
Spr 08 | Nanatsu Iro Drops The First Love Story that Begins with TouchFirst Run Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Media Works | 4800 |
Spr 08 | Pet Shop Story DS | Taito | 4800 |
Wnt 08 | Time Hollow: Seeking the Past that was Stolen | Konami | 4980 |
TBA 08 | Deep Aquarium: Kiseki no Shinkai | Ertain | 3800 |
TBA 08 | Doki Doki Majo Shinban 2 | SNK Playmore | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Dragon Quest IX Hoshizora no Mamoribito | Square Enix | TBA |
TBA 08 | Dramatic Dungeon Sakura Taisen: Kimi Aru ga Tame | Sega | TBA |
TBA 08 | DS Bimoji Training | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Eternal Chronicle | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Famicom Wars DS 2 | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Fire Emblem | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Flower Arrangement DS | GungHo Online Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Hoshi no Kirby Ultra Super Deluxe | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Ten Minutes a Day: Become Good at Painting DS | Agashima Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Kimi no Yuusha | SNK Playmore | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Mario & Sonic at Peking Olympic | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Ragnarok Online DS | GungHo Online Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Shin Ninja Jaja Maru-Kun: Pen ha Ken Yorimo Tsuyoshi De Gozaru | Jaleco | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Soma Bringer | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Steal Princess | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
Wii |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
10.25.07 | DanceDanceRevolution HOTTEST PARTYMatt Controller Bundle (price 7980 yen) | Konami | 5800 |
10.25.07 | Ghost SquadBundle Version (price 5980 yen) | Sega | 4800 |
10.25.07 | Gintama Banjiya-chu | Bandai Namco Games | 5800 |
10.25.07 | Simple Wii Series Vol.1 The Everyone's Cart Race | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
10.25.07 | Simple Wii Series Vol.2 The Everyone's Bass Fishing Tournament | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
10.25.07 | Treasure Island Z Treasure of Barbaros | Capcom | 5800 |
11.01.07 | Opoona | Koei | 6800 |
11.01.07 | Super Mario Galaxy | Nintendo | 5800 |
11.08.07 | Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 | Electronic Arts | 5800 |
11.15.07 | Biohazard Umbrella ChroniclesExpert Package (price 8200 yen) | Capcom | 6980 |
11.22.07 | Dragon Blade | D3 Publisher | 5800 |
11.22.07 | Gegege no Kitarou: Kaiki Dai Undoukai | Bandai Namco Games | 5800 |
11.22.07 | Mario & Sonic at Peking Olympic | Nintendo | 5800 |
11.29.07 | Naruto Shitsubuuden Gekitou Ninja Taisen! EX2 | Takara Tomy | 6800 |
11.29.07 | Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes | Capcom | 6990 |
11.29.07 | Swing Golf Panya 2nd Shot! | Tecmo | 5800 |
12.01.07 | Wii Fit | Nintendo | 8800 |
12.06.07 | Disney Princess Mahou no Sekai he | Disney Interactive Studio | 5800 |
12.06.07 | Doraemon Wii Himitsu Dougu Ou Ketteisen! | Sega | 5800 |
12.06.07 | Haneru no Tobira Wii Giri Girissu | Bandai Namco Games | 3800 |
12.06.07 | Jinsei Game Wii | Takara Tomy | 6800 |
12.06.07 | Minna de Asobou! Namco Carnival | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
12.06.07 | No More Heroes | Spike | 6800 |
12.06.07 | Nodame Cantabile Dream Orchestra | Bandai Namco Games | 6800 |
12.06.07 | Rabbits Party Returns | Ubisoft | 5800 |
12.06.07 | Tamagotchi no Furi Furi Kagekidan | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
12.13.07 | Chocobo no Fushigi na Dungeon Toki Wasure no Meikyuu | Square Enix | 6476 |
12.13.07 | NiGHTS: Hoshifuru Yo no Monogatari | Sega | 6800 |
12.13.07 | Puchi Copter Wii Adventure Flight | Arc System Works | 5800 |
12.13.07 | Shikigami no Shiro III | Arc System Works | 5800 |
12.13.07 | Soul Calibur Legends | Bandai Namco Games | 6800 |
12.20.07 | FIFA 08 World Class Soccer | Electronic Arts | 5800 |
12.20.07 | Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball 14 Final Version | Konami | 6980 |
12.20.07 | Louis to Mirai Dorobou: Willbur no Kiken na Jikan Ryokou | Disney Interactive Studio | 5800 |
12.20.07 | Nyanko to Mahou no Boushi | Ubisoft | 5800 |
12.20.07 | Sponge Bob to Nakamatachi Toy Bot no Kougeki | THQ Japan | 5800 |
12.20.07 | Wanko to Mahou no Boushi | Ubisoft | 5800 |
Dec 07 | Shanghai | Success | 4800 |
Dec 07 | Simple Wii Series Vol.3 Play to Understand -- The Party Casino | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
Dec 07 | Simple Wii Series Vol.4 Anyone Can Play -- The Shooting Action | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
Dec 07 | Zaidan Houjin Nihon Kanji Nouryoku Kentei Kyoukai Kounin Kanken Wii -- Kanjiou Ketteisen | Rocket Company | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Anime Slot Revolution Pachislot Gundam II | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Caduceus New Blood | Atlus | 5800 |
Wnt 07 | Choro Q Wii | Takara Tomy | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Guitar Hero 3 Legend of Rock | Activision | 11111 |
Wnt 07 | Major Wii | Takara Tomy | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Metal Slug Complete | SNK Playmore | 4800 |
Wnt 07 | Zenkoku Decotora Matsuri | Jaleco | TBA |
TBA 07 | Action Game | Milestone | TBA |
TBA 07 | Argos no Senshi Muscle Impact | Tecmo | TBA |
TBA 07 | Call of Duty 3 | Activision | TBA |
TBA 07 | Downhill Jam | Activision | TBA |
TBA 07 | Original Action Game | D3 Publisher | TBA |
TBA 07 | Shooting Game | Milestone | TBA |
TBA 07 | Shrek 3 | Activision | TBA |
TBA 07 | Spiderman 3 | Activision | TBA |
01.24.08 | Dairantou Smash Brothers X | Nintendo | 6476 |
Jan 08 | Katei Kyoshi Hitman Reborn! Dream Battle! Shinu Ki no Honou to Kuroki Kioku | Marvelous Interactive | TBA |
Jan 08 | Miburee & Tiburee | Sega | TBA |
Jan 08 | Need for Speed Pro Street | Electronic Arts | TBA |
Jan 08 | Sonic Riders Shooting Star Story | Sega | 5800 |
Feb 08 | Medal of Honor Heroes 2 | Electronic Arts | TBA |
Feb 08 | Simple Wii Series Vol.5 The Block Kuzushi | D3 Publisher | TBA |
Feb 08 | Simple Wii Series Vol.6 The Wai Wai Combat | D3 Publisher | TBA |
Mar 08 | Deca Sporta Wii de Sports Jyu Shumoku | Hudson | 5800 |
Spr 08 | JAWA | Spike | TBA |
Spr 08 | Karada wo Kitaeru Wii Exercise | Rocket Company | TBA |
Spr 08 | Lyla no Bouken | Sega | TBA |
Spr 08 | Mario Kart Wii | Nintendo | TBA |
Spr 08 | Tales of Symphonia Knights of Ratatoskr | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
Spr 08 | World Soccer Winning Eleven Wii | Konami | TBA |
TBA 08 | Crossword | Hudson | TBA |
TBA 08 | Disaster: Day of Crisis | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Animal Crossing | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Family Trainer Athletic World | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Fushigi no Dungeon Fuurai no Shiren 3 Karakuri Yashiki no Nemuri Hime | Sega | TBA |
TBA 08 | Hoshi no Kirby | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Metroid Prime 3: Corruption | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Oneechanbara R | D3 Publisher | TBA |
TBA 08 | King Story | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Pachinda | Hudson | TBA |
TBA 08 | Super Mario Stadium Family Baseball | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Tomb Raider Anniversary | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | Totsugeki Famicom Wars W!! | Nintendo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Wii Music | Nintendo | TBA |
PlayStation 3 |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
10.25.07 | Imabikisou | Sega | 7600 |
10.25.07 | The Eye of Judgment Biolith Rebellion Set 1 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 9980 |
11.01.07 | G1 Jockey 4 2007 | Koei | 7200 |
11.01.07 | G1 Jockey 4 2007 & Winning Post 7 Maximum 2007 Premium Pack | Koei | 10800 |
11.01.07 | Railfan Taiwan Koutetsu | Ongakukan | 5800 |
11.08.07 | Ghost Recon Advance War Fighter 2 | Ubisoft | 6800 |
11.08.07 | NBA Live 08 | Electronic Arts | 6980 |
11.11.07 | Ratchet & Clank Future | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 5980 |
11.11.07 | Shin Sangoku Musou 5Treasure Box (price 12800 yen) with PlayStation 3 (price 49980 yen) | Koei | 7200 |
11.15.07 | Heavenly Sword | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 5980 |
11.22.07 | Harry Potter to Fushichou no Kishidan | Electronic Arts | 6980 |
11.22.07 | Remmy no Oishi Restaurant | THQ Japan | 5800 |
11.22.07 | World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 | Konami | 7600 |
12.06.07 | CONAN | THQ Japan | 6800 |
12.06.07 | Pirates of Carribean/World End | Disney Interactive Studio | 5800 |
12.06.07 | Uncharted El Dorado no Hihou | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 5695 |
12.13.07 | Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare | Activision | 6800 |
12.13.07 | Gran Turismo 5 Prologue | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 4980 |
12.19.07 | Transformers The Game | Activision | TBA |
12.20.07 | FIFA 08 World Class Soccer | Electronic Arts | 6980 |
12.20.07 | Medal of Honor Airborn | Electronic Arts | 6980 |
12.20.07 | Time Crisis 4 | Bandai Namco Games | 11500 |
Wnt 07 | Angel Love Online | Q Entertainment | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Assasin Creed | Ubisoft | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Guitar Hero 3 Legend of Rock | Activision | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Makai Senki Disgaea 3First Run Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Nippon Ichi Software | 6800 |
Wnt 07 | Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots | Konami | TBA |
TBA 07 | Fatal Inertia | Koei | TBA |
Jan 08 | Drift Nights: Juiced 2 | THQ Japan | 6800 |
Jan 08 | Need for Speed Pro Street | Electronic Arts | TBA |
Jan 08 | Sega Rally | Sega | TBA |
Spr 08 | Lyla no Bouken | Sega | TBA |
Spr 08 | Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan | Sega | 7600 |
Spr 08 | Valkyrie of the Battle Field | Sega | TBA |
Spr 08 | Turok | Touchstone | 5800 |
TBA 08 | Dark Sector | D3 Publisher | TBA |
TBA 08 | Devil May Cry 4 | Capcom | TBA |
TBA 08 | Haze | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | Way of the Samurai | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | NBA2K8 | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | Rainy Woods | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | Tears to Tiara | Aqua Plus | TBA |
TBA 08 | Trusty Bell: Chopin no Yume | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Vampire Rain Altered Species | AQ Interactive | TBA |
PlayStation Portable |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
10.25.07 | Kaitou Apricot Portable | Takuyo | 5800 |
11.08.07 | Akumajo Dracula X ChronicleKonami Style Special Version (price 6980 yen) | Konami | 4980 |
11.08.07 | Minna no Golf Ba Vol.4Bundle with GPS Reciever (price 9980 yen) | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 5980 |
11.08.07 | NBA Live 08 | Electronic Arts | 4800 |
11.15.07 | Anata wo Yurusanai | AQ Interactive | 4800 |
11.15.07 | Dungeon Explorer Meiyaku no Tobira | Hudson | 4980 |
11.22.07 | AIR | Prototype | 4800 |
11.29.07 | Makai Senki Disgaea Portable -- Wireless Battles Have Started | Nippon Ichi Software | 2800 |
11.29.07 | Xyanide | Ertain | 4800 |
12.06.07 | Chronicle of Dungeon Maker II | Global A Entertainment | 4800 |
12.06.07 | Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories | Capcom | TBA |
12.06.07 | Mahjong Haou Portable Dankyuu Battle | Mainichi Communications | 3800 |
12.06.07 | Minna no Golf Portable 2 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 4743 |
12.06.07 | Silent Hill Zero | Konami | 4980 |
12.06.07 | Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 3790 |
12.13.07 | Talkman Travel | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 4000 |
12.20.07 | Haruhi Suzumiya's PromiseExtremely Premium Box (price 9000 yen) | Bandai Namco Games | 4800 |
12.20.07 | Patapon | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | TBA |
12.20.07 | Sora no Kiseki Material Collection PortableComplete Version (price 11400 yen) | Nihon Falcom | 3800 |
12.27.07 | Star Ocean 1 First DepartureEternal Edition (price TBA) | Square Enix | 4800 |
12.27.07 | Pacific Storm | SystemSoft Alpha | 4800 |
Wnt 07 | Hajime no Ippo Portable Victorious Spirits | ESP | 4800 |
Wnt 07 | MyStylist | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Need for Speed Pro Street | Electronic Arts | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Tir na Nog | SystemSoft Alpha | 4800 |
TBA 07 | Hoshigari Empusa | Takuyo | 5800 |
01.10.08 | Reishiki Kanjou Sentouki 2 | Global A Entertainment | 4800 |
01.24.08 | Yggdra Union | Sting | 4743 |
01.31.08 | Daisenryaku VII: Exceed | SystemSoft Alpha | 4800 |
Jan 08 | Sega Rally | Sega | TBA |
Jan 08 | Winning Eleven | Konami | TBA |
Feb 08 | Medal of Honor Heroes 2 | Electronic Arts | TBA |
Spr 08 | echochrome Mugen Kairou | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | TBA |
Spr 08 | Lyla no Bouken | Sega | TBA |
TBA 08 | Kidou Senshi Gundam Giren no Yabou Axis no Kyoiki | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Ponkotsu Roman Daikatsugeki Bumpy Trot Beagle Battle Tournament | Irem Software Engineering | TBA |
TBA 08 | Tales of Rebirth | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Tomb Raider Anniversary | Spike | TBA |
PlayStation 2 |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
01.31.07 | Houkago ha Shirogane no Shirabe!!First Run Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Dimple | 6800 |
Spr 07 | Ou Okuki | Global A Entertainment | 2008 |
10.25.07 | Ar tonelico II Sekai ni Hibiku Shojotachi no Souzoushi (Metafarika) | Banpresto | 6800 |
10.25.07 | Baldr Bullet EquilibriumLimited Edition (price 9800 yen) | TGL Planning | 6800 |
10.25.07 | Colorful Aquarium My Little MermaidFirst Run Limited Edition (price 7800 yen) | Nine's fox | 6800 |
10.25.07 | God of War II | Capcom | 6990 |
10.25.07 | Itsuka, Todoku, Ano Sora NiLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Russell Cure | 6800 |
10.25.07 | Katei Kyoushi Hitman Reborn! Let's Assassinate!? Nerawareta Jyuu-dai-me | Marvelous Entertainment | 6800 |
10.25.07 | Kou Rate Ura Mahjong Retsuden Mukoubuchi Gomurei Shuryoudesune | Pi Arts | 4800 |
10.25.07 | Nettai Teikiatsu ShoujoFirst Run Limited Edition (price 7980 yen) | Nine's fox | 6800 |
10.25.07 | Sega Ages 2500 Series Dennnou Senki Virtual On | Sega | 2500 |
10.25.07 | Volleyball World Cup Venus Evolution | Spike | 6800 |
11.01.07 | G1 Jockey 4 2007Premium Pack (price 10480 yen) | Koei | 6800 |
11.01.07 | MotoGP 07 | Capcom | 7340 |
11.01.07 | Super Robot Taisen Scramble Commander the 2nd | Banpresto | 6980 |
11.08.07 | Hoshiiro no Okurimono | Takuyo | 6800 |
11.08.07 | NBA Live 08 | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
11.15.07 | Hayarigami 2 Keishichou Kaii Jiken File | Nippon Ichi Software | 6800 |
11.15.07 | Money Sugoroku Kabu Koro | Ertain | 5800 |
11.15.07 | Soukou Kihei Votoms | Bandai Namco Games | 6800 |
11.22.07 | Dokapon Kingdom | Sting | 6476 |
11.22.07 | Final Fantasy XI: Altana no Kamihei Expansion Data Disk | Square Enix | 3980 |
11.22.07 | Harry Potter to Fushichou no Kishidan | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
11.22.07 | Pachinko Hissatsu Shigotojin III Pachitte Chonmage Tatsujin 13 | Huckberry | 6200 |
11.22.07 | Play Online / Final Fantasy XI Vana'diel Collection | Square Enix | 7800 |
11.22.07 | Purisaga! Princess wo Sagase!Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Views | 6800 |
11.22.07 | Shijuu Hachi | Banpresto | 6800 |
11.22.07 | UmishoLimited Edition (price 9400 yen) | 5gk. | 6800 |
11.22.07 | World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 | Konami | 6600 |
11.29.07 | Another Century's Episode 2 Special Vocal Version | Banpresto | 3800 |
11.29.07 | Myself; YourselfFirst Run Limited Edition (price 9800 yen) | Yeti | TBA |
11.29.07 | Raki SutaDX Pack (price 8800 yen) | Kadokawa Shoten | 6800 |
11.29.07 | SD Gundam G Generation Spirits | Bandai Namco Games | 6800 |
11.29.07 | Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes | Capcom | 5219 |
11.29.07 | Simple 2000 Series Vol.120 The Boku no Machi Zukuri 2 -- Machiing Maker 2.1 | D3 Publisher | 2100 |
11.29.07 | Simple 2000 Series Vol.120 The Ningyo Hime Monogatari -- Mermaid Prism | D3 Publisher | 2100 |
11.29.07 | Starty Line Your Past Makes Your Future | Princess Soft | 6800 |
11.29.07 | Xyanide | Ertain | 5800 |
11.29.07 | Zero no Tsukai Ma Muma ga Tsumugu Yapu no GensoukyokuLimited Edition (price 8980 yen) | Marvelous Entertainment | 6980 |
12.06.07 | 12 Riven the Psy Criminal of IntegralSoundtrack Bundle Version (price 8800 yen) | Kid | 6800 |
12.06.07 | Disney Princess Mahou no Sekai he | Disney Interactive Studio | 6800 |
12.06.07 | Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories | Capcom | TBA |
12.06.07 | Pirates of Carribean/World End | Disney Interactive Studio | 5800 |
12.06.07 | Shoukan Shojo: Elemental Girl CallingDX Pack (price 8800 yen) | Kadokawa Shoten | 6800 |
12.06.07 | Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters GX Tag Force Evolution | Konami | 6980 |
12.13.07 | D.C. Da Capo the OriginFirst Run Limited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Sweets | 6800 |
12.13.07 | Hakare na Heart Kimi ga Tameni Kagayaki woLimited Edition (price 6800 yen) | Russell Pure | 5800 |
12.13.07 | Spectral GeneLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Idea Factory | 6800 |
12.13.07 | TOCA Race Driver 3 The Ultimate Racing Simulator | Interchannel | 6800 |
12.19.07 | Transformers The Game | Activision | 6800 |
12.20.07 | Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri: Kakera AsobiAppend Version (price 3980 yen) | Alchemist | 6980 |
12.20.07 | IZUMO2 Gakuen Rhapsody Double TactLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | GN Software | 6800 |
12.20.07 | Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball 14 Final Version | Konami | 6980 |
12.20.07 | Louis to Mirai Dorobou: Willbur no Kiken na Jikan Ryokou | Disney Interactive Studio | 5800 |
12.20.07 | Naruto Shitsubuuden Narutimate Accel 2 | Bandai Namco Games | 6476 |
12.20.07 | Pia Carrot e Youkoso!! G.O. Summer FairLimited Edition Dinner Pack (price 8800 yen) | Piacci | 7200 |
12.27.07 | Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Chapters 3 & 4 Final Chapter | Prototype | 2800 |
12.27.07 | Slotter Up Mania 9 | Dorasu | 4000 |
12.27.07 | Super Robot Taisen OG GaidenLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Banpresto | 5800 |
12.27.07 | Pacific Storm | SystemSoft Alpha | 6800 |
Dec 07 | Sayuki to Koyuki no Hie Hie Daishidou | Starfish SD | 5800 |
Wnt 07 | Guitar Hero 3 Legend of Rock | Activision | 11111 |
Wnt 07 | H2O Plus | Kadokawa Shoten | TBA |
Wnt 07 | Sega Ages 2500 Series Phantasy Star I - II - III - IV | Sega | 2500 |
Wnt 07 | Tir na Nog | SystemSoft Alpha | 6800 |
Wnt 07 | Tori no Hoshi Aerial Planet | Nippon Ichi Software | TBA |
TBA 07 | Hoshigari Empusa | Takuyo | TBA |
TBA 07 | Sega Ages 2500 Series Fantasy Zone II DX | Sega | 2500 |
01.31.08 | Harushi Suzumiya no DowakuSuper Limited Edition (price 9800 yen) | Banpresto | 6800 |
01.31.08 | Your: Memories Off Girl's StyleLimited Edition (price 6400 yen) | 5gk. | 6400 |
Jan 08 | Drift Nights: Juiced 2 | THQ Japan | 5800 |
Jan 08 | Elminage: Yami no Miko to Kamigami no Yubiwa | Starfish SD | 6800 |
Jan 08 | Last Escort 2 | D3 Publisher | TBA |
Jan 08 | Need for Speed Pro Street | Electronic Arts | TBA |
Jan 08 | Prism Ark - AWAKELimited Edition (price TBA) | 5gk. | 6800 |
02.07.08 | Princess Maker 5Strategy Guide Bundle (price 8800 yen) | Cyber Front | 6800 |
02.14.08 | PutifulLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Idea Factory | 6800 |
Feb 08 | MoontiesLimited Edition (price 8800 yen) | Interchannel-Holon | 6800 |
03.20.08 | Aoishiro | Success | TBA |
Spr 08 | Koihime Musou | Yeti | TBA |
Spr 08 | Secret Game: Killer Queen | Yeti | TBA |
Spr 08 | Sekai Saikyou Ginsei Igo 7 | Magnolia | TBA |
TBA 08 | Akane Iro ni Somaru Parallel | GN Software | TBA |
TBA 08 | D.C. II P.S. Da Capo II Plus Situation | Kadokawa Shoten | TBA |
TBA 08 | Real RodeDX Pack (price TBA) | Kadokawa Shoten | TBA |
TBA 08 | Samurai Spirits Rokuban Shoubu | SNK Playmore | 4800 |
TBA 08 | Tales of Destiny Director's CutPremium Box (price TBA) | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 08 | Togainu no Chi True BloodDX Pack (price 8800 yen) | Kadokawa Shoten | 6800 |
Xbox 360 |
RELEASE | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
10.25.07 | Blade Storm Hyakunen SensouPremium Box (price 9980 yen) | Koei | 7800 |
11.01.07 | Ace Combat 6 Kaiho e no Senbi | Bandai Namco Games | 7800 |
11.08.07 | Just Cause -- Viva Revolution | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
11.08.07 | Major League Baseball 2K7 | Spike | 6800 |
11.08.07 | Medal of Honor Airborn | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
11.08.07 | NBA Live 08 | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
11.11.07 | Shin Sangoku Musou 5Treasure Box (price 12800 yen) | Koei | 7200 |
11.22.07 | Final Fantasy XI: Altana no Kamihei Expansion Data Disk | Square Enix | 3980 |
11.22.07 | Harry Potter to Fushichou no Kishidan | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
11.22.07 | Play Online / Final Fantasy XI Vana'diel Collection | Square Enix | 7800 |
11.22.07 | World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 | Konami | 7600 |
11.29.07 | Apocalypse Desire Next | Idea Factory | 6800 |
11.29.07 | Assassin's Creed | Ubisoft | 6980 |
11.29.07 | Guilty Gear 2 Overture | Arc System Works | 7800 |
12.06.07 | Atsumare! Pinata Let's Party | Microsoft | 4800 |
12.06.07 | CONAN | THQ Japan | 6800 |
12.06.07 | Lost Odyssey | Microsoft | 6800 |
12.06.07 | Momotaro Dentetsu 16 Gold | Hudson | 5800 |
12.13.07 | Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom | BLUESIDE | 6800 |
12.13.07 | Shikigami no Shiro III | Arc System Works | 5800 |
12.13.07 | Smash Court Tennis 3 | Bandai Namco Games | 6980 |
12.13.07 | Stuntman Ignition | THQ Japan | 5800 |
12.20.07 | FIFA 08 World Class Soccer | Electronic Arts | 6800 |
Wnt 07 | Flatout Ultimate Carnage | Russell | TBA |
TBA 07 | Gundam Operation Troy | Bandai Namco Games | TBA |
TBA 07 | Phantasy Star Universe Illuminous no Yabou | Sega | TBA |
Jan 08 | Drift Nights: Juiced 2 | THQ Japan | 6800 |
Jan 08 | Need for Speed Pro StreetFirst Run Limited Edition (price 7800 yen) | Electronic Arts | TBA |
Jan 08 | Sega Rally | Sega | TBA |
Spr 08 | Clannad | Prototype | TBA |
Spr 08 | Turok | Touchstone | 5800 |
TBA 08 | Battlestations Midway | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | Bioshock | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | Dark Sector | D3 Publisher | TBA |
TBA 08 | Devil May Cry 4 | Capcom | TBA |
TBA 08 | Kane and Lynch | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | Ninja Gaiden 2 | Tecmo | TBA |
TBA 08 | Rainy Woods | Marvelous Entertainment | TBA |
TBA 08 | The Darkness | Spike | TBA |
TBA 08 | Tomb Raider Anniversary | Spike | TBA |
Turn the page for budget titles and games that are with a TBA date.
RELEASE DATES (TBA)
This section of Gaming Life in Japan provides you with an up-to-date release list of games coming out in Japan. We list pretty much everything that's been announced.
In order to make the list more readable, we've split things up into three sections: games that have a release date, games that are TBA, and games that a budget re-releases of previous titles. On this page, you'll find the games that are TBA and the budget re-releases. For games that have a specific date, turn one page back.
Recent changes, including new dates and prices, are bolded. New entries are in red If you encounter something that looks like an error, please e-mail us.
Nintendo DS |
GAME | PUB |
Action Game | Alpha Unit |
Action Game | Epoch-sha |
Action Game | Now Productions |
Action RPG | Hudson |
Adventure | AQ Interactive |
Choro Q | Atlus |
Chou Nekketsu Koukou Kuniokun Dodgeball-bu | Arc System Works |
Days of Memories 2 | SNK Playmore |
Doubutsu Shima no Chobi Gurumi 3 | Rocket Company |
Dragon Quest V: Tenkuu no Hanayome | Square Enix |
Dragon Quest VI | Square Enix |
Edutainment | AQ Interactive |
Emblem of Gundam | Bandai Namco Games |
Front Mission 2089 Border of Madness | Square Enix |
GT-D Racing | MTO |
Happy Series Part 1 -- Happy House | MTO |
Kachou DS | Konami |
Keiji 1 | Success |
Keiji 2 | Success |
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days | Square Enix |
Professor Layton and the Devil's Box | Level 5 |
Metal Slug 7 | SNK Playmore |
Multi Competitive Sports Action | Sega |
Populous | Electronic Arts |
Professional Wrestling | Spike |
Rally DS | Spike |
Rosari to Vampire | Capcom |
Shin Megami Tensei DS | Atlus |
Simulation | Tasuke |
Sports Action | Tasuke |
Yume Neko DS | Sega |
Wii |
GAME | PUB |
Action Game | Banpresto |
Action Game | Takara Tomy |
Action Game | Epoch-sha |
Action Game | From Software |
Action RPG | From Software |
Battle Action | Takara Tomy |
Character Action Game | MTO |
Digimon | Bandai Namco Games |
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle Crystal Bearers | Square Enix |
Harushi Suzumiya | Kadokawa Shoten |
Kawa no Nushi Tsuri Series | Marvelous Interactive |
Sword Action | Interchannel-Holon |
Monster Hunter 3 | Capcom |
New Action Adventure Game 2 | Konami |
Oboro Muramasa Youtouden | Marvelous Entertainment |
PacMan Carnival | Bandai Namco Games |
Princess Company | Starfish SD |
Role Playing Game | Konami |
Samurai Spirits Rokuban Shoubu | SNK Playmore |
San-X All Star for Wii | MTO |
Sword of Legendia | Bandai Namco Games |
Title TBA | Jaleco |
Title TBA | Genki |
Transformers The Game | Activision |
We Love Golf! | Capcom |
PlayStation 3 |
GAME | PUB |
Action | Tecmo |
Action Adventure | Irem Software Engineering |
Action Game | Now Productions |
Action RPG | Hudson |
ActiveDogs | MTO |
AFRIKA | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Akari Project | Takuyo |
Anime Related Project (Tentative) | Bandai Namco Games |
Aqua | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Aquanaut's Holiday | Art Dink |
BB | Arc System Works |
Residen Evil 5 | Capcom |
Bipedal Movement Simulation | Art Dink |
Bomberman | Hudson |
Comical Historical Action | Global A Entertainment |
Comical Historical Simulation | Global A Entertainment |
Big 3D Game | AQ Interactive |
Derby Stallion | Enterbrain |
Fifth Phantom Saga | Sega |
Gradius Series | Konami |
Gran Turismo 5 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Japanese Kenjutsu Series | Genki |
Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball | Konami |
Fighting Action Game (Tentative) | D3 Publisher |
Management Simulation | Hamster |
KOF Maximum Impact 3 | SNK Playmore |
LittleBigPlanet | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Mahjong-Ou | Warashi |
Makai Wars | Nippon Ichi Software |
Master Project | Takuyo |
Metal Gear Online | Konami |
Unannounced Title | Q Entertainment |
Naguzatto Plan | Digital Gain |
Naruto | Bandai Namco Games |
New Action | Marvelous Interactive |
New Action Game | ESP |
New Action Game | Konami |
New Role Playing Game | Konami |
New RPG | Bandai Namco Games |
New Shooting Game | Bandai Namco Games |
New Simulation | Sunsoft |
New Sports Game | Bandai Namco Games |
Ni-Oh | Koei |
Nobi Nobi Boy | Bandai Namco Games |
Original Love Simulation | Interchannel |
Pachinko Jikki Simulation Series | Huckberry |
Ponkotsu Roman Daikatsugeki Bumpy Trot 2 | Irem Software Engineering |
Pro Mahjong Final | Atena |
Pro Wrestling | Yukes |
Project Dee | Michael Soft |
Project Psychic | Taito |
Puzzle Game | Cyber Front |
Rengoku: The End of the Century | Hudson |
Robot Action | Bandai Namco Games |
Saikyou Ginsei Shougi 7 | Magnolia |
War Simulation (Tentative) | Marionette |
New Historical Action | Acquire |
Shin Megamitensei Series | Atlus |
New Role Playing Game | Gust |
New Action RPG | Cavia |
Shinseiki GPX Cyber Formula Series | Sunrise Interactive |
Shirokishi Monogatari | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Shougi World Champion Gekishi | Mainichi Communications |
Simulation Game A | Cyber Front |
Simulation Game B | Cyber Front |
Slotter Mania Series | Dorasu |
Stuntman Ignition | THQ Japan |
Sunrise Eiyuu Series | Sunrise Interactive |
Super Robot Series | Banpresto |
Tekken 6 | Bandai Namco Games |
The Eye of Judgment Biolith Rebellion Complete Disk | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
The Last Remnant | Square Enix |
Title TBA | Ertain |
Toshihiro Nagoshi Project 2 | Sega |
Yamasa Digi World BOK | Yamasa Entertainment |
PlayStation Portable |
GAME | PUB |
Action Game | Takara Tomy |
Devil May Cry Series | Capcom |
Digital Pet | Sega |
Dissidia Final Fantasy | Square Enix |
Educational Game | Imagineer |
EX Jinsei Game | Atlus |
Gran Turismo 4 Mobile | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) |
Kawa no Nushi Tsuri Series | Marvelous Interactive |
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep | Square Enix |
KOF | SNK Playmore |
Landstalker | Climax |
Makai Wars | Nippon Ichi Software |
Metal Gear Solid 2 Bande Dessinee | Konami |
Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G | Capcom |
Original RPG | AQ Interactive |
Persona | Atlus |
RS Revolution | Spike |
Star Ocean 2 Second Evolution | Square Enix |
Tantei Saburo Shinguji | Work Jam |
Technic Cute | Arika |
TGM-K | Arika |
Tornedo | Success |
Touge MAX | Atlus |
PlayStation 2 |
GAME | PUB |
Colin McRae Rally | Interchannel |
KOF Maximum Impact Regulation A 2 | SNK Playmore |
Kouma | Sega |
Night WizardLimited Edition (price TBA) | 5gk. |
Piyotan Oishiki Sennyuu Daisakusen! | Prototype |
Sakura Himenishiki Emaki | Sega |
Sakura Taisen Monogatari Teitohen | Sega |
Seireiki Live Red 2 | Interchannel |
Stuntman Ignition | THQ Japan |
Sukina Mono ha Sukidakara Shouganai!! + White Flower + Sukisyo! Episode #04 | Interchannel |
Sunsoft Collection | SNK Playmore |
Tenkuu Symphonia | Piacci |
Tetsuman Menkyo-Kaiden | Naxat |
The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match | SNK Playmore |
Touge no Battle | Ecseco |
Wrestle Angels Survivor 2 | Success |
Xbox 360 |
GAME | PUB |
Biohazard 5 | Capcom |
Chulock | Disney Interactive Studio |
CodeType-D | Mega Cyber |
Cry-On | AQ Interactive |
Dead or Alive Code: Cronus | Tecmo |
Gundam Musou International | Bandai Namco Games |
Infinite Undiscovery | Square Enix |
Kaidou Online | Spike |
King of Fighters Maximum Impact 360 | SNK Playmore |
Magnacarta 2 | Banpresto |
Mass Effect | Microsoft |
Metal Slug 3 | SNK Playmore |
Neo Geo Battle Coliseum | SNK Playmore |
Project Progressive | Tecmo |
Sangoku Fuushin | Idea Factory |
Shooting Game | Moss |
The Last Remnant | Square Enix |
Title TBA | Ertain |
Title TBA | Kawamoto Sangyou |
Title TBA | Alfa System |
Title TBA | Jaleco |
Title TBA | Marvelous Interactive |
Title TBA | Atlus |
Title TBA | Digital Zero |
Title TBA | Cave Online |
Too Human | Microsoft |
BUDGET RE-RELEASES |
RELEASE | SYS | GAME | PUB | PRICE |
10.25.07 | PS2 | Bleach Blade Battlers PlayStation 2 the BestOriginal Release: 10.12.06 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 2667 |
10.25.07 | PS2 | Bleach Erabareshi Tamashii PlayStation 2 the BestOriginal Release: 08.04.05 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 2667 |
10.25.07 | PS2 | Bleach Hanatareshi Yabou PlayStation2 the BestOriginal Release: 02.16.06 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 2667 |
10.25.07 | PS3 | Need For Speed Carbon (EA Best Hits)Original Release: 12.21.06 | Electronic Arts | 2980 |
10.25.07 | PS2 | Need For Speed Carbon (EA Best Hits)Original Release: 12.21.06 | Electronic Arts | 2980 |
10.25.07 | PSP | Need For Speed Carbon Own the City (EA BEST HITS)Original Release: 12.21.06 | Electronic Arts | 2800 |
10.25.07 | NDS | Tantei Kibukawa Ryousuke Jikenbou: Kamen Genei Satsujin Jiken: The Masquerade Lullaby (Genki the Best)Original Release: 03.24.05 | Genki | 2800 |
11.01.07 | X360 | Blue Dragon (Platinum Collection)Original Release: 12.07.06 | Microsoft | 2800 |
11.01.07 | X360 | Chikyuu Boueigun (Platinum Collection)Original Release: 01.26.06 | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
11.01.07 | X360 | Dead or Alive 4 (Platinum Collection)Original Release: 12.29.05 | Tecmo | 2800 |
11.01.07 | X360 | Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 (Platinum Collection)Original Release: 11.22.06 | Tecmo | 2800 |
11.01.07 | X360 | Gears of War (Platinum Collection)Original Release: 01.18.07 | Microsoft | 2800 |
11.01.07 | X360 | Lost Planet Extreme Condition (Platinum Collection)Original Release: 12.21.06 | Capcom | 3800 |
11.01.07 | X360 | Onechanbara vorteX Kiketsu wo Tsugu Monotachi (Platinum Collection)Original Release: 12.14.06 | D3 Publisher | 2800 |
11.01.07 | X360 | Project Silpheed (Platinum Collection)Original Release: 09.21.100 | Square Enix | 2800 |
11.02.07 | X360 | Idol Master (Xbox 360 Platinum Collection)Original Release: 01.25.07 | Bandai Namco Games | 2800 |
11.08.07 | PS2 | Splinter Cell Ni-Jyuu Spy (Ubisoft Best)Original Release: 04.12.07 | Ubisoft | 2800 |
11.08.07 | PSP | Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology (PSP the Best)Original Release: 12.21.06 | Bandai Namco Games | 2667 |
11.15.07 | PS2 | Shin Onimusha Dawn of Dreams (PlayStation 2 the Best)Original Release: 01.26.06 | Capcom | 1990 |
11.22.07 | PS2 | EX Jinsei Game II (PlayStation 2 the Best)Original Release: 11.06.03 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 2800 |
11.22.07 | PS2 | Minna no Tennis (PlayStation 2 the Best)Original Release: 09.14.06 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 2667 |
11.22.07 | PSP | Planetarium Creator Takayuki Ohira Kanshuu Homestar Portable (Sega the Best)Original Release: 10.19.06 | Sega | 1800 |
11.22.07 | PS2 | Rei -- Zero (PlayStation 2 the Best)Original Release: 12.13.01 | Tecmo | 1800 |
11.22.07 | PS2 | Rei Kurenai Chou (PlayStation 2 the Best)Original Release: 11.27.03 | Tecmo | 1800 |
11.22.07 | PSP | Sakura Taisen 1&2 (Sega the Best)Original Release: 03.09.06 | Sega | 2500 |
11.22.07 | PSP | Sarugetchu Piposaru Racer (PSP the Best)Original Release: 12.07.06 | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ) | 2667 |
11.22.07 | PS2 | Zero: Shisei no Koe (PlayStation 2 the Best)Original Release: 07.28.05 | Tecmo | 1800 |
12.06.07 | PS2 | Finalist (Princess Soft Collection)Original Release: 01.26.06 | Princess Soft | 2980 |
12.06.07 | PS2 | Iinazuke (Princess Soft Collection)Original Release: 04.26.07 | Princess Soft | 2980 |
12.06.07 | PS2 | Mahjong Haou Battle Royal (Maicomi Best)Original Release: 07.14.05 | Mainichi Communications | 1500 |
12.06.07 | PS2 | Ryu ga Gotoku (Repackage Version) (PlayStation 2 the Best)Original Release: 12.08.05 | Sega | 2800 |
12.06.07 | PS2 | Ryu ga Gotoku 2 PlayStation 2 the BestOriginal Release: 12.07.06 | Sega | 1890 |
Turn the page for the Gaming Life in Japan archive.
BACK NUMBERS
Did you miss an issue of IGN Japan because you were too ignorant to join IGN Insider earlier than now? Don't fret, as we keep all our old issues Online! Just click on the appropriate link below to jump back to a previous date, all thanks to the power of mass storage.
10.15.07: Sony strikes back just in time for Nintendo to strike back harder. September in review, with Jack Bauer's weakness discovered.
09.11.07 #210: August in review, a preview of the Tokyo Game Show, TGS history with Famitsu, Crisis Core signage and cute Pokemon CMs.
08.30.07: The Dragon Quest IX delay, our look back at 1986, and Shinji Hashimoto's take on Taito.
08.22.07: The latest in non-gaming. Plus, team Super Mario Galaxy interviewed in Famitsu.
08.08.07: Just as Wii and DS supply begin to catch up to demand, Gaming Life in Japan returns following a lengthy, entirely undeserved break with over 100 commercials.
06.20.07: Actual Japanese next generation games start appearing in Japan. Shockers!
06.08.07: From's Virtual Tokyo community set to make Gaming Life in Japan obsolete this winter.
05.31.07: Wii spotted at retail for the first time ever! And, old-skool box art for our look back at 1985.
05.23.07: PS3 drops to four digits as PSP continues to put up a brave fight against the powerful DS. Commercials for Harvest Moon, FF Tactics and Trusty Bell.
05.08.07: Preview of the Square Enix Party and a look back at April.
04.27.07: Giant hot-dogs, student-teacher love, and purple-haired Arabians in Sonic commercials.
04.18.07 #200: DS to replace books.
04.12.07: A look at the Blue Dragon anime.
04.06.07: DS gets over fifty games in one month to close off 2006.
03.29.07: We check out Sega's latest fan event. Plus, nine commercials for the Blue Dragon anime!
03.22.07: The start of a new feature as we look back at the state of the Japanese game industry 20 years ago. This month, Super Lode Runner, Goonies 2 and Mickey Mousecapade hit the Famicom.
03.15.07: PS3 being sold at discount as Nintendo distributes celebrity Miis. Plus, commercials for the PS3 and Wii's multimedia functionality.
03.07.07: Our new "newcomers" column kicks off with looks at the DS version of the granddaddy of brain games, a walking navigator sponsored by a Japanese guy named Duke, and manner lessons with Mr. Tights.
02.28.07: A look at the Japanese side of the Game Developers Conference, a Famitsu survey on online games, and CMs for the Blue Draogn anime, Fire Emblem and Monster Hunter.
02.21.07: A trip inside the AOU arcade expo, Famitsu survey on the next few months, and squirrel-banana-chair!
02.14.07: A Valentine's Day special features a look at love games, and a pic of the disturbing thing I ate in China.
02.07.07 #190: On Sony's struggles in Japan, and GTA's success. Plus, a look at the games of December and January.
01.22.07: Brought to you from Japan, aka Nintendo Land.
01.12.07: We kick of 2007 with a huge commercial feature packed with nearly 100 game ads from late 2006.
12.02.06: Will Japanese launch guide.
12.01.06: A continuing look at the Wii launch, and some post PS3 launch thoughts.
11.09.06: PlayStation 3 Launch Guide
11.06.06: A video tour of Nintendo World, PS3 in Akihabara, and year 2003 of the PlayStation 2.
10.26.06: Year 2002 of the PS2, the first Wii magazine and print ads, big DS 3rd party games, and the first half of the year in portable gaming.
10.19.06: Troubles pre-ordering the PS3, the first Wii and PS3 ads, a strange Custom Robo commercial, and the second year of the PS2.
10.12.06 #180: A couple of Wii banners join week 1 of our PS3 launch guide and a look back at the first year of the PS2.
09.30.06: The Tokyo Game Show in review.
09.19.06: A pre Tokyo Game Show report and an AM Show photo collection.
09.06.06: Fear over Sony's shipment of 100,000 PS3s at launch. Plus, pics from retail and commercials for Atama Scan, LocoRoco and Xbox 360.
08.18.06: The slow summer season continues as we deliver scans from the DS summer catalogue, details on the CESA white paper and commercials for Cooking Navi and Xbox 360.
08.09.06: A slow summer season means a slow Gaming Life in Japan. Featuring Dirty Old and Bubble Man!
07.24.06: The first half of the year in review, Hyper PlayStation compares PS3 to the Holy Grail, plus the return of print ads.
07.18.06: Sony's LocoRoco promotional campaign, the six months of Xbox 360, and commercials for Bullet Witch and Cooking Navi.
07.10.06: Commentary on the past 20 years of gaming from Japan's biggest developers. Plus, commercials for Chrome Hounds, Battle Stadium D.O.N. and Tekken.
06.23.06: Sonic and the N64 celebrate anniversaries as we take a trip to the World Hobby Fair.
06.16.06 #170: A sneak peak at the games of Summer. Plus, Famitsu's continuing 20th anniversary.
06.09.06: World Cup fever and continuing 20th anniversary Famitsu coverage.
06.02.06: Japan's new rating system, Mario's millions, Famitsu's 20th anniversary, and GE-MAGA's debut.
05.23.06: We take a trip to Akihabara where first PS3 signage goes on display. Plus, CMs for Loco Roco, Super Mario Bros. and Talkman.
05.02.06: E3 predictions, three magazines, and commercials for Cooking Mama and Xbox Cup.
04.21.06: Nintendo's DS brain craze continues as even more games are announced.
04.07.06: The Xbox 360 briefing and commercials for Starfee, Guilty Gear and Magna Carta Portable.
03.31.06: We bid farewell to the Xbox with a two page look at its troubled Japanese life.
03.24.06: PS3 delay, new DS magazines, and lots of commercials.
03.10.06: The second DS Lite pre-launch report, plus a look at Final Fantasy XII-related goods, including the FFXII Potion.
03.01.06 #160: The DS Lite pre-launch report, Famitsu trivia and thirty game releases.
02.10.06: A Zombie lands in Shibuya as we take a look back at the first couple of years of the PSP in Japan.
02.03.06: A look back at how the first year and a half of DS games were reviewed in the Japanese press. Plus, lots and lots of girly game commercials.
01.27.06: Nintendo announces DS Lite as Dirge of Cerberus takes over Shibuya. And a 500 year old he-man/she-ra vampire on the cover of Famitsu?
01.17.06: A look at the year end sales rush, 70 commercials and a weekly Japanese recap, featuring CES, the World Hobby Fair and an Every Party demo event.
12.16.05: Ryu Ga Gotoku versus the real Kabukicho, a few year-end sales trends, a look at the ugliest Japanese magazine around, the aftermath of the Xbox 360 launch, and commercials for Mario Kart and Rogue Galaxy.
12.09.05: A bonus Gaming Life in Japan, open to all readers and focusing on the Xbox 360 launch, with magazine information, retail displays, commercials, pamphlets, print ads and an address by Peter Moore.
11.24.05: This special pre-Thanksgiving GLIJ features three magazines, a brand new Now Playing section, the latest from the Xbox 360 pre-launch and commercials for Ratchet & Clank and Hamutarou.
11.14.05: Sega's Private Show, five game magazines, our Xbox 360 Lounge video, and forty new commercials.
10.28.05: A flood of new games arrive on the same day. Plus, IGN looks at the Akihabara Entertainment Festival, the WPC expo and the latest from the Xbox 360 launch. Brought to you buy the lonely PSP mini bus.
10.21.05 #150: Things that make us go boing, the Freshness Burger Spam Sandwich, week one of Xbox Launch Watch, Famitsu rumors and lots of print ads.
10.14.05: Ginza walking (and a look at Sony's new PlayStation spot download terminals) and CMs for Super Princess Peach, Shadow of the Colossus and more.
10.07.05: Nasty Shibuya girls and calorie-loving Jack Bauer deliver the latest Gaming Life in Japan along with a look at the Nintendo Dream Mario music CD and commercials for Code Age, Mario Tennis and Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest.
09.13.05: A preview of the Tokyo Game Show (completely with predictions that, for the most part, missed the mark), a trip to Shibuya and commercials for Ryu Ga Gotoku, Advent Children, Game Boy Micro and the white PSP.
08.26.05: Ads for Advent Children, Bleach Advance, Game Boy Micro and more. Plus, Bumpy Trot rules!
08.19.05: Week three of Friday Gaming Life in Japan (TGIGLIJF!) features a look at Jump World and the new Square Enix character goods shop.
08.12.05: For week two of Friday Gaming Life in Japan (TGIGLIJF!), we take a trip to Akihabara, find out what's on the Tsutaya 80% off wall of shame and deliver commercials for Grandia, Jump Superstars and Winning Eleven.
08.05.05: The first ever Friday Gaming Life in Japan (TGIGLIJF!) features comments on Microsoft, Sony and Square Enix's events, retail pics and 60 commercials. Plus, Jack Bauer sells Calorie Mate to little school girls! What a scoop!
07.14.05: Mushi King, four magazines (including Toyo Keizai's look at the next generation), 30 commercials for the likes of Dance Dance Mario, Tamagotchi and Boktai, and a double idol feature with Jin Akanishi and Kazuya Kamenashi.
06.30.05: A look at the World Hobby Fair, over 35 commercials (including Bumpy Trot, Winning Eleven 9 and Star Wars) and a look at Nikkei Electronics, featuring PS2 versus Xbox 360.
06.15.05 #140: Former Sega president Irimajiri spotted on television! Plus, commercials for Grandia II, Drag on Dragoon 2, school girl soccer and more!
06.08.05: Pics from Shibuya, print ads for TearRing Saga, Atelier Iris 2 and Twinkle Star Sprites and Chinatsu Wakatsuki as young idol. Plus, we make fun of the PSP!
06.01.05: Twenty-five commercials including Berwick Saga, Racing Battle and Forza. All brought to you by Nice Stick!
05.15.05: Ikebukuro walking (complete with Foma Man!), a look at Machikaido Wrestling (the official best thing ever!), CMs for Heavy Metal and Hanjuku Heroes, and Yoko Kumada as young idol.
05.05.05: The start of Golden Week features a special message from Bill Gatest, four magazines and commercials/ads for Derby Time and Sengoku Basara.
04.27.05: Nintendogs, four magazines, ads for Bumpy Trot and Rockman as Fire Emblem hits the Cube and NDS takes over.
04.20.05: Square Enix's Heavy Metal rock show, Sayaka Isoyama as young idol, swag for Wild Arms, Tales and Nintendo and commercials for Fire Emblem, Ape Escape P and Romancing Saga. Plus, Jack Bauer uses Calorie Mate!
04.13.05: The ElectroPlankton event, swag for Kirby and Phantom Kingdom and forty pamphlets.
04.06.05: Girls love DS, PSP is available, letters and ads for Grandia III and ElectroPlankton.
03.30.05: Sega's GameJam, Shinjuku Walking, three new magazines and commercials for Bleach, Nintendogs and Tekken.
03.15.05 #130: Ramblings about Homeland, pics from Tsutaya, three new magazines and commercials for Enthusia, Bo-bobo, and Harvest Moon.
03.10.05: As PSP loses its load times and Nintendo customer service rocks, we bring you a look at Miki Ando, plus commercials for Pac Pix, Egg Monster Hero and Enthusia.
02.21.05: AOU in recap, a survey about March, commercials for Another Code, GT4 and more.
02.09.05: Club Nintendo bonus items including two special GameCube controllers. Plus, commercials for Popolocrois, Meteos and Bleach.
01.26.05: A video tour of the World Hobby Fair, all the latest print ads and commercials, plus Japanese gaming swag with the Zelda screen cleaner, the Kirby NDS cleaner, the Super Mario 64 DS cards and a Dead or Alive calendar.
01.19.05: Commercials for ACE, Bakumatsuden, Band Brothers, Egg Monster Hero and Radiata Stories, plus an end of 2004 report from Famitsu.
01.12.05: IGN Japan returns for 2005 with 70 commercials.
12.01.04: The day before the launch of the Nintendo DS, plus commercials and ads for NDS, PSP, Yoshi and more.
11.24.04: Dragon Quest VIII pre-launch, Famitsu PSP VS NDS survey and commercials for Nintendo DS games, PSP, Magnacarta and Gundam.
11.10.04: A video tour of the Touch DS! event, more coverage from the PSP and NDS launches, the Japanese launch of Halo 2, the latest Sega Press and lots of commercials.
11.02.04 #120: Week three of our look at the PSP and NDS launches is a little light as Nintendo gears up for the Nintendo World show. Featuring commercials for the slim PS2 and Pochi to Nya.
10.27.04: Sony blows the lid off the PSP launch as IGN Japan plays F-Zero and Ace Combat, beats of Pikachu and takes a look at the Entama show of suck. Plus, commercials for Naruto 3, Super Robot Wars GC and DS.
10.19.04: IGN begins a weekly look at the PSP and NDS launches, plays Mawaru Made in Wario, Kururin Squash and Virtua Fighter II, and delivers commercials for Sega Superstars, Ace Combat V and Tales of Rebirth. Plus, Classic Young Idol with Megumi Yasu.
10.12.04: The week that Nintendo blows the lid off the NDS, Gaming Life in Japan offers a look at the Viewtiful Joe cartoon, scans from the Square Enix TGS booklet and Makiko Kawajima as new young idol.
10.07.04: Following the Tokyo Game Show, Gaming Life in Japan returns with the Panzer Dragoon news station and 33 commercials for games like Romancing SaGa, Arc the Lad Generations, Before Crisis: FFVII, Shining Tears, F-Zero Climax and Dragon Quest VIII.
09.07.04: Japan continues its news overload, with first details on Shining Force and Radiata Stories and updates on a few DS and PSP games. Plus, a look inside JAMMA and playtests of the latest arcade games. The ads and CM section features Biohazard Outbreak 2, Dororo, Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo, Kenran Butousai, Radiata Stories, Prince of Persia and more.
08.31.04: Following a dry spell, things kick into high gear as part of the pre-TGS build-up. IGN Japan samples Suikoden IV and VF Cyber Generation, offers a look at our latest toys and provides coverage from the Kessen III press conference and details on Sakura Taisen, Siren 2 and Shining Force. Plus, CMs for Pokemon and Dororo and ads for Dead or Alive Ultimate, Metal Gear Solid 3, Sakura Taisen V and Kessen III.
08.27.04: IGN Japan makes the move to Shibuya (and to an update earlier in the week) resulting in a tiny update with not much fun.
08.19.04: Rapping Mario features in the latest Nintendo ad as IGN Japan spreads some hate on Michigan and Nippon Ichi announces its latest title.
08.12.04: A tiny update for a slow week in gaming as Japan celebrates the return of the dead and Nintendo releases the latest Famicom Mini games.
08.04.04 #110: Nintendo unveils the final design for the DS as IGN taps into its growing collection of Japanese freebies to share with the world. Playtests of Mega Man X8, Mega Man X: Command Mission and Final Fantasy I - II Advance, a deeper look at former IGN Japan young idol Yin Ling of Joytoy, plus commercials for Fullmetal Alchemist: Dream Carnival, Lupin, King of Fighters: Maximum Impact and Famicom Mini Round 3.
07.28.04: As fireworks are heard throughout Japan, IGN Japan falls in love with Paper Mario RPG and finds some information on Mario Tennis. That and commercials for Nighmare of Druaga and Eye Toy.
07.20.04: Playtests of the Kinpachi Sensei game and Digital Devil Saga along with letters with Tanaka and commercials for Genso Suikoden, Power Pro Baseball 11, Naruto RPG and Taiko no Tatsujin. Plus, an all new IGN Japan young idol, Mayuko Iwasa.
07.13.04: As Sony unveils more on PSP and PS3, Famitsu takes a look back at the first half of the year and Nintendo announces the new Famicom Mini games. Playtests of two more Sega Ages games along with commercials for Paper Mario, Moji Pittan, Final Fantasy and Dragon Ball Z 2.
07.07.04: Commercials for Sonic, Megaman, Power Pro Ken and Saru Battle, the July Sega Press and the week in review with playtests of Saru Battle and Donkey Konga 2 and stories on Final Fantasy ads, the Advance Movie service, Sega's new arcade projects, Spike's new firefighting game and Square Enix's Mana project.
06.28.04: Print ads for Michigan along with commercials for Saru Battle, Magna Carta and Saka-Tsuku '04. Plus, the week in review with playtests of Xenosaga Episode II and Berserk and stories on Momotarou's US debut and Sakura Wars.
06.23.04: The World Hobby Fair, Microsoft's Xbox strategy briefing, Silent Hill, lots of monkeys and commercials for Donkey Konga 2, Godannar, Xenosaga Episode 2, Dragon Quest Characters, Eye Toy, Saka-Tsuku, Popeye Pachinko and more!
06.16.04: Commercials for Dear S, Full Metal Alchemist, Eye Toy and more, plus print ads and the week in review.
06.08.04: The first issue of GLIJ Mini, featuring charts, release dates and not much else.
06.02.04: Spike's Michigan porn star (from Taiwan!), the return of letters with Tanaka, a PSP and DS survey and commercials for Famicom Mini 2, Grand Theft Auto Vice City, Densha De Go Final and Mario VS Donkey Kong.
05.26.04 #100: The latest on Final Fantasy XII, commercials and ads for Ultraman, Famicom Mini, Crimson Sky and Crash Bandicoot: Nitro, and a look at where some of your favorite young idols from previous issues are today.
05.13.04: Print and television ads for the likes of Metroid Fusion, the Pikmin 2 CD (must see!), Gundam MX, Ultraman and Wario World, plus Chisato Morishita (Nintendo's Japanese Samus Aran) as young idol of the week.
05.06.04: Store Joutai Get returns, straight from Akihabara! Plus, game of the month Pikmin 2, the first weekly news recap, lots of print ads, a Game Boy Advance pamphlet and dimpled Miho Shiraishi as young idol of the week.
04.29.04: IGN Japan returns with a commercial-packed issue. Featuring television spots for Crayon Shin-chan, Mega Man Zero 3, EyeToy: Play, Pikmin 2, Mario Golf and more! Also, looks at Michigan, Okami and Final Fantasy XII.
04.06.04: A look at Famitsu Issue 800 (which entails a look at the original Famitsu) along with classic advertisements, reports on Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst and Home Land, and the simply ridiculous Kawori Manabe as this week's young idol.
03.31.04: Full form Gaming Life in Japan returns,with comments from Dragon Quest father Yuji Hori and a look at sexy Ai Tominaga and her McDonalds sauce of choice. Plus, IGN Japan votes for its favorite game of March 2004! Which deceptively-simple-looking Namco title won?
03.25.04: A half-issue as IGN Japan catches up with the billion releases from the past week.
03.17.04: Ramblings about Online gaming, twenty commercials (including Zelda), quick looks at Metal Wolf Rev and Sakurazakai Shouboutai, plus Sakura Mizutani as young idol of the week.
03.10.04: The babes of Custom Robo! Vote for your favorite (voting is now closed). Quick looks at Biohazard 4, Panic Maker, Curry House CoCo and commercials for GameCube Gundam and more.
03.03.04: A slightly new look for Gaming Life in Japan, with separate babe and ad pages. Featuring looks at Mario Golf GBA, 3LDK, Vib Ripple, Raimuiro and The Daibijin, details on next-gen Japanese cell phone gaming, and ads for DOA Online and Sega Ages. Plus, Yuko Ogura as this week's young idol.
02.25.04 #090: IGN Japan looks at Dorimaga and its anime/Sega lovin' readerbase. Plus, Love Aerobics, 35 game commercials (including Katamari Damashii), the horrendously offensive AOU arcade show and Weekly Young Idol featuring Minako Komukai VS Shigeru Miyamoto and Hideo Kojima.
02.18.04: Nintendo roolz, Sony droolz. Details on Sakurazaka Shouboutai, Steady X Study, Orange Pocket, and more. Plus, a Famitsu survey on the Nintendo DS, a look at the Japanese commercial scene, Misaki Ito as young idol of the week and lots of print ads.
02.11.04: SCE's simplicity campaign, girls playing Eye Toy, upcoming NEC Interchannel games, a look at Japanese retail, Akihabara burning down, Famitsu reader top 100. Plus, the babe of the week: Aya Ueto.
01.27.04: Skiing Ostrich versus Snowboarding Chiwawa! You make the call! Plus, looks at the new PS2 Kinpachi-sensei game, Sengoku VS. Gendai and Soccer Life, some hot Microsoft Xbox ads and a World Hobby Fair picture collection.
1/21/2004: 22 commercials, featuring skiing ostrich (this is a precursor to the next issue's snowboarding dog). Plus, reports on Atelier Iris Eternal Mana, Michigan, The Hajimete no RPG, Galaxy Angel Moonlit Lovers. Also features a Famitsu powered look at the rest of 2004!
1/14/2004: The first issue of IGN for 2004 presents a look back at year 2003's sales and a huge awards presentation with awards for best game, best graphics, best sound and more! Plus, Cho-Kuso game of the year!
12/19/2003: The last issue of IGN Japan for 2003 features some ramblings about the PSX, a look at Uchuu no Stellvia and lots of high res print ads.
12/10/2003: Love Ping Pong, a preview of the Jump Festival and commercials for games like Donkey Konga, Winning Eleven Tactics, Ninja Gaiden and Cute Puppy.
11/18/2003: Thirty television spots including Sonic Heroes, and F-Zero in this limited IGN Japan as we prepare for the big Final Fantasy XII unveiling feature gorgeous Square Enix PR girls.
11/11/2003: Sony's unexpected price drop and "Sorry to have kept you waiting" ad campaign, Japan's most hated game developer and development company and not much else. IGN Japan is made up of lazy bastards! LAZY BASTARDS!
11/03/2003 #080: A look at the year end sales race in Japan, the hottest Famitsu cover girl ever, a look at the new Sister Princess expansion disk, the best selling Dreamcast games, a big Famitsu Tokyo Game Show survey and a ton of television spots.
10/27/2003: Nintendo's Japanese price drop ineffective? Plus, the latest magazine info on Gran Turismo 4 Prologue, Final Fantasy International + Last Mission, a Famitsu survey on the PSX and a Gran Turismo 4 pamphlet scan.
10/20/2003: The start of Nintendo's Fall attack, a game maker ranking and lots of print ads and detail from Famitsu.
9/22/2003: Rare collector's issue! The final Grand Theft Auto Watch and Tokyo Game pre-show report. Plus, a print ad featuring a really, really super mega hot chick!
9/14/2003: A video and picture tour of JAMMA 2003, with lots of hot Japanese girl snips. Plus, the continuing Grand Theft Auto watch, a look at Naruto for the PS2, and more from the Tokyo Game Show pre-game show report.
9/8/2003: Grand Theft Auto watch, Tokyo Game Show and JAMMA pre-game info, a look at the marathon game, plus commercials for Drag On Dragoon and more.
8/25/2003: A PSP survey and lots of game ads in the IGN Japan for the week that Grand Theft Auto 3 hits the number six spot on the Famitsu most wanted list. Also details on the Mario 4 e-Cards and Donkey Kong tatsujin.
8/11/2003: Lots of television commercials for some tremendously obscure games. Presented in high res for your obsessive enjoyment. Plus Tokyo fireworks. Hmm... we're running out of things to talk about.
8/1/2003: The state of Tokyo's Sun. Plus, an Xbox Conference, PSP specs and the history of Namco. Oh -- and the August Sega press. YEAH!
7/17/2003: The Nintendo Famicom turns 20 causing Japanese magazines to give a little history lesson. The full Famicom history, inside.
6/16/2003 #070: A full report from Capcom's Street Fighter 15th Anniversary special, complete with videos and cos-player pics! Plus, a Famitsu survey on Sony's upcoming PSX system.
6/06/2003: Famitsu conducts a big survey on Sony's PSP hardware. Plus a look inside the halls of Square where the company's foreigner population chills with president Wada. Can you spot Colin in this update?
5/23/2003: A particularly wordy issue of IGN Japan in the week following E3. Features a look at seven big game company financial statements, a briefing on the upcoming Street Fighter anniversary celebration and looks at Nintendo's Japanese demo disk and Sony's upcoming Japanese broadband program. Plus, Sammy and drumming game commercials!
5/9/2003: A look at a Japanese business gaming magazine, a bunch of print ads, the May Sega Press and a big Store Joutai Get section!
4/18/2003: The new Sega Press, our hatred of boy bands, the latest peeing statue commercial, a Famitsu retail survey and that's about it as a flood of games see Japanese release.
4/11/2003: The return of Pepsi Man, Sega's Game Jam, Bob Sapp gets his ass kicked bug still gets bigger, the April Sega Press and commercials for Yummeria, Dragon Quest: Caraven Hearts and Taiko no Tatsujin.
4/4/2003: Pics from cell phones, the Sony festival, the latest store joutai and ads for Dragon Quest Caravan Hearts, Doka-Pon DX, NUDE and Super Robot Wars.
3/26/2003: The Soul Calibur release, the Panasonic Center (with the Nintendo GameFront) and... that's about it. Gad, this IGN Japan column really sucks.
3/19/2003: IGN Japan returns after an extended break with a sayonara to Quiter, Foma Man and commercials for Soul Calibur 2, Made in Wario, P.N.03 and (not much) more.
2/28/2003: One Bob Sapp to rule all. Plus, looks at the AOU arcade show, a hate-filled message about Japanese boy-bands SMAP and Tokio, and commercials featuring Ewan McGreggor's big schwartz and Sony's multi-colored PS2 systems.
2/20/2003 #060: Some ramblings about the GBA SP Japanese launch, a Famitsu retailer/consumer survey, a new Guess the Picture feature, plus commercials and ads for Super Robot Wars, Shin Megamitensei 3, Gun Survivor 4, and ZOE 2.
2/12/2003: More Japanese stupidity, plus some good is very Engrish, pamphlets for Venus & Braves, Star Ocean 3 and Puzzle Collection, and CMs for Star Ocean 3, FF Tactics and Mega Man GameCube, and more.
2/3/2003: A look at Dori-Maga (complete with Dreamcast sales charts), Final Fantasy X-2 limited edition goods, the Japanese retail scene, the World Hobby Fair, pamphlets for Sakura Wars and Sony's Voice recognition games, the February Sega Press, and commercials/ads for Venus & Braves, Nintendo Puzzle Collection, ZOE 2, FF Tactics and more!
1/24/2003: 2003's second issue of IGN Japan as the evil Fran Maribella the Third takes over the ranks of IGN Insider. Features a look at the Xbox Live launch party, a Famitsu survey regarding gamer's hopes for the coming year, a look at our Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball preorder goods, a pot shot at Square, and commercials for DOAX, Devil May Cry 2 and Operator's Side. And what's up with the weather always raining (and snowing) on Microsoft's party?
1/16/2003: The first issue of IGN Japan for 2003 really sucks. First of all, we were drunk off free Xbox liquor when we wrote it. The only redeeming factor is the start of a new feature: Guess the Shoes! Oh, and a recap of Japanese game sales for 2002, our pick for Japanese-only game of the year and commercials for Dead or Alive Whack-off Volleyball, Game Boy SP and Xbox Live.
12/20/2002: The last IGN Japan for 2002 features a bunch of silly Japanese commercials gaming-and-non-gaming, print ad scans, shots from around Tokyo's gaming scene (Xbox Price Drop?) and an explanation, from Tanaka, of our new naming system. Plus, Andria opens a ton of mail and Juyon introduces herself.
12/09/2002: Tanaka takes over and welcomes Juyon and Andria Lee Sang to the IGN Japan ranks as the entire Japanese gaming industry goes topsy-turvey. Included, weird Xbox and Sega print ads along with a 16-page Dark Chronicle mini magazine scan.
11/22/2002: A look back at our favorite Japanese commercials as the IGN Japan staffers close their doors for inventory purposes.
11/15/2002: Capcom announces five big titles for the GameCube while Japan celebrates National Toilet Day. Features a look at Japanese retail, a special letter about Engrish, a Famitsu survey about the big games for the year's end, television commercials and Tanaka in a suit vying for the head spot at Xbox Japan.
11/07/2002: The debut of Kita-he: Diamond Dust for the PS2, the November Sega Press, the lame CESA awards, more Xbox stupidity and commercials for such titles as Resident Evil 0, Ratchet & Clank and Xbox.
10/30/2002 #050: The first Kenji Eno spotting in ages, the Tokyo CG festival, crazy commercials for Xbox and PS2 and a ton of print ads.
10/23/2002: Scans and videos from the Square press conference (see CG Yuna wield twin guns and do a back flip), plus a look at the Smash Brothers Orchestra CD.
10/16/2002: A look at AsoBitCity (the replacement for Laox), the meaning of Zelda's new name, plus television commercials for Rygar, GBA Gold and Silver, and Eternal Darkness.
10/9/2002: Xbox Cafe, more DOA Xtremem Beach Volleyabll ads and (what we thought was) the death of the Laox Akihabara games store.
10/2/2002: More DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball ads, plus information on Tama-chan, the seal we'd so very much like to eat.
9/18/2002: Preview of Tokyo Game Show, plus scans of Sega Press September, Sega Driving and Star Fox Adventure pamphlets.
9/11/2002: Japan's toilet paper crisis, Hikki gets hitched, plus ads for DOA Volleyball and pamphlets for Mario Advance 3 and PSO Ep. 1&2.
9/3/2002: Japanese gamers reveal what they want on Xbox Live and some group predicts the future of broadband and internet gaming in Japan. Plus, print ads for Dead or Alive Volleyball, Contra and more!
8/29/2002: Television ads for Tekki, Automodelista and the Dakara peeing statue ad. Plus, we make fun of the Xbox!
8/20/2002: Hmm... not much of anything in the week where Nintendo unveils Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle through a television commercial.
8/13/2002 #040: Big look back at Japanese sales for the first half of 2002. No surprises.
7/31/2002: Mario Sunshine adversely affects yet another issue of IGN Japan. We do find time to scan a bunch of advertisements from the latest Japanese magazines, though.
7/22/2002: IGN Japan was very busy shine getting and didn't spend much time on this story. Lots and lots of television commercials to download though.
7/15/2002: A look at the World Hobby Fair, Famitsu's survey on what's hot this summer, and Megumi!
7/9/2002: Sega parties, Doreamon is king, a bunch of advertisements and horrible weather.
7/2/2002: Famitsu's latest Online surveys, plus the return of television ads!
6/26/2002: I will use Haiku. Evil scandals rock Japan. Mario and Zelda.
6/19/2002: Naked man jumping off bridge. Plus, the Japanese retail report. It's Anoop's birthday. Send presents to Anoop.
6/12/2002: A look at Sega's arcade show. And, the most watched Japanese sports broadcast is...
6/5/2002: Japan earns its first point ever in World Cup history as Fooligans arrive in and are quickly deported from Tokyo.
5/28/2002 #030: Best ad ever! Plus, PS2 price drop info and... not much more in this very uneventful issue.
5/21/2002: Price drops, no Final Fantasy, and more World Cup fever.
5/14/2002: Problems with Final Fantasy XI and a Famitsu survey on what can be done to fix the Xbox.
4/28/2002: The full IGN Japan returns with a review of the Lotteria Pure Burger and... not much else. Have a first look at new correspondents Cindy and Mindy, both Communists!
4/19/2002: Week three of our failed experiment to spread out this bloody article over multiple days. Features a look at Halo`s Japanese marketing campaign, a big soccer face-off, and more.
4/12/2002: Week two of our failed experiment to spread out this bloody article over multiple days. Features a big look at Sony`s broadband plans (find out how Japanese gamers will play FFXI) and some cool Famitsu reader surveys.
3/29/2002: Week one of our failed experiment to spread out this bloody article over multiple days. Features an interview with Chikako-chan, IGN Japan`s resident kid gamer, along with some odd-ball Japanese commercials.
3/12/2002: Week 1 of the Xbox in Japan. Plus, some other stuff that isn`t as important.
3/6/2002: A look at Sony's Online gaming plans in Japan, plus some shots of the free Xbox merchandise that we have and that you want.
2/28/2002: Uhh, yeah, so this issue kinds sucks. Sorry... we were loving every minute of Jet Set Radio Future and pretending to enjoy Dead or Alive 3, so we didn't get around to doing anything special for this week's column. Plus, there were all those controversies at the Olympics, and we were just concerned that maybe, just maybe, the world was slipping back into the Cold War era. HOW WERE WE TO CONCENTRATE!!!???
2/21/2002 #020: One last big look at the Xbox pre-launch mania in Japan, plus Nintendo's touch and try event in Shibuya, complete with a horribly-rushed video!
2/14/2002: Worst issue ever! On the day that Sony announced its sweeping plans for the Online gaming scene in Japan, IGN Japan reports on Sony's month old plans, when little was known. Also, a look at the Xbox Experience event in Akihabara, with babe selections by Andria Lee Sang.
2/7/2002: The biggest IGN Japan yet! In addition to all new navigation buttons, this issue provides a look at the Virtua Fighter Carnival, complete with a ton of video of the best VF players in Japan going at it, and a look at the Xbox in Japan, complete with pre-order info, developer surveys and comments (via Famitsu Xbox) and commercials! View it today!
1/29/2002: A visual tour of the World Hobby Fair, complete with video (note: the video now works). Plus, a fun look at how poorly developers, retailers and users think Xbox will do in Japan.
1/22/2002: The first Xbox commercial, plus commercials for Grandia Xtreme and Virtua Fighter. Plus, first details on the upcoming World Hobby fair in the all new events calendar.
1/15/2002: IGN Japan returns. And this time, it's personal! Included in this issue, our pick and the reader's pick for import game of the year. Plus, a look back at 2001 and a look forward to 2002. Oh yes... and a very special interview with the evil biases of IGNPS2.
12/14/2001: This week, a review of the Pikmin music CD, plus the debut of upcoming release dates!
12/7/2001: We were too lazy to do anything game related this week, so we uploaded footage of Japanese beach girls getting their bikini angles measured by giant protractors. Plus, the top five Ramens! And, a ton of television and print ads!
11/27/2001: The most boring IGN Japan yet! Featuring Japanese retail predictions on what`s gonna be hot this holiday season (in Japan).
11/20/2001: A look at the Sony building in Tokyo, along with our attempts at pre-ordering an Xbox in Akihabara. Plus, Smash Brothers goes on sale!
11/13/2001 #010: An absolutely boring update not worthy of the IGN name. Does feature ads for Smash Brothers, Rez, Jack and Daxter and Japanese beer, though. Plus, a look at the first ever Ayumi Hamasaki "Game."
11/06/2001: A ton of Japanese ads, including Metal Gear Solid and Seaman. Plus, news on Pride, SNK and the super duper Sakura Wars-themed bus.
10/29/2001: We take a trip down to Tokyo Tower to see a bunch of wax, and a li'l bit of PS2 Seaman.
10/22/2001: After a month long gap, IGN Japan returns from a brand new building in Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku district. Featured in this issue -- the debut of weekly news updates and... well, that's pretty much it. Yes, we're lazy bums, but it ads to our charm.
09/21/2001: Report from the Rez Rave in Yokohama and Sega`s Jet Set Radio Future ad.
09/13/2001: The Shenmue 2 packaging, a look at the pre-Gamecube launch frenzy, plus Capcom`s cool Capcom vs SNK 2 television ad.
09/05/2001: AM2 and Yu Suzuki appear live in Tokyo (videos included), PS2 hardware sales stats and ads for Shenmue and Seaman
08/31/2001: Our trip to Space World (including directions on how to get there), Parappa ads, the Devil May Cry sound sampler, and a look at the slowing down of Final Fantasy sales.
08/21/2001: Adventures pre-ordering four GameCube systems, Muscular Ranking playtest and ads for GameCube and Devil May Cry.
08/14/2001 #001: Premiere issue -- rare collectors' item! IGN Japan heads on out to Yokosuka, Japan in order to find the real Shenmue. Featuring video footage!