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Japan in My Hand: Best Handheld Imports
Written by Cody Musser on Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Last time we gave you the low-down on importing. Now we run down the ten reasons you should...
In this second iteration of Japan in my Hand we're not pulling any punches. We've shown you exactly how easy it is to import games, where to find some of these games online, and even some Japanese to help get you started. So, if you're going to be making the dive, get your bank accounts ready, because while you're opening yourself to an entirely new world of games, it's not necessarily all rosy on the foreign shores. Japanese games can be just as bad as American ones; we promise. First, think of all the Disney games. Now replace Disney with anime, replace ten titles a year with 100, and you'll have the right idea.
However, have no fear; Modojo has compiled a list of the ten games you should consider picking up before all others. These games represent some of the best releases from Japan, and also some of the most interesting genres that we in America rarely get to experience. We've given each game an importability rating of one-to-five. Games with a rating of one require little or no Japanese, and those with five basically can't be played without knowledge of the language. We've made an honest effort to stay away from titles that require that much Japanese, but in certain cases, exceptions must be made...
10. Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with You - PSP
While America is adjusting and beginning to accept many new and creative types of gaming, Tokimeki Memorial just seems to be the kind of game that will never be embraced by American audiences. We seem to be over joyous to be in a Dance Dance Revolution or Brain Age craze, but I don't see a 'dating sim' craze taking over the youth anytime soon. Players in Tokimeki Memorial try to boost their stats and love meters in order to be more seductive to the opposite sex, hopefully ending up with a confession of love. This game is a remake of the first Tokimeki Memorial title, and the series prides itself on never going futher than necessary. No dirty stuff here kids!
Importability Rating: 4 out of 5. Tokimeki is unfortunately about as language dependent as they come. It's not very realistic to believe we'll be seeing games like this outside Japan very often, so it's a shame to see an entire genre American players won't be able to experience.
9. Densetsu No Stafi 4 - NDS
Densetsu No Stafi 4 is a side-scrolling platformer that many players will immediately recognize as very Kirby-like. The difference being that you're no longer a 'pink poof' but you're now playing as a radiant starfish who has fallen to the depths of the sea. Stafi's quest begins as he helps the many undersea characters in their numerous troubles. He has the ability to use machines and his many animal friends, as well as make use of the DS' touchscreen in particular situations. The Densetsu no Stafi series is published by Nintendo themselves and has had four games released in Japan. Considering that no Stafi game has ever been released in America there's no better time than now to import, that is if players are interested in some 'kawaii' platforming,
Importability Rating: 3 out of 5. There is some dialogue within Densetsu No Stafy and while the game can be played without knowledge of the language, it will help players understand the story somewhat.
8. Kururin Paradise - GBA
A game that is obviously the work of outrageous Japanese creativity, Kururin Paradise allows players the chance to traverse levels as one of the most detailed main characters video gaming has ever seen ... the spinning stick. No seriously, in Kururin Paradise players make their way through levels that are like mazes, doing their best to avoid obstacles and boundaries by using the direction their stick is spinning in to pass by corners and narrow pathways. The level design is creative and if players fall in love with Kururin Paradise, the game is in fact a sequel to Kuru Kuru Kururin also on the GBA, so there's even more glorious stick-spinning to go around.
Importability Rating: 1 out of 5. Spinning sticks speak the universal language of fun.
7. Taiko No Tatsujin Portable - PSP
One of the only titles on this list that might sound familiar to players in America, Taiko no Tatsujin is translated as Taiko Drum Master. This game has seen a domestic release in the United States on the Playstation 2; however it's difficult to imagine the same game becoming a portable release. Long gone is the famous and bulky Drumcon, replaced by a unique control scheme developed specifically for the PSP. The game comes with 34 tracks, many which appeal to the inner J-pop lover in all of us. If in fact you don't have an inner J-pop love, then worry not, other songs in the game are of the classical, variety, and 'Namco' genres. The Katamari theme is a stand-out track for many, but we're more worried about why you don't like J-pop. What kind of person are you anyways?
Importability Rating: 2 out of 5. The menus in Taiko no Tatsujin are only in Japanese and require some exploration to become accustomed to.
6. Daigasso! Band Brothers - DS
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Importability Rating: 2 out of 5. The menus have Japanese text but are simple to navigate.
posted September 5, 2006