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Japan in My Hand: Best Handheld Imports

Last time we gave you the low-down on importing. Now we run down the ten reasons you should...

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5. Kessakusen! Ganbare Goemon 1+2 - GBA

My own personal love affair with Goemon runs deep, and there are a few thousand or so gamers in Japan that are willing to agree with me. Only about one in five Goemon titles sees release in America, and Konami isn't willing to offer another title the chance for domestic release just yet. While a new Goemon game has been released for the Nintendo DS, Ganbare Goemon 1+2 is a classic that was never given its deserved attention. This game is actually a port of the first two Goemon games released for the Super Famicom, and interestingly enough one of the two games has been released in America before. The first of the two titles, Legend of the Mystical Ninja in America, was one of the two Goemon titles to ever see a domestic release. I won't even make an attempt to categorize the gameplay in these two throwbacks to a time when 2D was king; as it changes often and creatively. I only offer a subtle suggestion. If you haven't played Goemon, you're just not a gamer ... not at all.

Importability Rating: 3 out of 5. There is story to be had in Ganbare Goemon, but navigating the gameplay can be handled without much difficulty. I strongly suggest you forget about the language barrier for this one.

4. Mother 3 - GBA

Oh, Mother! The Mother series is something of an anomaly when compared to other games. The graphics aren't really detailed, the name doesn't divulge much about the gameplay, and the storyline is a bit of a mystery. For the four people who haven't heard as of yet, Mother is the Japanese name for the games we in America like to call Earthbound. We've only officially ever seen one Earthbound release, and while I'd like to say there is some cosmic reason to this, there simply isn't a just cause. One of the greatest games ever created is nested in the title Mother 3, and there are few who would go as far as to disagree. The mystery is that few will ruin the story for anyone who hasn't experienced it, and to experience it requires more than a little work. Mother is a defining moment in the history of games, and I can honestly say that by playing this game, you'll open a door to an experience that isn't easily forgotten.

Importability Rating: 5 out of 5. Mother 3 is the exception to the rule. People have learned Japanese to play this game, and there's not really any other way to experience Mother 3 without doing so.

3. Bleach: Souten Ni Kakeru Unmei - NDS

I made a mention about anime games often being poor quality in the introduction to this Top 10; I'll be the first to admit that in some cases I was lying. Bleach DS is that particular case. 2D fighting games are to Japan what first person shooters are to America, and Bleach DS is a stunning example of how well the Japanese can deliver. We've reviewed Bleach DS before, so head here to understand exactly why this title is so well crafted an example of 2D fighting glory. A sequel is expected to be released in Japan in the winter of '06, but this first game keeps all rights to the bronze medal of import games until we playtest the follow-up.

Importability Rating: 2 out of 5. Anyone can pick up and play Bleach DS, but unlocking all the hidden characters is going to take more than just lucky guessing.

2. DJ Max Portable - PSP

Mr. Justin Davis seems to think that DJ Max Portable is the single best game on the PSP; I think he could be right. The sheer scope of this game is impressive, from the amount of songs, to the visuals, and even to the difficulty. DJ Max Portable is demonstrative to new recruits to the rhythm genre, but at its most difficult settings the game is as challenging as they come. Viewing some of the most difficult songs in play is a life-changing experience. Not only do I now know that I'm little more than a pathetic rookie in the rhythm genre, I've realized that I'm actually less of a man. If early-onset arthritis is one of your greatest fears, don't attempt to master DJ Max Portable.

Importability Rating: 1 out of 5. No language barrier here, although lacking kung-fu reflexes is an entirely separate issue.

1. Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan - NDS

An entirely separate beast from DJ Max Portable, Ouendan takes the rhythm genre to new heights in gameplay, as well as new heights in pure, zany hilarity. There's little to complain about in Ouendan, and mastering the stylus-driven gameplay is never too difficult, most likely because it's always so fun. The style alone is enough reason for most to pick up this creative masterpiece, and many already have. If you're holding out for some reason, just stop ... go buy Ouendan, and thank us later. You're still reading? Fine, we'll give you some encouragement then. In one particular stage within Ouendan you play as a fat Cleopatra, in another as a man with a sever case of diarrhea ... just go already!

Importability Rating: 2 out of 5. The occasional gamer will complain that understanding the stories in Ouendan requires some knowledge of Japanese, but in reality the plots are so simple that they'll be fine for most everyone.

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Now that we've introduced you to our Top 10 import games, the future of Japan in My Hand is up to you. We'd like to move on and explore new titles and help bring as much information about importing games to light as we possibly can. We're always thinking of ways to do that best, but let us know what you'd like to see from Japan in My Hand and we'll do our best to deliver the goods. Sound off in the forums and let yourselves be heard!