Tag: Japan - Page 45
News Disney Magical World 2 Is Happening, Folks
Happy happy, joy joy
Bandai Namco has confirmed that Disney Magical World is getting a sequel on the Nintendo 3DS. The game - which is known as Disney Magical Castle 2: My Happy Life in Japan - will get its full reveal on July 6th, via the official Japanese website. For the time being, you'll have to make do with the infectiously jolly teaser...
Video Avert Your Eyes, This Japanese Animal Crossing Commercial Features Shameful Groping
Poor Tom Nook
Nintendo is pretty unique in the video game industry because unlike Sony and Microsoft, it actually spends money reminding people that some of its evergreen hits are still on sale. Take this latest Japanese commercial for Animal Crossing: New Leaf - a game that originally launched in that region in 2012 - featuring pop star Kyary...
News Japan Is Getting A Pokémon Periodical Aimed At Adults
Living the Pokémon Life
Pokémon has been around for almost two decades now, and has fans of all ages. It's insanely popular with kids but those who grew up with Pikachu and company still buy the games, invest in the merchandise and generally continue to hold a candle for the brand - despite its often shady history. It would seem that The Pokémon...
Video New Nintendo Game Seminar Titles Make Début Ahead of Japanese Wii U eShop Releases
Developed in Unity to utilise the GamePad
Last year we reported on the Nintendo Game Seminar event in Japan - open to University Students in the Tokyo metropolitan or Kansai region, those lucky enough to be included received support and advice from Nintendo in creating simple gaming experiences. The challenge, from August 2014 to March 2015, was to...
News Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus Tops Japanese Charts as 3DS and Wii U Lead in Hardware
Splatoon also performing well
The Media Create charts have rolled around once again, having brought some positive news for Nintendo in recent times; pleasingly, that trend continues. To start with software we have two 3DS games and a Wii U title leading the way - Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus is top (maybe thanks to its awesome commercials?) on...
News New Nintendo 3DS XL Back On Top In Japan As Wii U Leads Home Console Sales
Rhythm Heaven: The Best+ makes debut in first place with over 150,000 sold
The latest Media Create Japanese sales charts are in, and it's good news for Nintendo as its games and hardware have risen to the top of the pile. Rhythm Heaven: The Best+ made its debut at number one with 157,591 copies sold between the 8th and 14th of June. This robust...
News Splatoon is Still Number One in Japan as Wii U Sales Increase Again
The momentum Wii U needs?
The Japanese Media Create chart results are in, and much focus has been on Splatoon and Wii U; after an excellent début for the shooter, it's momentum has been key. The numbers that have come through seem rather positive, too, especially for a new IP. In its second week the Wii U exclusive sold 68,913 copies in Japan,...
Video Feast Your Eyeballs on Extended Footage of Fire Emblem If
Plus quirky Splatoon and Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus vids
Though we're looking at a 2016 release in the West, Fire Emblem If is all set to arrive in Japan on 25th June, shaking up the standard formula with two separate releases - and a third storyline available as DLC. It'll likely have all of the strategy gameplay we can handle. With the...
News Splatoon Practically Sold Out at Launch in Japan, With Over 100,000 amiibo Also Sold
It's popular, then
Since release there's been a strong sense that Splatoon has been a hit launch on Wii U, and evidence is starting to support that assumption. There'd been social media chatter of stock being low in Japan, for example, and earlier this week it emerged that it'd stormed to top spot in the Japanese charts. We now have a clearer...
News Fresh Monster Hunter X (Cross) Details Emerge From Japan
Beastly bonus
This week Japanese publication Famitsu has some more details on Capcom's freshly-revealed 3DS title Monster Hunter X (Cross) - which is said to be 60 percent complete and will launch in Japan in Winter 2015. We have a host of new info, starting with the return of the Felynes - obviously the Monster Hunter series would not be complete...
Video The World is a Better Place Thanks to These Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus Commercials
We defy anyone to not find these entertaining
Not so long ago we shared some Japanese commercials for Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus on 3DS, which has 100 rhythmic mini-games - 30 are all new and 70 are taken from previous entries. Known as the Rhythm Heaven series in the West, it's a franchise that some of your humble Nintendo Life writers...
News Splatoon Storms to Top Spot in Japanese Charts With Six Figure Sales
Wii U sales more than double to lead hardware chart
It's that time of the week, once again, for Media Create Japanese chart results, and there are some strong sales for the latest Wii U exclusive, matching up to chatter that stock had been scarce due to demand; Wii U hardware sales jumped, too. We're referring, of course, to Splatoon, the colourful...
Matters Of Import Fire Emblem (Sort Of) Exists On The Sony PlayStation
A look at Shouzou Kaga's forgotten classic
For various reasons we now live in an era where developers breaking away from their parent companies to make similar-but-different pseudo-sequels to dormant, dead, or defiled game series is now a relatively commonplace occurrence, with Koji Igarashi's Castlevania successor Bloodstained being the latest to...
News Bike Rider DX3 Is Rolling Out Transformers Crossover Content In Japan
Till all are one
Chari-Sou DX3: Time Rider - the latest entry in the series known as Bike Rider here in the West - is getting Transformers crossover content in its native Japan. The update will be available as DLC for 200 Yen, and will unlock various Transformers-related features in the popular 3DS eShop title. You'll be able to play as...
News Monster Hunter X (Cross) Confirmed for Japanese Release
Monster Hunter fabulous
Although the dust has only just settled for Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Capcom has wasted absolutely no time in announcing the newest game in the series, Monster Hunter X (Cross). Taking inspiration from the arguably more dramatic Frontier series, this game seems to build heavily upon the engine and assets found in Monster...
News Japanese Nintendo Direct Coming May 31st
Focus Is Summer Wii U And 3DS Games
Nintendo has just confirmed that a Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast will take place this Sunday, May 31st. The focus of the video will be Wii U and 3DS games which are releasing this Summer. 7PM Japan-time is when it will all happen, which works out as 3AM PT, 6AM ET, 11AM UK time and 12PM in Europe. The...
Video These Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus Trailers Will Have You Bopping In Your Seat
The haircuts are pretty rad, too
Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus launches in Japan on June 11th, and Nintendo has released a couple of new trailers which show off two of the title's mini-games. The trailers are as infectious as the game itself, and if you're anything like us then you'll be bopping along to the music despite the fact that you're...
News Be As Stunning As A Squid With This Fashionable Splatoon Attire In Girls Mode 3
Fabulous, inkling!
It appears the latest entry in the Girls Mode series (known locally as Style Savvy or New Style Boutique depending on where you live) will be borrowing outfits from the fashionably streetwise inklings featured in Splatoon. With a large list of clothing and accessories already available in Girls Mode 3: Kira Kira Code, this latest...
News Pearl White Is The Latest New Nintendo 3DS XL Colour, Arrives In Japan On 11th June
Launches alongside Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus
Nintendo has revealed a Pearl White New 3DS XL will be released in Japan on 11th June alongside the launch of the latest entry in the Rhythm Heaven series, Rhythm Tengoku: The Best Plus. Pearl White joins the existing New 3DS XL colours Metallic Blue and Metallic Black. Let us know in the comments...
News Dragon Quest VIII Won't Support The 3DS Console's Autostereoscopic Display
An adventure in two dimensions
Square Enix made a lot of Dragon Quest fans happy - Japanese ones, at least - when it confirmed that it would be bringing the eighth game in the series to the Nintendo 3DS. However, there's a bit of bad news to report - the forthcoming RPG won't include autostereoscopic 3D support. We can only assume this move has...
Another Japan-only release gets localised
When you say Westone, you think Wonder Boy. The recently-defunct Japanese studio created a series of amazing action-RPG titles for Sega which have since become legendary slices of retro gaming, but outside of that particular franchise the company's work is somewhat less well known - at least in the West...
News Gawk at the Dragon Quest VIII Promotional Poster and Screens
We're still waiting for Dragon Quest VII to be localised
It was only recently that Square Enix announced a port of Dragon Quest VIII for the 3DS, continuing its efforts to tap into that PS2-era nostalgia for the franchise. That announcement was only for Japan, however, and we still haven't seen localisation of Dragon Quest VII yet in the West...
Video This New PoPoLoCrois: Harvest Moon Trailer Will Scratch Your Fantasy Life Itch
Who needs Fantasy Life 2 anyway?
PoPoLoCrois: Harvest Moon is a mash-up of two famous Japanese RPGs and is coming to Japanese Nintendo 3DS systems on June 18th. Another trailer has just been released in Japan which shows off some gameplay footage, as well as some charming animated sequences. While the Harvest Moon series needs no introduction, the...
News The Most Recent Media Create Japanese Charts Brought the Lowest Sales Since 2001
Tough times
The Media Create Japanese chart results for this week were particularly bad, with lousy software numbers and falling hardware sales. Nintendo had enjoyed a strong few weeks in terms of units sold and number of games in the top 20, yet the overall numbers were so low this time that little cheer could be taken; the fresh release from...
News Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Fails to Chart in Week of Poor Sales in Japan
Xenoblade Chronicles X clears 100,000 sales
In recent weeks there have been some decent game and hardware sales in Japan, so a tumble was always on the agenda. Even with that in mind, it's nevertheless been a rather lousy week of sales for Japanese retailers according to the latest Media Create results. Kicking off with the software charts, Final...
News This 3DS Carry Case Has A StreetPass Window, Because Those Puzzle Pieces Won't Find Themselves
Say hello to the Signal Pouch
Is there a better feeling in life than pulling your beloved 3DS out of your bag and seeing that reassuring green glow which indicates that StreetPasses await within? No, no there is not. And now thanks to the industrious guys and gals at Keys Factory, you can protect your console yet still see quite clearly when there's...
News Japan Is Suiting Up For Another Super Robot Wars Title On 3DS
Robot rock
Super Robot Wars is a massive series in its native Japan and brings together many classic Mecha series into one convenient package. The latest entry in this long-running franchise has just been revealed by Famitsu, and goes by the title Super Robot Wars BX. It launches in Japan on August 20th for 6,640 yen. According to the report, the...
Plays Sega, Nintendo and NEC games
We reviewed the RetroN 5 a while back and found it to be an excellent way of playing your original retro game cartridges in glorious HD. However, Hyperkin's wonder-console has a challenger in the shape of Cyber Gadget's Retro Freak - a clone system which out-does the RetroN 5 by offering support for PC Engine...
News Fashionable Japanese 3DS Owners Can Strut Their Stuff In Nico ☆ Petit Girls Runway This Winter
There's a brand new dance, but I don't know its name
During Nintendo's recent Financial Results Briefing, president Satoru Iwata explained that the company was hoping to maintain the commercial momentum of its ageing 3DS system in Japan by targeting female players. We've already seen the likes of Girls Mode / Style Savvy and Animal Crossing: New...
News These Adorable Splatoon Squid Cushions Are Headed To Japan
Look at those eyes!
Nintendo’s upcoming Wii U squid shooter, Splatoon, features many cute, cuddly and also streetwise sea creatures in it. Arguably the most adorable is the Inkling’s squid transformation. The way these characters effortlessly swim, slide and splash about in ink is mesmerising. With this in mind, Japan will receive the above...
News Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition Leads in Japan as 3DS Tops Hardware Sales
Xenoblade Chronicles X holds firm in fourth
It's the week after Golden Week in Japan, which typically brings a drop-off in sales as the public holiday becomes a fading memory. With that in mind, and in the absence of new releases, the latest Media Create sales for the country bring positives for Nintendo. Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros...
News Nintendo Reveals Pushmo: Hippa Land For 3DS eShop, Out Now In Japan
Sample the game for free, and pay to unlock more
Intelligent Systems’ Pushmo series for the 3DS eShop has been well received since the original game – known as Pullblox in Europe – was first released on the 3DS eShop in 2011. Since then, fans of Mallo and company have seen the release of the 2012 sequel Crashmo – Fallblox in Europe – and...
News Square Enix Announces Dragon Quest VIII For The 3DS
Launches in Japan on 27th August
The 3DS is four years old now and Nintendo knows sales momentum of the system is important to maintain. At a recent Financial Results Briefing, Iwata reiterated this, explaining the 3DS could use with a boost in its homeland of Japan. With this in mind, Square Enix has announced Dragon Quest VIII – originally...
Matters Of Import Take A Guided Tour Of Super Potato, The Ultimate Retro Gaming Paradise
Japan-based Brit David Coyles explains the appeal of this legendary shop
"I don't know where to start! I'm so excited" blurted out in an enclave of retro gaming memorabilia, and a phrase which saved me from my own funk in a number of ways. Japanese store Super Potato has a certain uplifting effect on most of the people who visit – be it one of...
News Xenoblade Chronicles X and Dragon Quest Help Wii U to Top Spot in Japan
Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition tops software results
In recent weeks the Media Create Japanese charts have shown Sony systems and its releases nicking ahead of Nintendo's offerings, so with that in mind this week brings happier news for the big N. The company and supportive third-parties have topped the software and hardware results to...
News Imageepoch CEO Remains Absent With Removal of Twitter Account
Still no official word, though Stella Glow still on course
Developer Imageepoch is well known by fans of the Japanese gaming scene and recently completely 3DS exclusive Stella Glow, which is being published by SEGA in Japan and Atlus in North America. Unfortunately, news around the developer took a troubling turn in early April with the...
News Nintendo Celebrates Japanese Launch Of Fire Emblem If With Themed Cover Plate & Bundle
Another week, another cover plate
Since the launch of the New Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo has allowed users to accessorise their system with a wide selection of cover plate offerings. This trend won’t be stopping any time soon, with the latest cover plate reveal celebrating the upcoming Japanese launch of Fire Emblem If. The special Fire Emblem If...
News Bravely Second: End Layer Passes 100,000 Sales in Its Launch Week in Japan
Wii U has a small boost as 3DS remains static
There's some cheer for Square Enix and 3DS fans in the latest Media Create charts from Japan, with a fresh release sealing top-spot and six-figure sales. Despite that, there's still an overwhelming volume of new releases on Sony systems hogging the top 10. It's Bravely Second: End Layer that claims top...
News Fire Emblem's Two Versions Will Offer Very Different Challenges
More difficult "Black Kingdom" edition aimed at veterans of the series
The next entry in the Fire Emblem series - dubbed Fire Emblem If in Japan - is coming in two different packages: White Kingdom and Black Kingdom. While it's tempting to assume that these two versions boast only subtle differences, Intelligent Systems' Masahiro Higuchi and...
News Science Museum in Tokyo Aiming for Super Effective Education With The Pokémon Lab
Disclaimer may clarify that no real Pokémon are featured
Here's another event to file under the "wish I was in Japan" category, as Pokémon fans within travelling distance of Tokyo could potentially learn a little about science and also have fun with one of their favourite franchises. From 8th May onwards, The Pokémon Lab exhibit at the Miraikan...
Video Gengar Confirmed as a Fighter in Pokkén Tournament
Fingers crossed for a Wii U release
Pokkén Tournament is an intriguing new project from Bandai Namco. A game that aims to blend the Pokémon series with traditional fighter action; it has so far only been confirmed to release in Japanese arcades, with no word of a Western launch to be found. Given the console-like controller that will feature on...
News Girls Mode 3 Struts to Number One in Japan, Though Hardware Sales Stumble Again
Worth it for the Kirby bag
It's easy to be dismissive of Style Savvy / New Style Boutique, with its focus on fashion, designer coffees and neat apartments, but it's a rather fun and entertaining title on the 3DS. The release of the latest entry in Japan has given some life to the country's charts this week, too, though overall sales are still...
News Bravely Second Offers Over 100 Hours Of Gameplay, Producer Already Has Plans For Third Game
"We’ve packed it with all the ideas we can think of"
Bravely Second: End Layer launches this week in Japan, and Famitsu has been speaking to producer Tomoya Asano and assistant producer Shinji Takahashi about the game ahead of release. Both seem to be pretty pleased with how the sequel has turned out, with Takahashi stating: I feel like there's...
News Thousands Of Pikachus Will Be Taking Over Yokohama This August
Mark it in your diary
This August sees the annual Pikachu Tairyou Hassei Chu - or "An outbreak of Pikachus" in English - which takes place in the Japanese city of Yokohama. Thousands of Pikachus will be in attendance, and they'll be marching around the city from August 8th to August 16th. Other activities celebrating the world's most famous Pocket...
News Project X Zone 2's Development Made Possible By The Original's "Good Global Reputation"
"I think there will be surprising announcements in the future"
Project X Zone 2's shock announcement is welcome news for fans of the original game - and is perhaps a little unexpected, too. Following the news, Japanese magazine Famitsu caught up with Kensuke Tsukanaka (producer, Bandai Namco), Ichirou Morizumi (Monolith Soft, development director)...
News Fire Emblem: If Special Edition Bundle Sold Out In Japan, Sparks Second Shipment for Pre-Orders
If only it was out in the West this year
It seems Intelligent systems has pulled it out of the bag with its latest release. The brand new game in the Fire Emblem series has sold out of its pre-orders for the Special Edition pack, resulting in a second shipment being ordered for Japan. Some people may call this an ironic twist of fate, after Fire...
News Nintendo Has Released This Fabulous 3DS Theme In Japan To Celebrate The Launch Of Girls Mode 3
Stunning, darling!
The latest entry in the Girls Mode series (known locally as Style Savvy or New Style Boutique depending on where you live) is now out in Japan.To celebrate the special occasion, Nintendo has released a Girls Mode 3: Kira Kira Code 3DS theme. The new theme, which can be viewed on the catwalk in the trailer below, is available for...
News Sales Fall Away in Japan as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Drops to Ninth
New Nintendo 3DS continues battle with PS4 and Vita
It's Media Create Japanese charts time again, and we suspect the results have been greeted with a united sagging of shoulders among the bean counters of publishers and developers. When the number one game sells just 20,494, we'd suggest stiff drinks are required. That number one is Dark Souls II:...
News Clear Display Cases Show Off amiibo in Style
Trophy collection
All Amiibo collectors looking for a good way to store their trophies are in luck. Play Asia has posted a listing for an amiibo Clear Case. The HORI created case is comprised of a shallow stand, deep enough to fit the Amiibo disk, and a clear, square covering case to show off the various fighters in style. The case is available in...
News 3DS eShop Title Titan Run Is Attack On Titan In Bite-Sized Form
Smash up a city for the highest score
D3Publisher's Japan-only Simple Series has been running for quite a few years now, offering engaging experiences for reasonable prices. The latest entry - developed by E-Trek - is inspired by the anime and manga franchise Attack on Titan and sees you dashing through the crowded city of Tokyo causing as much...
