Tag: Japanese Releases - Page 2
News Summon Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 this Summer
Atlus' RPG sequel is almost complete
In the latest issue of Famitsu, details have emerged on the upcoming sequel to the 2009 tactical role-playing game, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 is currently under development for the DS by Atlus and once again features a 7-day attack on Earth by an outside force; if...
News Capcom's 3DS Adventure Game Sounds Very Different
3D visuals? How about 3D sound?
Who needs buttons when you have sound? That's the approach that Capcom is taking with regards to its upcoming adventure game for the 3DS. As detailed in the latest issue of Famitsu and translated by AndriaSang, Nazo Waku Yakata (Nazo Waku Mansion) is a game that has been loosely termed as a "sound adventure"...
News Super Dodge Ball's Attack Line Drawn for WiiWare this May
Updated and aiming for your head
Originally developed for the arcades and the NES in the late '80s, Super Dodge Ball is making a return as Miracle Kidz announces more details on the remake set for WiiWare release this year. Known in Japan as Downtown Nekketsu Dodgeball, the game will be taking after Nekketsu Koko Dodgeball Bu (known as Super Dodge...
News Japan Selling More 3DS Consoles Than Other Platforms Combined
Last week's figures are in
Following the highly successful Japanese launch of the 3DS, Nintendo's hardware sales have been continually dominant as the handheld stays at the top of the charts after its first full week. According to digital entertainment data tracker Media Create, the 3DS sold 374,764 units during the launch weekend of 26th February,...
News BlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2 Scrapping with Europe this Year
Arc System Works' 2D fighting game going 3D
Having already developed the BlazBlue spinoff title BlayzBloo: Super Melee Action Battle Royale for DSiWare, Arc System Works' latest BlazBlue title returns to its more traditional one-on-one beat 'em up roots and will also make it outside of Japan too. BlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2 is a port of the Japanese...
News Japanese Virtual Console list - March 2011
It's that time of the month again
Japan has a relatively big month coming up for them, with five new Virtual Console games on the release list. On top of that, there's not a bad game in the bunch, with every single one of them being a well-liked classic. Let's hope we get some of them as well! The full list for March in Japan is as follows: Famicom:...
News DSiWare Users Going Back to BASIC with PetitComputer
INPUT "Insert subheading here:"
DSiWare releases have not only included the traditional games we expected to see, but also the growth of design-orientated applications aimed at users who enjoy creating as much as they do playing. From music applications to animation software, DSi owners have enough creative input to work on relatively advanced...
News Launching This Spring is Nintendo's Secretive Title, Pandora's Tower
It's about death, or something...
During Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata's presentation at the company's Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing, a new Nintendo title for the Wii was announced and should be hitting Japan in the first half of 2011. Not much is known about the game at the moment, with the most solid of facts being the game will carry the...
News Japanese Virtual Console list - February 2011
Just three games this time
It doesn't look like Capcom is ready to release more arcade game even in Japan, with next month's releases featuring nothing from their catalogue. The games being released are all part of fairly big franchises, though only one of them is likely to see release elsewhere. The full list is as follows: Famicom: SD Gundam...
News Sakaguchi: To Succeed Internationally, JRPGs Need to Change
Will Last Story lead the way by example?
There have been many Japanese games that never made it out of their own country but far from publishers being lazy or concerned that localisations won't be profitable enough for the hassle, perhaps the reason genres like Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) sometimes struggle to find success in the Western...
News Save the Earth Soon with the Imaginatively Titled Earth Saver
More localised Japanese budget fun from the GO Series
We've seen many Japanese DSiWare titles that we never thought would reach us thanks to the GO and G.G Series, featuring simple but entertaining experiences over a wide variety of genres and usually retailing for 200 Points. The latest to get a rating by the North American board, the ESRB, is GO...
News All Ten Disciplines in Deca Sports 3D Now Revealed
A couple of surprises
Last December left us scratching our heads over what the complete list of sports were in Hudson's upcoming 3DS title, Deca Sports 3D, known as Sports Island in Europe. Aside from the initial four that were revealed, the remaining six were largely recognisable but a couple left us guessing. In the lead-up to the 3DS's Japanese...
News Fighters can be Voyeurs too in Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
When not sweating it out with combos, kick back and just watch
With last weekend's Nintendo World 2011 event comes fresh new details on several anticipated 3DS titles, one of which is Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition from Capcom. We've previously reported on the game featuring an action figure collection mode which utilises the 3DS's StreetPass...
News Third-Parties Take the Lead for Japan 3DS Launch
Only one first-party game launching alongside the handheld
With the 3DS launching in Japan on 26th February, it's perhaps surprising that there's only going to be one first-party title that will be sitting on the shelves when the wonder machine hits retailers. Nintendo has updated its website with a line-up of upcoming 3DS titles, with a total of...
News See Yourself in Ridge Racer on the 3DS
Reiko Nagase won't be the only pretty face in-game
Last October, we brought you the list of launch window titles for the Japanese release of the 3DS sytem, and although not every title will have a guaranteed spot next to the handheld when it launches on 26th February, racing fans will be greeted at some point with Namco Bandai Games' Ridge Racer, of...
News Japanese Virtual Console list - January 2011
Square Enix delivers another RPG epic
There's still another Friday left this month, but Nintendo of Japan has already added the next month's upcoming Virtual Console games to their site. Maybe they're taking a well-deserved break next week! Only three games are on the list, but as one of them is a highly requested title, it alone could probably keep...
News Night of the Sacrifice Will Get Hearts Pumping and Feet Walking
A horror game with a twist
Earlier this month it was announced that Marvelous would be bringing a horror game to the Wii that utilises the Wii Balance Board. With the peripheral predominantly used for health and fitness games, the idea of using the board for something as unrelated as the horror genre was both interesting and puzzling. Well, Famitsu...
News The Sims 3 Will Make Use of the 3DS StreetPass Mode
For getting rid of... we mean, exchanging Sims with other players
Not satisfied with just bringing The Sims 3 to the Wii and DS, EA will also be allowing gamers the option of raising their family in 3D too when it launches in Japan for the 3DS in Spring 2011. Famitsu has published some game details on the latest instalment of the life-simulation...
News Opening Round of Info on Deca Sports for the 3DS
4 out of 10 sports officially revealed
Hudson is keeping itself busy with its line-up of 3DS titles and the company's Japanese website has been updated with some screenshots of the upcoming instalment in the Deca Sports franchise (otherwise known as Sports Island in Europe). Deca Sports 3D (not final title) will feature ten different sports, and...
News Japanese Virtual Console List - December 2010
Hudson and Capcom serve up some more games
Japan maintains a small lead on the rest of the world next month, by both catching up on two titles that were already released in Europe, and releasing three new games which everybody else will also likely see. There's nothing really surprising here this time! The games Japan will be getting next month are:...
News Super Mario All-Stars Warps Straight to the Top of the Japanese Charts
25th Anniversary Edition starts off strong
While gamers in North America and Europe have to wait a little while longer before they can start snapping up copies of Super Mario All-Stars 25th Anniversary Edition, the game received its Japanese launch last week and has got off to a superb start. For the week ending 24th October, the game managed to...
News Japanese Virtual Console List - November 2010
Three more classics, and one not-so classic
Japan's doing its usual job of getting games just before everybody does: three of the games they're getting this month have already been officially announced for release elsewhere and will be coming in the next few months. The fourth game they're getting is more of a Japanese thing, and won't be too sorely...
News Hudson Has Six 3DS Titles In Development
Bonk, Omega Five, and Tetris due in 2011
Hudson's been keeping pretty quiet on the 3DS front since it pledged its support for the machine back in June at the E3 expo. Initial announcements of the Bomberman, Deca Sports, and Kororinpa franchises are now beefed up thanks to an additional three titles that have been added to the company's Japanese...
Nintendo Download 12th and 13th October 2010 (Japan)
WiiWare and DSiWare together again
It looks like the heady days of surprise Japanese Virtual Console releases are well and truly behind us as there's only one VC release scheduled for the rest of the month and it's not happening next week. Instead there's a pair of WiiWare titles, which were starting to get as rare as hen's teeth. DSiWare is sparse...
News Wii Remote With MotionPlus Built-In Launches in Japan Next Month
Five colours to choose from, and a new Nunchuk too
Last week's Nintendo conference was undoubtedly all about the 3DS but with all the new standards the handheld is about to set, what about the other pieces of hardware that Nintendo's working on? Since the rather puzzling box-art of FlingSmash was added to Gamestop's product page, we've been waiting...
Nintendo Download 5th & 6th October 2010 (Japan)
October begins with Virtual Console and DSiWare
WiiWare's alternating weeks continue, but at least there's the Virtual Console to keep Wii owners happy – even better when the releases include classic arcade games! The DSi has a trio of actual games for a change with nary a lifestyle download in sight. Virtual Console: Commando (800pts Arcade,...
Nintendo Download 28th & 29th September 2010 (Japan)
Two each for Wii and DSi next week
Could predictions of the death of WiiWare in Japan have been premature? It appears so as there's two new titles coming next week, both from 3rd parties. Import gaming fantatics should reign in their excitement, however as both appear to be "lifestyle" apps rather than games. The DSi offerings are unlikely...
News Japanese Virtual Console list - October 2010
Three more for Japan next month
Japan is taking it a bit easy again next month with just three new releases. Two of them could have been predicted quite easily - Both were rated by the OFLC not too long ago and should thus also be heading to other regions. The last is yet another Japan-exclusive RPG which is very unlikely to see the light of day...
First Impressions Surinuke Anatōsu
Thrill-seeking for puzzler fans
One doesn't often think of thrills and puzzles as belonging in the same sentence. You can get a bit of excitement from kicking off a combo in a fast-paced game, but to actually get a rush in the same sense as riding a rollercoaster is something else entirely. Whilst it might be an exaggeration to say Surinuke Anatōsu...
Nintendo Download 21st & 22nd September 2010 (Japan)
VCA and DSiWare next week in Japan
Japan receives a mix of RPGs, shooters, mathematics training for youngsters and short quizzes about feudal Japanese history. Virtual Console: Romancing Saga 3 (800pts, Super Famicom - Square-Enix) – The third in a series of RPGs from one of the RPG masters. Exed Exes (800pts, Arcade - Capcom) – An early Capcom...
News Super Mario Collection Special Pack Revealed
Game details, box art, promo video and more
We've been bringing you all the news regarding the enticing yet vague announcement of the Japan-exclusive Super Mario Collection Special Pack, including a posting from an online retailer somewhat obliquely detailing its contents. Now comes the definitive announc
First Impressions Shinobi Karakuri-den 2
Double the ninjas, double the fun
Retro gaming fans surely enjoyed the first Ninja Karakuri Den (as it's known outside of Japan), playing like a cutsey combination of Ninja Jajamaru Kun and Mappy. This sequel is pretty much the same game with a few tweaks to the formula, as with the other G.G. Series sequels we've seen thus far, continuing the...
Nintendo Download 14th & 15th September 2010 (Japan)
Another triple threat for Japan next week: BIT.TRIP, VCA and DSiWare
WiiWare: BIT.TRIP RUNNER: Rhythm Alien no Geki Sō (500 Points, Arc System Works) — A lot of Japanese Wii owners are going to be happy next week as BIT.TRIP RUNNER finally arrives in Japan. The fact that the price is the same 500 Points as the rest of the series kind of makes up...
Nintendo Download 7th & 8th September 2010 (Japan)
The gang's all here: WiiWare, Virtual Console and DSiWare next week in Japan
WiiWare: Surinuke Anatōsu (800pts - Nintendo) -- Though we've gotten the distinct impression that third parties have abandoned WiiWare in Japan, Nintendo certainly hasn't. Keys Factory is credited as the developer – a bit odd since all they seem to make are Wii and DSi...
First Impressions G.G Series Chō Hero Ōga 2
This sequel is MIGHTY difficult
Having collected the first wave of G.G Series titles, Genterprise and Suzak have decided to go back to the well and release their sequels. As with ZONE 2, Chō Hero Ōga 2 takes the fundamentals of the original and extends them whilst maintaining the same level of fun. The transition is not unlike moving from early...
Rumour Nintendo Japan Celebrating Mario's Birthday with Super Mario Collection
Super Mario All-Stars may be Wii-bound after all
It's a source of constant frustration to Virtual Console fans that Super Mario All-Stars isn't available on the download platform: the inability to enjoy some of Mario's greatest adventures with improved Super NES graphics and sound has annoyed many, but fear not, for an end to the frustration may be...
First Impressions G.G Series Collection+
The arcade collection you never knew about
Genterprise certainly appears to be a big fan of the Nintendo DSi, having released nearly a score of titles under the G.G Series banner, all of which have been previewed on this very site. Having them collected into a DS retail release to reach a broader audience makes sense, but even if you've already...
Nintendo Download 31st August & 1st September 2010 (Japan)
VC Tennis for the Wii and three new DSiWare titles next week in Japan
Virtual Console: Mario Tennis 64 (1000pts N64 - Nintendo) — The original 3D Nintendo tennis experience and, (in the opinion of many) the best, is the final Virtual Console title of the month. Read our Mario Tennis review to get the full story! DSiWare: Action Puzzle Rabi x Laby...
News Japanese Virtual Console list - September 2010
More well-known games we'll never see (and some we might)
Japan keeps up the pace with five more Virtual Console games this next month. Three of them are arcade titles which could all possibly get a release elsewhere, if the publishers can be bothered. The other two are Japan-exclusive Super Famicom RPGs, which are highly unlikely to be released...
News Guilty Gear Spin-Off Side-Scrolling Its Way to DSiWare
A new Chimaki adventure from Arc System Works
Spin-offs by their nature usually offer something recognisable yet in different surroundings, but it seems Arc System Works has taken a very different approach for the Guilty Gear spin-off title it has coming up. Arc Style: Furo Jump!! Guilty Gear Gaiden!? is a new entry into the side-scrolling platform...
News Nintendo Download 25th August 2010 (Japan)
The Wii takes a break with just two new DSiWare games as the only downloads next week
Apparently Nintendo has nothing new up their sleeve for the Wii at the end of August – odd, considering the 2nd week of the month was a holiday and we still haven't seen Mario Tennis published, which was previously announced for release this month. In any event,...
Classic Atari rip-off does the business
Silver Star Japan has decided to do with DOT MAN what Atari don't: put one of their 8-bit console classics on the DS. In this case it's the classic 2600 game Dodge 'Em. For the uninitiated, Dodge 'Em had a pretty basic concept: two cars racing in opposite directions around a box-shaped track consisting of...
Nintendo Download 17th & 18th August (Japan)
A break for the Virtual Console and a mini-update for the DSi next week in Japan
All good things must come to an end - weekly Virtual Console releases in Japan, for example. Ah well, it's summer, so people should be playing outside anyway! WiiWare: Item Sagashi ★ Yōsei to Fushigi no Tō (500pts - Ateam Inc.) -- More party games centred around...
Nintendo Download 3rd & 4th August (Japan)
Fish and VC goodness for the Wii; the DSi gets the usual bumper crop of new titles
WiiWare: Blue Oasis: Michi naru Shinkai (500pts - Hudson) — People in the know will recognise Blue Oasis as the Japanese name for Hudson's perennially popular virtual fish tank, My Aquarium. Apparently not satisfied with what has to be one of the best-selling...
News Japanese Virtual Console list - August 2010
Survival horror from Sunsoft and more
Just three games for Japan this month, which is pretty much to be expected by now. One of them is a Nintendo 64 game everybody else has already gotten, while the other two games are both great, but Japan-exclusive. The only way we'll be seeing either of them is through import releases! The full, short list for...
Nintendo Download 27th & 28th July 2010 (Japan)
WiiWare and VC releases and four new DSiWare titles next week for Japan.
It's been awhile since we've seen any new WiiWare in Japan, though the drought is only being broken by a single title from Nintendo. The weekly Virtual Console parade is also continuing and the DSi has its usual mix of education and entertainment apps to choose from. WiiWare:...
Nintendo Download 20th & 21st July 2010 (Japan)
Street Hoops on the Wii; dolphins, Dasshutsu and dating (or ditching) for DSi next week
Virtual Console: Dunk Dream (900pts Neo Geo - D4 Enterprise) -- Sold in Europe as Street Slam and North America as Street Hoop, it's a tournament game of 3-on-3 street basketball with a choice of teams from various nations around the world. DSiWare: @Simple DS...
Nintendo Download 13th & 14th July 2010 (Japan)
Virtual Console RPG for the Wii; lifestyle apps, edutainment and a couple of games for the DSi next week in Japan
WiiWare is MIA yet again, so Wii owners will have to make do with an old Super Famicom RPG originally published by dear departed Data East. Virtual Console: Metal Max 2 (800pts Super Famicom - Enterbrain) -- The Data East IP parade...
News Budget Japanese DSiWare Headed to North American Shores
The land of the rising fun
If you've read some of our coverage of Japanese gaming with forlorn longing, you might want to stifle some of those sighs - a few games from Genterprise and Tasuke Co. are unexpectedly making their way westward. Recently evaluated by the North American ratings board, the ESRB, are G.G. Series: Super Hero Ogre and G.G...
Nintendo Download 6th & 7th July 2010 (Japan)
Neo Geo puzzling for the Wii; Spartans, handwriting and hockey for DSi next week in Japan
The WiiWare drought continues with only the VC to comfort Wii fans next week and things aren't much more exciting on the DSi with only two games and an educational title to start out July. Virtual Console: Magical Drop III (900pts Neo Geo - D4 Enterprise) –...