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Here we have all the games in the email230425 Section.
PSP
A Bit Special
Clever use of word linking in the title as players get to savour the delights of the otaku’s Mecca (or should that be mecha?) That is Akihabara. Its possible to explore the game shops, electrical stores, anime haunts and obligatory maid cafes with authentic realism in terms of layout. Plenty of fliers and Aikiba info can be viewed. Battles also ensue and those taking a beating tend to lose their dignity instead of getting a cauliflower ear in an intriguing take on the Yakuza series, hence the title. A clever concept covering all bases and uncovering a few surprises.
PS3
One on One Beat Em Up
Warming the cockles of side on scrapper starved gamers comes the sequel to the anime expose to satisfy the most demanding of fight fans. The all female cast is reminiscent of the seminal Asuka series, but unfortunately such high-res graphics were never a possibility on the humble PC Engine. Presentation is spot on with a wee nod to the doujin fan and a fine story mode with pre-bout banter between the cat like ladies. The title comes from the Arcana power which is chosen to help each character get through the bout. Great to see the ladies are still doing it in 2D. Keep them coming we requested and our pleas have been answered.
PSP
A Bit Special
Intriguing project that exudes Sony chic on the PSP. Basically a compilation of mini games pulled together on the premise of the rise in part-time work in modern Japan. Players save their very hard-earned cash to buy strange gashapons in the hope of unlocking another job, whilst chatting to their fellow part-time friends via the in game emails to pick up tips. An initial four games are available: catching baseballs to try and get up to a thousand. Putting pen caps on biros with an unhinged soundtrack to really feel the daily grind and mess with your sanity. Crossing the road frogger style avoiding the high speed cars. Finally counting pedestrians as they dart across a busy street. All executed with great style. A surprising unknown cracker in the PSP world.
Famicom Cart
Platform
The Battletoad games are very collectable and its easy to see why in this Rare crafted version. Cliched some of the locations may be, but when the execution is of such high standard its easy to see why they become much imitated and rarely bettered. Fun, wholesome action that squeezes every iota out of the hardware.
Miscellaneous Games
Shoot Em Up
A vertical scrolling shooter from master blasters Sega with clever programming and tasty chip tunes. Can’t go wrong with Sega’s hertitage.
XBOX 360
One on One Beat Em Up
Seemingly having done a lot of homework, Arc System Works infuse their Guilty Gear skills along with Akiba, sleek styling, gothic, Harajuku fashion, huge scaled opponents of the quintessential Capcom, Saturn era classic X Men, even what looks like a ghost from Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. The depth in detail to the backgrounds with exquisite lighting is a sight to behold. But the all important engine, where fight titles are swept mercilessly to the floor or soar with a flying foot into the opposition, has been honed with the teams years of experience.
Super Famicom
One on One Beat Em Up
Riding on the mighty sweep Street Fighter II unleashed on the 16Bit gaming world, Brass Numbers would have a good swing at Capcom’s cash cow. Telenet’s idy parallax scrolling is complemented by a few touches of its own in players being allowed to choose their next opponent and also being able to use their rewards earnt in bouts to boost their vital stats. Known as Doomsday Warrior in the West.
Playstation
A Bit Special
Subtitled ‘The Start of History’, one might expect more familiar titles than Son Son, Higemaru, Exed Exes and Vulgus. Exed Exes is probably the pick of the four, but with Son Son containing NHK Monkey’s exploits it will always be the apple of Genki’s eye.
PS3
Simulation
Special title capturing the hopes and mainly fears of a late twenty something stuck in a cycle of not wishing to work too hard in a part time position but suffering the lack of financial stability that results in. The ever pressing fear of pregnant girlfriends and the alluring yet foreboding Catherine prey heavily on our protagonists mind as the character interaction plays out with a wealth of mini games. One such involves shifting platforms to climb to the top of the tower and success in these is linked to progress in the special game.
🏆Brilliant!
Brilliant Super Famicom
Shoot Em Up
Graphically pleasing with liberal use of colour as you guide Willow on her broomstick quest for wish-granting sweets accompanied by her fairy friend Silk. Success is rewarded with an appropriately off kilter end of level tea break. Intriguingly Willow gets to select her favourite weaponry before the offset and in game Silk can be used to attack along with the fire dragon, star frenzy or lightning assaults depending on which crystals have been collected.
Mega Drive
Shooter
Overhead perspective strategic action blast in which espionage is the order of the day as enemy bases are sabotaged with bombs placed in the correct position within the time limit. Ammo is limited but the emphasis is more on stealth as Konami’s more famous title implemented equally well with varied levels of guard AI. A two player cooperative mode is very cunningly implemented and much more enjoyable than many two player competitive modes.
Playstation
Simulation
A cracking title in which you get to become a master crane operator through the various stages and challenges including pulling out fish as in the child’s toy fishing game. There is also an expert course to graduate aswell as the grind of work mode where going about your duties is strangely gratifying. Only in Japan, but well worth a spin. Known as Crane Master ni Narou in Japan. See also Shovel Master and Machine master in the Kenki Ippai series.
Game Gear
A Bit Special
The bizarre Crayon Shinchan world gets an appropriately off-kilter selection of mini games to savour in that unique graphical style like a child’s doodles. Great variety: from pumping balloons to a fun fair shoot out via digging for treasure on the beach.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
Plethora of zany characters from the anime hero Dam Dam to a fish head on legs which have to jump on each others shadows to win the bout. A glimpse of the creativity Sony harnesses when its developers are given a free reign.
Neo Geo Pocket
Simulation
Colourful slot machine game with Mexican themed reels including obligatory sun, sombrero and tequila symbols. Gamble your nudges.
Super Famicom
Shoot Em Up
Old school shooter with big, bad bosses filling up most the screen that require taking down bit by bit. The unique feature is the ability to be able to shift altitudes to avoid confronting the meaner looking machines gunning for you which adds a nice tactical element to the battle. An enjoyable blast.
Gamecube
Action
A quest based adventure as the mouse everybody loves seeks the pieces of the broken mirror to get back home. The gaming world looks a treat, as if Disney would have it any other way but with the added Capcom polish it really shines with a sparkle. In game events can set off a frantic button bashing sequence to overcome the challenge. And the mini games such as flying a plane around collecting items or snowboarding down the slopes provide a good clean fun diversion.
Can be linked to the GBA through the link cable (game and cable sold separately) to change around the Magical Mirror world.
GameBoy Advance
Platform
Famicom Mini Series capture the imaginative packaging and the unforgiving, old school gameplay of the source material from the Nintendo Famicom Disk Drive – never released outside Japan. The Series was commissioned to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Famicom or NES. Old school barrel jumping action reminiscent of the playground smash Game & Watch title.
Sega Saturn
One on One Beat Em Up
A dream title for Sega fight fans which sees the creme of Virtua Fighter pitched head on against the elite of Fighting Vipers. Choc-a-bloc with hidden eggs which gives the game longevity comparable to VF’s Shun. Mention must go to Kumachan, a Genki legend.
PC Engine HU Card
One on One Beat Em Up
As the title would suggest, jousting between massive mechas – proving beyond doubt the Japanese gaming fraternity’s obbsession with fighting robots. The giant mechas battle it out travelling along a road, hence the ‘Run’ part of the title. Better in two player mode where power ups are keenly fought over.
Soundtracks
Soundtrack
Based on the DS version of Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy maintains its ability to keep its orchestral score as high as its stunning visuals
Sega Saturn
Sports
Wrestling from the kings of grapple Human. Genki wouldn’t fancy getting pinned off the Canadian judo killer Joe nor coming up against the mysterious moves of the Hong Kong Dragon God much either!
Sega Saturn
A Bit Special
This disk has four demos from Bomberman SS, Sakura Wars, Virtua On and Tengai Makyo. A nice curio for the dedicated Saturn conehead.
Nintendo DS
A Bit Special
A Club Nintendo title that could only be obtained in Japan by those holding sufficient points which should no doubt add to its collectability in years to come. Transforms your DS into a Game & Watch machine in which Nintendo first cut its handheld teeth. Three titles are included: the pest ridding Green House, the overrun mechanic in Oil Panic and the evergreen Donkey Kong that still whiles away those train journeys.
Dreamcast
Sports
Whittle away a few peaceful hours on Lake Paradise trying to land a big bass renowned for their fighting ability. Tactical choice of lure is essential as you cajole the bass to take the bait. Once you have a bite the line tension gauge must be carefully monitored to stop the line from snapping. Arcade and DC original modes to select with the latter being far more forgiving than the arcade mode in which you must land sufficient weight within the time limit to you move on to the next stage. Failure to bag anything will leave you gutted.
Dreamcast
Sports
Beautiful weather and water textures add to the natural healing that comes from cruising the lakes in the great outdoors, dropping a line every now and then. The boat can be manoeuvred to a favoured spot on the lake adding an extra dimension to gameplay, particularly with the boat being equipped with a depth monitoring device. Spiritual healing for the urban oppressed.
PS2
Rhythm
Trial version in which players transform into the uber funky Giatroo Man by picking up an electric guitar and strum some riffs to dispatch of your adversaries in a unique twist on the rhythm action genre. Get in the groove and react in sync and the music plays along more smoothly. As exquisitely colourful as a trip to Shibuya and full of Eastern insanity making this a must have purchase.
Wii
A Bit Special
A little bit of a different experience with the games main protagonist and hero Minon being able to alter the domino action world. Fingers crossed this can be as enjoyable as No One Can Stop Mr. Domino on the PSX. Eight stages to enjoy with a battle mode and two player play possible.
PS2
Shooter
Gungrave Overdose proves you can’t have too much of a good thing with its overhead third person perspective adding to the gameplay and adrenalin. Not that it need cranking up: the tension is high from the very off with the introduction. The story is full oof twists and intrigue – not that there’s much need to ponder it. Top end (Red) Entertainment.
Super Famicom
Sports
Featuring a temperamental ace striker on each world team each with their own attributes and awareness of their own importance. Plays a slick passing game with nice arcade mechanics. Known in the West as Football Champ.