Shop
Here we have all the games in the Shop Section.
Dreamcast
A Bit Special
A Japan exclusive that was only on sale between the 16th and 24th of December 1999 and could only be used between that period to send a message to a love one at Christmas.
Playstation
RPG
Input from the Final Fantasy producer and a near army of playable characters each with their own story setting Chrono Cross in the top flight of RPG games living up to the weighty burden the prequel created. Players can combine attacks together adding a tactical element to the combat and its nice to be able to see a potential battle sequence unfolding so it can be avoided for the battle weary.
Super Famicom
RPG
Truly epic and immense adventure that you know has the high Squaresoft assurance of quality from the very outset. With excellent characterisation thanks to the endeavours of Akira Toriyama of DragonBall Z fame and the input from the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest producers add an extra A to this triple-A title. Aurally it delights too with Yasunori Mitsuda’s genius imprinted all over the soundtrack that is appropriate to each era.
Famicom Cart
Platform
Brings back the gaming fun with a unique twist on the platform genre in that it is played by a car. Drivers must cover as many of the platform levels as possible and in doing so complete the road they drive over. Some mightily impressive sprite rotation techniques as the players car changes direction or it fires a bullet into the pursuing police cars to spin them out of control. Nice backgrounds too with the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben guesting.
Brilliant Mega Drive
Platform
Brings back the gaming fun from the Famicom era with a unique twist on the platform genre in that it is played by a car. Drivers must cover as many of the platform levels as possible and in doing so complete the road they drive over. Some mightily impressive sprite rotation techniques as the players car changes direction or it fires a bullet into the pursuing police cars to spin them out of control. Nice backgrounds too with the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben guesting. Well worth its revival on the Mega Drive – a true labour of love from Habit Soft converting the arcade version with features not possible on the Famicom plus a few bonus extras.
PS2
Action
Highly original in the choice of helicopter that must be piloted to dowse city fires and rescue pregnant ladies, gentlemen and even dogs on roofs. Not too sure how they get on the roof on some occasions, but no time for such superfluous questions when on missions where time is of the essence.
🥇Game of the Week
Game of the Week Switch
Action
A huge license in Japan based on the classic manga. You play the role of Mr. Saeba – a bit of a Japanese bond, fond of both ladies and firearms. Good advise would be to keep em peeled for the helpful nurse on each level. Reminiscent of Rolling Thunder in parts. Brought back for the modern era thanks to a fabulous live-action film on Netflix.
🏆Brilliant!
Brilliant Switch
Action
A huge license in Japan based on the classic manga. You play the role of Mr. Saeba – a bit of a Japanese bond, fond of both ladies and firearms. Good advise would be to keep em peeled for the helpful nurse on each level. Reminiscent of Rolling Thunder in parts. Brought back for the modern era thanks to a fabulous live-action film on Netflix.
Playstation
Simulation
One of the more popular horse racing simulation game series that draws you in to the world of horses.
Dreamcast
RPG
One of the early releases on the Dreamcast and the developers were still finding their feet. Still, all the elements of a Sega RPG are included for the fans. A steady and solid enough title.
Playstation
Simulation
Further evidence of Japanese skills in making spooky psychological software comes courtesy of Human who were busy terrifying gamers well before Capcom’s zombie onslaughts. Graphic murders involving scissors lead you to think you’re next as you point and click light puzzle elements away towards revealing the murderer’s true identity. Occasional appearances of the scissorman will put a chill down your spine and quick thinking is needed to evade his advances. A panic meter can be used if fully charged to escape temporarily however this can only be used three times before becoming exhausted. In game items can be used as weapons, but once used they can’t be restored to the gaming world so quick thinking is a must.
Sega Saturn
Platform
One of the first releases on the Saturn and fondly remembered by the Genki team. Nice, colourful 2D platformer forced into 2.5D by the hysteria for 3D graphics when the Saturn and Playstation were released.
GameBoy Advance
Action
Best described as an underwater Pac Man in which players avoid the hazards to collect as much of the stolen treasure as possible by spinning around. Oh and the player is a fish. Well suited to the small screen.
Famicom Cart
Action
Best described as an underwater Pac Man in which players avoid the hazards to collect as much of the stolen treasure as possible by spinning around. Oh and the player is a fish. Well suited to the hardware with just the right ambition shown to add to the lashings of gameplay.
Merchandise
Handheld
Dream present for Japanese Club Nintendo members to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Game & Watch release of Ball. As it was only available to Platinum Members with sufficient points it will no doubt be one day as rare as the original production run.
Merchandise
Merchandise
Classy reward courtesy of Nintendo of Japan to its Platinum Members but finished in gold effect. Not sure of its worth smelted down, but few gamers would be able to dish out such a fate to what will be an heirloom of the future. Strictly limited, but this is no mass market Mario.
Nintendo Hardware
Accessory
A very recognisable cap worthy of doffing your own hat to. Probably best not worn, especially to prevent the DS, DSi or DS Lite that can be stashed inside its pouch from taking a shock to the system.
Merchandise
Merchandise
Club Nintendo of Japan exclusive Mario Party themed playing cards demonstrating the Big N’s humble roots as a card manufacturer.
Merchandise
Merchandise
Beautiful set of collectors badges issued only to loyal Platinum Club Nintendo members in Japan to celebrate Marios 25th Anniversary. Besides the retro kudos, the boxes can be arranged to make different scenes from the early years of the eternally youthful series.
Soundtracks
Soundtrack
Twenty tracks weighing in at over an hour in this tribute to the 3DS version of Fire Emblem. Beautiful presentation of the CD with picture disk and fold out inlay and some divine inspiration into the tracks on offer. Being a Club Nintendo item it was only on offer in Japan to holders of enough points.
Soundtracks
Soundtrack
A Club Nintendo of Japan exclusive brought out to celebrate Zeldas 25th Anniversary and its an anniversary well worth celebrating. All the colour and drama of the series contained in one CD: its hard not to whistle along. Weighs in at a mighty fifty one tracks.
Merchandise
Merchandise
One of the more unusual items that were available from Club Nintendo Japan for those who accumulated enough points. The parts of the puzzle revolve and the aim is to line up the different coloured gems in this tribute to an invention originally made by Gunpei Yokoi san before he turned his expert hand to video games.
PC Engine CD ROM
RPG
Based on the Bond style anime, Cobra is a smooth talking dude with a gun built into his arm. Travelling through space, Cobra must focus on the task in hand. And for him that’s no mean feat! Also known as ‘Space Adventure Cobra II .’
PS2
RPG
An expansive, open world to charge through with sword drawn for the non-stop, relentless battle action. The code theme makes for a Matrix style changing game world with Square Enix kicking loose and relishing bashing a few skulls.
PC Engine CD ROM
Puzzle
Four player party mode option, but equally possible to take on the other three players by yourself in a game like connect four, except this time you are trying to surround you opponents sphere to change it into one of yours. Some interesting player face animations and nicely paced gameplay.
GameBoy Advance
Puzzle
Good mix of modes including the Survival mode where you must try to win back the gems that have been stolen from the royal crown, hence the title. Two player link up battles are also possible using just a single cartridge. As simple and addictive as ever – the ultimate journey companion.
GameBoy Advance
Puzzle
Good mix of modes including the Survival mode where you must try to win back the gems that have been stolen from the royal crown, hence the title. Two player link up battles are also possible using just a single cartridge. As simple and addictive as ever – the ultimate journey companion.
GameBoy Color
Puzzle
The Columns brand gets a Tezuka Osamu san make over and it is a real treat to see Atom and co feature. Genki is a big fan of Black Jack, so great to see he made the cut.
Mega Drive
Puzzle
Sound puzzle title from a thoroughbred Sega stable that allows up to five player mash ups with a multitap. The Egyptian themed one player mode is fun, but its multiplayer where the action really heats up. Special power ups distinguish this from other Columns titles as special jewels trickle down the screen. These can lower your own playing field or raise up your opponents. Nastier jewels send the screen black and white making distinguishing the colours somewhat tricky, or reverse the controls messing with the min, or even flip the playing field upside down. Overall a fine arcade puzzler.
Dreamcast
Simulation
Coming with J Pop soundtrack with lyrics as sweet as the in game anime characters comes the gorgeously animated Comic Party. Playing your cards with care ensures the game engine doesn’t come back to bite you.