Shop
Here we have all the games in the Shop Section.
Famicom Cart
Action
Players race round the maze courses to grab the power ups or chequered flag before opponent cars whilst avoiding prangs and keeping an eye on the fuel gauge.
Playstation
RPG
The ultimate in luxury for the RPG lover: the ability to change the script at various points in the game. So a handy item can be cunningly added, a boss battle for those that like to grind their EP or perhaps even getting whisked away to a different locale?
Super Famicom
RPG
Build your own RPG with plot twists to put Square to shame. Plenty of options to hone your idea into a model of perfection. All that’s required is imagination and patience.
Super Famicom
RPG
Secret of Mana inspired RPG with plenty to commend it in its own right such as the action based combat. Unusually allows co-operative two player exploring and the game engine is tailored towards having a partner to battle alongside
Dreamcast
RPG
Sublime anime intro sets the mood well for this action RPG in the fantasy mode. Players soon find themselves hacking and slashing their way through dimly lit dungeons with pig like beasts vying for the attention of the divine sword. The perspective works well and the slant on action makes for great pacing to the procession through the adventure.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
Very solid 3D fight characters with ginormous weapons and seamless cuts to the anime it is based upon. With a full complement of the voice actors, the setting of the game is done perfectly. Gamreplay is like a more forgiving Bushido Blade with shadowy, candle lit levels.
PS2
Action
The spiritual successor to Shenmue started here amongst the flotsam on the streets of Tokyo. The neon looks the same, but there is a gritty side to the streets and our hero is never too far from getting his tattoos out and more than a generous amount of fisticuffs.
PS3
Action
Genki’s lack of moral fibre again comes to the fore in visiting the Cat Fight Club, ten pin bowling, or down the Sega Arcade enjoying Outrun, Fantasy Zone, Hang-On, Space Harrier and Beluga; rather than being out on the streets sorting out yakuza with more tattoos and scars than there are RPGs on the Super Famicom. Superbly executed, as stylish as ever. Shades, shadier folk, getting attacked in the urinals, tattoos, bad boy bosses – who would begrudge Genki a wee dram in the local snack later on in the day? The spiritual successor to Shenmue continues to go from strength to strength.Shades, shadier folk, getting attacked in the urinals, tattoos, bad boy bosses – who would begrudge Genki a wee dram in the local snack later on in the day? The spiritual successor to Shenmue continues to go from strength to strength. #spiritofshenmue
PS2
Action
Mean, moody underworld of the Yakuza that sees you scurrying around neon cities carrying out quests, meeting informants and sometimes even night club hostesses. The complex web builds up slowly and the police, or a certain police lady, soon get involved. Its never certain to say if they will be friend or foe, loyalty is a prized asset in this underworld. Plenty of fisticuffs with the odds stacked against our man, but fortune favours the just.
PS3
Action
Smoking cigarettes like Kojak pops in lollipops and looking like a Snatcher detective, but our hero walks a thin line between law and the yakuza. Mini games of button tapping karaoke, golf, bowling, darts, shoot em up, even oil massages from models are on offer to distract Shenmue style from the main quest. But lapping these up like a salaryman forgetting the daily grind will soon lead to a queue of street flotsam awaiting to make your acquaintance. An epic quest, Shenmue III if you like, for the strong nerved and willed.
PS3
Action
Cracking series with plenty of the spirit of Shenmue in there alongside some runs ins with street scum and build up to big boss battles which have huge artistic input into their choreography. Plenty of side line off shoot scrapes: popping into the shop for a helpful rice ball boost, but best to avoid popping to the karaoke or snack bar too much. It may be a bit gaming by numbers, but in Genkis humble opinion it is worthy of far greater accolades.
PS3
Action
Tattooed veterans of the series will know what to expect from this instalment: explosions, briefcases of Yen, scarred faces and tattooed torsos and plenty of fisticuffs. Add into the mull a beautiful J Pop star, ramen shops and baseball and I think its fair to say it covers all bases and in fine fettle.
PS4
Action
Return to traditional Japanese feudal roots with plenty of sword fighting along with the odd bit of fishing and farming. Dramatic, cinematic tension with plenty of fun sub-quests in this spiritual successor to Shenmue.
Famicom Cart
Simulation
With a name like Dragon King War, you may well expect an action title of sorts. Well the action is all confined to the board here in this take on the shogi game, a sort of Japanese mahjong or perhaps type of chess. The presentation is fine though with caster announcer declaring progress and its possible to take on mythical figures from Japan’s past. No doubt with a civilised cup of green tea.
Super Famicom
RPG
A fine RPG on a system with more than a few role playing medals on its chest. The epic combat is reminiscent of Phantasy Star and the group gameplay keep the action zipping along. Has its own style which works well, especially against such stiff opposition.
PS2
Simulation
Plenty of gents with high cheek bones to chat to in this dating simulation. A great language tool as the written and spoken language appear in sync.
PSP
Simulation
Plenty of gents with high cheek bones to chat to in this dating simulation. A great language tool as the written and spoken language appear in sync.
PC Engine HU Card
Simulation
Comedy adventure involving top spy ‘Sadakichi Seven’ trying to capture the Natto (fermented beans) organisation.
PC Engine HU Card
RPG
Comedy adventure involving top spy ‘Sadakichi Seven’ trying to capture the Natto (fermented beans) organisation.
Playstation
RPG
Imaginative quest with seven different players selectable, each with their own story intertwined with the others in the cast making for an excellent replay value. Combat is particularly strong with development of a player’s skills possible through practise of the same techniques. A high degree of in game freedom to truly explore the fantasy world.
Playstation
RPG
A more compact quest than the open gaming world featured in the initial instalment with players savouring the action through different time lines that cross each other adding to the replay potential. Painstakingly beautiful gaming world that is full of vibrancy thanks to the 2D graphics. Executed with that distinctive Square class that the developer exudes.
Nintendo 64
Simulation
A version of the Japanese chess game featuring famed player Habu. An intriguing game for the cerebral gamer or one for the collection.
Super Famicom
One on One Beat Em Up
Sailor Moon girls get it on in various locales from temples to ice castles with all the super girl power and sparkling characters. A fine fight engine under all the glamour.
Game Gear
Platform
Large sprites boggle eyes on the GG in this fine license of the Sailor Moon series that plays like a platform version of Kung Fu Master. Very colourful and good, old fashioned gameplay makes for a warming experience with those effervescent Sailor Moon gals.
Super Famicom
Puzzle
Pretty in pink sums up much of the Sailor Moon world and this block based puzzler is no exception. Nice animation to the players whose rivalry positively crackles with electricity across the screen. Either clear your screen or wait for you opponent to fill up in this snappy puzzle tie in. Full title: Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon S Kondo wa Puzzle de Oshioki yo.
Playstation
One on One Beat Em Up
Rendered sprites to give the femme fatale fight fest a fell of pseudo 3D, but it is just eye candy for a 2D engine. Plenty of chit-chat to make the most of the license, including the obligatory pre- and post-bout banter.
Nintendo 64
Sports
The oldest course in world golf gets a fitting tribute in this relaxing golf game with good putting set up to avoid nutter with the putter syndrome. Good use of the rich heritage of the course with the buildings and famous bridges well created using the 64s polygon power.
Famicom Cart
RPG
Based on the anime series with loose connections to Greek mythology, this plays a very solid battles in turn based combat with some sparkling visual effects worthy of the over the top specials. Between bouts players explore the platform sections that make up the dual format to the action.
PS4
Action
Has a real North American feel to the hugely impressive cityscapes and sandy trailer parks in this all out action quest. Equally impressive is the varied gameplay with bare knuckle fighting (and any other items that can be swung around close to hand), gun fights, bike rides and plenty of other vehicles. A real big budget Hollywood feel with plenty of thrills and spills.
Playstation
RPG
Based on the Journey to the West legend: join Monkey, Pigsy, Sandy and Tripitaka on their quest to India to find the Buddhist scriptures. Train up your skills in each town’s Dojo to ensure you’re suitably beefed up to whip the next batch of devils into shape with Monkey’s magical extending pole.