Shop
Here we have all the games in the Shop Section.
Sega Saturn
Simulation
The title translates as Pacific Storm and features as you no doubt guessed, a take on the events of the Pacific Ocean during World War II. The scene is set with grainy footage of the war (and that’s nothing to do with the Saturns video capabilities.) Cut scenes use computer modelling to replicate the action. Saturn completists will no doubt value the authentic appearing, canvas booklet which replicates war time document holders.
PS2
Rhythm
Bash out some beats to the eternal rhythm of the Japanese festival which celebrates life itself. Coaches players gradually before letting them loose in a drum sticks frenzy.
PS2
Rhythm
The sequel to the genre defining title brings a welcomed save feature and plenty more mini game madness including a Galaga style shoot em up where tapping the drum skin fires shots (Namco not being one to forget its rich gaming roots) and drum rolling to blow up balloons – a tap on the rium when done. But the crux of the fun remains the songs – from Doraemon and Anpanman anime songs to Beethoven via J Pop from the likes on Mini Moni.
PS2
Rhythm
Feisty festival title that brings not just the sound but the heat and colour of a Japanese festival to life on the PSP. Buttons (or ideally the drum sticks) must be tapped in tune to the on screen action. Control soon become intuitive though and there is a wide spectrum of songs that are bound to raise your spirits and get you shouting Wasshoi in joy. Undeniably bizarre but when it brings the spirit of a Japanese festival into your home it can’t be bad.
Playstation
RPG
Played as a dog piloting a mecha suit in order to round up rogue felines who have been getting a bit aggro, Tail Concerto is a real treat and not just for the canine club. The game tags on some RPG elements but the emphasis of the action is most firmly placed on the 3D platforming sections. Still its always good fun to rummage through someones possessions to try and find a useful item, even if not recommended in real life.
Playstation
A Bit Special
Players take on the role of caveman and explore the landscape building up their own and the tribes abilities allowing them to swim or boost the fertility rate. The aim is to build a tower of mammoth tusks towards the sun. Highly original from an era when anything seemed possible in gaming terms. Known in Japan as Taiyou no Shippo.
Game Gear
Simulation
Popular Game Gear Mahjong series with an intriguing roster of characters with which to lay down tiles.
Famicom Cart
Platform
Takahashi is the star of the Adventure Island series and fans of that and Wonderboy will be right at home. The fairy character tosses projectiles out to help clear a parth through the colourful levels from an innocent age of gameplay. Plenty of opportunities to savour the Break Out style bonus levels. Proper title: Takahashi Meijin no Bug tte Honey.
Playstation
RPG
The painstaking attention to detail and the respectful nod to its Super Famicom forefathers in not radically dragging the RPG into the Playstation era ensured the superb series continued on from strength to strength.
PS2
RPG
Supreme, pastel shaded isometric sprites with the lavish game world brought to life. Avatars announce its PS2 status and the voice acting is of a high standard to draw players in to the gaming world. Top notch.
Playstation
RPG
Namco maintains its impeccable standards as it fill the disks with sublime graphics complete with reflections and amazing attention to detail. Yet it is the slick and seamless combat and emotional involvement, no doubt boosted by the vast amount of voice acting, which ensures this flies like a bird.
PS2
RPG
Any game in which you can go into a bar and shout ‘Give me a whisky!’ can’t be bad. Add to that music from Every Little Thing and the game is off to a flier. Then comes the hands-on approach to combat with players controlling their boss battles rather than just selecting a magic to unleash. Its easy to see why this series flourish in a crowded genre.
Gamecube
RPG
An epic series with a monumental version on the GameCube, so well suited with its cel-shaded sprites blurring the boundaries between anime and gaming, that it got its own limited edition console release. A real crest of the wave in terms of the series.
PS2
RPG
A vast world to explore, but led gently by Namco’s fair hand with cut scenes and stirring orchestral score to crank up the tension. A JRPG series with a dedicated following.
PC Engine HU Card
Platform
Set in a Japanese flavoured hell like world, Tarosuke must try and find his way past spooky, limbless ghouls and angry devils to meet King Enma with nothing more for sustenance than hell rice bowls and steamed buns.
PC Engine HU Card
Platform
Set in a Japanese flavoured hell like world, Tarosuke must try and find his way past spooky, limbless ghouls and angry devils to meet King Enma with nothing more for sustenance than hell rice bowls and steamed buns.
Famicom Cart
Platform
Set in a Japanese flavoured hell like world, Tarosuke must try and find his way past spooky, limbless ghouls and angry devils to meet King Enma with nothing more for sustenance than hell rice bowls and steamed buns.
PS2
RPG
An epic series with a monumental story – like a beautifully woven tapestry the way the threads come together. Cel-shaded sprites blur the boundaries between anime and gaming. A real pinnacle in terms of the series.
PSP
RPG
Namco demonstrates its vast experience in hand crafting elaborate RPGs and embellishing them with beautiful looks and high-end acting. Another fine addition to the series.
PSP
RPG
Experienced stable Namco takes the reins and steers you through its wonderful world with all its vast experience. Looking lavish on the PSP display.
PS3
RPG
The fifteenth anniversary of the Tales of series is celebrated in this intense instalment with epic worlds to explore and full-on combat. The battles are a real treat and give the player plenty of opportunity to shine. Visually stunning too combining various graphical skills and looks to result in a game world and cut-scenes of breath-taking proportions.
Merchandise
Merchandise
Four different types of key chain to collect to celebrate one of Namco’s popular Tale of games. Luckily at a price where you can chance your arm on getting all four types.
GameBoy Original
A Bit Special
Gamers of a certain vintage would have cut their teeth cleaning up Tamagotchi poo, petting them and feeding them. The journey to the GameBoy seems a natural progression.
GameBoy Original
A Bit Special
Opens up the Tamagotchi world as players explore the town and meet more virtual pets that need feeding and teaching basic maths to grow up big and strong (and able to add up.)
GameBoy Original
A Bit Special
Feed your virtual pet, give it medicine, shower it with praise, tell it off and play puzzles with it, not forgetting the odd poop that will need a scoop. Happy days are here again.
Dreamcast
Simulation
Realistic adventure game with detective elements and a good choice of riposte a requisite to progress without a thick ear.
GameBoy Original
Action
With the classic look of a Game & Watch title, this action platformer requires players to drop tactical bombs to give themselves some time to avoid the pursuit of the Tasmanian Tigers of the title. Perfectly suited to the small screen and a very enjoyable action title with some nice ditties such as Waltzing Matilda. Japanese title Tasmania Monogatari.
Famicom Cart
Platform
Classic Capcom gampelay with its traditional coin op slickness. Players use a sword to block aerial attacks from kite floating bombers and less subtly dispatched numbers from building block windows. Platform lifts, great pacing an even an armadillo armoured boss who rolls up to avoid attacks – its all in there. Known as Trojan in the West.
Sega Saturn
A Bit Special
Demos of Sengoku Blade, Stakes Winner, Street Racer Extra and Magic Carpet with a feature on AM2 and a look at Shining The Holy Ark.
Sega Saturn
Rhythm
A fun music synthesiser to play around with tracks and allow the TV Band to play it with some nice animation sequences. Easy to follow menu and some fine effects.