Simulation
Here we have all the games in the Simulation Section.
PS2
Simulation
Based on the breath taking anime with high school heroine’s Saya vampire slaying and incredible production values, this second part of two is perfectly playable without owning the first. Treats players to sections of incredibly detailed anime and at various injunctions you must choose a course of action with multiples routes and outcomes.
Super Famicom
Simulation
Genki would rather not be running around after the horses, chicken and sheep everyday in this farm management game. Still the prospect of golden eggs helped Genki out of bed at the break of dawn. Freedom to visit others in town. Miyamoto san would be proud. Highly original.
Playstation
Simulation
Plenty of Konami polish in this Winning Eleven version of horse racing. Yet players have to put in the hard yards training to get anywhere close to the winners enclosure.
PC Engine Super CD ROM
Simulation
Digital comic adventure requiring knowledge of Japanese writing or good luck to be able to progress. Lots of anime babes to converse with and good voice acting. One for the Japanese dating scholars?
Dreamcast
Simulation
Subtitled ‘The Apprentice Angel.’ Heart warming love simulation set in a beautifully realised, anime style hospital world.
Dreamcast
Simulation
Beautifully illustrated in a more pencil drawn style to reflect the artist protagonist as he goes about his craft drawing an old friend who becomes a bit closer.
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.
Playstation
Simulation
The airplane sim is not a genre with many releases on any console format, so Airline Pilot provides welcome relief for all to enjoy the freedom of flight. Just watch for the turbulance in the thermals…
Playstation
Simulation
Train up your chose Chocobo from cute little fledgling to champion race stallion in this twist on the horse racing game. Great for fans of Squaresoft.
Playstation
Simulation
One of the more popular horse racing simulation game series that draws you in to the world of horses.
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.
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.
PC Engine CD ROM
Simulation
Romp around the town RPG invigorated by colourful characters and some suitably gruff and impossibly falsetto voice acting from ladies in stilettos. The games setting allows plenty of plots shifts which keep things fresh, if a little unexplained. Good use of cut scenes and voices in the early CD format fashion.
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.
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.
GameBoy Original
Simulation
In depth exploration of the Shin Chan world and it certainly never lacks intrigue. Enjoyable and friendly escapades on the well loved GB handheld.
🏆Brilliant!
Brilliant PS2
Simulation
A more modern gaming genre in the shape of a game aimed at ladies dating. Plenty of bishonen style young men to chat to in this visual novel.
Sega Saturn
Simulation
Beautifully animated sprites give this board game a wonderful isometric appearance. Fantasy Japanese creativity at its best.
Sega Saturn
Simulation
Jaw dropper in the pre-Saturn release media presentations. Kenji Endo’s opus is full of turns and twists and strange events. Don’t play before bed!
GameBoy Color
Simulation
Sequel to the popular Super Famicom version, this handheld update takes a card-based combat approach. Great characters in the Hudson mould. Subtitled The Miracle of The Zone.
Mega CD
Simulation
Deep and involving strategy battle game in a similar vein to Masters of Monsters. Demands dedication from the player, but rewards well with sparkling Sega polish on the massive gaming engine. Plenty of characters to select and being able to shape them adds to the attraction. A sprawling epic.
Dreamcast
Simulation
Similar to the passport disks, this was an interface to be able to enjoy surfing from the comfort of your Dreamcast.
Neo Geo Pocket
Simulation
Slick slot machine sim with baseball themed reels and stickers to turn your Neo Geo Pocket into a handheld fruit machine.
Super Famicom
Simulation
Build and run your very own high school. Thought must first go into the building planning, then into how to make the students improve in the subjects they are struggling in. Sports days allow or some good old button bashing and holidays mean for trips to the seaside.
Neo Geo Pocket
Simulation
Colourful slot machine game with Mexican themed reels including obligatory sun, sombrero and tequila symbols. Gamble your nudges.
Playstation
Simulation
Live the childhood dream and put on your white drivers gloves and kick back in your drivers cabin as you ferry the good citizens of Tokyo around the Yamanote Line amongst others: the busiest and most famous train line in Japan with 30 stations. Keep to the timetable with varying light and weather conditions including some torrential downpours. Brings a new dimension to on the rails gameplay and adds a new aspect to the series with full motion captured graphics.
PS2
Simulation
Great weather effects as drivers whiz through suburban and metropolitan Japan ensure the workers and schoolchildren get to where they need to be on time. Its crucial to keep up speed, but signals and stopping distances must be observed in a land where trains stop to coach markings on the platform. Highly unusual.
Miscellaneous Games
Simulation
Conan, star of the Case Closed anime, gets cut loose on the Bandai Super Note Club with this adventure for the little known curio format. Choosing different options in game affects the outcome of the story. The cart also includes mini games of the Skateboard Chase, 3D Maze and Kick Out.
Sega Saturn
Simulation
Pinball game with good variation in the four tables including the Roman gladiator theme, feudal Japan theme and fantasy based themed tables keeping the accurate ball mechanics in a fresh environment. Very solid game of flipper. Just try not to nudge the TV too much in the heat of a game.
GameBoy Original
Simulation
Create a dinosaur which doesn’t require any toilet training thankfully. Battle against other dinosaurs to gain valuable HP points. Looking very cute on the GameBoy.