What should I buy in Japan?

[Betagam7]

Planning a little excursion to the spritual home of videogaming later in the year with the missus. A week in Tokyo (with a day trip down to Yokusuka to finally pay a long overdue pilgrimage to Shenmue) followed by a couple of weeks stay in Kyoto.

Wondering if anyone who has been before or is there now can give me any tips on what to look out for gaming-wise as (luggage allowing) I hope to come back with (or failing that post myself back) some groovy import treasures and retro goodies from the likes of Super Potato.

Of course, I'll try and take many pictures of anything cool I find.

Any suggestions on what to pick up while I'm there?

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

WonderSwan Colour

[kawaiipikachu]

Well its not quite a videogame a deck of Hanafuda cards .

[Tides of Chaos]

Oohh Japan! I went there for Spring Break last summer and Akihabara is nerd heaven. There are tons of stores there for games and they have used games everywhere unlike the US (and I'm guessing most of the world) so it should be no problem to find whatever you're looking for somewhere. Even if you don't go to Akihabara for whatever reason, places like Shibuya also have game stuff.

But what to get? Not sure about that. Game-wise, you should obviously keep your eyes out mainly for things that you are able to play on your consoles such as DS games/GBA games or Gamecube/whatever if you have a freeloader type device. For example, I bought Gyakuten Saiban & Jump Ultimate Stars for DS and Donkey Konga 2 & Cubic Load Runner for Gamecube when I was there since DS is region-free and I have an Action Replay/Freeloader for my Gamecube.

I mean really, just look for what's hard to find online and/or what's cheaper over there than at home. What exactly you should look for is up to your tastes. I know I had a good site that points out good gaming stores in Japan but I can't find the link ATM. I'll post the link if I find it later.

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

WonderSwan Colour

Ooh, that's an interesting one actually. What games are good for it?

Originally Posted by kawaiipikachu

Well its not quite a videogame a deck of Hanafuda cards .

Not a bad idea, should be light to transport and a fun souvenier.

Of course I'll be aiming to get myself one of the famous Souvenier jackets of Dobuita Street.

[Refa]

Get a Famicom and a bunch of Famicom games. You won't regret it.

PS Also get import Sega Saturn games.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy IV, Front Mission (yay Square!)

Blue Wing Blitz (Square tactical RPG that I would kill to see on GBA or something... )

Namco Super Wars (a crossover RPG)

Guilty Gear Petit (I think there's a sequel, too)
Judgement Silversword (Radiant Silvergun homage)

Dicing Knight (if you can find it—unlikely)

EDIT: /closes eBay tab... Oh ****... what have you done Betagam? What have I done?

[theUndead_feature]

A japanese girl. If you can get her past security.

[enigmaopoeia]

I would suggest purchasing these games, I just name anything that I have played and enjoyed:

Bust A Move: Dance & Rhythm Action [バスト・ア・ムーブ Dance & Rhythm Action] (PS) = Music game with interesting characters.

Clock Tower [クロックタワー] (SFC) = An interesting horror game with multiple endings.

Dragon Knight 4 [ドラゴンナイト4] (SFC) = Yes, I am aware of this series. But this is a great SRPG.

Game Center CX: Arino's Challenge 2 [ゲームセンターCX 有野の挑戦状2] (DS) = The sequel to Retro Game Challenge.

MOTHER (FC) = Good luck if you can come across this one.

Osu! Tatakae! Ōendan Series [押忍！闘え！応援団] (DS) = Funny music game.

Persona 2 Innocent Sin [ペルソナ2 罪] (PS) = One of my favorite RPGs of all time, the only Persona game not released in America.

Tōhō Series [東方] (PC) = Recommended if you love shooters.

Wonder Project J: Kikai No Shōnen Pīno [ワンダープロジェクトJ 機械の少年ピーノ] (SFC) = An interesting approach to a simulation adventure game.

And because I am such a fan of this series, I would say any game in the pop'n music series [ポップンミュージック] (PS2). It is a rhythm music game played with 9 buttons and lots of great songs. Sorry, had to get that out of my chest.

[Trapster]

You should buy a gift for me. Should be cheap to send since you currently reside in sweden. Preferably something one can't get over here

Joking aside, you should buy any possible rare Japanese game you can find. And some kind of souvenir, of course.

[Radretrogamer]

whats the flight path from Europe to Japan?

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by Radretrogamer

whats the flight path from Europe to Japan?

From Sweden you can fly direct with someone like Airchina or Finair.

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by enigmaopoeia

Clock Tower [クロックタワー] (SFC) = An interesting horror game with multiple endings.

Game Center CX: Arino's Challenge 2 [ゲームセンターCX 有野の挑戦状2] (DS) = The sequel to Retro Game Challenge.

I'll definately add these two to my list.

Originally Posted by theUndead_feature

A japanese girl. If you can get her past security.

Getting her past the Swedish girl I live with may be slightly more problematic as its unlikely I'll be able to pass her off as part of my collection, or tell her she's a present for Trapster and will be super cheap to post!

[theUndead_feature]

Originally Posted by Betagam7

Getting her past the Swedish girl I live with may be slightly more problematic as its unlikely I'll be able to pass her off as part of my collection, or tell her she's a present for Trapster and will be super cheap to post!

Depending on the one you find it might be worth the trouble.

I can see you explaining her now, "But she's in mint condition!"

[kawaiipikachu]

Originally Posted by theUndead_feature

Depending on the one you find it might be worth the trouble.

I can see you explaining her now, "But she's in mint condition!"

Laugh Out Loud .
Well these few post about getting A japanese girl made me laugh .

[Diebythesword]

Shooters.

[Earl_Wiggles]

What kind of games are your thing? If you're a 360 owner then Mushihimesama Futari is a shmup that I hear nothing but good things about (and it's region free!). The DS has loads of quirky titles that may or may not be any good, English of the Dead and the new Kunio-Kun look fun but I can't vouch for their quality. Oh, and Jump Super/Ultra Stars.

As for retro stuff, maybe Segagaga? It's looks like it isn't very import friendly but I think there are guides online.

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by Earl_Wiggles

What kind of games are your thing? If you're a 360 owner then Mushihimesama Futari is a shmup that I hear nothing but good things about (and it's region free!). The DS has loads of quirky titles that may or may not be any good, English of the Dead and the new Kunio-Kun look fun but I can't vouch for their quality. Oh, and Jump Super/Ultra Stars.

As for retro stuff, maybe Segagaga? It's looks like it isn't very import friendly but I think there are guides online.

I think I might nab Segagaga just to improve my Dreamcast Collection other than that I can see myself trying to load up on SNES carts and a very cross girlfriend telling me that this really isn't what we came for!

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Betagam7

I think I might nab Segagaga just to improve my Dreamcast Collection other than that I can see myself trying to load up on SNES carts and a very cross girlfriend telling me that this really isn't what we came for!

You mean Super Famicom? Do those work on a SNES?

Originally Posted by enigmaopoeia

MOTHER (FC) = Good luck if you can come across this one.

Considering how popular Mother is in Japan, I'd imagine that'd be pretty cheap.

Originally Posted by Earl_Wiggles

What kind of games are your thing? If you're a 360 owner then Mushihimesama Futari is a shmup that I hear nothing but good things about (and it's region free!). The DS has loads of quirky titles that may or may not be any good, English of the Dead and the new Kunio-Kun look fun but I can't vouch for their quality. Oh, and Jump Super/Ultra Stars.

As for retro stuff, maybe Segagaga? It's looks like it isn't very import friendly but I think there are guides online.

Mushihimesama Futari won't be much cheaper in Japan than getting it from PlayAsia.

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by Refa

You mean Super Famicom? Do those work on a SNES?

Provided the SNES is modded with a region switch then yes, quite easily. If you don't have a region switch then one of those plug in converters works fine.

My SNES has been modded with a switch for NTSC/Jp/PAL games another switch to flip between 50/60hz, a widened cart slot to accomodate the bulky (or rather ugly) NA games and even a natty ultrabright blue LED for extra style points.

I it!

[enigmaopoeia]

Originally Posted by Refa

Considering how popular Mother is in Japan, I'd imagine that'd be pretty cheap.

I was mostly meaning I dunno how common it is to see some older gaming systems like the FamiCom.

And scratch that about MOTHER for the FamiCom, get MOTHER 1 + 2 for the GBA. Can't beat having two games. =D And also might as well get MOTHER 3 if you like the series.

[SegaFan]

My main priority would be a Saturn, idealy with a copy of Radiant Silvergun which has to be cheaper there than it is here, and that Segata Sanshiro game would be nice if you can still get it.

After the Saturn, I'd go for a PC Engine and some games, after that an original Famicom if there's still room.

I was planning on going to Japan this year (complete with the essential trip to Yokosuka, of course) but had to cancel it because of other more important things, so I envy you. Maybe next year.

As for retro stuff, maybe Segagaga? It's looks like it isn't very import friendly but I think there are guides online.

I've got that. It's worth it because it has the best introduction of any game, ever. It's an RPG in Japanese only which isn't ideal but you can work your way through it with various guides (just don't expect a complete translation). Even if you don't get the full enjoyment out of it, it's one of those "must-haves" for a Sega collector.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by SegaFan

My main priority would be a Saturn, idealy with a copy of Radiant Silvergun which has to be cheaper there than it is here, and that Segata Sanshiro game would be nice if you can still get it.

After the Saturn, I'd go for a PC Engine and some games, after that an original Famicom if there's still room.

I was planning on going to Japan this year (complete with the essential trip to Yokosuka, of course) but had to cancel it because of other more important things, so I envy you. Maybe next year.


I've got that. It's worth it because it has the best introduction of any game, ever. It's an RPG in Japanese only which isn't ideal but you can work your way through it with various guides (just don't expect a complete translation). Even if you don't get the full enjoyment out of it, it's one of those "must-haves" for a Sega collector.

Radiant Silvergun was cheap in Japan. They caught on about 5-6 years back, and prices are just as insane as they are on eBay. If you're really rabid about your Sega collecting, you could hunt for that rare box set version of it. Course, getting a bunch of Japanese Saturn games is essential (because Japan was the only region where the Saturn had a bunch of great games;in America (and presumable Europe),...It was pretty pitiful. Better controller over in Japan too).

[SegaFan]

Radiant Silvergun was cheap in Japan. They caught on about 5-6 years back, and prices are just as insane as they are on eBay. If you're really rabid about your Sega collecting, you could hunt for that rare box set version of it.

I'm not expecting it to be cheap, just cheaper. If not, I still want it enough!

Course, getting a bunch of Japanese Saturn games is essential (because Japan was the only region where the Saturn had a bunch of great games;in America (and presumable Europe),...It was pretty pitiful.

Sega of America had some ridiculous strategies during that time which directly affected us as well. That's the reason people in the west think the Saturn failed. That's why I want a Japanese Saturn.

Better controller over in Japan too

I don't know for sure but I'm fairly sure the 2nd version of the Saturn controller released here was based on the Japanese version, I know it's great controller. I don't know if it's the same in America.

[Betagam7]

*******s to Super Potato, check out these bad boys:

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13516

Sadly they are out in the country and hard to get to from the big cities I'll be staying in.

[Diebythesword]

Holy crap, is that epic or what?

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

*hyperventilating*

Still, what a dirty ****er, censoring the prices so people don't know how much he's jacking up his eBay prices.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

*hyperventilating*

Still, what a dirty ****er, censoring the prices so people don't know how much he's jacking up his eBay prices.

Seriously, I hate *******s who jack up prices and can't even man up to show the prices.

BTW, Super Potatoe is awesome. That seller must be retarded or something...

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by Refa

Seriously, I hate *******s who jack up prices and can't even man up to show the prices.

BTW, Super Potatoe is awesome. That seller must be retarded or something...

A lot of the guys on racketboy have been advising me that Super Potato has become VERY overpriced and to look but don't buy then head to some of the cheaper nearby stores.

Apparently they are a bit like HMV in England...basically a rip-off in comparison to other stores but also a place where you can be sure to find ANYTHING you are looking for.

Compared to ebay scalpers though they are still good value.

[Diebythesword]

Wonder how much that sealed Radiant Silvergun was though

[Diebythesword]

Unless, it was actually factory sealed, since almost everything in that store is sealed

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Diebythesword

Unless, it was actually factory sealed, since almost everything in that store is sealed

A lot of it looks resealed to me.

Still a nice big collection of stuff. I could spend a few hours and a few bucks in there.

[Tides of Chaos]

Yeah, don't be fooled by things being sealed. It may not be the original factory seal. I learned that the hard way by buying things in Japan I thought were new and were actually used. But it figures since I don't know a bit of Japanese.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Betagam7

A lot of the guys on racketboy have been advising me that Super Potato has become VERY overpriced and to look but don't buy then head to some of the cheaper nearby stores.

Apparently they are a bit like HMV in England...basically a rip-off in comparison to other stores but also a place where you can be sure to find ANYTHING you are looking for.

Compared to ebay scalpers though they are still good value.

Well, they offer lots of cart only Famicom/Super Famicom games for $1-$5, which is already quite a good deal. I'm not saying it offers the best deals in Japan, but it has a huge selection with prices that you (or at least I ) would be willing to pay for.

Originally Posted by Tides of Chaos

Yeah, don't be fooled by things being sealed. It may not be the original factory seal. I learned that the hard way by buying things in Japan I thought were new and were actually used. But it figures since I don't know a bit of Japanese.

I think if you ask the people at the counter, they can give you the right info...But I may be wrong? BTW, they did this at EB Games in the past, which I kinda liked.

[Tides of Chaos]

Originally Posted by Refa

I think if you ask the people at the counter, they can give you the right info...But I may be wrong? BTW, they did this at EB Games in the past, which I kinda liked.

Well, there was kind of a language barrier. Not to mention the fact that I wasn't thinking and was too much in awe at all the video games surrounding me.

[Betagam7]

The Grabbags look appealing..although I guess most will be full of obscure dating sims and sound novels

[pdRydia]

Keep an eye out for the GBA bit generations and Famicom Mini games. They're retro-esque and small, meaning you can shove quite a few into your luggage.

I also recommend the Starfy GBA games, particularly the 3rd.

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by pdRydia

Keep an eye out for the GBA bit generations and Famicom Mini games. They're retro-esque and small, meaning you can shove quite a few into your luggage.

I also recommend the Starfy GBA games, particularly the 3rd.

Bit Generations are nice. I'd definately pick up Orbital as I loved it on Wiiware. Dotstream might also be nice.

The games used to be pretty easy to get from Play Asia but I think supplies have dried up.

[Diebythesword]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

A lot of it looks resealed to me.

yup, I just can't imagine how much shooters they got in that store

[Refa]

Originally Posted by pdRydia

Keep an eye out for the GBA bit generations and Famicom Mini games. They're retro-esque and small, meaning you can shove quite a few into your luggage.

I also recommend the Starfy GBA games, particularly the 3rd.

Or he could get actual Famicom games...just saying.