My Most Wanted Japanese 3DS Titles

All this talk about Japanese 3DS’s has gotten me thinking about Japanese 3DS games. As we all know, Nintendo decided to break the hearts of millions of fans around the globe by making the 3DS region-locked, meaning the system can only play games from the same “region.” Since the major regions are, as always, PAL (Europe and Australia), NTSC-J (Japan), and NTSC-U or C (North America and pretty much everywhere else, usually includes China), that means there are many Japanese games that are going unplayed by this NTSC-U 3DS-owning gal.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that there aren’t really that many Japanese 3DS games I’m itching to have. But as someone who may or may not find themselves in possession of a Japanese 3DS in the near future, I began to wonder what I’d theoretically buy if the situation presented itself. So, without further ado: my most wanted Japanese 3DS titles!

New Love Plus

A male-oriented dating sim on my list of most wanted 3DS games?!  Yeah, I know, you probably think I’ve gone crazy. But when did I ever say I had anything against bishojo dating sims? Sure, I’d much prefer an otome game full of male characters to pursue, but I like the genre enough to want to pick up New Love Plus, even though it wasn’t exactly made with me in mind. I wouldn’t say this is at the very top of my list, but it’s definitely a unique experience that can’t be had anywhere else. That, and I never did play the original! I’d probably play this one in the name of “research.”

Taiko Drum Master: The Little Dragon and the Mysterious Orb

Ah, Taiko Drum Master. My mom bought me a Japanese PlayStation 2 for Christmas one year, along with a copy of the original Taiko Drum Master and two taiko controllers… I have many a fine memory sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, banging two plastic taiko sticks to some semblance of a beat.

Well, handheld Taiko Drum Master titles may not have the same charm as their arcade, or even home console, counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pack a punch! Reliable sources tell me the DS versions were quite good, and that this new 3DS installment, with a new story mode, does not disappoint. Of course my saying “reliable sources” reveals that, yes, I have never played a handheld Taiko Drum Master game. That’s definitely something I’d like to rectify!

Nazo Waku Yakata: Oto no Ma ni Ma ni

Does anyone even remember this game? If you do, it’s probably because of the flack Capcom got for releasing a paid demo for the title on the Japanese eShop. But even though Nazo Waku Yakata came out a whole year ago, I can barely find a peep about it anywhere. I’m assuming this means it was pretty lackluster, but the game’s emphasis on sound, unique art style, and whacky gameplay that makes use of a wide variety of the 3DS’s features make it seem like a great choice for someone with a new Japanese 3DS. I wonder if it’s worth the 20 or so dollars used copies are going for on Amazon.jp these days? I’m going to answer my own question: since the above image is actually an in-game screenshot, I’d have to say “yes”!

Rune Factory 4

I think I can safely say that Rune Factory 4 is my most-wanted 3DS title. Of course, we’ve seen every other Rune Factory game come out in English so far, but Natsume has yet to utter a peep about the possibility of localizing Rune Factory 4. I’ve made it pretty clear in previous posts that the male suitors and Harvest Moon-esque elements in this installment really appeal to me –– so much so that I’d purchase this game in a heartbeat if I had a Japanese 3DS, even with the possibility of a future English release. Is that a guy with cat ears and a peacock-feather fan? I’m so there.

So, what Japanese 3DS games are you itching to add to your collection? I bet you’re all going to say Bravely Default: Flying Fairy –– I would’ve, too, but I thought I’d shake things up by limiting myself to  only titles that are out right now. Hurrah for self-imposed, nonsensical rules!

About Anne

Also known as apricotsushi. Anne can be written with the kanji for apricot (杏), and sushi was the most quintessentially Japanese thing I could think of when I was 13, resulting in my goofy, albeit memorable, nickname.

20 thoughts on “My Most Wanted Japanese 3DS Titles”

  3. Great list, Anne!

    I also long to play the 3DS Taiko installment — despite the fact that I’ve never played *any* previous Taiko game. I’ve always meant to, though, and for some reason the 3DS sequel is really calling to me at the moment.

    As for New Love Plus: I find the concept intriguing, but it’s probably not a game I’d bother with, even if I understood Japanese.

    Nazo Waku Yakata, on the other hand, I’d *totally* pick up if I knew Japanese. It’s just so out there that it has to be interesting, right?

    The Japanese 3DS games I wish I could play right now: Bravely Default, Guild 01, the soon-to-be-released Grandpa Danger (see my latest blog post) and Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry’s Wonderland 3D (or whatever its proper title is).

  4. Matt – That’s right, you have it, don’t you? So how does it work – do you hang out with the girls for the 3 years they’re in high school, or is it essentially never-ending? Is there some kind of “bad ending” like many other dating sims have, where you don’t get the girl/guy when it’s all said and done?

  6. Bryan – Thanks! Glad you like it.

    I have to say, one of the reasons the Taiko game appeals to me is that adorable dragon. Is he not the cutest??

    I’m disappointed that Nazo Waku Yakata didn’t seem to get any real reception. It may be that the thought was there, but the execution wasn’t up to snuff? Spirit Camera comes to mind as a 3DS game that had a similar fate.

    As soon as I saw the first screens of Granpa Danger, I knew it was right up your alley 😉 I don’t know if it’s something I’d actually want to spend my hard-earned money on, but it definitely deserves a second glance! Terry’s Wonderland 3D also looks pretty fun, but I wasn’t too enthralled with my previous DQM experience, unfortunately.

    Oh, did you hear Guild 01 may be getting an English release?

  9. Oh, yes, Anne, the dragon that’s in Taiko 3DS is the main reason I want the game, too. Although I also just really like the design of the main character. Always have. I really don’t know why I haven’t bought one of these games before. Maybe I should buy the PS2 original? I know it can be bought fairly cheaply these days…

    As for Guild 01: No, I didn’t know it may be getting an English release! Where did you hear this? Also, will it be a physical or digital release? I’m going to guess the latter…

  10. Bryan – Well, there is a curry eating mini-game in the PS2 version where you have to bang your drum as fast as possible to eat curry and raise your heat meter until you’re hot enough to spew fire at your opponent! That’s pretty fun 😉 I’d suggest getting the Japanese version if at all possible, though, as the songs are completely different from the American version. Or if the American songs are your cup of tea, then go for it! It definitely is cheap (are the drums easy to find, though?)

    I just checked up on Guild 01 and apparently there were trademarks registered for two of the titles from the original Japanese game, but no release date or anything. You can read up on it here: http://www.shogungamer.com/news/14414/two-games-guild-01-may-be-bound-western-release I’m sure it’d be a digital release if it were to happen, though, which is a shame 🙁

  12. Hello again 🙂 Oh, I love the sound of that curry-eating mini-game, Anne! Maybe what I’ll end up doing is buy the US PS2 version *and* the Japanese PS2 version. After all, the US PS2 version comes with a drum (or two? probably just one…) and is pretty darn cheap at the moment. And I can’t imagine finding a loose copy of the Japanese PS2 version would be all that tough at the moment…

    As for Guild 01: Thanks for sending that link. Although that makes me *kind of* happy, I have to say that I really wanted to play the two games that apparently aren’t going to be localized 🙁 I’m also interested in Matsuno’s game, though, so at least there’s that.

  13. Bryan – I did some research, and it looks like the US version has a similar watermelon-eating contest: http://youtu.be/7m3qme6FG9M Here’s the Japanese curry one for comparison: http://youtu.be/m6RdcCDyWMY

    I get the feeling that maybe the US version took some elements from a number of the Japanese Taiko games (there were SO many variations for the PS2 onwards). Here’s the track list, if you’re curious: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko:_Drum_Master

    I’ll keep my fingers crossed for Guild 01! It would be very silly of them to only bring over some of the games that were included in the Japanese version.

  14. Oh, thanks for looking up those videos, Anne. Both are completely adorable, although I have to say I like the looks of the curry one more 🙂

    BTW, I absolutely love the art style used in these games. It’s soooo sad that only one of them has ever been brought to the US 🙁

    I’m kind of surprised none of the Wii or DS ones made it over here, actually. I guess they’re just too darn Japanese for us Americans?

    As for Guild 01: Yes, my fingers are crossed, too!

    On a related note: Did you see that a second Denpa Ningen RPG has been announced for the 3DS? I sure wish the first one would come to the NA eShop already!

  16. Melody – It’s too bad Konami won’t localize them, but I can understand why they’ve probably determined that it wouldn’t be profitable. How did you enjoy it? I never quite understood whether the games have a real ending or not.

  17. Oh it was kinda weird but I really enjoyed playing it!
    You (a 16 year old male high-school student) meet three totally different girls. A cute and innocent one, a friendly and grown up (in mind) girl and a bullish, cold and difficult girl (MOEEE!).
    You have to choose your classes and freetime-activities to create your charisma.
    Every girl likes different activities and if you want to come close to one of them you have to get her to like you.
    Thats all.
    You pick your activities everyday and later you can send some text-messanges to the girls. At some point one of them (or more) will confess her love to you. That’s the point were the game “ends” and “begins” at the same time because it changes a lot at that point. Now she’s your girlfriend and you have to meet her, remember her brithday and your dates and stuff (it’s in realtime from there). That’s why it hasn’t a real ending. It goes on and on. ^^
    Greetings from Germany.

  18. Melody – Thanks for the explanation! That sounds strangely addictive! I’d feel horrible if I ever missed my girlfriend’s birthday, haha.

    I think I’ll pick up New Love Plus when I eventually get a Japanese 3DS just for the fun of sharing all sorts of crazy stories about it on this blog!

  19. Why isnt Animal Crossing: Jump Out on the list?!?!., it arrives Nov 8th 2012 in Japan… everyone I know so far has imported Japanese 3DS to play it next month. even I have imported for it.

  20. Well actually, when I wrote this list I intended to cover titles that I knew probably wouldn’t be released in English (with the exception of Rune Factory 4, which is probably going to take forever for Natsume to localize). But you’re right, Animal Crossing is a must-have! So much so that I’ve preordered the limited edition Animal Crossing 3DS XL 😉

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