Add Sakura Samurai to the list of “games with weird name changes”

I’ve always wondered what goes into the localization and adaptation of game titles for different regions, and the recent news surrounding Sakura Samurai‘s European release has me scratching my head once again. The 3DS eShop title will not be coming to Europe under the name Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword, but Hana Samurai: Art of the Sword.

This leads to a number of questions. Is that why the game has taken so long to come out? (it’s been out since February in the US) The most logical conclusion is that “sakura samurai” has already been trademarked in Europe and it took a long time to negotiate a new name with the creators/publisher/etc. I can only imagine how that meeting went down.

“Hey guys, so “sakura samurai” is taken. We’ve gotta change it to something else.”

“How about another random Japanese word?”

“No, wait, I know! Sakura is a flower, right? So let’s just use the Japanese word for flower!”

Hands were shook, meeting adjourned. Okay, if it really went as well as the scenario in my head, then I wouldn’t expect it to have taken so long. By the way, sakura means “cherry blossom” and hana means “flower.” From what I’m aware, “sakura” is a much more recognizable word for English speakers, whereas I don’t think “hana”is anywhere near as commonly known. And why didn’t they go for another Japanese flower term, rather than the actual word for “flower”? The world probably will never know.

I always love an excuse to post a picture of a kappa!

Now, how about the game’s logo? The North American logo (at the top of the post) features the kanji for “sakura” and “samurai” above the corresponding English. Will they be changing it to the kanji for “hana” for the European release? I’ll be very disappointed if they don’t, though they may figure not that many people will notice.

Of course, I’ll admit I haven’t played the game, so there is the possibility that there is meaning behind the name “hana samurai” that I’m missing. Anyone who has played the title who thinks they have additional insight to add, feel free to post your thoughts in the comments!

Now’s a perfect opportunity to share your favorite game name changes, so have at it! My recent favorite is Fortune Street, which was changed to Boom Street in Europe and Australia. No, I have no idea, either.

I don’t care how bad the Vision of Escaflowne game is, I must have it

The Vision of Escaflowne is, without a doubt, my favorite anime of all time. Dating back to 1996, the series tells the story of a high school girl named Hitomi who is transported to the world of Gaea and finds herself an instrumental figure in war where men fight with superpowered mechs known as Guymelefs. Though the premise may sound similar to countless other anime, its beautiful soundtrack, compelling cast of characters, and mix of action with an art style and emotional depth typical to shōjo series make it, in my opinion, a true masterpiece. Not only is it rare to see an series created as an anime first and then adapted to manga (Escaflowne actually got both a shōjo and a shonen manga, which shows how diverse its viewership was), but Escaflowne was markedly more popular internationally than it was in Japan, making it somewhat of an oddity.

Perhaps it’s that last point that spelled disaster for the series’ video game adaptation. Whatever the reason, the Escaflowne game looks about as bad as it gets –– not only does it condense the 26 episode series into a measly 2.5 hour game, but the graphics are atrocious! See for yourself:
Drab colors, blasé textures… Hardly fitting for one
of the most artistically-inspired anime of the 90’s!
Of course, it should be evident from the title that I haven’t actually played the Escaflowne video game, nor do I own it. It’s been on my “most wanted” list for many a year now, and though a copy generally won’t set you back more than $30, I have yet to add it to my collection. Luckily, blog posts like these give some insight into what the game is actually like, which is enough to make any fan of the anime downright depressed. 
The game reportedly plays a lot like an adventure/visual novel – there is an abundance of text, some voiced dialogue, walking around, and a few mech battles thrown in for good measure. Apparently, the battles aren’t even that much fun. The only plus I can see is that at only 2.5 hours total, it would be easy to get all of the multiple endings if you had the stomach to subject yourself to the entirety of the experience more than once. 
But when all’s said and done, no amount of bad mouthing the game will deter me from my eventual purchase. Why? Just look at this limited edition set:
source
I’d say the box art and that rare tarot edition (modeled after Hitomi’s set) is more than enough to justify the price tag, don’t you? Of course, I’d be tickled pink if the game itself was actually enjoyable, but I doubt I’ll find many redeeming qualities in it outside of seeing how it condenses 26 twenty minute episodes into 2.5 hours. 
For the curious, here’s a video of the first eight minutes of the The Vision of Escaflowne game:
Has there ever been a game you knew wasn’t going to be very good, but you bought anyway? 

Take a walk down otome nostalgia lane with Angelique (GBA)

Okay, I confess –- I’m on a bit of a Game Boy Advance kick. Ever since I got my hands on a hot pink GBA micro, I’ve been itching to add a few more GBA titles to my collection. And, since we all know I’m a huge fan of otome games, it was only a matter of time before I acquired a GBA otome game. 
Well, in the case of Angelique, I really should say the otome game. Angelique was originally released for the Super Famicom in 1994, and is generally regarded as the first dating sim title to be marketed specifically towards girls. Players assume the role of Angelique, a young girl who has been chosen as a candidate to become the next queen of the Cosmos. Becoming a queen isn’t easy, however –- Angelique must face off against her rival, Roselia, in a race to see who can populate their country the fastest. Both Angelique and Roselia can call upon the aid of nine elemental guardians to either increase their own country’s stats or inflict damage on their rival’s lands. The otome aspect comes from the fact that the nine guardians are hot men who are all potential love interests for Angelique and Roselia… The catch being, however, that if you choose love, you must forfeit your title as queen. 

The GBA version is a direct port of the Super Famicom version, and a bare-bones one at that. There aren’t any additions whatsoever to this version, but that’s fine by me, as the portability is a great bonus and the box art, which totally screams 90s shōjo manga, is completely adorable. 
I plan on doing a separate post about the gameplay, but for now I’d like to share some of the great illustrations in the game’s guide!
First up are a series of illustrations from the manual’s opening pages, which introduces the premise:

The art reminds me a lot of CLAMP’s early work!
Incoming rival alert! 
Angelique and Roselia face the nine guardians/suitors

It’s interesting to see the emphasis placed on quality illustrations inside the manual. Modern otome games have the technology to actually replicate manga/anime-style art in the games themselves, but the Super Famicom couldn’t really give the same effect, so the images in the manual really mimicked manga styles of the time.

Next up are a few guardian profiles. Each guardian has a specific element he resides over, which is generally reflected in their design and personalities.

Randy, the wind guardian
Olivie, the dream guardian
Traditional shōjo alien hands 
Closeup of Lumiale, the water guardian,’s profile

Finally, here’s just one sample page of the instruction portion of the manual. Not quite as interesting as the above sections, as pretty much all of the pages look the same, but they’re very colorful and littered with screenshots and quaint illustrations. 

Overall, I’d say it’s a pretty nice manual! In an upcoming post, I’ll talk about my first playthrough of the game (Ever! Can you believe it?). Do I choose to become queen, or elope with one my guardians? Stay tuned!

By the way, have I ever mentioned that I’m complete rubbish when it comes to making up titles for these posts? I probably would’ve had this posted days ago if it weren’t for the fact that I couldn’t come up with a witty title. I’ve toyed with the idea of doing something similar to The Gay Gamer’s Acquisition #123 series, but I don’t really plan on posting every time I get a new game… Any thoughts/suggestions? Leave them in the comments! 

Seifuku no Ojisama is for all the daddy lovers out there

Seifuku no Ojisama. Older men in uniform. This upcoming Android otome game puts more mature men then we normally see in games such as these as objects of our protagonist’s affections. Poor Sachi, a third year university student, has the hots for men more than twice her age, and, like in any good otome game, it’s the player’s job to make sure she finds true love (as long as it comes in uniform!). 
I have to say, I am beyond intrigued by this premise. I’ve long thought older men were turning into somewhat of a trend in female-oriented media in Japan, and this confirms my suspicions. Funnily enough, the boys love manga titles I’m familiar with that feature older men all focus on café staff and the like, so perhaps the two go hand-in-hand? 
You can give me a check-up any day!
For the curious, the oldest male suitor revealed so far is 60 years old (and a professor, at that!). Gameplay is traditional otome game format: players read through text and make an occasional selection to dictate the path of the narrative. Seifuku no Ojisama adds an interesting twist, however, in the form of two types of endings, called “receiver” and “pursuer.” Depending on which options you choose, you may get an ending where Sachi makes the first move, or has the moves put on her by her love interest (completely non-sexual moves, I’m sure, since this isn’t a PC game). If you don’t pick the right response, you might even be stuck with the “friend” ending.
Though friend endings are common for “bad” endings in otome games, where the player hasn’t met the right conditions to have a “good,” romantic ending with one of the characters, this “receiver” and “pursuer” element is something I’ve never seen before. Even more interesting is the fact that it’s literally called the seme and uke system in Japanese. Seme and uke are pretty much exclusively used in reference to the male characters in boys love manga (referring to “top,” and “bottom,” respectively), so this may be a conscious nod to the BL fans who are eagerly eating up any and all stories about older men these days. But if that’s the case, why not make it an all-out boys love game, instead? Perhaps they are trying to reel in a larger audience while still appealing to BL fans, or that BL games don’t fare as well on smartphone markets. The alternative is that I am, of course, reading too much into all this. Just some food for thought! 
My personal favorite from the male rooster. What can I say?
I appreciate a man in a vest and apron! 
So, otome fans and non-fans, is the idea of a game that features older men (or women, if bishōjo titles are more your thing) something you’d like to see more of? I have a feeling most would write it off as unappealing or worse, and though I readily admit it isn’t for everyone, I personally think it’s all in good fun and would be eager to give this game a go myself. If you’re interested, do head over to the character page and let me know your favorite! (Before anyone asks, the younger guy in a school uniform is the protagonist’s cousin. It says he has a secret… I sincerely hope it isn’t that he turns into a 50-year-old man at night!)

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!

Japan Envy: Pikachu Yellow 3DS LL/XL

Guess what? Japan’s getting yet another amazing limited edition console, and this time it’s a Pikachu-themed 3DS LL (or XL for us westerners). I’m fully ready to admit that this is the most beautiful handheld I have ever seen. I want it with every fiber of my being. Okay, that’s a little creepy, but I definitely like it more than the last exclusive Japanese 3DS I gushed over (this Kingdom Hearts one).

This brilliant 3DS LL, titled “Pikachu Yellow,” will only be available for preorder at Japanese Pokémon Centers from August 25th to September 14th for 18,900 yen, strictly limited to one console per customer. Believe me, if I lived in Japan, I would literally line up outside my local Pokémon Center for this, if need be!

Pikachu’s pleading eyes bore right into my very soul.
Funnily enough, I’ve actually been warming up to the 3DS XL as of late, not in part due to shidoshi’s rave comments regarding his first-hand experience with one on our latest Nichiest Podcast Ever. This bright yellow with the white hinge definitely takes the cake –– I only wish that they showed the inside, which I’m assuming is white. If it’s actually yellow… Well, that would be quite jarring to look at, wouldn’t it? 
So what do you think: is the Pikachu Yellow LL the handheld of the century or an unbelievably garish monstrosity? I think you know where I stand! 

Dissecting Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Ultimania File 3: Battle

Every once in a while, Shaun and I stumble upon a really good find here in Brisbane. First it was the talking Pikachu and Rilakkuma plush keychain at the local vintage shop, then it was the Japanese Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town strategy guide from the used bookstore in the city. Now, I dare say we’ve uncovered the crown jewel of awesome game-related discoveries: the Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Ultimania File 3: Battle. Where did we find this rare tome, you ask? In the discount bin of our local comic book store for only $25! To get an idea of what a steal this is, $25 is pretty much on par with what you’d pay for this beast if you bought it from a bookstore in Japan… yet it was originally listed here at a whopping $70!

Now, the Final Fantasy Ultimania series is basically a bunch of glorified guide books for, you guessed it, the Final Fantasy games. They don’t generally contain step-by-step walkthroughs of the game, but instead act as a catalog for everything from weaponry to enemies, with in-depth character profiles and exclusive developer interviews containing all sorts of nuggets of information about the world of Final Fantasy.

The 20th Anniversary trilogy of books was released in 2008 (on that note, it’s kind of scary to think that Square Enix is celebrating Final Fantasy‘s 25th anniversary this year), each book focusing on a separate facet of the Final Fantasy world –– one for characters, one for battle-related information, and one for scenario, or the game’s story/world. As you can see, this particular volume is of the battle persuasion, meaning it catalogues everything pertaining to Final Fantasy battles from Final Fantasy I all the way up to Final Fantasy XII (including X-2!).

I have to say, I never thought I would be compelled to pick up a Final Fantasy Ultimania, but flipping through 20th Anniversary Ultimania File 3: Battle is a real joy. There’s everything from character stats and enemy information to summon lists and all sorts of neat comparison charts for all the different Final Fantasy games… I think anyone who’s a fan of a series will soon see what I mean!

Character profiles certainly aren’t as in-depth as they would be in the character volume, but the short descriptions featuring Amano or Nomura’s art, along with sprites and alternate versions, if available, is a nice touch.

I’m glad they didn’t actually localize his name as “Balflear”
All of the different job sprites from Final Fantasy V
I’m really happy they included Final Fantasy X-2. The dress spheres were
something else! 
And, of course, there are pages and pages of enemies in each game’s bestiary! I love the comparison images from Final Fantasy IV. 
Shaun has played Final Fantasy VII at least seven times,
but he says he’s never seen this enemy! Hard to believe,
isn’t it? 
A fun comparison page detailing a variety of common enemies in the
Final Fantasy series. 
One of my favorite aspects of this book are the comparison charts –– here we are treated to three different Bomb designs, along with alternate names (Grenade, Balloon). Did you know that the only Final Fantasy that didn’t feature Bombs was Final Fantasy I? I didn’t!
More monster comparisons! This time we’re treated to the wide range of deadly optional bosses from the games. Can you name them all? 
Summons! Another one of my favorite sections. These are all from Final Fantasy VII. I love that Moogles and Moombas even get their own summons. Final Fantasy definitely needs more Moombas. 

All sorts of interviews are scattered throughout the book. I can’t wait to
read them!
And there you have it! This may in fact be the best $25 Shaun and I have ever spent. Well, maybe not quite, but it’s still a very exciting purchase. I have a feeling we’ll be flipping through File 3: Battle for years to come. 
If you have anything in particular you’d like to see from this book, feel free to let me know in the comments and I’ll do a second round up of pictures for my next post!