This once-again-weekly section on IGN will keep you up to date on what games were released over the previous week in Japan. If you want to keep informed of the import scene, be sure and check back once-again-every week.
The following games were released between 10.04.04 and 10.10.04. Click on the name to see all of IGN's current coverage on the title.
PLAYSTATION 2
Uchu Senkan Yamato Iscandar e no Tsuioku
Publisher: Bandai
Genre: SF, Anime, Simulation; Release: 10.06.04
Price: 7140 yen, Memory: 128K
Other: Limited first run includes anime DVD
Who remembers Star Blazers? That classic cartoon has its origins in the Japanese series Uchu Senkan Yamato, and it's just been turned into a simulation title from Bandai. Originally announced a few years back as a year 2001 release for the system, Uchuu Senkan Yamato Iscandar e no Tsuioku is based off Uchuu Senkan Yamato: Aratanaru Tabidachi. You switch off play between the Yamato and Dessler sides, with the latter half of the game following the show's path and having the two sides team up. Battles take the form of a real time simulation where you move your ships about on a 3D map and take out enemies using all the expected Yamato powers. The characters are presented in 3D, with some new touches. The game features animation from the television series.
Star Wars Battle Front
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: SF, Action, Simulation; Release: 10.07.04
Price: 7140 yen, Memory: 58K
Other: Compatible with PS BB Unit, Network Adapter and USB head set mic
Lucas Arts' Online shooter based in the Star Wars universe makes the trip to Japan via Electronic Arts. Sixteen player Online play stays in the game on the trip over.
Berserk Sennen Teikoku no Taka (Millennium Falcon) hen - Seima Senki no Sho
Publisher: Sammy
Genre: Comic, Action; Release: 10.07.04
Price: 7329 yen, Memory: 164K
Other: "Branded Box" includes a special figure
Don't be too scared off by the full name. Calling this game just "Berserk" will do. Based on the original manga, this game puts you in the shoes of Gatsu for some broad-sword carnage. In addition to your man-sized sword, you have an added arsenal of bow guns along with your super Berserk Mode of insanity. Characters whom you encounter on your travels can be called upon with a press of the L2 button and provide support in the form of heal and attack magic.
Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed: Owaranai Ashita e
Publisher: Bandai
Genre: Anime, Action, Shooting; Release: 10.07.04
Price: 7140 yen, Memory: 297K
This latest Gundam game lets you play through a brand new Gundam saga separate from the main Seed story. As you fight, you can call upon a partner to support you in special attacks. The game can be played in story mode, mission mode and even in a split screen versus mode. Perform well in battle, and you earn points which allow you to access data about the Gundam Seed world . Over forty minutes of new animation are included in the game.
Fuai-Naru - Approach
Publisher: Princess Soft
Genre: Love, Adventure; Release: 10.07.04
Price: 7140 yen, Memory: 348K
Other: Limited first run includes original drama CD
You play as your average high school students who, one lonely Valentine's Day, meets a girl called Shizuka Masuda. You suddenly find yourself involved with a number of girls, including Shizuka, your childhood friend, your classmate, a girl from your part time job and even your little sister who's gotten so close to you since your parents' death that the two of you are almost a couple! Will you manage to get a true Valentine's Day chocolate from one of these girls next year?
Bomberman Battles
Publisher: Hudson
Genre: Variety, Action; Release: 10.07.04
Price: 6279 yen, Memory: 965K
Hudson's latest take on Bomberman features four different games. Selecting from the seven different Bomberman characters included in the title, you can play through baseball, golf and tennis games, each with exhibition and tournament options. The classic battle mode is included as well.
GAME BOY ADVANCE
Fire Emblem: Seima no Kouseki
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Fantasy, Simulation, RPG; Release: 10.07.04
Price: 4800 yen; Includes backup feature
Other: Compatible with link cable.
The latest Fire Emblem takes place on the continent of Magi Varl, which is split up into multiple kingdoms. The strongest of these kingdoms, Grad Empire, invades Lunes Kingdom, offing the Kingdom's royal family, save for the two siblings who end up becoming the hero and heroine of the game. You start things off by playing as both siblings, but midway through you're required to choose which one is the main character, with your progress through the game changing as a result. New to the game is the ability to move around on a world map freely, shopping in different towns and entering an EX Map to take on powerful enemies. You can now select between two final classes when each character reaches level ten.
XBOX
Star Wars Battle Front
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Fantasy, Simulation, RPG; Release: 10.07.04
Price: 4800 yen; Includes backup feature
Other: Compatible with link cable.
Just like the PS2 version, Electronic Arts is bringing this Star Wars battle game to Japan on Xbox. Xbox Live support is, of course, included.
That does it for this week's list. Remember, if you want to keep ahead of the Japanese game scene, be sure and check out our weekly Gaming Life in Japan article. The latest update features thirty commercials from Japan, including spots for the Nintendo DS, Arc the Lad Generations, Shining Tears, Fire Emblem and more. Check out the latest issue by browsing here.
