The "General Games Chat" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.
Hands up, people, its time for a quick question. Which of the three Japanese developers is more popular.
A) Enix
B) Konami
C) Namco
Tough one, but the answer is actually A, much to many people's surprise. I doubt that you could think of any reason really, except that they make exceedingly strange games. And that's something which Japanese consumers like. Strange.
But what is another word for strange? Innovation. You see, you may find all the dieting, dog-walking and horse racing simulations funny, but to the japanese, it is a breath of fresh air. We all know that Japan is the gaming capital of the world; gaming isn't a pastime there, it is a way of life. Everyone owns a console, and everybody loves gaming. And it isn't restricted to children and young men either; Men, Women and Grandparents all play videogames, as everybody in this country watch TV.
So consequently, gaming must be dull. There are so many Japanese developers, and so many of each type of game. Gardening Sims may not seem fun to you, but if you've been playing the same kind of game repeatedly for many years, you will want something new. And, as with innovators such as Sega and Nintendo, the most obscure idea can be turned into something magnificent. Pikmin, Super Monkey Ball, Paper Mario. They sound bad on paper, but with talent and innovation, they can be made great.
In Japan, developers have the chance to gamble and make a good game. In this sense, many new hits can spawn a tidal wave of sequels from developers wanting to ride this new genre's bandwagon.
You may have heard of a game called Tokemiki Memorial. No, it isn't a history sim, its a dating game. Dating games are very popular in Japan, as are shooters and racers here. They have become popular, because people want to give the games a chance. The public want something new, and will grab the chance for a taste of something exotic and different. It is a shame this isn't the case here.
Recently, many great games have been released, all radically new, and hits in Japan. Rez, Paper Mario (not so recent), SMB, Pikmin...
And the thing is, gaming in our side of the world hasn't taken off in the way it has in Japan. We are still content with our Gran Turismo's, Duke Nukem's and Crash Bandicoots, so innovation isn't as craved as it is in the East. So we don't give these great, fun games much of a chance. This is the difference between us and Japan. And why Japan has got all these 'strange' (which is used instead of 'innovative') games. It is the division between East and West. And it just shouldn't happen.
I find it distressing that people would rather play mediocre games like Gran Turismo before the likes of Rez. I just wish that people wouldn't. I dig innovation, and I buy all of these new ideas, regardless whether they are brilliant or plain ordinary. I give developers a chance; not on principle, but I become bored into a stupor with the endless stream of sequels, and re-spawns.
I love the Japanese way of gaming; kooky perhaps, strange maybe, but fun with flair and a difference? Yep, that's true as well. This is my message to the world; to give games a chance, and strike out at a tangent. Next time you're looking for a new game; choose innovation over graphics. Don't go for things you've seen before - see what these different games have to offer; I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised.
A) Enix
B) Konami
C) Namco
Tough one, but the answer is actually A, much to many people's surprise. I doubt that you could think of any reason really, except that they make exceedingly strange games. And that's something which Japanese consumers like. Strange.
But what is another word for strange? Innovation. You see, you may find all the dieting, dog-walking and horse racing simulations funny, but to the japanese, it is a breath of fresh air. We all know that Japan is the gaming capital of the world; gaming isn't a pastime there, it is a way of life. Everyone owns a console, and everybody loves gaming. And it isn't restricted to children and young men either; Men, Women and Grandparents all play videogames, as everybody in this country watch TV.
So consequently, gaming must be dull. There are so many Japanese developers, and so many of each type of game. Gardening Sims may not seem fun to you, but if you've been playing the same kind of game repeatedly for many years, you will want something new. And, as with innovators such as Sega and Nintendo, the most obscure idea can be turned into something magnificent. Pikmin, Super Monkey Ball, Paper Mario. They sound bad on paper, but with talent and innovation, they can be made great.
In Japan, developers have the chance to gamble and make a good game. In this sense, many new hits can spawn a tidal wave of sequels from developers wanting to ride this new genre's bandwagon.
You may have heard of a game called Tokemiki Memorial. No, it isn't a history sim, its a dating game. Dating games are very popular in Japan, as are shooters and racers here. They have become popular, because people want to give the games a chance. The public want something new, and will grab the chance for a taste of something exotic and different. It is a shame this isn't the case here.
Recently, many great games have been released, all radically new, and hits in Japan. Rez, Paper Mario (not so recent), SMB, Pikmin...
And the thing is, gaming in our side of the world hasn't taken off in the way it has in Japan. We are still content with our Gran Turismo's, Duke Nukem's and Crash Bandicoots, so innovation isn't as craved as it is in the East. So we don't give these great, fun games much of a chance. This is the difference between us and Japan. And why Japan has got all these 'strange' (which is used instead of 'innovative') games. It is the division between East and West. And it just shouldn't happen.
I find it distressing that people would rather play mediocre games like Gran Turismo before the likes of Rez. I just wish that people wouldn't. I dig innovation, and I buy all of these new ideas, regardless whether they are brilliant or plain ordinary. I give developers a chance; not on principle, but I become bored into a stupor with the endless stream of sequels, and re-spawns.
I love the Japanese way of gaming; kooky perhaps, strange maybe, but fun with flair and a difference? Yep, that's true as well. This is my message to the world; to give games a chance, and strike out at a tangent. Next time you're looking for a new game; choose innovation over graphics. Don't go for things you've seen before - see what these different games have to offer; I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I suppose GT3 isn't mediocre, but the thing is, we have already had bucketloads of racers, from Ridge Racer to Wipeout, and all it is is taking the normal racing sim and giving a massive wealth of bonus add-ons. It is a fun game to play, but think about it if you HADN'T played all the racers that had come before. Think how great it would have been then. Originality is dead, or, at least in the western gaming culture.
Yeah, I recongnised this topic, but written completely different of course! Good post too, even if something similar's been done before!
And I am awaiting to recieve Paper Mario as my 7th GAD! And I won for my Sims Hot Date review. - And both those things kinda fit in with your topic - ones dull and repetative (The Sims) and the other is an inovative idea (Paper Mario).
And I am awaiting to recieve Paper Mario as my 7th GAD! And I won for my Sims Hot Date review. - And both those things kinda fit in with your topic - ones dull and repetative (The Sims) and the other is an inovative idea (Paper Mario).
good post
hmmm.. I swear I just won GAD for this topic (well, not this exact post, but the same concepts!)
Anyway, original games never sell well in the West- Jet Set, NiGHTS and Rez haven't been great hits (all Sega!). Meanwhile Tomb Raider 5 will come at no 1 in the charts!
sonic
Anyway, original games never sell well in the West- Jet Set, NiGHTS and Rez haven't been great hits (all Sega!). Meanwhile Tomb Raider 5 will come at no 1 in the charts!
sonic
Good post Half Pint.
I would agree that Japanese originality and innovation in gaming is good, but can you really call Gran Turismo mediocre? Just a question.
Anyway, nice post, we have had a lot of these today.
I would agree that Japanese originality and innovation in gaming is good, but can you really call Gran Turismo mediocre? Just a question.
Anyway, nice post, we have had a lot of these today.
Hands up, people, its time for a quick question. Which of the three Japanese developers is more popular.
A) Enix
B) Konami
C) Namco
Tough one, but the answer is actually A, much to many people's surprise. I doubt that you could think of any reason really, except that they make exceedingly strange games. And that's something which Japanese consumers like. Strange.
But what is another word for strange? Innovation. You see, you may find all the dieting, dog-walking and horse racing simulations funny, but to the japanese, it is a breath of fresh air. We all know that Japan is the gaming capital of the world; gaming isn't a pastime there, it is a way of life. Everyone owns a console, and everybody loves gaming. And it isn't restricted to children and young men either; Men, Women and Grandparents all play videogames, as everybody in this country watch TV.
So consequently, gaming must be dull. There are so many Japanese developers, and so many of each type of game. Gardening Sims may not seem fun to you, but if you've been playing the same kind of game repeatedly for many years, you will want something new. And, as with innovators such as Sega and Nintendo, the most obscure idea can be turned into something magnificent. Pikmin, Super Monkey Ball, Paper Mario. They sound bad on paper, but with talent and innovation, they can be made great.
In Japan, developers have the chance to gamble and make a good game. In this sense, many new hits can spawn a tidal wave of sequels from developers wanting to ride this new genre's bandwagon.
You may have heard of a game called Tokemiki Memorial. No, it isn't a history sim, its a dating game. Dating games are very popular in Japan, as are shooters and racers here. They have become popular, because people want to give the games a chance. The public want something new, and will grab the chance for a taste of something exotic and different. It is a shame this isn't the case here.
Recently, many great games have been released, all radically new, and hits in Japan. Rez, Paper Mario (not so recent), SMB, Pikmin...
And the thing is, gaming in our side of the world hasn't taken off in the way it has in Japan. We are still content with our Gran Turismo's, Duke Nukem's and Crash Bandicoots, so innovation isn't as craved as it is in the East. So we don't give these great, fun games much of a chance. This is the difference between us and Japan. And why Japan has got all these 'strange' (which is used instead of 'innovative') games. It is the division between East and West. And it just shouldn't happen.
I find it distressing that people would rather play mediocre games like Gran Turismo before the likes of Rez. I just wish that people wouldn't. I dig innovation, and I buy all of these new ideas, regardless whether they are brilliant or plain ordinary. I give developers a chance; not on principle, but I become bored into a stupor with the endless stream of sequels, and re-spawns.
I love the Japanese way of gaming; kooky perhaps, strange maybe, but fun with flair and a difference? Yep, that's true as well. This is my message to the world; to give games a chance, and strike out at a tangent. Next time you're looking for a new game; choose innovation over graphics. Don't go for things you've seen before - see what these different games have to offer; I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised.
A) Enix
B) Konami
C) Namco
Tough one, but the answer is actually A, much to many people's surprise. I doubt that you could think of any reason really, except that they make exceedingly strange games. And that's something which Japanese consumers like. Strange.
But what is another word for strange? Innovation. You see, you may find all the dieting, dog-walking and horse racing simulations funny, but to the japanese, it is a breath of fresh air. We all know that Japan is the gaming capital of the world; gaming isn't a pastime there, it is a way of life. Everyone owns a console, and everybody loves gaming. And it isn't restricted to children and young men either; Men, Women and Grandparents all play videogames, as everybody in this country watch TV.
So consequently, gaming must be dull. There are so many Japanese developers, and so many of each type of game. Gardening Sims may not seem fun to you, but if you've been playing the same kind of game repeatedly for many years, you will want something new. And, as with innovators such as Sega and Nintendo, the most obscure idea can be turned into something magnificent. Pikmin, Super Monkey Ball, Paper Mario. They sound bad on paper, but with talent and innovation, they can be made great.
In Japan, developers have the chance to gamble and make a good game. In this sense, many new hits can spawn a tidal wave of sequels from developers wanting to ride this new genre's bandwagon.
You may have heard of a game called Tokemiki Memorial. No, it isn't a history sim, its a dating game. Dating games are very popular in Japan, as are shooters and racers here. They have become popular, because people want to give the games a chance. The public want something new, and will grab the chance for a taste of something exotic and different. It is a shame this isn't the case here.
Recently, many great games have been released, all radically new, and hits in Japan. Rez, Paper Mario (not so recent), SMB, Pikmin...
And the thing is, gaming in our side of the world hasn't taken off in the way it has in Japan. We are still content with our Gran Turismo's, Duke Nukem's and Crash Bandicoots, so innovation isn't as craved as it is in the East. So we don't give these great, fun games much of a chance. This is the difference between us and Japan. And why Japan has got all these 'strange' (which is used instead of 'innovative') games. It is the division between East and West. And it just shouldn't happen.
I find it distressing that people would rather play mediocre games like Gran Turismo before the likes of Rez. I just wish that people wouldn't. I dig innovation, and I buy all of these new ideas, regardless whether they are brilliant or plain ordinary. I give developers a chance; not on principle, but I become bored into a stupor with the endless stream of sequels, and re-spawns.
I love the Japanese way of gaming; kooky perhaps, strange maybe, but fun with flair and a difference? Yep, that's true as well. This is my message to the world; to give games a chance, and strike out at a tangent. Next time you're looking for a new game; choose innovation over graphics. Don't go for things you've seen before - see what these different games have to offer; I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised.