I Hate British Video Game Shops

I'm back in England at the moment. It's great to see my family, i'm eating far too much food and the weather is great (surprisingly). But what isn't great is English video game shops. They are shite.

I went shopping the other day, armed with my crisp bank notes. I was ready to spend up a storm. All was going well. CDs, check. Thornton's chocolates, check. Shoes and clothes that fit me properly, check. Marks and Spencer's sandwich, check. Next on the list was video games. After visiting two video game shops, I was left yearning for Sofmap and Trader.

The range of games was terrible. All new PS3 games, or older titles belonging to a big name franchises, were £40 and upwards. Even the way the games were displayed was underwhelming, stacked in a lackluster fashion.

Another thing that struck me, was the that 90% of the customers were children/teens. I was almost embarrassed to be in there. Where were the 20 and 30 something males who supposedly make up such a huge section of the market? I saw one customer of my age, and I could smell him from across the shop. The stereotypical male shut-in-gamer with an aversion to showering. This is what my parents probably picture when I tell them about my passion for video games. Oh well.

As an interesting comparison, I don't think I have ever seen a child shopping in any of my local game stores in Japan. It would be very intersting to see a comparison of the gaming demographics of Japan and England.

I enjoy the experience of perusing my local game store in Japan, whether I purchase anything or not. High street shopping for games in England just does not compare. My brief visit to Game and Game Trader put me off video games entirely. For at least 20 minutes.

Video Game Drinking Games

Now that the weather is starting to get warmer, I have begun looking forward to the beer gardens opening across Tokyo. From department store rooftops, to mid way up a mountain, beer gardens are a great excuse to be constantly inebriated throughout the sweltering summer months.

However, you don’t always have to venture outside for drinking fun. Why not invite some friends over and play some video game drinking games. Here are some of the best titles for mixing two of my favourite guilty pleasures:

Densha De Go - various platforms

That’s right; train driving simulators are fun when mixed with alcohol. Get a couple of friends, the train controller peripheral, which has a very handy beer can shaped indent on top, and some beers and all hell will let loose. See who can stop their train within a predetermined distance of the upcoming platform. Losers drink appropriately. It’s much harder than it sounds. You will spendyour first few attempts hurtling past platforms, breaking sharply and sending your passengers flying.

Wii Sports – Wii

The Wii still has its uses. Great for a small drinking party, Wii sports is a game that anyone can play, no matter how many beers they have had. Once the obligatory character creation is over with, why not try some beer fueled tennis or boxing. Make the rules up as you go along. Though be careful, with arms flailing, a couple of drinks are probably going to end up on the floor.

Winning Eleven – various platforms

Any football game will do. Penalty shoot outs. Swapping players in and out, if you score your penalty everyone else drinks. If it’s a save, you drink. If you miss the target entirely, down it. Simple but fun.

Vampire Rain – Altered Species – PS3 & Xbox360

Each time you are killed by a seemingly invincible enemy, have a sip. Even the most hardened drinker will be off their face within about 10minutes. Utter rubbish.

Little Big Planet - PS3

Every time you spot something, be it a character, dialogue or even a whole level that seems to be, for a lack of a better word, borrowed from The Mighty Boosh, have a gulp of creamy Baileys. Served from a shoe.

Resident Evil 4 – Gamecube & PS2

This is not my idea, but I can’t remember exactly where online I read it. Anyway, each participant is assigned one of the comments that are uttered by the infected villagers. You hear your sound, you drink. Could be used with a number of different titles.

Burnout Paradise Ultimate Box – Various

The party mode is perfect for drinking. Short challenges for up to 8 players, drinking depending on your ranking. Or if you fancy a real challenge, each competitor downs a beer before each round. Lets see you power park now!

Please note; do not mix drinking with either the Final Fantasy or Metal Gear Solid series. It would be blasphemy.

Drink responsibly.

Should I Buy A SEGA Dreamcast?

Do I need a Sega Dreamcast?

I have been having this debate for some time. Should I, or should I not buy a Sega Dreamcast?
I have more games and consoles here in Japan than I have time or space for, yet I feel like I’m missing something. Something white and square. Something SEGA.

To better enable myself to come to a rational decision, I will set out the pros and cons of adding to my collection. In doing so, hopefully I can achieve some sort of clarity.


PRO – It’s SEGA
As I have mentioned before, I was a SEGA child. My first console was a Master System II, followed by the Mega Drive and finally the Saturn. But I stopped short of buying a Dreamcast. I got my Saturn towards the end of its shelf life and was left somewhat disenchanted with SEGA when they discontinued the system that I had invested large amounts of pocket money and numerous birthday and Christmas presents on. I ended up selling off my whole collection for a fraction of its worth, which I put towards a Playstation. When the Dreamcast rolled around, I couldn’t have been less interested.

But now that’s a moot point. The Dreamcast died a pretty quick death, and has been discontinued for some time, so if I buy one tomorrow, I know exactly what I am getting. Maybe its time to plug the glaring hole in my SEGA collection.


CON – It holds no sentimental value
Just as I wax lyrical about the Mega Drive or the Saturn, any past Dreamcast owner will do the same about their system of choice. But I have no connection to the DC. There are no titles that bring back a flood of happy memories. In fact, I played the DC for the first time only 3 years ago.

There are a number of Mega Drive and Saturn titles that I still enjoy, but I’m more than aware that someone playing them for the first time today would be far from impressed. Sentimental value should not be overlooked. Am I really going to appreciate the so called gems from the DC back catalogue?

PRO – It’s bloody cheap.
There is no shortage of DCs in Akiba, and they can be bought cheaply. Less than ¥3000 for a complete, boxed set. I have also seen the Karaoke add-on for ¥1000. Bargain.


CON – Most of the standout titles have since been ported to other systems.
As mentioned in thedogbarks’ recent article (here), many of the DC’s best games are readily available on other systems in various incarnations. I don’t have to buy a DC to enjoy Crazy Taxi, Powerstone or Rez.


PRO & CON – Shenmue
This is the one stand alone game that could justify my purchase. I still really want to experience this title. However, no way in a million years will I be able to understand the Japanese version of Shenmue. So it would necessitate buying a PAL or US NTSC console, which won’t be nearly as cheap as picking one up here.

CON – I already have enough games to keep myself entertained.
Not to mention the fact that for the last few months I have been playing PS3 almost exclusively. With so many great current generation titles to choose from, my retro collection is gathering dust. I’m not sure that the DC would fare any better. Do I really want to play the DC, or do I just want to own one?


PRO – You can always have more games!
Shenmue I + II
Jet Grind Radio
Powerstone
Crazy Taxi
Rez
Grandia II
Skies of Arcadia
Space Channel 5
Typing of the Dead (!)
Seaman
Sonic Adventure

Well, Im none the wiser.

Ultimately, if I want to get the most out of the Dreamcast, I will need to buy an English or American one, so I can play text heavy games like Shenmue or Skies of Arcadia. That removes part of the appeal: that they are so readily and cheaply available just down the road from me.

Any advice/recommendations would be much appreciated.

Decisions, decisions.

Metal Gear Solid 5 in 68 hrs 20mins & 15secs? Possibly maybe.

                                               http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/next/


Following a spread in Famitsu magazine, Konami have opened a website counting down to an announcement concerning their next big project. But what exactly is this mysterious game? Have a look yourself at the above link and see what you think.

The most telling aspect of the mysterious Flash page is a 5, or is it an S, that appears briefly every 10 or so seconds. Could this symbolize the next installment of Metal Gear Solid, which would be number 5 in the series? Or if its an S, could it be be a precursor to a new Snatcher game?

I'm interested to see what announcement will be forthcoming. Let's hope its not a big let down, like these kind of teasers often are.

All will be made clear when the timer hits zeroes. Perhaps.

Appropriate and Inappropriate Tunes For Burnout Paradise

When it comes to music, I take pride in having quite an eclectic taste. So when my friend informed me that I could set a custom playlist for the excellent free world racer, Burnout Paradise, I started importing CDs onto my PS3. This allows me to cruise round Paradise city to the sounds of my choice. The announcer will occasionally come in over the music, then fade it back in, making your music seem like a seamless part of the game.

Yesterday, during an online session of Burnout with thedogbarks, whose blog can be found here (link) we had a brief conversation on the most inappropriate custom soundtrack for racing around Paradise city. So, following on from that, here are my recommendations for a custom soundtrack for Burnout Paradise, and those tracks that just don’t fit.


Appropriate Choices


Capsule – Any of their recent albums

Capsule are a Japenese electropop outfit. One half of the group is Yasutaka Nakata, producer for Perfume and MEG amongst others. If you haven’t heard them before, they aren’t a million miles removed from a poppy incarnation of Daft Punk. Most likely you will have heard them on a Japanese CM or TV show without realizing it. Anyway, their tunes fit Burnout to a tee, in particular their newest offering “More! More! More!”. Pump it up!


Prodigy – Invaders Must Die

I wasn’t initially sold on their latest CD, until I set it as the background for Burnout. The album is a real grower, and sticks to what the Prodigy do best: a heavy 90s sound that still manages to sound relatively fresh at the same time. A great choice for burning up the freeway.


Friendly Fires – Friendly Fires

While they have had some small success in the UK with their debut, they aren’t all that well known elsewhere. They largely defy generic boundaries, featuring a little bit of everything. One second they sound like a British indie band, next an electronic outfit and then they mix in a bit of 80s Prince. I can’t recommend them highly enough, and Burnout Paradise provides an ideal opportunity to discover this gem of a band. Great listening, no matter the event.

Muse – Black Holes & Revelations

I’m pretty sure that Knights of Cydonia would sound good set against anything, even Vampire Rain – Altered Species. Tune.


NWA – 100 Miles & Running/Fuck The Police/Straight Outta Compton etc……

With the release of the Cops and Robbers DLC, “Fuck the Police” takes on a whole new meaning. I just wish my car would bounce up and down like in all those West coast rap videos.


Classical Music (from the in-game soundtrack)

What a wonderful addition to the game. It surprisingly complements the Burnout Paradise’s breakneck game play perfectly. Who would have thought it? Far and away the best music on the original soundtrack.




Inappropriate Tunes


Marvin Gaye – Sexual Healing

“Ohhh baby, I’m hot just like an oven
I need some lovin’
And baby, I cant hold it much longer
It’s getting stronger and stronger”

This should not be played when your friend is trying to carefully shunt you over a precipice to complete one of the numerous multiplayer challenges. “Get on my back” , “Your not doing it properly” “Do it harder”, all real comments that take on very different meanings when paired with one of the greatest soul singers of all time, crooning about his sexual desires.

                                     NO.



Guns N Roses – Paradise City (from the in-game soundtrack)

This used to be a great song, until I heard it a million times each time I loaded up the game. Give it a rest Axel.


Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (from the in-game soundtrack)

I can’t even be bothered.


Winning 11 2008 – OST

I don’t even know where to start with this sonic travesty. I just wanted an excuse to register my disgust concerning a collection of songs about football performed in a range of different genres. Some of the song titles include “Go To The Goal” “Use Your Head” and the imaginatively titled “Football”. I’d rather listen to bloody Avril thanks.


Your friend rapping – “Nuthin But A G Thang” (Dr. Dre)

I won’t name names, but this was just wrong. Almost as bad as my Call Of Duty 4 rap experience when one player, whilst waiting in the pre game lobby started freestyle rapping about each players user name. He had very few positive things to say about anyone. It also sounded rather poor.

Resident Evil 5 Platinum & A Microphone Disclaimer

Well colour me platinum!

I finally achieved the platinum trophy for Resident Evil/Biohazard 5, completing the last step, the story mode, on professional setting in co-op. The game stood up well to multiple play throughs and the co-op mode was very enjoyable (congrats on the platinum thedogbarks).

On a similar topic, I did buy a PS3 mic/headset, which I used during my co-op professional play through on RE5, despite my previous mic diatribe posted on this very site. I picked it up initially to play Worms with a few mates, and have used it on Burnout Paradise and RE5, and I must say that I wasn’t too sickened. I haven’t turned into an annoying, loud, know it all arse, though my levels of in-game profanity have increased dramatically.

However, I have maintained some values. I will only use my microphone when playing exclusively with people I know, and who I have met face to face. If I start using it with strangers, I promise to punch myself in the face. Repeatedly.

Akihabara - A Gamer's Guide Part III - More Than Just Games

It’s time for the final part of my guide to Akihabara. To close, I’m going to list some other places to visit aside from video game shops, to round out your trip.


The Rose & Crown

My favourite watering hole in Akiba. Coming from England, I have a tendency to turn my nose up at any so called British pub in Japan. However, I love this place! The food, though a little pricey compared to Hub for example, is really tasty. It’s a great place to go for a pint after a hard day buying video games. Or, if you are like me, a great place to go prior to shopping, which can lead to some very interesting purchases later on.

The best time to visit is during happy hour, 5-7pm every day of the week. It can be found next to the electric town exit of Akiba St.


Don Quijote (ドンキホーテ)

You can’t miss this huge building with a penguin on the side. Selling virtually anything you care to imagine, and some things you probably cant, it always makes for an interesting visit. The building also houses a maid café and a large floor of arcade games and UFO catcher machines.


UDX Building

One of the newer attractions in town, UDX is a large tower located next to the station. It houses a vast array of restaurants and an anime store, as well as an exhibition floor. I particularly recommend Shanghai Bar on the ground level, and the tonkatsu restaurant on the 1st floor.


Yodobashi Camera Building　(ヨドバシカメラ)

Aside from Yodobashi, which carries a staggering array of electronic goods, there are a couple of other reasons to join the masses who pack into this building. There is a Tower Records on the top floor as well as a good selection of izakayas and restaurants. Though be warned, if you are looking for somewhere to eat on a Friday or Saturday night be prepared to queue for quite some time.


Siddique　(シディーク)

Tasty, inexpensive and fast curry shop on the main street, going towards Suehirocho. They offer a very reasonable lunch set, and they are usually handing out discount vouchers on the street outside.


Liberty (toy shop) (リバティー)

This huge toy/collectibles store is about 5 minutes walk away from the station along the main road. Even if you aren’t that into figures etc, it’s still quite an interesting place to visit, if not just to laugh at some of the more ridiculous looking toys. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs if you are on holiday. It’s certainly a lot more original than chopsticks and sandals.


Aside from the places above, there are numerous incarnations of maid cafes, cosplay shops, no shortage of places to do karaoke and of course a handful of arcades, most notably SEGA and Taito. There are also two import food stores for those who want a taste of home.



That rounds out my guide to Akihabara. Put all three parts together, and you have a fail safe day out. Happy shopping.

Akihabara - A Gamer's Guide Part II - Yet More Game Shops

In Part I, I covered the main stops that any gamer should make when visiting Akihabara. In this, the second entry of my Akiba guide I am going to look at some of the other gaming shops that are well worth a look.


Friends　（フレンズ）

Don’t let the name put you off, this is a shop for serious gamers. A little difficult to reach from Akiba St, but its located right next to Suehirocho St on the Ginza Line. Catering strictly to fans of retro games, it offers a particularly good range of 8 and 16 bit titles at really good prices. At times, they have a box of free games outside the entrance, providing some extra motivation to make the trip.


Book Off

Located next to the station, this relatively new branch of Book Off has a fairly comprehensive range of used games. However, you are unlikely to find too many bargains here.


Retro Game （レトロゲーム）

Can you guess what they sell?! This is a newish store with a good range of games. They do offer some great discounts on more common titles, but items that are not in the bargain bins are usually over priced, so be sure to shop around first. The first floor also sells wigs, just in case you have the urge to change hair colour whilst rummaging through Famicon titles.


Messe Sanoh （メッセサノオー）　(Import game branch)

Along side the main train tracks and almost directly opposite the larger Trader store I mentioned in Part I, this small shop is dedicated entirely to new, import games. They have a very good selection, and the prices are usually better than Laox and Game Hollywood. Speaking of which…..


Game Hollywood

Another import exclusive shop. You can’t fault the range of games on offer here, but the prices leave a little to be desired. In general, PS3 games start at around ¥8000 and will remain at that price no matter their age. Being literally 2 meters away from Messe Sanoh, this probably shouldn’t be your first stop for new imports. However, sometimes they will carry titles that are difficult to find elsewhere, so it’s worth a look.


Liberty　（リバテイー）

Located nearby Retro Gamer, its sells a wide range of games at relatively good prices. They often have a couple of boxes of heavily discounted games outside the entrance, so take a look.


Mandarake　（まんだらけ）

One floor of this Otaku dedicated building, I cant remember which, is dedicated to games. Its near the very top though, so be ready for a long slog up the fire escape stairs, which are best avoided if you suffer from vertigo. This is the store that was selling the entire Famicon (NES) back catalogue a while back, and it carries a few rarer titles.


Now you can extend your gaming trip by an extra hour or so. There are still plenty of other places selling games that are worth checking out, but these should give you a fair taste of what’s on offer.

In the next, and final part, I will highlight a couple of other places to eat, drink and shop to help round out your trip to the electric town.