10 Interesting and Bizarre Arcade Games From Japan Part 2
See, I told you I wouldn’t let you down. And for your further review, Japanese arcade games part two.
Best Game for People Who’s Parents/Landlord Won’t Allow Pets: Dog Walker
In this game the point is to walk dogs. All sorts of dogs. You actually have a pretty good selection in some of these games, where you have some nice doggies to walk and then you have the pit bull. The game is basically a tread mill that you walk on while holding onto a leash. The antics begin as the dog goes to chase cats, cars, stops to pee, gets into fights with other dogs. Um, actually I don’t know about that because I have only ever seen this game, never played it. But I think that would make it more fun.
My Personal Favorite: Samba De Amigo
Samba is fun. You get your Maracas (which are surprisingly heavy) and you dance. The point is to hit certain heights with the maracas in time to samba style dance music. It’s simple but gets pretty challenging and it’s fun. As long as you like dancing with maracas and samba music. I think I must have spent like ten dollars playing this game when I was in Japan.
My Husband’s Personal Favorite: Taiko Drums
This game has the same premise as Samba De Amigo but here you play the traditional Japanese taiko drums. So, if you have played Rock Band then you get the general idea, it’s playing the drums. It’s a little different than Rock Band’s drums obviously but the idea is the same, beat the drums to the beat. We dropped a lot of cash into this game while we were in Japan, too. It’s also fun in two player because you can send stuff back and forth between players. We were never really good at this game but I watched some people playing it and some people must be professionals. Or spend a whole lot of money playing Taiko.
Fun Dancing Game That Isn’t DDR: ParaPara Dance
I have not played ParaPara Dance but I have seen it. It uses the same type of movement detection that MoCap Boxing (from yesterday’s article) uses. It’s more challenging than DDR in my opinion because you actually have to move your whole body and not just pay attention to where your feet are going. It also gives you more of a feel that you are actually dancing instead of just stomping around like a goon. Don’t get me wrong, I do love me some DDR and played it while in Japan and still play it here, but everyone knows no one really looks like they are dancing when they are playing. At least with ParaPara you might look like you are moving around to music in a sort of dancing way.
Game That Makes You Feel The Silliest: Final Furlong Twin
This game reminds me of the carousel outside of the grocery store that cost a quarter when I was a kid. I always used to beg for a quarter to ride it. And then when I did, I always realized I was way too big to ride this ride. But that didn’t stop me. And I am sure I looked like an idiot. I am pretty sure that is the same exact thing with this game. You are supposed to feel like a jockey in the Kentucky Derby but you just look like a 12 year old trying to ride the grocery carousel. Gargantuan silly. I think I would still try it, though. Just for old time sake.
Best Game That Inspired a Whole Generation of Console Versions: Guitar Hero
Actually when I was in Japan way back in 2001 Guitar Hero wasn’t around as far as I can remember. I there were really cool guitar simulating games but I don’t think they were guitar hero. If I am wrong, please correct me. But I am very glad they brought Guitar Hero to the home console because those controllers for the arcade version are very heavy and clunky. And it’s fun to play whenever I want and not pay 100 yen each time. And I know that this one makes 11, I didn’t count it originally because it’s not really bizarre or new for most people anymore but it’s still cool so ultimately I decided to include it.
Well thanks for reading this, if you liked it give me a shout. Here is a link to part one if you missed it.
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