Nintendo landed some sweet ports like the first home console release of Street Fighter II, and also had some of the best first-party exclusive titles of the 1990s. ..
While the Super Nintendo Entertainment System has over 900 games that are a treasure trove of entertainment, there are many gems that most Western gamers missed out on. These games may not be as well known as some of the more popular titles, but they’re definitely worth checking out. ..
This is because the Japanese publishing industry is notoriously difficult to break into, and even the best-selling books that make it to market don’t always make it out.
Japanese-exclusive titles are a growing trend in the gaming industry, and with good reason. These titles are typically created by developers who have a personal connection to Japan, and they offer a unique experience that is not available anywhere else. This week, we’re taking a look at two of the most popular Japanese-exclusive titles on the market - Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Street Fighter V - and how they’ve been adapted for the global audience.
15. Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie (1993)
Super Dimension Fortress Macross was one of the most influential mecha anime of its time, and it paved the way for many other anime to come. ..
Super Nintendo fans rejoice! This shoot-em-up does it justice with some of the best gameplay on the system. With intense action and stunning graphics, this game is a must-have for any fan of classic video games. ..
Macross: Do You Remember Love is a new video game for the PlayStation 4 that lets players choose between three pilots with unique shooting patterns to pilot the VF-1 Valkyrie variable fighter. ..
It’s a lot harder than it seems, but anyone who’s never played a shoot-em-up can still play this game.
If they have some perseverance, they will make it through.
14. Magical Pop’n (1995)
Magical Pop’n is a game that combines the Castlevania-like gameplay with the dark and gritty Gothic aesthetic. If you’re looking for a game that will keep you entertained, this is definitely the one for you!
This action platformer is a great choice for those who enjoy interactive backgrounds and vivid graphics.
The controls are responsive and the combat is engaging, so it’s pretty hard to put down.
The game has a save feature, but it mysteriously lacks one.
If you purchase weapons and armor from the in-game store, you’ll unlock different ways to play through the game. This gives it a lot of replay value. ..
13. Tales of Phantasia (1995)
The game has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve been able to experience it.
Tales of Vesperia is a high-quality action RPG that already has everything that makes the Tales series so attractive, including the typical high fantasy setting, fantastic storyline, and no lack of Japanese anime/manga tropes.
The game had a great combat system that was well-done despite the ally AI being notoriously dumb.
If you’re looking for a new type of gameplay to try, try playing this one.
12. Bahamut Lagoon (1996)
This is a tactical RPG by Square that lets you raise dragons to command on your continued campaign against the invading Granbelos Empire. The game features a well-known boss from the Final Fantasy series, as well as new and exciting content to keep you entertained for hours on end.
Each dragon can evolve into different forms depending on the items, weapons, armor, or accessories that you choose to give it. ..
Despite selling well in Japan and being praised for its creative gameplay and delightful characters, the game remains locked up in Japan to this day. ..
11. The Great Battle V (1995)
Banpresto’s “The Great Battle” was a popular Super Famicom series.
The fifth installment of the “Harry Potter” series may just be the best one yet.
Super Robot Wars V is a turn-based strategy game that lets you choose between one of four playable characters, each of which is a different chibi version of a giant robot or superhero from anime like Gundam and Kamen Rider. ..
TGS, the latest entry in the TGV series, introduces a new gallery shooting mode that goes well with its Wild West setting. This mode lets players take on waves of enemies while trying to capture targets and earn points. ..
This game is a blast for anyone who can read Japanese. The colorful graphics and co-operative multiplayer mode make it a must-play for any fan of the language.
10. Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War (1996)
The 2003 GBA game, Fire Emblem, introduced audiences worldwide to the excellent strategic battles of the series. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited a new entry in the series. With Fire Emblem: Awakening, released for the Nintendo 3DS in February 2013, Nintendo delivered on that promise with an engaging and exciting game that has kept fans coming back for more. ..
The first six entries in the series were all released in Japan before being made available internationally. ..
The fourth installment in the popular Genealogy of the Holy War franchise is a must-have for fans of the series. With its engaging story and stunning graphics, this game is sure to please. ..
The game is a tactical RPG with an engaging story and lovable characters. ..
This translation patch provides a unique experience for those who want to experience it for themselves.
9. Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard (1996)
Gun Hazard is a new Mega Man X game for the Nintendo Switch that was announced at E3 2019. It is a side-scrolling shooter set in a mech world, and it looks like it will be just as fun as the classic Mega Man X games. ..
Front Mission: Wanzer is an exhilarating experience that replaces most of the tactical elements of the original game for on-the-ground action aboard your Wanzer. ..
EXP and money are earned by completing missions, which in turn rewards players with better movement capabilities on their bipedal walker. ..
You can equip your mech with a variety of weapons and defensive systems to rain fire on the enemy. This allows you to take down your enemies with ease.
8. Rockman & Forte (1998)
There were many excellent MegaMan titles on the Super Nintendo. ..
The best MegaMan game on Nintendo’s 16-bit machine never made it out of Japan because it was never released as a commercial product.
Rockman & Forte is a new action-RPG game for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms. It’s based on the popular Capcom game MegaMan 8, but with a completely new design. The game is set in a world of giant robots, and it features an all-new story.
In the original game, the player’s goal was to defeat the boss and then escape. In this game, the player’s goal is to take over the boss’ body and control it.
In the past, you could easily memorize their patterns and plan accordingly. But in this game, they’re much more chaotic and unpredictable, forcing you to adapt on the fly.
MegaMan & Bass was originally released for the Super Famicom in 2003. However, the better visual aspect of the Super Famicom release is undeniable.
7. Star Ocean (1996)
SO2 was the second game in the Star Ocean series for Sony’s PlayStation. It was released in 1991 and became famous among Western audiences. ..
The original Super Famicom title never made it to a foreign market, and we had to wait for its PSP remake, Star Ocean: First Departure (2008), to experience this fantastic JRPG.
The Private Actions series was a spin-off of the JRPG genre that focused on player-versus-player combat.
The dialogue-heavy events in “Final Fantasy XV” let you get to know each of your party members in-depth. This allows for a more immersive experience, as you can learn about their backgrounds and motivations. ..
In the early days of the show, it was a great way to flesh out your companions and other series soon picked up on the idea.
If you want to experience this game in its 16-bit glory, then check out this translation patch. ..
6. Super Bomberman 5 (1997)
Super Bomberman 3 was a great game for fans of the white bomber.
The last SNES game to be released outside of Japan was Super Mario World.
Super Bomberman 5 is a great game that blows Super Bomberman 4 out of the water. It has more maps, more characters, better graphics, and even more content.
The game has a fantastic single-player campaign with two distinct endings depending on your completion percentage. The first ending is if you complete the game without dying, and the second ending is if you die.
The game has a bombin’multiplayer experience with 13 varied levels featuring great gimmicks and the same frantic gameplay.
In SB5, you can create a custom character that is exclusive to the game. This mode is very fun and allows you to create your very own Bomberman.
If you can find a translation for it, please try to find one that is in the same style as your writing.
5. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Duel (1996)
This is a review of the MS Gundam Wing (1995) game Endless Duel, which is a gorgeous fighter with fantastic gameplay that would have been a total hit had it been released outside of Japan.
The game features a variety of Gundams with large highly-detailed sprites duking it out in fast-paced battles in the style of Marvel vs. Capcom.
The game is good, but it can be really tough in the end.
The multiplayer aspect of this game is a real gem that will keep you hooked for hours on end.
This title is one of the best fighters on the Super Famicom. It has a great story, interesting characters, and a lot of action.
4. Gunple: Gunman’s Proof (1997)
Gunple: Gunman’s Proof is a top-down shooter and Legend of Zelda game hybrid that appeals to both adventure fans and action gamers. ..
The game is a weird western, similar to Wild ARMs on the PlayStation.
The movie is set in a future world where the American Wild West is replaced by a futuristic society where the technology and aliens are the main attractions.
The game, Gears of War 4, is a shooter that primarily focuses on shooting enemies. ..
This title is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, as it’s easy to pick up and difficult to put down. The eight dungeons are well-designed and offer a lot of variety, while the guns are some of the coolest in the game.
3. Seiken Densetsu III (1995)
Square Enix has been keeping the third entry in the “Mana” series Japan-exclusive for so long, it’s time to end the exclusivity.
The game is a mix of action and RPG elements, with a focus on exploring and fighting your way through dungeons.
The decision to reduce the number of co-op players in the game from three to just two has left some fans feeling disgruntled. ..
Despite its age, the Halo: Combat Evolved multiplayer mode is still one of the best options available on the Xbox 360. ..
Nintendo has released a new game for the Nintendo Switch called Mana Collection. This game includes a number of different games that can be played in English. You can now play these games in English as part of the Collection.
There are two versions of this game: one with 3D graphics and the other with the same excellent gameplay.
2. Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (1992)
The Dragon Warrior series had been popular outside of Japan during the NES era.
Enix just wasn’t in a position to invest in localization when they made the jump to 16-bit, and the series was lost to Western audiences for years. ..
Dragon Quest V is the second title in the Zenithian trilogy. It is a role-playing game developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment and published by Square Enix. The game was announced at E3 2019, during Sony’s press conference, and was released on November 3, 2019.
The story follows The Hero as he grows up, learning how to be a responsible and good person. He also has to deal with the challenges of his life, such as growing up in a family of criminals, and being forced to fight for his life.
Dragon Quest XI introduces a new system called Monster-catching that is different from the traditional dragon-catching gameplay of the series. Players will need to use their strategic skills to catch monsters in order to progress through the game.
Dragon Quest Monsters began as a spin-off of the popular Dragon Quest series. ..
Dragon Quest 5 is available in English, so if you want to try it without learning Japanese, you can find a patch here.
1. Live A Live (1994)
This new game from Japan’s Bandai Namco is a unique experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. It’s a mix of action-RPGs, party games, and role-playing games that all work together to create an engaging experience.
Seven unique storylines starring seven different characters in different eras make up the JRPG, “The Seven Sorrows of Young King Oedipus.” Each story is unique and offers a new perspective on the events that transpired in the game’s other six. ..
The idea of eating bugs is already pretty weird, but a new restaurant in London is taking it one step further by serving up live insects as part of their menu. The restaurant, called Insect Restaurant, is located in the trendy Shoreditch district and offers diners the chance to order dishes such as cricket tacos or grasshopper pasta. Some people are excited about the prospect of trying out this unusual food option, while others find it quite gross. But regardless of people’s opinions, Insect Restaurant seems to be doing well so far. ..
In this campaign, the players will experience different types of combat, depending on their choices. They can choose to fight in open-world campaigns or side-quests with specific objectives. In either case, they will face challenges and adversaries that vary greatly from one another.
After beating each campaign individually, you can finally witness the “True Ending” and bring the hammer of justice down on the ultimate villain of Live A Live – Odio.
Nintendo’s classic console is a must-try for Super Nintendo fans. With its intuitive controls and engaging gameplay, the system is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.
There’s always something to play with in English, even if you’re not into Japanese.
