* Guide Mobile PC PS3 PS4 PSP Switch Vita

Which Steins;Gate version is best for you?

By Jenni Lada // 9.24.189.28.18

Steins;Gate has really exploded in popularity over the years. What once was an Xbox 360-exclusive visual novel has seen worldwide success. Even its sequels and other media projects are available outside of Japan. It is a big deal. But, you also have to consider how many platforms it is or will soon be available on. Which release might be best for you? How should you be playing it? Well, let’s look through the different versions and help you decide.

3DS DS GBA Guide NES PS1 PS2 PSP SAT

What do you need to know about Jake Hunter Detective Story?

By Jenni Lada // 9.17.1810.26.18

Adventure games and visual novels have been gradually gaining popularity outside of Japan. Thanks to series like Ace Attorney and visual novels like Hakuoki, people seem to be more comfortable with doing a lot of reading while sitting in front of their favorite console. It also means now might finally be a good time for Jake Hunter Detective Story to make its mark. This established adventure series is well established in Japan, and it might just be poised to find a place for itself in other regions after 2018.

Cool Stuff Guide

What to expect from the Retro-bit GoRetro Portable

By Jenni Lada // 9.11.189.11.18

Gaming has reached an age where people are getting unprecedented access to import games. Newer titles are becoming easier to acquire, thanks to the removal of region-blocks. Older games are being picked up and localized. One company, Retro-bit, is releasing plug-and-play systems and compilation cartridges with NES and SNES games that include some titles that never received an official release outside of Japan. One of the latest is the Retro-bit GoRetro Portable, a Game Boy-inspired handheld that runs on four AAA batteries and plays an assortment of titles that either were on the NES or would have been at home on the system.

! Guide Mobile PC PS4 Vita

What are sound novels and kinetic novels?

By Jenni Lada // 9.4.1810.9.18

Visual novels went from being a rare genre outside of Japan to one we see appearing on major consoles! This is great news, but it also means that there can be some ambiguity. Lots of games are having the “visual novel” label applied to them. Which is fine for beginners, but it does not really show how distinct and unique some games can be. There are different categories falling under the visual novel umbrella, after all. With games like Nekopara and 428: Shibuya Scramble finding their ways to consoles, now is a great time to go over the different kinds of visual novels, so you can be better informed before you start reading!

DC Guide PC PS4

What do you need to know about Shenmue?

By Jenni Lada // 8.20.188.21.18

August 21, 2018 is a big day for people who love Japanese games. A classic has made a comeback. Shenmue I & II headed to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, giving people a chance to learn about the fight between Ryo Hazuki and Lan Di. Which should be quite helpful, considering a third entry is in development. But what if someone are entirely new to Shenmue? What do you need to know about the series? Let’s learn about the games together!

Guide WonderSwan

WonderSwan buyer’s guide: the best games to import

By Graham Russell // 8.15.188.15.18

If you want to import Japanese games, the WonderSwan is exactly the sort of thing that may interest you the most. It’s a regional exclusive, but it’s not a huge old computer that you can’t afford. It has franchises you may know, and many games that simply were never ported anywhere else. Oh, and it’s weird and you can carry it around with you to show people that they should talk to you about weird stuff. Read on for our recommendations!

Guide NGPC

The best of the Neo Geo Pocket Color: a guide

By Graham Russell // 8.6.189.10.18

SNK’s Neo Geo Pocket Color is a charming handheld with a cool little click-stick and a library of games worth checking out. Want to get started on the platform? We’re here to help!

Game Gear Guide

Game Gear games worth playing in 2018

By Jenni Lada // 8.1.187.29.18

Let’s be honest with ourselves. The Game Gear is a fun system, but it is not the absolute best handheld out there. It was known for games that appeared on both it and the Sega Master System. The system has not held up well to the test of time. I have gone through five of them, with only two right now that “work.” Note the quotation marks, as one has no sound and the other must be held at a certain angle to view the screen. But, that does not mean the system’s library is a lost cause. There are some games people should still play.

GB Guide N64

N64 Classic vs. Game Boy Classic: a breakdown

By Graham Russell // 7.30.189.10.18

After the success of Nintendo’s first two classic devices, many have suggested the company will follow up with a third. Will it be an N64? Or will it be a Game Boy? Maybe neither? Let’s look at the case for each, and what would likely be included.