Pikmin 2 -- sold out, still. Pikmin 2 mega-cool stuffed Pikmin figures -- sold out, still. Famicom Mini series 2 -- mostly sold out.
Metroid Zero Mission? Not out yet, but when it does come out we expect it to be hard to find.
Nintendo is offering some cool things through its Club Nintendo program, which rewards cool prizes to gamers in Japan who purchase Nintendo games, but if they don't start getting more copies of games into stores, we're not going to be able to collect everything.
Here at IGN, we purchase a lot of Japanese games both directly in Japan and via retailers in America. This means multiple copies of many GameCube and Game Boy Advance games. The Club Nintendo program allows only those who are based in Japan to register and collect prizes, which means all points for the games our editors in America buy get sent to our Japanese correspondent.
Unfortunately, the Club Nintendo service allows members to register one copy of every game (except for Pokemon Red and Green, which each allow two copies to be registered). So what do you do when you have four copies of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and three copies of every Famicom Mini game to register? Why, you draft your next door neighbors and register using their names and addresses. The IGN Japanese correspondent apparently lives on one of the most Nintendo-friendly floors in all of Japan.
This week's Gaming Life in Japan features commercials for the latest games, a look at Final Fantasy XII and commercials featuring your favorite IGN Japan young idols from the past.
ZASSHI JOUHOU GO!
What's this we see at the top of the latest Famitsu? Why, it's an American game! But not just any American game! Grand Theft Auto can be considered a big success in Japan, with Vice City selling over 150,000 copies in its first few days of sales and Capcom pushing the title through heavily visible advertising.
In this issue, which follows up on the last issue in which Vice City managed scores of 10,9,9,9 by the magazine's four reviews, Famitsu gives the game the expected strategy guide treatment. Derby Stallion 04, Super Robot Taisen MX and all ten of the new Famicom Mini games are also given guides.
The big scoop, however, is Final Fantasy XII. Turn the page for more info on this game, including some details from an interview conducted with Final Fantasy father Hironobu Sakaguchi.
There are so many reviews in this week's issue that we weren't sure we'd be able to translate all of them. Here goes nothing!
Panzer Front B-Gata
Enterbrain, PS2: 7,7,6,6
The reviewers seemed to like the simple controls, but complained that the game is unfriendly and needs a tutorial. One complained that there's too much freedom, with the missions not explaining how exactly one should go forward.
Kelly Slater Pro Surfer 2003
Capcom, PS2: 7,7,6,7
The reviewers complained that the load times in this game are too long, with one mentioning that the display in the training mode is hard to follow. Otherwise, the reviewers didn't have too much bad to say about this game. One did mention that you have to understand the game to like it.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2003
Capcom, PS2: 9,8,8,8
One reviewer liked the game's scenario mode, comparing it to Grand Theft Auto in the amount of freedom offered. One stated that the game, at the low price of 3990 yen should cost a lot more.
Matt Hoffman Pro BMX 2003
Capcom, PS2: 6,5,5,6
One reviewer commented that this game is like Tony Hawk but not as good. This same reviewer commented that the difficulty is high and if you don't get real good you'll have to play the same mission over and over. The reviewers wanted more options for single player.
WRC3
Spike, PS2: 8,9,7,8
This game provides a great sense of reality, according to one reviewer, while another stated that while realistic it's also balanced enough to make a good game. The rally environment is apparently replicated well.
MLB2004
Sony Computer Entertainment, PS2: 7,7,6,6
Hmm... Gaming Life in Japan doesn't translate Japanese reviews of American sports games.
Vib Ripple
Sony Computer Entertainment, PS2: 7,7,7,7
This latest rhythm game from the maker of Mojib Ribbon and Vib Ribbon is apparently best experienced with the use of a digital camera. Unfortunately, saving a picture takes a long time. Also mentioned was the amount of trial and error in the game and the little difference between stages. One reviewer praised the game for its fresh ideas.
Densha De Go: Final
Taito, PS2: 7,8,6,8
We're not sure if this is really the final entry in the Densha De Go series, but the reviewers did state that the game feels like the ultimate collection of all things Densha De Go. The basics of the game are the same, but the screen has been redesigned. Conducting your train has apparently become simpler, and Taito has added a new chain bonus system that rewards players with skill. One reviewer complained that the chain system takes away from the simulation aspect of the game and could split fans.
Football Kingdom: Trial Edition
Namco, PS2: 6,7,7,7
Namco's return to soccer gets points for having superior player AI to Konami's Winning Eleven series along with controls mimicking the king of soccer games. One reviewer liked how the game gives the feeling of playing on a team. Unfortunately, the game is lacking in modes and doesn't even have a player growth mode. You'll apparently have fun with it if you consider it, as the name suggests, a "Trial Edition."
Super Robot Taisen MX
Banpresto, PS2: 8,8,8,8
This latest Super Robot Wars title apparently offers an improvement in quality over previous entries. Lots of volume and player-friendly features like saving on the map and expanding/shrinking the map get points, but one reviewer complained that the game may be too easy. The reviewers said that the game should please fans of both Real and Super type characters.
Bloody Roar 4
Hudson, PS2: 7,7,7,7
The first impression for one reviewer was that the game is quite flashy. Others liked the many characters, the character edit mode and, of course, the ability to change into beast form. One complained that there hasn't been much change in the game's fighting system.
Iris no Atelier: Eternal Mana
Gust, PS2: 8,7,7,8
Compared to the other entries in the series, this game has apparently taken on greater RPG flavor as you group up with adventurers and set off on an adventure. The alchemy system has a few added elements. One reviewer praised the game for its user-friendly introduction to all its various systems. Complaints included an over-abundance of battles, difficulty in viewing dungeon maps and some bad pacing.
Colorful Box ~ To Love ~
Kid, PS2: 6,5,6,6
One reviewer commented that the game doesn't achieve a serious level of drama, but it does manage to continue to the end without providing much of a burden for players. Another commented that the story drags on as it fails to heat up until the middle.
Yoshinoya
Success, PS2: 7,6,6,6
This week's restaurant-based game doesn't seem to be as successful as last week's curry game with the Famitsu reviewers. This puzzle/action game themed in Yoshinoya restaurants, Japan's oldest beef bowl chain, is very orange and enjoyable according to one reviewer. The reviewers seemed to like the game's quiz mode, although they complained about the lack of volume overall for the game. The game is surprisingly difficult.
Lost Aya Sophia
Idea Factory, PS2: 6,5,5,6
This game offers a different feel from the school-based love simulation in that it deals with the relationship between man and devil. Despite the bright drawing style, the game's story is very serious, with lots of text to read. The reviewers were confused by the questions asked in the psychological tests that determine your path through the game, but they appreciated the story and the tremendous amount of volume.
Tensei Gakuen Gensouroku
Asmik Ace Entertainment, PS2: 7,7,7,7
One reviewer commented that the adventure portions of this game can drag on a bit but the battle segments, while orthodox, have good difficulty. Charming characters, and movement in the images are pluses. One reviewer complained about the lack of voices in some areas.
Shobushi Densetsu Tetta Digest
Atena, PS2: 7,6,6,7
Hmm... Gaming Life in Japan doesn't translate reviews of Mahjong games.
Wario World
Nintendo, GCN: 9,8,8,9
Famitsu apparently liked Treasure's take on Nintendo's Wario character much more than the guys at IGN Cube did. One reviewer was surprised that despite being an old genre so many new types of gameplay are featured in the game.
Aoi Namida
Panther Software, Xbox: 7,6,5,6
Panther's latest "gift" to Japanese Xbox gamers is a fantasy that takes place in three worlds: dream, past and present. One reviewer found much interest in seeing how the three stories for each world are connected, but found the game to drag on with lots of reading. Thankfully, you can skip some sections when playing through a second time.
Tenchu Kaiki no Sho
From Software, Xbox: 7,7,8,8
The Japanese version of Tenchu: Return From Darkness gets praise for offering lots of features over the PS2 version, but some complaints for bad camera work.
Jaja Maru Jr. Denshoki ~ Jarekore mo Ari Ko
Jaleco, GBA: 5,4,5,6
This game combines five old titles with one new title. The old title offers up a nostalgic feel. One reviewer commented that the game has value as a collection for Jaleco fans, but taken as an action game there isn't much to offer.
Metroid Zero Mission
Nintendo, GBA: 9,9,8,8
The reviewers made mention of the selectable difficulty levels, the charm of the game's puzzles and the way in which you earn power ups and are thus able to progress further into a level. The only complaint was that the game may not offer enough for heavy fans of the series.
Turn the page for a look at some upcoming Japanese games.
SHINSAKU
GAME EXPRESS!
In this section of Gaming Life in Japan, we take a look at upcoming games for the Japanese market. Some of the titles were recently given big reports on the pages of Japan's biggest magazines. Other titles were spotted on upcoming release lists and just demanded that we do some research.
While some of the games are very big, you'll find that many of them have as much a chance of coming out in America as you do of becoming star of the Final Fantasy VERSUS Dragon Quest live action movie.
This week, we've got a quick look at Final Fantasy XII based on the details in the latest Famitsu and from our playtime with the game from E3.
FINAL FANTASY XII The next big entry in Square Enix's biggest worldwide RPG series saw its playable debut at E3, but we had to turn to the latest Famitsu to satisfy our need for solid facts on what should be the biggest Japanese title of this financial year.
The above character is Basch, introduced in Famitsu as the game's sixth main character. Basch, like Vaan, is a Hume character, only he's really old -- try thirty-six! Basch was previously featured in the CG battle scene from the original trailer to the game, where he's shown riding a Chocobo and taking aim with a bow and arrow. He was playable in a scene demonstrated in E3, where he adventured alongside a young 15-year-old knight called Rex.
Basch is a general in the Dalmasca Kingdom. He's regarded as brave thanks to the many battles he's won, but is also known to be strict. However, he ends up assassinating the King of Dalmasca while in arbitrations with the Archadia Empire. One of the things you can expect to learn when playing the game proper is why Basch chose to kill the King of his own country, to which he was so loyal.
Those who've been keeping up with this game's background story should wonder how Basch and Ashe's relationship holds up, considering Ashe was the Princess of Dalmasca. Basch does become a member of your party, and screens show him and Ashe standing beside one another.
Also introduced at E3 was a town sequence which allowed for players to run about a massive town. This town is actually Rabanastre, the castle town of the Dalmasca Kingdom. This town combines the West and East, with Western-style buildings and Eastern-style shops lining the streets. Surrounding it is a great desert.
There are lots of people in the town, of a variety of races. You'll find Humes, Banga and Veera people, Orc-like creatures whose identity has yet to be revealed and even Moguls! One CG sequence showcased in Famitsu shows what appears to be a band of Moguls taking part in a parade.
With all these different people, it seems reasonable to wonder how you go about talking to everyone. You actually can't speak to everyone, but those to whom you can speak have a little face-icon above them.
Players were also given a chance to try out the Final Fantasy XII battle system at E3. FFXII's battle system is called "ADB," short for Active Dimension Battle. This battle system takes the bold approach of keeping battles on the same field as adventure sequences. There's no switch to a battle screen when going into battles, meaning, among other things, no load times.
As part of this system, you're able to use terrain more to your advantage. You can move around the field at will during battle. This makes timing, distance and height important for attacks, adding to the strategy for battle. Careful, though, as enemies also make use of terrain in their attacks.
Also, because the concept of characters lining up against enemies on a separate battle field is now gone, it's possible to see enemies long before you actually get into battle. One screen shows the player's party having spotted an enemy in the distance. However, they're not close enough to the enemy to engage in battle, as reported in a blue window at the bottom right of the screen.
Selecting a leader is important for this battle system. In addition to directly moving the leader around on the field, you also take direct control of the leader while in battle and can move him around. You have to consider the state of battle when choosing a leader; if a battle calls for long distance attacks, you should choose someone who has such attacks available.
It's possible to make the computer control all characters except for the leader by selecting an appropriate command from each character's command menu. Once this "Ganbit" command is selected, characters will proceed according to a strategy that you've set up. Setting up a strategy involves toggling on and off certain behavior parameters. For instance, you can make some characters run away and heal if their life gauge reaches the half way point by simply turning on this feature in the character's strategy menu. Some parameters have to actually be earned as you progress through the game.
Multiple players and multiple enemies bring about a few twists to the battle system. Players have to target their enemies. When targeted, blue arched lines appear connecting the character to her targeted enemy. It's possible to have all characters of your party focus their attacks on a single enemy by selecting a "Concentration Attack" option; this is short for selecting attack for each character separately.
All these changes seem to give the Final Fantasy XII battle system a Final Fantasy XI flare. There's even a section of the screen that shows messages detailing the happenings of battle.
Outside of this, battles, when you're actually in control, remain command-based, with players selecting their next move from a menu. As with previous Final Fantasy games, once a command has been input, a "wait" gauge begins filling up, with the move appearing once the gauge has filled completely. If you don't input a command, the character defaults to and remains at "Attack."
Turn the page for a look at the latest Japanese releases.
IN STORE NOW!
This section of IGN Japan recaps the games that made their way onto store shelves over the course of the previous week. If you're having trouble keeping up with what's new in the Japanese market, turn to this section every week.
The more competent readers will notice that this section is available on the regular IGN channels as well every Monday. Don't feel jealous -- we're just using it to tease outsiders.
The following games were released between 05.17.04 and 05.23.04. Click on the name to see all of IGN's current coverage on the title.
PLAYSTATION 2
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Violence/Action, Release: 05.20.04
Price: 7140yen, Memory: 500K
The biggest selling game so far this generation arrives to Japan courtesy of Capcom, Japanese publisher of the original GTAIII. We won't bore you with the details, as this game is pretty old in America. Expect it to sell a whole lot of copies in Japan -- probably more than the original's 300,000+.
Simple 2000 Series Vol. 50: The Daibijin
Publisher: D3 Publisher
Genre: Comical/Action, Release: 05.20.04
Price: 2100yen, Memory: 37K
This entry in D3's budget gaming series has you take to the ranks of Japan's Self Defense Force (the Japanese armed forces) to keep a giant lady from making her way into Tokyo. Someone has turned a look-alike of Japanese idol and gravia star Riho Futaba into a giant, and she's making her way to Tokyo, destroying everything in her path! You take control of a variety of helicopters and battle machines across a variety of missions.
Simple 2000 Series Vol. 51: Senkan
Publisher: D3 Publisher
Genre: Battleship/Shooting, Release: 05.20.04
Price: 2100yen, Memory: 91K
Choose from three different forms of battle ship to take out enemies in this 1940s-themed budget-priced combat game. The game includes over thirty scenarios based off historical battles.
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya: Kyo mo Genki da! Curry ga Umai!
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Violence/Action, Release: 05.20.04
Price: 7140yen, Memory: 500
One of Japan's largest curry chain restaurants gets its very own game. You play as a staff member at a CoCo Ichibanya restaurant. In addition to serving and greeting customers, you have to prepare the restaurant's wide variety of dishes. Also included are mini games involving curry trivia and more.
Winning Post 6 - Maximum 2004
Publisher: Koei
Genre: Horse-racing/Simulation, Release: 05.20.04
Price: 7140yen, Memory: 2183K
Peripherals: PlayStation BB Unit (hard disk only)
Character Designer: Hiroshi Kadota
This title serves as an update to the horse-racing simulation game released for the PS2 in August of 2003. Data for horses and riders has been updated to reflect 2004 stats. Also added is an edit mode that allows you to create riders and your own stable.
Bakusou Mountain Bikers
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Bike/Race/Action, Release: 05.20.04
Price: 6090yen, Memory:
Downhill Demolition sees Japanese release with a very Japanese name. Everything else looks similar to the overseas original.
Ultraman
Publisher: Bandai
Genre: Action, Release: 05.20.04
Price: 7140yen, Memory: 46K
You play as Ultraman in this action game, punching, kicking and using various special attacks to take out beasts. The game's story mode recreates episodes from the television series, with a battle mode allowing for two players to choose their favorite character for a versus fight. Other mini games are included as well.
XBOX
Metal Arms: Glitch in the System - Xbox World Collection
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: SF/Robot/Action/Shooting, Release: 05.20.04
Memory: 5 Blocks, Price: 5040 yen
Other: Dolby 5.1 compatible Microsoft releases another game under its World Collection. Those looking for something different from the American version should look elsewhere, as Microsoft apparently didn't even translate much of the game.
Tony Hawk's Underground - Xbox World Collection
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Skateboard/Action, Release: 05.20.04
Memory: 9 Blocks, Price: 5040yen
Peripherals: System Link
Tony Hawk makes the perfect candidate for the Xbox World Collection, especially seeing as how much of the game (including menus and so-forth) remains in English.
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Battle/Shooting, Release: 05.20.04
Memory: 7 Blocks, Price: 7140yen
Other: Xbox Live support, System Link, Dolby Digital 5.1
Unlike this week's other two Japanese Xbox releases, the Japanese version of Crimson Skies does not fall under the Xbox World Collection label. Microsoft fully translated this game and is giving it a huge marketing push complete with television spots.
Turn the page for this week's young idol section.
IGN JAPAN YOUNG IDOL
Welcome to IGN Japan's weekly look at Japanese Young Idols. A Young Idol is an idol who's young. That doesn't mean that we're limiting ourselves to a particular age group when choosing these lovely ladies, though. Old idols are okay!
We are, however, limiting ourselves to game-related girls. To be a candidate for Young Idolcy, a girl must pass a three-game-connection test. Note that this test is waived in the event of an obvious connection.
First, be sure and brush up on previous IGN Japan Young Idols by checking out our constantly growing Young Idol archive:
- Chisato Morishita
- Miho Shiraishi
- Kawori Manabe
- Ai Tominaga
- Sakura Mizutani
- Custom Robo
- Yuko Ogura
- Minako Komukai
- Misaki Ito
- Aya Ueto
IGN JAPAN YOUNG IDOL
IMA DOKO
WHERE ARE THEY NOW!?
First up in this collectors' first edition of "IGN JAPAN YOUNG IDOL IMA DOKO WHERE ARE THEY NOW!?" is the first Gaming Life in Japan young idol, the very young Aya Ueto. Since being featured on Gaming Life in Japan (as well in a live-action Ace wo Nerae television series), Aya has become super popular. We've spotted her in a few commercials, three of which we've posted here:
| Aya Ueto in Bandai Museum
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| Aya Ueto in Sofina Tsurusara
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| Aya Ueto in Lotte Soh
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Moving on, we come to Misaki Ito, the second Gaming Life in Japan idol and the Japanese girl Electronic Arts chose as its cover girl for the Japanese release of the most recent James Bond game. We haven't heard too much about her, of late, but we did see her in a couple of commercials:
| Misaki Ito in Recaldent
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| Misaki Ito in Bausche and Lomb
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Finally, the last young idol in this first installment of IGN JAPAN YOUNG IDOL IMA DOKO WHERE ARE THEY NOW? is Yuko Ogura. We weren't expecting to see Ogura following her appearance in a gaming/chat session for Xbox Live over here in Japan, but sure enough there she was on late night TV. Ogura seems to be the spokesperson for www.for-side.co.jp, a website that does god-knows what. We've got clips of Ogura in a bathing suit, Ogura being morphed into by some foreigner dude and Ogura hula-hooping a CD.
| Yuko Ogura in Ring Tone
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| Yuko Ogura in CD Hula-Hoop
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| Yuko Ogura in "The Morph"
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This next commercial was recorded at the same time as the Ogura ads. We actually thought that was her riding around on a mechanical bull. It's not, but we uploaded it anyway. Future Gaming Life in Japan Young Idol of the week? She sure does look happy riding on that mechanical bull.
| Someone in "The Bull"
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And, as a special bonus in first installment of IGN JAPAN YOUNG IDOL IMA DOKO WHERE ARE THEY NOW?, we have Pepsiman in his latest commercial! In this clip, Pepsiman takes on a bunch of foreign construction workers (all of whom had better have either their passports or alien registration cards on them or the color-perceptive Japanese police will call 'em out).
| Pepsiman in "The Foreign Construction Workers"
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Turn the page for game ads and CMs from Japan.
HOUKOKU CORNER
Welcome to the Gaming Life in Japan Japanese ad section, where you'll find the latest game advertisements and commercials from Japan. Every week, we'll be bringing you commercials and ads that we've spotted on TV, in magazines and at retailers. Also be sure and check out the back issues section for previous installments.
This week, we've once again got lots of commercials and print ads for you. In the commercials section, we'd suggest downloading the extended version of the Pikmin 2 CD spot along with the new Famicom Mini ad. And that Crash ad will have to going "What the!?". The print ad section features the first ad for Final Fantasy 1-2 Advance.
PRINT ADS
click on the image to download
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| Final Fantasy 1-2 Advance Square Enix, GBA Release: 07.2004 (JPG, 521KB)
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| Wario World Nintendo, GCN Release: 5.27.2004 (JPG, 280KB)
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| Super Robot Taisen MX Banpresto, PS2 Release: 5.27.2004 (JPG, 384KB)
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| Rakugaki Oukoku 2 Taito, PS2 Release: Summer (JPG, 358KB)
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| Gunslinger Girl: Vol. 2 Marvelous Ent., PS2 Release: 06.17.2004 (JPG, 286KB)
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| Gundam Seed: Tomo to Kimi to Koko de Bandai, GBA Now Available (JPG, 340KB)
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| Curry House CoCo Dorart, PS2 Now Available (JPG, 376KB)
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| Conan Advance Movie AM3, GBA Now Available (JPG, 373KB)
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COMMERCIALS
All commercials are presented in 640x480.
Select from Windows Media 9 (WMV) or
Quicktime, then right click to download.
| Yugioh Championships in Los Angeles
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| Yugioh: Monster Capsule Coliseum Konami, GBA Avaiable: 05.29.2004
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| Tetsujin 28-go Bandai, PS2 Release: 07.01.2004
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| Tennis Oujisama Smash Hit! 2 Konami, PS2 Now Available
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| Tennis Oujisama Glorious Silver... Konami, GBA Now Available
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| Pikmin CD Long Version Now Available
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| Naruto 2 Tomy, GBA Now Available
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| Wagamama Fairy: Mirumo De Pon Konami, GBA Now Available
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| Legends Bandai, GBA Release: 07.29.2004
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| Get Drive: AM Driver Konami, GBA Release: 07.22.2004
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| Gundam Seed Kimi to Tomo to Koko de Bandai, GBA Now Available
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| Super Robot Taisen MX #1 Banpresto, PS2 Release: 05.27.2004
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| Super Robot Taisen MX #2 Banpresto, PS2 Release: 05.27.2004
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| Famicom Mini Round 2 Nintendo, GBA Now Available
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| Duel Masters 2 Konami, GBA Now Available
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| Crimson Sky Microsoft, Xbox Now Available
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| Crash Bandicoot Nitro Cart Konami, PS2 Release: 07.08.2004
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| Corokke: Ban King no Kiki wo Sukue Konami, PS2 Now Available
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Turn the page for the latest charts.
RANK-IN!!!
What's hot in the Japanese gaming scene? This section of IGN Japan brings you the latest charts from Japan for hardware, software and arcades, along with top thirty most wanted lists. We've sourced retail tracker Media Create for the software and hardware sales charts, Famitsu Weekly for the arcade charts and both Famitsu and Dorimaga for the most wanted charts.
Check back every week to find out what Japanese gamers are into!
| GAME-RANK-IN: 05.10.04 - 05.16.04 |
Media Create reports that the top 100 games for the week sold 445,841 copies, at 70.64% last week's total. This week's low sales can be explained by Japan's Golden Week of holidays, which has a history of affecting videogame sales.
| # | SYS | GAME | PUB | RELEASE | SALES | TOTAL |
| 1 | PS2 | Pachi-suro Toukon Denshou Inoki Matsuri | Success | 05.13.04 | 81,000 | 81,000 |
| 2 | GBA | Gundam Seed: Tomo to Kimi to Senjo De | Bandai | 05.13.04 | 48,600 | 48,600 |
| 3 | GCN | Pikmin 2 | Nintendo | 04.04.29 | 43,500 | 235,900 |
| 4 | PS2 | Derby Stallion 04 | Enterbrain | 04.22.04 | 25,200 | 480,700 |
| 5 | GBA | Hoshi no Kirby: Kagami no Daimeikyu | Nintendo | 04.15.04 | 17,200 | 362,600 |
| 6 | PS | Black Matrix OO | NEC Interchannel | 05.13.04 | 12,300 | 12,300 |
| 7 | GBA | Famicom Mini - Super Mario Brothers | Nintendo | 02.14.04 | 11,400 | 530,800 |
| 8 | GBA | Naruto: Saikyo Ninja Daikesshu 2 | Tomy | 04.29.04 | 11,000 | 118,800 |
| 9 | PS2 | Dragon Quest V: Tenkuu no Hanamuke | Square Enix | 03.25.04 | 10,700 | 1,632,200 |
| 10 | PS2 | Kinniku Man Generations | Bandai | 04.22.04 | 10,000 | 147,200 |
PS2=PlayStation 2, GCN=GameCube, WS=Wonderswan
PS=PlayStation, DC=Dreamcast, GBA=Game Boy Advance
| HARD-RANK-IN: 05.10.04 - 05.16.04 |
| # | MAKER | SYSTEM | SALES | LAST MONTH | YEAR TOTAL |
| 1 | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 2 | 31,300 | 46,131 | 1,219,800 |
| 2 | Nintendo | Game Boy Advance SP | 20,400 | 53,780 | 1,221,500 |
| 3 | Nintendo | GameCube | 4,700 | 10,406 | 362,700 |
| 4 | Nintendo | Game Boy Advance | 2,900 | 5,237 | 140,800 |
| 5 | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation | 370 | 367 | 10,300 |
| 6 | Microsoft | Xbox | 240 | 286 | 18,900 |
| 7 | Bandai | Swan Crystal | 89 | 127 | 5,400 |
| ARCADE-IN: 04.26.04 - 05.09.04 |
| # | MAKER | GAME | GENRE |
| 1 | Sega | World Club Championship Football 2002-2003 | Soccer/Simulation |
| 2 | Sega | Sega Network Taisen Mahjong MJ2 | Mahjong/Table-Game |
| 3 | Namco | Dragon Chronicle | Battle/Raising/Simulation |
| 4 | Sega | Avalon no Kagi | Fantasy/Board-Game/Card-Game |
| 5 | Sega | Initial D Arcade Stage Ver. 3 | Comic/Race/Action |
| 6 | Namco | Taiko no Tatsujin 5 | Music/Action |
| 7 | Konami | Mahjong Kakutou 3 | Mahjong/Table-Game |
| 8 | Namco | Race On! | Race/Action |
| 9 | Namco | Time Crisis 3 | Gun-Action/Shooting |
| 10 | Banpresto | Z Gundam | Robot/Anime/Action |
| MOST WANTED - FAMITSU |
| # | SYS | GAME | MAKER | RELEASE |
| 1 | PS2 | Final Fantasy XII | Square Enix | Winter '04 - Spring '05 |
| 2 | PS2 | Dragon Quest VIII: Sora to Umi to Daichi to Norowareshi Himegime | Square Enix | TBA |
| 3 | PS2 | Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater | Konami | 2004 |
| 4 | GCN | Biohazard 4 | Capcom | Winter '04 |
| 5 | PS2 | Super Robot Taisen MX | Banpresto | 05.27.04 |
| 6 | PS2 | Kingdom Hearts 2 | Square Enix | TBA |
| 7 | PS2 | Xenosaga Episode 2: Zenaku no Higan | Namco | 06.24.04 |
| 8 | PS2 | Tales of Rebirth | Namco | TBA |
| 9 | PS2 | Gran Turismo 4 | Sony Computer Entertainment | Fall '04 |
| 10 | GBA | Mother 3 (tentative) | Nintendo | TBA |
| 11 | PS2 | Jikkyu Powerful Pro Yakkyu 11 | Konami | 07.15.04 |
| 12 | PS2 | Sakura Taisen V: Saraba Aishiki Hito-yo | Sega | TBA |
| 13 | PS2 | Silent Hill 4: The Room | Konami | 06.17.04 |
| 14 | PS2 | Tenchu Kurunai | From Software | 07.22.04 |
| 15 | PS2 | Iris no Atelier Eternal Mana | Gust | 05.27.04 |
| 16 | PS2 | Gensou Suikoden IV | Konami | 08.19.04 |
| 17 | GCN | Mario Story 2 | Nintendo | Summer '04 |
| 18 | PS2 | J. League Pro Soccer Club wo Tsukurou! '04 | Sega | 06.24.04 |
| 19 | PS2 | To Heart 2 | Aqua Plus | Summer '04 |
| 20 | GCN | Fire Emblem | Nintendo | Winter '04 |
| 21 | Xbox | Dead or Alive Ultimate | Tecmo | Summer '04 |
| 22 | GBA | Final Fantasy 1&2 Advance | Square Enix | 07.15.04 |
| 23 | PS2 | Mario Tennis GC (tentative) | Nintendo | 2004 |
| 24 | PS2 | Tengai Makyo III Namida | Hudson | 2004 |
| 25 | PS2 | San Nen B Kumi Kinpachi Sensei Densetsu no Kyoudan ni Tate! | Chun Soft | 06.24.04 |
| 26 | PS2 | Tales of Symphonia | Namco | 2004 |
| 27 | PS2 | Digital Devil Saga ~ Avatar Tuner ~ | Atlus | 07.15.04 |
| 28 | GCN | Killer 7 | Capcom | Winter '04 |
| 29 | PS2 | Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War | Namco | 2004 |
| 30 | GCN | Homeland | Chun Soft | 2004 |
PS2=PlayStation 2, GCN=GameCube, WS=Wonderswan
PS=PlayStation, DC=Dreamcast, GBA=Game Boy Advance
Turn the page for the latest release dates.
RELEASE DATES
Trouble keeping up with what's due out in Japan? We don't blame you! Every day, as many as five Pachinko simulators are released for the PSX alone giving people the chance to practice their skills at getting lucky at Pachinko. And then there's the horse racing games. Good lord... don't mention the horse racing games!
This Import release section of IGN Japan will help you sort through the mess. Note that we try our best to include every game included in Famitsu's upcoming release list, but don't blame us if we miss the occasional mahjong or pachinko title.
Check back every week for the latest!
PS2
5/24/2004
5/27/2004
5/31/2004
6/3/2004
6/10/2004
6/17/2004
6/24/2004
6/26/2004
GameCube
5/20/2004
5/27/004
6/17/2004
6/26/2004
7/1/2004
7/8/2004
7/15/2004
7/29/2004
SOME TIME IN JULY
GameBoy Advance
5/27/2004
5/30/2004
6/10/2004
6/17/2004
6/24/2004
6/25/2004
6/26/2004
7/1/2004
7/15/2004
7/16/2004
7/22/2004
7/23/2004
7/29/2004
8/5/2004
XBOX
5/27/2004
6/10/2004
6/17/2004
6/24/2004
7/8/2004
7/15/2004
7/22/2004
SOME TIME IN JULY
BACK NUMBERS
Did you miss an issue of IGN Japan because you were too ignorant to join IGN Insider earlier than now? Don't fret, as we keep all our old issues Online for future reference. Just click on the appropriate link below to jump back to a previous date, all thanks to the power of mass storage.
05.13.04: Print and television ads for the likes of Metroid Fusion, the Pikmin 2 CD (must see!), Gundam MX, Ultraman and Wario World, plus Chisato Morishita (Nintendo's Japanese Samus Aran) as young idol of the week.
05.06.04: Store Joutai Get returns, straight from Akihabara! Plus, game of the month Pikmin 2, the first weekly news recap, lots of print ads, a Game Boy Advance pamphlet and dimpled Miho Shiraishi as young idol of the week.
04.29.04: IGN Japan returns with a commercial-packed issue. Featuring television spots for Crayon Shin-chan, Mega Man Zero 3, EyeToy: Play, Pikmin 2, Mario Golf and more! Also, looks at Michigan, Okami and Final Fantasy XII.
04.06.04: A look at Famitsu Issue 800 (which entails a look at the original Famitsu) along with classic advertisements, reports on Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst and Home Land, and the simply ridiculous Kawori Manabe as this week's young idol.
03.31.04: Full form Gaming Life in Japan returns,with comments from Dragon Quest father Yuji Hori and a look at sexy Ai Tominaga and her McDonalds sauce of choice. Plus, IGN Japan votes for its favorite game of March 2004! Which deceptively-simple-looking Namco title won?
03.25.04: A half-issue as IGN Japan catches up with the billion releases from the past week.
03.17.04: Ramblings about Online gaming, twenty commercials (including Zelda), quick looks at Metal Wolf Rev and Sakurazakai Shouboutai, plus Sakura Mizutani as young idol of the week.
03.10.04: The babes of Custom Robo! Vote for your favorite (voting is now closed). Quick looks at Biohazard 4, Panic Maker, Curry House CoCo and commercials for GameCube Gundam and more.
03.03.04: A slightly new look for Gaming Life in Japan, with separate babe and ad pages. Featuring looks at Mario Golf GBA, 3LDK, Vib Ripple, Raimuiro and The Daibijin, details on next-gen Japanese cell phone gaming, and ads for DOA Online and Sega Ages. Plus, Yuko Ogura as this week's young idol.
02.25.04: IGN Japan looks at Dorimaga and its anime/Sega lovin' readerbase. Plus, Love Aerobics, 35 game commercials (including Katamari Damashii), the horrendously offensive AOU arcade show and Weekly Young Idol featuring Minako Komukai VS Shigeru Miyamoto and Hideo Kojima.
02.18.04: Nintendo roolz, Sony droolz. Details on Sakurazaka Shouboutai, Steady X Study, Orange Pocket, and more. Plus, a Famitsu survey on the Nintendo DS, a look at the Japanese commercial scene, Misaki Ito as young idol of the week and lots of print ads.
02.11.04: SCE's simplicity campaign, girls playing Eye Toy, upcoming NEC Interchannel games, a look at Japanese retail, Akihabara burning down, Famitsu reader top 100. Plus, the babe of the week: Aya Ueto.
01.27.04: Skiing Ostrich versus Snowboarding Chiwawa! You make the call! Plus, looks at the new PS2 Kinpachi-sensei game, Sengoku VS. Gendai and Soccer Life, some hot Microsoft Xbox ads and a World Hobby Fair picture collection.
1/21/2004: 22 commercials, featuring skiing ostrich (this is a precursor to the next issue's snowboarding dog). Plus, reports on Atelier Iris Eternal Mana, Michigan, The Hajimete no RPG, Galaxy Angel Moonlit Lovers. Also features a Famitsu powered look at the rest of 2004!
1/14/2004: The first issue of IGN for 2004 presents a look back at year 2003's sales and a huge awards presentation with awards for best game, best graphics, best sound and more! Plus, Cho-Kuso game of the year!
12/19/2003: The last issue of IGN Japan for 2003 features some ramblings about the PSX, a look at Uchuu no Stellvia and lots of high res print ads.
12/10/2003: Love Ping Pong, a preview of the Jump Festival and commercials for games like Donkey Konga, Winning Eleven Tactics, Ninja Gaiden and Cute Puppy.
11/18/2003: Thirty television spots including Sonic Heroes, and F-Zero in this limited IGN Japan as we prepare for the big Final Fantasy XII unveiling feature gorgeous Square Enix PR girls.
11/11/2003: Sony's unexpected price drop and "Sorry to have kept you waiting" ad campaign, Japan's most hated game developer and development company and not much else. IGN Japan is made up of lazy bastards! LAZY BASTARDS!
11/03/2003: A look at the year end sales race in Japan, the hottest Famitsu cover girl ever, a look at the new Sister Princess expansion disk, the best selling Dreamcast games, a big Famitsu Tokyo Game Show survey and a ton of television spots.
10/27/2003: Nintendo's Japanese price drop ineffective? Plus, the latest magazine info on Gran Turismo 4 Prologue, Final Fantasy International + Last Mission, a Famitsu survey on the PSX and a Gran Turismo 4 pamphlet scan.
10/20/2003: The start of Nintendo's Fall attack, a game maker ranking and lots of print ads and detail from Famitsu.
9/22/2003: Rare collector's issue! The final Grand Theft Auto Watch and Tokyo Game pre-show report. Plus, a print ad featuring a really, really super mega hot chick!
9/14/2003: A video and picture tour of JAMMA 2003, with lots of hot Japanese girl snips. Plus, the continuing Grand Theft Auto watch, a look at Naruto for the PS2, and more from the Tokyo Game Show pre-game show report.
9/8/2003: Grand Theft Auto watch, Tokyo Game Show and JAMMA pre-game info, a look at the marathon game, plus commercials for Drag On Dragoon and more.
8/25/2003: A PSP survey and lots of game ads in the IGN Japan for the week that Grand Theft Auto 3 hits the number six spot on the Famitsu most wanted list. Also details on the Mario 4 e-Cards and Donkey Kong tatsujin.
8/11/2003: Lots of television commercials for some tremendously obscure games. Presented in high res for your obsessive enjoyment. Plus Tokyo fireworks. Hmm... we're running out of things to talk about.
8/1/2003: The state of Tokyo's Sun. Plus, an Xbox Conference, PSP specs and the history of Namco. Oh -- and the August Sega press. YEAH!
7/17/2003: The Nintendo Famicom turns 20 causing Japanese magazines to give a little history lesson. The full Famicom history, inside.
6/16/2003: A full report from Capcom's Street Fighter 15th Anniversary special, complete with videos and cos-player pics! Plus, a Famitsu survey on Sony's upcoming PSX system.
6/06/2003: Famitsu conducts a big survey on Sony's PSP hardware. Plus a look inside the halls of Square where the company's foreigner population chills with president Wada. Can you spot Colin in this update?
5/23/2003: A particularly wordy issue of IGN Japan in the week following E3. Features a look at seven big game company financial statements, a briefing on the upcoming Street Fighter anniversary celebration and looks at Nintendo's Japanese demo disk and Sony's upcoming Japanese broadband program. Plus, Sammy and drumming game commercials!
5/9/2003: A look at a Japanese business gaming magazine, a bunch of print ads, the May Sega Press and a big Store Joutai Get section!
4/18/2003: The new Sega Press, our hatred of boy bands, the latest peeing statue commercial, a Famitsu retail survey and that's about it as a flood of games see Japanese release.
4/11/2003: The return of Pepsi Man, Sega's Game Jam, Bob Sapp gets his ass kicked bug still gets bigger, the April Sega Press and commercials for Yummeria, Dragon Quest: Caraven Hearts and Taiko no Tatsujin.
4/4/2003: Pics from cell phones, the Sony festival, the latest store joutai and ads for Dragon Quest Caravan Hearts, Doka-Pon DX, NUDE and Super Robot Wars.
3/26/2003: The Soul Calibur release, the Panasonic Center (with the Nintendo GameFront) and... that's about it. Gad, this IGN Japan column really sucks.
3/19/2003: IGN Japan returns after an extended break with a sayonara to Quiter, Foma Man and commercials for Soul Calibur 2, Made in Wario, P.N.03 and (not much) more.
2/28/2003: One Bob Sapp to rule all. Plus, looks at the AOU arcade show, a hate-filled message about Japanese boy-bands SMAP and Tokio, and commercials featuring Ewan McGreggor's big schwartz and Sony's multi-colored PS2 systems.
2/20/2003: Some ramblings about the GBA SP Japanese launch, a Famitsu retailer/consumer survey, a new Guess the Picture feature, plus commercials and ads for Super Robot Wars, Shin Megamitensei 3, Gun Survivor 4, and ZOE 2.
2/12/2003: More Japanese stupidity, plus some good is very Engrish, pamphlets for Venus & Braves, Star Ocean 3 and Puzzle Collection, and CMs for Star Ocean 3, FF Tactics and Mega Man GameCube, and more.
2/3/2003: A look at Dori-Maga (complete with Dreamcast sales charts), Final Fantasy X-2 limited edition goods, the Japanese retail scene, the World Hobby Fair, pamphlets for Sakura Wars and Sony's Voice recognition games, the February Sega Press, and commercials/ads for Venus & Braves, Nintendo Puzzle Collection, ZOE 2, FF Tactics and more!
1/24/2003: 2003's second issue of IGN Japan as the evil Fran Maribella the Third takes over the ranks of IGN Insider. Features a look at the Xbox Live launch party, a Famitsu survey regarding gamer's hopes for the coming year, a look at our Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball preorder goods, a pot shot at Square, and commercials for DOAX, Devil May Cry 2 and Operator's Side. And what's up with the weather always raining (and snowing) on Microsoft's party?
1/16/2003: The first issue of IGN Japan for 2003 really sucks. First of all, we were drunk off free Xbox liquor when we wrote it. The only redeeming factor is the start of a new feature: Guess the Shoes! Oh, and a recap of Japanese game sales for 2002, our pick for Japanese-only game of the year and commercials for Dead or Alive Whack-off Volleyball, Game Boy SP and Xbox Live.
12/20/2002: The last IGN Japan for 2002 features a bunch of silly Japanese commercials gaming-and-non-gaming, print ad scans, shots from around Tokyo's gaming scene (Xbox Price Drop?) and an explanation, from Tanaka, of our new naming system. Plus, Andria opens a ton of mail and Juyon introduces herself.
11/28/2002: Tanaka takes over and welcomes Juyon and Andria Lee Sang to the IGN Japan ranks as the entire Japanese gaming industry goes topsy-turvey. Included, weird Xbox and Sega print ads along with a 16-page Dark Chronicle mini magazine scan.
11/22/2002: A look back at our favorite Japanese commercials as the IGN Japan staffers close their doors for inventory purposes.
11/15/2002: Capcom announces five big titles for the GameCube while Japan celebrates National Toilet Day. Features a look at Japanese retail, a special letter about Engrish, a Famitsu survey about the big games for the year's end, television commercials and Tanaka in a suit vying for the head spot at Xbox Japan.
11/07/2002: The debut of Kita-he: Diamond Dust for the PS2, the November Sega Press, the lame CESA awards, more Xbox stupidity and commercials for such titles as Resident Evil 0, Ratchet & Clank and Xbox.
10/30/2002: The first Kenji Eno spotting in ages, the Tokyo CG festival, crazy commercials for Xbox and PS2 and a ton of print ads.
10/23/2002: Scans and videos from the Square press conference (see CG Yuna wield twin guns and do a back flip), plus a look at the Smash Brothers Orchestra CD.
10/16/2002: A look at AsoBitCity (the replacement for Laox), the meaning of Zelda's new name, plus television commercials for Rygar, GBA Gold and Silver, and Eternal Darkness.
10/9/2002: Xbox Cafe, more DOA Xtremem Beach Volleyabll ads and (what we thought was) the death of the Laox Akihabara games store.
10/2/2002: More DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball ads, plus information on Tama-chan, the seal we'd so very much like to eat.
9/18/2002: Preview of Tokyo Game Show, plus scans of Sega Press September, Sega Driving and Star Fox Adventure pamphlets.
9/11/2002: Japan's toilet paper crisis, Hikki gets hitched, plus ads for DOA Volleyball and pamphlets for Mario Advance 3 and PSO Ep. 1&2.
9/3/2002: Japanese gamers reveal what they want on Xbox Live and some group predicts the future of broadband and internet gaming in Japan. Plus, print ads for Dead or Alive Volleyball, Contra and more!
8/29/2002: Television ads for Tekki, Automodelista and the Dakara peeing statue ad. Plus, we make fun of the Xbox!
8/20/2002: Hmm... not much of anything in the week where Nintendo unveils Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle through a television commercial.
8/13/2002: Big look back at Japanese sales for the first half of 2002. No surprises.
7/31/2002: Mario Sunshine adversely affects yet another issue of IGN Japan. We do find time to scan a bunch of advertisements from the latest Japanese magazines, though.
7/22/2002: IGN Japan was very busy shine getting and didn't spend much time on this story. Lots and lots of television commercials to download though.
7/15/2002: A look at the World Hobby Fair, Famitsu's survey on what's hot this summer, and Megumi!
7/9/2002: Sega parties, Doreamon is king, a bunch of advertisements and horrible weather.
7/2/2002: Famitsu's latest Online surveys, plus the return of television ads!
6/26/2002: I will use Haiku. Evil scandals rock Japan. Mario and Zelda.
6/19/2002: Naked man jumping off bridge. Plus, the Japanese retail report. It's Anoop's birthday. Send presents to Anoop.
6/12/2002: A look at Sega's arcade show. And, the most watched Japanese sports broadcast is...
6/5/2002: Japan earns its first point ever in World Cup history as Fooligans arrive in and are quickly deported from Tokyo.
5/28/2002: Best ad ever! Plus, PS2 price drop info and... not much more in this very uneventful issue.
5/21/2002: Price drops, no Final Fantasy, and more World Cup fever.
5/14/2002: Problems with Final Fantasy XI and a Famitsu survey on what can be done to fix the Xbox.
4/28/2002: The full IGN Japan returns with a review of the Lotteria Pure Burger and... not much else. Have a first look at new correspondents Cindy and Mindy, both Communists!
4/19/2002: Week three of our failed experiment to spread out this bloody article over multiple days. Features a look at Halo`s Japanese marketing campaign, a big soccer face-off, and more.
4/12/2002: Week two of our failed experiment to spread out this bloody article over multiple days. Features a big look at Sony`s broadband plans (find out how Japanese gamers will play FFXI) and some cool Famitsu reader surveys.
3/29/2002: Week one of our failed experiment to spread out this bloody article over multiple days. Features an interview with Chikako-chan, IGN Japan`s resident kid gamer, along with some odd-ball Japanese commercials.
3/12/2002: Week 1 of the Xbox in Japan. Plus, some other stuff that isn`t as important.
3/6/2002: A look at Sony's Online gaming plans in Japan, plus some shots of the free Xbox merchandise that we have and that you want.
2/28/2002: Uhh, yeah, so this issue kinds sucks. Sorry... we were loving every minute of Jet Set Radio Future and pretending to enjoy Dead or Alive 3, so we didn't get around to doing anything special for this week's column. Plus, there were all those controversies at the Olympics, and we were just concerned that maybe, just maybe, the world was slipping back into the Cold War era. HOW WERE WE TO CONCENTRATE!!!???
2/21/2002: One last big look at the Xbox pre-launch mania in Japan, plus Nintendo's touch and try event in Shibuya, complete with a horribly-rushed video!
2/14/2002: Worst issue ever! On the day that Sony announced its sweeping plans for the Online gaming scene in Japan, IGN Japan reports on Sony's month old plans, when little was known. Also, a look at the Xbox Experience event in Akihabara, with babe selections by Andria Lee Sang.
2/7/2002: The biggest IGN Japan yet! In addition to all new navigation buttons, this issue provides a look at the Virtua Fighter Carnival, complete with a ton of video of the best VF players in Japan going at it, and a look at the Xbox in Japan, complete with pre-order info, developer surveys and comments (via Famitsu Xbox) and commercials! View it today!
1/29/2002: A visual tour of the World Hobby Fair, complete with video (note: the video now works). Plus, a fun look at how poorly developers, retailers and users think Xbox will do in Japan.
1/22/2002: The first Xbox commercial, plus commercials for Grandia Xtreme and Virtua Fighter. Plus, first details on the upcoming World Hobby fair in the all new events calendar.
1/15/2002: IGN Japan returns. And this time, it's personal! Included in this issue, our pick and the reader's pick for import game of the year. Plus, a look back at 2001 and a look forward to 2002. Oh yes... and a very special interview with the evil biases of IGNPS2.
12/14/2001: This week, a review of the Pikmin music CD, plus the debut of upcoming release dates!
12/7/2001: We were too lazy to do anything game related this week, so we uploaded footage of Japanese beach girls getting their bikini angles measured by giant protractors. Plus, the top five Ramens! And, a ton of television and print ads!
11/27/2001: The most boring IGN Japan yet! Featuring Japanese retail predictions on what`s gonna be hot this holiday season (in Japan).
11/20/2001: A look at the Sony building in Tokyo, along with our attempts at pre-ordering an Xbox in Akihabara. Plus, Smash Brothers goes on sale!
11/13/2001: An absolutely boring update not worthy of the IGN name. Does feature ads for Smash Brothers, Rez, Jack and Daxter and Japanese beer, though. Plus, a look at the first ever Ayumi Hamasaki "Game."
11/06/2001: A ton of Japanese ads, including Metal Gear Solid and Seaman. Plus, news on Pride, SNK and the super duper Sakura Wars-themed bus.
10/29/2001: We take a trip down to Tokyo Tower to see a bunch of wax, and a li'l bit of PS2 Seaman.
10/22/2001: After a month long gap, IGN Japan returns from a brand new building in Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku district. Featured in this issue -- the debut of weekly news updates and... well, that's pretty much it. Yes, we're lazy bums, but it ads to our charm.
09/21/2001: Report from the Rez Rave in Yokohama and Sega`s Jet Set Radio Future ad.
09/13/2001: The Shenmue 2 packaging, a look at the pre-Gamecube launch frenzy, plus Capcom`s cool Capcom vs SNK 2 television ad.
09/05/2001: AM2 and Yu Suzuki appear live in Tokyo (videos included), PS2 hardware sales stats and ads for Shenmue and Seaman
08/31/2001: Our trip to Space World (including directions on how to get there), Parappa ads, the Devil May Cry sound sampler, and a look at the slowing down of Final Fantasy sales.
08/21/2001: Adventures pre-ordering four GameCube systems, Muscular Ranking playtest and ads for GameCube and Devil May Cry.
08/14/2001: Premiere issue -- rare collectors` item! IGN Japan heads on out to Yokosuka, Japan in order to find the real Shenmue. Featuring video footage!
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