Now Playing in Japan

Are you a big import gaming fan? Do you take pride in the fact that Japan gets a minimum of twenty new games every week (thirty this week!). Then you've come to the right place!

In this weekly update, we'll be providing you with a quick look at all the imports that have made their way onto retail shelves over the past week. Keep checking back every week to keep up with the latest from Japan.

The following games were released between 11/13 and 11/26. Click on the links for full coverage, but be warned that some links take you to Japanese pages.

Xbox

Tom Clancy Series Splinter Cell Chaos Theory
Ubisoft (PUB)

11.17.2005

Xbox

ZD2-00006

7140

Action

You play as secret operative Sam Fisher in this third Splinter Cell, which takes place in the year 2008. The game includes a stealth meter which gives an indication of how hidden you are. This meter is sensitive not just to open areas, but to sounds as well, as enemies can now discover you if you make too much noise. In addition to two player Offline cooperative play, the Xbox version of the game includes Xbox Live cooperative and competitive play for multiple players.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 7), Famitsu Xbox 360 (8, 8, 8, 7)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

PlayStation 2

.hack//Fragment
Bandai (PUB)

11.23.2005

PS2

SLPS-25527

7140

RPG

This game answers the question, what if .hack were turned into a real network game? Bandai has followed up on the 2002 anime/game combo .hack series with a game that places you in the virtual computer world that was featured in that series. Characters that have appeared in the previous productions appear in this title. Your own character creations can be used both Online and Offline. Using a PC, you can create your very own server and invite your friends to play; this is how the game maintains its free Online play system.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 7, 7, 7), Dengeki PlayStation (80, 75, 75, 70)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Akumajou Dracula: Yami no Juin
AKA: Castlevania: Curse of Darkness (USA)
Konami (PUB)

11.24.2005

PS2

SPLM-66175

7329

Action

You play as Hector, a former ally to Dracula who's out for revenge, in this installment of the Castlevania series. As you work your way through the giant map, which features ten fully interconnected areas, you'll build up Hector into a powerful warrior, using an item synthesis system. The game includes seventy types of weapons, including swords and axes.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 8), Dengeki PlayStation (90, 85, 80, 80), Hyper PlayStation (8, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

STAFF: Ayami Kojima (Character Design), IGA (Producer)

Astro Kyuudan Kessen!! Victory Kyuudan Hen
Sunrise Interactive (PUB)

11.23.2005

PS2

SLPS-25582

7140

Adventure

This anime adaptation is based off a manga that ran in Weekly Shounen Jump during the 70s. Taking charge of Astro Kyuudan, you face off against your rival through mini games as you follow a storyline.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 7, 7, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Beatmania IIDX 10th Style
Konami (PUB)

11.17.2005

PS2

SLPM-66180

7329

Music

The home version of 10th Style features a total of 88 songs, including 54 songs from the arcade game and 7 new songs for the PS2 version. Beginners can try out the low-difficulty Beginner's Mode while advanced players can look forward to the tougher songs from the arcade version. Also included is a "Dan'i Nintei" mode where you work to improve your skills.

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Blocks Club with Bumpy Trot
Irem Software Engineering (PUB)

11.17.2005

PS2

SLPS-20443

3990

Table Game, Puzzle

This table game is based of a puzzle called Blocks, where you place block collections on a board, the goal being to place the most pieces on the board before space runs out. To this, IREM has added characters and world elements from the stylized Bumpy Trot action RPG. The game includes support for two and four players.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (6, 6, 5, 5)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Ga-Rou-Den: Breakblow
ESP (PUB), Opus (DEV)

11.17.2005

PS2

SLPS-25530

7140

Action, Fighting

This PS2 action title is based off the Garouden manga and comes complete with character models created off the original designs from manga artist Keisuke Itagaki and new episodes prepared especially for the game. Included are five modes of play: a fighting mode where you chose your own character and face off against rival fighters, a story mode where you play through a scenario, as well as practice, survival and gallery modes. In addition to a power gauge, your character has a spirit gauge which has to be maintained in order to survive.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 7, 6, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

God of War
Capcom (PUB)

11.17.2005

PS2

SLPM-67010

7140

Action

Capcom brings Sony's critical hit to Japan. You play as Kratos, a Spartan warrior in a setting inspired from Greek Mythology. Making use of magic, combos and special skills, you'll have to defeat enemies and work your way through traps that line the levels. You can add power to Kratos by collecting orbs from fallen foes.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (9, 9, 9, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Ikusagami
Genki (PUB)

11.24.2005

PS2

SLPM-66184

7140

Action

Ikusagami places over 65,000 enemies on the battle field and asks that you, playing as Inugami, wipe them all out. You can make use of over 99 weapon types. In addition to the main story mode of play, a quick battle mode and a free stage selection mode appear once you've cleared the game.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 7), Hyper PlayStation (8, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

STAFF: Norihiro Sawada (Director), Norihiro Sawada (Producer)

J League Winning Eleven 9 Asia Championship
Konami (PUB)

11.17.2005

PS2

SLPM-66169

7329

Sports

This update to Winning Eleven 9 features Asia's top soccer leagues, including Japan's J-League and Korea's K-League, as well as the national teams from 57 countries. The Nippon Challenge mode, where you take control of the Japanese national team, now allows you to select 800 Japanese player.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 7), Dengeki PlayStation (95, 90, 90, 85)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Keroro Gunsou: Meromero Battle Royal Z
Bandai (PUB)

11.17.2005

PS2

SLPS-25575

5040

Action

You play as secret operative Sam Fisher in this third installment of the Splinter Cell series, which takes place in the year 2008. The game includes a stealth meter which gives an indication of how hidden you are. This meter is sensitive not just to open areas, but to sounds as well, as enemies can now discover you if you make too much noise. Multiplayer Offline and Online modes are included.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 6, 6, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed:
Rengou vs. Z.A.F.T.
Bandai (PUB), Capcom (DEV)

11.17.2005

PS2

SLPS-25569

7140

Action

This latest Gundam fighter, developed by Capcom, lets players select from Striker Gundam, Aegis Gundam and even Gundam units from Gundam SEED Destiny. Two player competition and cooperative modes are included.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 7), Dengeki PlayStation (85, 85, 80, 80), Hyper PlayStation (8, 7)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Little Aid
Takuyo (PUB)

11.23.2005

PS2

SLPS-25579

7140

Adventure

Little Aid is a Boys Love game that has made its way over from the PC. You play as a young high school girl who, over the course of a week, experiences a love story involving six effeminate seniors. Two characters who had the status of sub characters in the PC version can now be wooed. As you progress through the game, information about the boys that you meet and your town are entered into a diary for future reference.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 6, 6, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Matantei Loki Ragnarok:
King of Chiisa wa Shiawase
Taito (PUB)

11.24.2005

PS2

TCPS-10114

6090

Adventure

This adaptation of the television series Ragnarok features an original storyline set in a new Matantei Loki world. Your goal is to come to the bottom of a mystery by speaking with characters and searching various locals. Visual elements from the game are stored in a collection mode for future viewing.

LINKS: IGN Game Page

ONE PIECE Pirates Carnival
Bandai (PUB), Hand (DEV)

11.23.2005

PS2

SLPS-25576

6090

Action

The One Piece anime comes to the game screen in the form of a party game featuring over forty mini games. Characters from the series appear in card form as part of a board game, with mini games appearing as you play. Also included is a free mode where you select a mini game of your liking. The game allows for up to four players and is also available in an 8190 yen package that includes either the slim or standard multi tap.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 6, 6, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Otona no Gal-jong 2 -- Koishite Baiman
Jaleco (PUB)

11.23.2005

PS2

SLPM-66194

6090

Adventure, Table Game

This entry in the Otona Gal mahjong series has you play mahjong against hot idols, who appear through real photographs, over a fourteen day period. As you play mahjong, you speak to the personable girls and build up your relationship, working toward a happy ending with one of the girls. You can even go out on dates, with Thursday being special swimsuit date day.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 6, 6, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Pachislot Ku-Ra-Bu Collection
Pachislot Da Yo Koumon-chama
Commseed (PUB)

11.17.2005

PS2

SLPS-20427

4935

Simulation

The popular Pachislot Da Yo Koumon-chama machine comes home to the PS2. Four modes of play are included, including a simulation mode, a practice mode, a sound mode and a mode where you view the contents set to play on the LCD monitor.

LINKS: IGN Game Page, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Puyo Puyo Fever 2
Sega (PUB)

11.24.2005

PS2

SLPM-66104

5040

Puzzle

The second Fever entry in the Puyo Puyo series features the classic Puyo Puyo puzzle gameplay along with eleven new personable character and three times the story volume. In single player mode, clearing each stage of play earns you points which can be used at a shop to purchase items, of which there are over 72 in total. Items can be used during the game, with such effects as dropping the Puyo colors by one and increasing your attack strength. The game now includes a pause feature which lets you save during mid-game and return later.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 7, 7, 7)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Ratchet & Clank 4th
Girigiri Ginka no Giga Battle
AKA: Ratchet: Deadlocked (USA)
Sony Computer Entertainment (PUB)

11.23.2005

PS2

SCPS-15100

6090

The fourth Ratchet & Clank game features Ratchet in a battle suit and some slick transformation scenes In addition to the largest number of vehicles so far, the game includes support robots known as Battle Robos, two of whom fight along side your character. Also included for the first time is two player cooperative play. The game is also available as a Gift Package which includes a bonus "omake" card.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 8), Hyper PlayStation (8, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Rebirth Moon
Idea Factory (PUB)

11.24.2005

PS2

SLPM-66143

7140

Simulation, RPG

This title is the first entry in Idea Factory's IF Type Zero brand. The storyline focuses on an ancient artifact called Cube, which was found twenty five years ago in the outskirts of a town near the boarder and has since provided people with magic powers. In the present, the main character Ires and his father Regrait, while on their travels, discover an impossible black Cube, leading to the start of the game. Rebirth Moon features turn-based strategy gameplay as you take on quests, build up your party in your hideout, then face off against the enemy in grid-based battles using the powers of the Cube and an elemental system.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 7, 6, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

STAFF: Ryutoku Nakamura (Character Design), Masato Satou (Director), Hiroyuki Suzuki (Programmer), Kenji Kaneko (Sound Effects), Kenji Kaneko (Music)

Soul Calibur III
Namco (PUB)

11.23.2005

PS2

SLPS-25577

7140

Fighting

The fight over the Soul Edge sword continues in this third Soul Calibur game. In addition to story and the expected fighting modes of play, the game includes a real-time simulation mode along with mission-based fights. Three new characters have been created for the game, but if this isn't enough, you can try out the create-your-own-fighter mode where you chose parts and fighting style for your very own fighter.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (9, 9, 9, 9), Dengeki PlayStation (90, 90, 90, 90), Hyper PlayStation (9, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

STAFF: Yotoriyama Hiroaki (Producer)

SSX on tour
Electronic Arts (PUB)

11.24.2005

PS2

SLPM-66189

6090

Sports

This entry in the SSX series features skiing in addition to snowboarding. You'll have to work not just on standard tricks, but on Monster Tricks, which require that you reach a certain height. The game includes simple controls, allowing you to perform tricks with stick movements.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (9, 8, 8, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Tom Clancy Series
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory
Ubisoft (PUB)

11.17.2005

PS2

SLPM-66130

7140

Action

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 7, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Turn the page for more new releases.

Nintendo DS

Appare! Shougi Jiisan -- Washi to Shoubu Ja
Success (PUB)

11.24.2005

NDS

NTR-P-ASYJ

2940

Table Game

This Shougi title uses the touch pen for simple controls. Three modes of play are included for single player, including Hon Shougi (standard Shougi rules) Tsume Shougi (beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of play) and Kakushi Shougi (you're free to position your pieces anywhere). The game supports game sharing, allowing for competitive play using just one cartridge.

SCORES: Famitsu Cube + Advance (7, 7, 6, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

STAFF: Masayuki Katayama (Character Design)

Bubble Bobble DS
AKA: Bubble Bobble Revolution (EUROPE)
Taito (PUB)

11.24.2005

NDS

NTR-P-AB6J

5040

Puzzle

Puzzle Bobble appears on the DS in two forms: Classic Version which allows for play of the original 1986 arcade game, and New Age Version, which uses two screens. New Age Version also adds special bubbles with elemental powers like fire, water and electricity. Classic Version is limited to two players, but up to four can get together for New Age Version.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 6, 6, 6), Famitsu Cube + Advance (6, 6, 6, 5)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Harry Potter to Honou no Goblet
Electronic Arts (PUB)

11.26.2005

NDS

NTR-P-AHPJ

5040

Action, Adventure

The release of this game adaptation was timed to coincide with the movie's release. Using the touch pen, you'll face off against monsters in battle and take part in mini games. All your actions make use of magic, with the game using an automatic selection feature to make selecting magic simple.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 7, 7, 7), Famitsu Cube + Advance (7, 7, 7, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Konchuu Kakutou Mushi-1 Grand Prix
Rocket Company (PUB)

11.24.2005

NDS

NTR-P-AKFJ

4179

Simulation

Thirty types of beetles are included in this insect-themed simulation game. You'll make use of these creatures in Mushi-1 battles. Battles take place on a 3x3 field as you select to move, use standard attacks or even make use of your powerful Sapuri skill. New skills can be purchased by collecting gems following victorious battles.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 4, 4, 4), Famitsu Cube + Advance (5, 5, 5, 4)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Nihon Pro Mahjong Kishikai Kanshuu Pro ni Naru Mahjong DS
Success (PUB)

11.24.2005

NDS

NTR-P-AMIJ

3990

Board Game

This DS mahjong title features quick controls via the stylus, allowing you to select and view records and mahjong rules from one screen. Ten pro players are included in their likeness.

SCORES: Famitsu Cube + Advance (9, 9, 8, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

STAFF: Masayuki Katayama (Character Design)

Oideyo Doubutsu no Mori DS
AKA: Animal Crossing: Wild World (USA)
Nintendo (PUB)

11.23.2005

NDS

NTR-P-ADMJ

4800

Other

The first Online Nintendo title, Doubutsu no Mori lets you live the slow life as you fish, collect items and speak to animals. Using WiFi, you can have up to four players from around the world visit your town.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (10, 9, 9, 9), Famitsu Cube + Advance (10, 10, 10, 9)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon Aoi no Kyuujotai
Pokemon (PUB)

11.17.2005

NDS

???

4800

RPG

This Pokemon game takes place in a world populated exclusively by Pokemon. You play as a character who finds himself turned into a Pokemon and take on missions to save other Pokemon from trouble. The game includes over 380 Pokemon along with random dungeons. The GBA and DS versions offer a different set of Pokemon. With the DS, you can connect wirelessly to friends and save them from a dungeon when they're trapped.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (9, 9, 9, 8), Famitsu Cube + Advance (9, 9, 9, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Shichidashiki Training Unoutanren Unotan
DS Shunkan Shoubu: Handanryoku
Interchannel (PUB)

11.23.2005

NDS

NTR-P-AUHJ

3900

Other

Interchannel's first DS title isn't so much a game as it is a brain training program. The game promises to give your brain a workout as you play through mini games. Three versios of the game focus on memory, judgment and concentration.

SCORES: Famitsu Cube + Advance (7, 7, 6, 5)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Snowboard Kids Party
AKA: SBK: Snowboard Kids DS (USA)
Atlus (PUB)

11.24.2005

NDS

NTR-P-ASBJ

5040

Sports

Snowboard Kids sees new character designs and gameplay for its DS debut. It's a race for the goal as you face off against three rivals. You'll have to make use of items and shots to get in the way of your opponents. In addition to the World Tour Challenge mode, the game includes a Boss Battle mode and a versus mode where you face off against friends. Game sharing is also included.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 7, 7, 6), Famitsu Cube + Advance (7, 7, 7, 7)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Sonic Rush
Sega (PUB)

11.23.2005

NDS

NTR-P-ASCJ

5040

Action

The first two screen Sonic game uses both screens to show more Sonic action than ever before. You'll have to make use of various tricks in order to work your way through the obstacle-filled levels. At the end of the levels, you'll find 3D boss fights waiting for you. Sonic is displayed as a 3D polygonal model throughout the game, allowing for smooth animation.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 8), Famitsu Cube + Advance (8, 8, 8, 7)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Super Black Bass -- Dynamic Shot
Starfish SD (PUB)

11.24.2005

NDS

NTR-P-A2BJ

5040

Sports

Super Black Bass hits the DS with dual screen and touch pen support. You'll have to select a reel based off the current situation, taking into account the depth of water and the current mood of the fish you're trying to get. In tournament mode, you play as a young, no-name fisher trying to go pro. You'll need to rank third or better in order to advance to the next tournament. Four players can compete using a single cartridge.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 6, 6, 4), Famitsu Cube + Advance (5, 5, 5, 4)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Game Boy Advance

Konjiki no Zatch Belle!! Yuujou no Dengeki Dream Tag Tournament
Banpresto (PUB)

11.24.2005

GBA

AGB-P-BUDJ

5040

Fighting

This particular game adaptation of the Zatch Belle series takes the form of a fighting game featuring a large cast of characters, complete with voices. You'll have to make use of a Friendship Gauge, which when maxed out allows your characters to unleash advanced super moves. As you progress through the game, you build up a collection of goods which allow you to use new teams in battle mode and access new mini games.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 6, 6, 6), Famitsu Cube + Advance (8, 7, 6, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page

Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon Aka no Kyuujotai
Pokemon (PUB)

11.17.2005

GBA

AGB-P-B24J

4800

RPG

Unlike most Pokemon titles, this one takes place in a world populated exclusively by Pokemon. You play as a character who finds himself turned into a Pokemon. As you attempt to find a cure for your problem, you'll take on missions to save other Pokemon from trouble. The game includes over 380 Pokemon and dungeons that are generated randomly each time you enter. The GBA and DS versions offer a different set of Pokemon.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (9, 9, 9, 8), Famitsu Cube + Advance (9, 9, 9, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Rockman EXE 6 Dennoujuu Faruza/Gureiga
AKA: Mega Man Battle Network 6: Faltzer Version (USA)
Capcom (PUB)

11.23.2005

GBA

AGB-P-BR6J

5040

Action, RPG

The Rockman EXE series reaches its grand finale on the Game Boy Advance. For this new entry, Capcom has prepared a few new game systems, including the Cross Change system and the Jyuuka (Beast Transformation) system. As part of the Jyuuka system, Rockman can use Beast Out powers to transform into beasts, with different beasts appearing in the two versions of the title. The game takes place in a new setting, Saiba Town, and has Rockman sent to the "Dennou" world to solve cases.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (9, 8, 8, 8), Famitsu Cube + Advance (9, 9, 9, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

PlayStation Portable

Armored Core Formula Front International PSP the Best
From Software (PUB)

11.17.2005

PSP

ULJS-19001

2800

Action, Simulation

Armored Core Formula Front launched with the PSP in December of 2004, but it focused purely on the simulation aspects of the game, doing away entirely with direct mech control. That was added for the US version, prompting From Software to bring that version back to Japan under the PSP the Best label.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 7)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Harvest Moon Boy & Girl
Marvelous Interactive (PUB)

11.23.2005

PSP

ULJS-00034

5040

Adventure, Simulation

Two PlayStation Harvest Moon titles are being released in one package on the PSP with this title. Included are Harvest Moon and Harvest Moon for Girls, ported over, complete with borders filling up the extra space on the PSP screen.

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Puyo Puyo Fever 2
Sega (PUB)

11.24.2005

PSP

ULJM-05058

5040

Puzzle

The PSP version of Puyo Puyo Fever 2 includes classic Puyo Puyo gameplay with updated modes of play and three times the volume. As with the PS2 version, working your way through the story mode results in points that can be used to purchase items. The PSP version includes two player battles via game sharing and using a single PSP unit.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

SSX On Tour Portable
Electronic Arts (PUB)

11.24.2005

PSP

ULJM-05063

5040

Sports

This entry in the SSX series features skiing in addition to snowboarding. You'll have to work not just on standard tricks, but on Monster Tricks, which require that you reach a certain height. The game allows you to create your own character and take part in events. The PSP version includes four player wireless play.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 8, 8, 7)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

TALKMAN
Sony Computer Entertainment (PUB)

11.17.2005

PSP

UCJS-10009

6090

Other

Talkman allows players to overcome the language barrier in speaking with other people. Speak into the included microphone, and Max, the game mascot, will translate your words between English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. The game also has game-like modes, as well as lessons for learning to speak.

SCORES: Dengeki PlayStation (75, 75, 70, 60)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site, PlayStation.jp Game Page

Nintendo GameCube

Harry Potter to Honou no Goblet
AKA: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (USA)
Electronic Arts (PUB)

11.26.2005

GCN

DOL-P-GH4J

5040

Action, Adventure

Released to coincide with the Japanese theatrical release of Goblet of Fire, this GameCube adaptation lets you control three characters, Harry, Ron and Hermione. By collecting beans that have fallen in the stages, you can purchase cards which, when equipped, make your characters stronger. A new spell casting system makes the controller shake with every flick of your wand.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 7, 6, 6), Famitsu Cube + Advance (7, 7, 7, 6)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

Naruto Gekitou Ninja Taisen! 4
Tomy (PUB), Eighting (DEV)

11.21.2005

GCN

DOL-P-G4NJ

7140

Fighting

Round four of the GameCube Naruto series includes new fighters such as Kisame Hoshigaki and Oto no Yoninshuu as well as all new stages. In addition to the four player fighting the series is known for, you can now play through three on three tag team battles, changing your character during the course of the fight.

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (8, 7, 7, 7), Famitsu Cube + Advance (9, 8, 8, 8)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

ONE PIECE Pirates Carnival
Bandai (PUB), Hand (DEV)

11.23.2005

GCN

DOL-P-GIPJ

6090

Action

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (7, 6, 6, 6), Famitsu Cube + Advance (9, 8, 8, 7)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

SSX On Tour with Mario
Electronic Arts (PUB)

11.24.2005

GCN

DOL-P-GXOJ

6090

Sports

SCORES: Weekly Famitsu (9, 8, 8, 8), Famitsu Cube + Advance (8, 8, 8, 7)

LINKS: IGN Game Page, Official Site

That does it for this week's now playing list. For the full word on the Japanese game scene, be sure and check out our regular Gaming Life in Japan column on Insider. Each issue features pics, magazine recaps, sales charts and commercials from Japan, along with an up-to-date release dates schedule. Check out the latest issue here.