Best Japanese Import GCN Games

[pepharytheworm]

I made an JP imort GCN thread a while back that might have some info you need.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19113&hilit=gamecube

Here's a list I made of GCN JP exclusives.

Japanese Exclusive Gamecube games only released on the Gamecube:
Bleach GC
Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo
Captain Tsubusa
Charinko Hero
Donkey Konga 3
Doraemon: Let's Play Everybody! Minidora
Dragon Drive: D-Masters shot
Family Stadium 2002
Generations of Chaos Exceed
Gekituisenki: Zero Fighter
Giftpia
Hikaru no Go 3
Homeland
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Ace Pilot
Kiwame Mahjong DX2
Kururin Squash!
Legend of the Golfer
The Legend of The Quiz: Tournament of Champions
Lupin III: Uninikieta Hihou
Mr. Drill Land
Muscle Champion or Martial Champion
Mutsu Tonohohon
Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen (Clash of The Ninja) 3
Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen (Clash of The Ninja) 4
Nintendo Puzzle Collection
One Piece: Treasure Battle
Ohenro-San
Pool Edge
Rei Fighter Gekitsui Senki
SD Gundam Gashapon Wars
Shaman King: Soul Fight
Special Jinsei Game (game of life special)
Zoids Vs.
Zoids Vs. III

Japanese Exclusive Gamecube games also released on other systems only in Japan:
The Baseball 2003 (PS2)
Battle Stadium D.O.N. (PS2)
Bomberland 2 (PS2)
Derby Tsuka: Derby Umaotsurou (PS2)
Dokapon DX (PS2)
DreamMix TV World Fighters (PS2)
Eisei Meijin (PS2)
Future GPX Cyber Formula: Road to Evolution (PS2)
Gakuen Toshi Vara Noir Roses or
Rose Varnowaru University City (PS2)
Gekito Pro Yakyu (PS2)
Harvest Moon : Poems of Happines (PS2)
Hudsen Selection Vol. 1: Cubic Lode Runner (PS2)
Hudsen Selection Vol. 2: Star Solider (PS2)
Hudsen Selection Vol. 3: PC Genjin (Bonk) (PS2)
Hudsen Selection Vol. 4: Takahishi Meijin no Adventure (PS2)
Konjiki no Gash Bell! (Zatch Bell) Yujono Tag Battle Full Power Croket! (PS2)
Momotaro Dentetsu 11 (PS2)
Momotaro Dentetsu 12 (PS2)
One Piece: Grand Battle 3! (PS2)
Super Robot Wars GC (XBOX360)
Tengai Makyoll: Manjimaru (PCE,PS2,DS)
Tensai Bit-kun: Gramon (PS2)
World Soccer Winning Eleven 6: Final Evolution (PS2)
Zoids Vs III (PS2)

Gamecube Japanese Exclusive but released in the States on other systems
Castle Shikigami 2 (DC J, PS2 NA)
Duel Masters (PS2 NA)
GT Cube (released as GT Pro Series Wii NA)
Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam Vs. Zeta Gundam (PS2 NA)
Radiligy (DC J,PS2 J, Released on the Ultimate Shooting Collection Wii NA)
The Tower of Druga (Various systems NA)

[Breetai]

About the only GameCube game worth importing from Japan is Nintendo Puzzle Collection...

What!?! Does Hudson not even exist? Have you not heard of Bonk, Adventure Island or Star Soldier (as someone else mentioned)?

[chupon]

Mr. Drill Land

That is all. The UK import of this is better but somehow won't save correctly. Least that's what I've heard.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Shikigami no Shiro II
It's a fantastic bullet hell shmup with an extremely unique art direction.

I would agree with this, if not for the PS2 version that got a western release as Castle of Shikigami 2. The PS2 version has a translation of of all the dialogue, and goddamn is it funny/awful/direct translation silliness.

The PS2 version is well worth picking up for the English dialogue alone. There's plenty of LOLWUT moments.

Here's just an example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv8ftxxqxy8

[greg]

I would agree with this, if not for the PS2 version that got a western release as Castle of Shikigami 2. The PS2 version has a translation of of all the dialogue, and goddamn is it funny/awful/direct translation silliness.

The PS2 version is well worth picking up for the English dialogue alone. There's plenty of LOLWUT moments.

So inept translations and crappy voice acting is your thing? I can understand the appeal, I guess. Just like watching horrible dubbed Gamera movies. However, when playing a game and given a choice, I'd rather avoid spending money on crap. It only encourages companies to put out more crap. I don't suppose that domestic port has an option for Japanese voice acting, does it?

[DinnerX]

The PS2 version is well worth picking up for the English dialogue alone. There's plenty of LOLWUT moments.

Here's just an example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv8ftxxqxy8

That's hilarious.

[paulkhanti]

First off, I wanna say that this is just a quick overview of what I have read about other people’s reviews and opinions from various sources, and in are no way my official opinion. I have played very little of these games, and will make note if I have first hand experience with them. But for the most part, I do not. I’m just making this so people can skim through the list and see what the masses are recommending, and if they wanna delve deeper, through the “meh’s” and “poor’s”, I whole heartedly recommend it. First is the title, next the verdict ranked on a scale of “Excellent,” “Promising,” “Good,” “Meh,” “Poor,” and “Not Promising.” After, I post a short description of the game.

Again, this is for people like me who kind of depend on other’s opinions on games before we buy them. For you folks who judge by viewing gameplay videos or by another method, keep on doing what you’re doing.

Bleach GC
Verdict: Meh
From a quick web search, I can tell that this is a Power-Stone type fighting game, in which people have given telling choice descriptive words such as “clunky,” and “slow.”

Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo
Verdict: Poor
It’s basically a sub-par RPG which, from my understanding, is based on a Japanese manga series of the same name.

Captain Tsubasa
Verdict: Good/Meh
This was a tough one... It’s a soccer game, I presume, based off of a manga series. It’s nothing like Fifa, and I believe it has a few fantasy elements incorporated (i.e.: giant monsters appearing behind a player as he performs what looks like a “super-strike,” just to show off the power of his kick). It got low reviews from critics (4/10, 1.5/5) but it has a couple of fans who enjoyed it.

Charinko Hero
Verdict: Good
This is an arcade typed racer, similar to Mario Kart when comparatively speaking, which incorporates characters from popular TV-shows in Japan. What to pull out of this? It’s another cute kart racer out there, for those of you who dig that up… if you’re out there. Are you?

Donkey Konga 3
Verdict: Promising
Ah, the first “Nintendo” game on this monstrous list of Gamecube imports. For those of you who don’t know, Donkey Konga is a rhythm based game similar to Guitar Hero or Samba De Amigo. Instead of mashing buttons on a guitar head or shaking your adorable little maracas to your heart’s consent, (or until you develop a bad case of carpal tunnel) you drum two bongos and clap to a rhythm of a well-known song. The third of this series was not released in the Americas, or anywhere else besides Japan I believe, and contains an “interesting” song selection (thanks mugenmidget!) that includes Fire Emblem’s TV commercial theme, La Cucaracha, and a collection of Nintendo based tunes.

Doraemon: Let's Play Everybody! Minidora
Verdict: Promising
A game based on the character of Doraemon. I wanna say that it’s a Mario Party game, but I feel like the two are not close enough to really be classified together. It’s a multiplayer game, where you compete in mini games to attain a certain goal. I’m not exactly sure of this goal, something to do with saving a theme park?

Dragon Drive: D-Masters Shot
Verdict: Poor
This one’s a third person shooter that received negative reviews for the most part. Based off a Japanese anime of the same name. Not really going to go any deeper than that, the game’s considered a failure even by the developer, who is currently omitting the game from their website. It’s the only game they developed that they do this with. Coincidence? I think not. (;

Family Stadium 2003
Verdict: ?
This is a baseball sim, but I can’t really find anything on it… Anyone know anything about this game? The graphics look similar to something out of a MySims game mixed with EA’s actual The Sims game itself, and it’s a long running series according to IGN.

Generations of Chaos Succeed
Verdict: Meh
This one’s a strategy RPG from Idea Factory that’s received generally low reviews. Nothing from critics, however, just from fans.

Gekituisenki: Zero Fighter
Verdict: ?
This is a flight combat game that’s been compared to Namco’s Ace Combat series. It features 33 playable aircrafts, most of which are standard planes. This game looks interesting, but for Christ’s sake, I can’t find anyone’s opinion on this game.

Giftpia
Verdict: Excellent
Ah, Giftpia. I do love this game. I’ve played it at a friend’s, and it’s a personal favorite of mine. IGN compares it to heavily over-looked titles such as Rocket: Robot on Wheels and Harvest Moon. This game is so inventive, so just simply amazing. With graphics that can be compared to that of Animal Crossing, it’s very quirky and has a lot of elements that can be compared to that of Animal Crossing as well. Fishing, house design, etc… it’s a must-have RPG for the Gamecube.

Hikaru no Go 3
Verdict: Meh
Another board game based video game, in which I will again compare to Mario Party, but not quite arrange them too close together. It’s based off of a manga series. And the game series itself was good enough to hold up 3 games… Personally, I don’t think there’s anything special here. Unless you’re out there with my kart race game adoring people… Are you out there?

Homeland
Verdict: Promising
Now this is interesting. It’s an RPG that features online multiplayer support for the Gamecube since the Phantasy Star titles, and this also has a very Animal Crossing graphics feel to it. The only words I can think to describe this game, just from looking at screens and reading reviews, are “innovative” and “unique.” There are plenty of unique looking characters, all with their own special powers. “Instead of taking control of the players, you take control of the game’s universe and set up events, etc. How this works in the game? I don’t know, but it’s getting promising reviews. Out of all the (seemingly) gunk I’ve sorted through so far, this one’s definitely a diamond in the rough. Check this blog out for more info, as this game’s good enough to have it’s own dedicated fan base to this day:
http://homelandenglish.blog130.fc2.com/ ... ory-5.html

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Ace Pilot
Verdict: Promising
A 3-D action shooter which got surprisingly good reviews. Whenever I hear “Gundam,” I cringe a little inside. I never was a fan of their 2D fighters. People have called it “best in the franchise,” “best Gundam game ever made,” etc. It’s worth a look into. For those who don’t know, Gundam is an anime from Japan, basically about giant mech warriors controlled by people. As for the story behind it? Don’t look at me!

Kiwame Mahjong DX2
Verdict: Meh
What’s this game about, you ask? What’s it look like, pickle-head?! (Stuart Little reference. That movie gives me the warmest of the warm fuzzies. In the most manly way possible.) It’s a mahjong game, and looks to be a sub-par one at that. Unless you’re someone who eats up mahjong games by the dozen, because the countless Japanese import mahjong games which are available on every system ever made simply don’t satisfy your burning hunger for… mahjong. Don’t judge, it’s an intense sport! Err, board game.

Kururin Squash!
Verdict: Promising
A game published by Nintendo, this one’s an action-puzzle where you take the role of a “slowly spinning stick,” called the Helirin. Are these those pointless assist trophies I know so well from Super Smash Bros. Brawl? Eh, I’m not gonna bother looking that up. You control the Helirin through a series of mazes without touching any walls, and if you do touch a wall, three times to be exact, your precious Helirin will be destroyed, forcing you to start over. I guess the challenge lies in the fact that you have to keep this Helirin continually spinning without hitting any walls. For those who might be confused as to what this Helirin thing is:



Legend of Golfer
Verdict: Meh
A realistic golf simulator which features deep character customization, and from what I’ve heard, decently deep golf gameplay. I see no real reason to play this game, as there’s nothing that truly makes it stand out. And if you’re looking for a realistic golfing experience, I’m sure you can find better on a newer platform.

The Legend of The Quiz: Tournament of Champions
Verdict: Meh
This is basically a TV Show King type game, where you answer various trivia questions from the game’s library of 8000 of them, using the Gamecube microphone.

Lupin III: Uninikieta Hihou
Verdict: Meh
This little novelty is an adventure game made by our friends who made Dokapon DX, if you’re familiar with that RPG. I think it’s an anime based game, where you hit left or right to decide the main character’s story. Kinda like a Choose Your Adventure book. MEH.

Mr. Driller: Drill Land
Verdict: Promising
This is a puzzle game from Namco that I think could be enjoyable. I feel like I’ve seen Mr. Driller’s face somewhere. I just can’t put my finger on where though. The puzzle works like this: you drill through square blocks to reach one destination – the bottom of the stage. If you drill block of a certain color, then blocks surrounding it of the same color will collapse. I.E., if you drill a green block, all the green blocks around you will collapse and could crush Mr. Driller. Put together with the factor of decreasing oxygen, as you are under ground, completes this puzzle.



Mutsu Tonohohon
Verdict: Poor
This is a flight simulator with kiddie graphics, like Animal Crossing’s, and has a lot of weird looking creatures in it. I couldn’t find any reviews except for one at samurainintendo.com, but I don’t really trust him between you & me. He gave it a 7/10, but he gives that to a LOT of games. Or at least something similar. I’ve never seen a score below 6 on his site.

Nintendo Puzzle Collection
Verdict: Excellent/Promising
Ah, the good things I’ve heard about this already, haha. I’ve never been the biggest puzzle game fan, but I’ve played most of the games on this collection. They’re all classics. I’m not even going to put a description of the game of, because I know a couple of posters on this thread already have.

One Piece: Treasure Battle
Verdict: ?
Gamespot called this one an “action” game. From Bandai, I can’t find much on this game. I saw a review on CNET for this game. There was no actual review, and under Editor’s Choice it just said, “No.” I think that’s a bad thing, but I can’t call it, because I don’t know anything about it.

So, I’m going to finish up for tonight. I’ll edit this list tomorrow, because my trudging through imports needs to come to a screeching halt for the simple fact that I’m tired of trudging through imports. Again, don’t use this guide as a deciding factor for buying your imports. I’ll finish up the list of Japanese Exclusive Gamecube Exclusives tomorrow, and if you guys want, I’ll do the Japanese Exclusive Gamecube games also released on other systems only in Japan. Up to you though.

Major props to pepharytheworm for the list, and of course, random video game review sites all over the internet.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

So inept translations and crappy voice acting is your thing? I can understand the appeal, I guess. Just like watching horrible dubbed Gamera movies. However, when playing a game and given a choice, I'd rather avoid spending money on crap. It only encourages companies to put out more crap. I don't suppose that domestic port has an option for Japanese voice acting, does it?

No option to switch to the Japanese voice track, but in the case of Shikigami 2, I wouldn't have it any other way. The story (what story?) of the Shikigami games is of course complete nonsense to begin with so you might as well have fun with it.

Shikigami 3 on Wii does a much better job with the voice work, but it loses the charm. There's just a unique charm about voice acting so awful its funny.

Oh and I fully encourage the sale of games like Shikigami in the west. Too few games like this make it here to begin with, let alone with awful/awesome dubbing like Shikigami 2.

I've played Shikigami 2 on Dreamcast with it's original Japanese and yeah, its not nearly as much fun without the randomly put together English phrases.

Here's another great one. Make sure you aren't eating or drinking while viewing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZimLg_Bkhxk

[fastbilly1]

I forgot about Kururin Squash. It lived in my import cube for a long while. It is a 4 player of Kuru Kuru Kururin one of the best Puzzle games ever made. You are a slowly rotating helicopter that has to navigate odd tunnels. It is a fantastic import.

[d123456]

GT Cube (released as GT Pro Series Wii NA)

Yes, but you can only play with the wiimote on the Wii, which bloooows, GC Controller is NOT supported . Glad I have the GC version. I still have to finish it. It´s very easy. I recommend it. I hate Capcom´s shell shaded racer, of which I forgot the name. good ridance.