Import Frenzy! Top 5 Import Games of 2008
December 8, 2008 - Although 2008 was an amazing year for the American gamer, the Japanese had a pretty good year as well. Some Japanese titles like Final Fantasy: Dissidia and Tenchu: Shadow Assassin have been confirmed as coming to the US, but here are some import titles that are less likely to see an American release and that are still worth checking out.
System: Nintendo Wii
Developer: Chunsoft
Publisher: SEGA
Japanese Release Date: June 3, 2008
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Shiren the Wanderer is definitely a classic among fans of Rogue-like dungeon titles. However, its combination of simplistic strategy-based combat and punishing difficulty made it only a niche title in the US. Despite having several sequels produced in Japan, this dungeon crawler has only seen a remake released in the US. Still, regardless of its unpopularity in the US, Shiren the Wanderer has remained very popular in Japan, and this title is the third in the series. |
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Shiren 3 blends plenty of old school-style dungeon-crawling with improved controls, graphics, and a much larger world. There are also new monsters and battle elements that are sure to challenge new and old players. Oh, and did I mention the sleeping princess you have to save?
Import Value: Moderate - Although it shouldn't be too difficult to figure out the menu structure if you don't speak Japanese, the Wii's region-locked status makes playing this one stateside rather difficult, and using the game's much-touted online partner modes impossible.
System: Nintendo Wii
Developer: Namco Bandai
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Japanese Release Date: December 4, 2008
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The Kaze no Klonoa series is yet another game that has had lackluster success within the US. Kaze no Klonoa: Door to Phantomile is a "Wii-make" of a PSOne title originally released in 1997. In its time, the original was hailed as a wildly inventive and fun platforming title that was reminiscent of the Crash Bandicoot and Spyro series. For the most part, the fun platforming of the original has remained intact for this new release, but the graphics have been greatly updated, and the controls have been streamlined for the Wii. |
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