I'll share the curious story behind its purchase and also share a few photos of it in all its gloriousness shortly, but today I'm going to focus on something else entirely--with that something being the following five Japan-only (for now, he says with fingers crossed) 3DS games that I'm both keeping an eye on and hoping to buy sometime in 2013.
1. Daigasso! Band Brothers 3DS--How can I say it's likely I'll buy this game when it hasn't yet been given an official name or release date? Because I completely loved playing both of its DS-based predecessors, that's why. Unless the folks who are busily piecing together this iteration muck up the formula that worked so well for past Daigasso! Band Brothers titles, you can count on the 3DS version being added to my collection shortly after it's released in its country of origin.
2. Dragon Quest VII--To be honest, I only plan to pick up this much-anticipated remake if it fails to come to North America like Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland 3D and Slime MoriMori Dragon Quest 3 did. Considering there's about an 80 percent chance of that happening, though, I probably shouldn't be too cavalier. Anyone know a quick and easy way to learn the Japanese language?
3. Labyrinth no Kanata--This is another import-only game, known to most westerners as Beyond the Labyrinth, that I desperately want to play, but I'm just not sure it would be a good idea to buy considering I don't know a lick of Japanese. Should I ever come across a reasonably priced copy of it, though, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to resist its beautiful cover art (or its dungeon-exploring gameplay).
4. Taiko no Tatsujin: Chibi Dragon to Fushigi na Orb--Despite the fact that I love rhythm games and that I find this series' mascot to be one of the cutest I've ever seen, I've yet to experience a single Taiko no Tatsujin title. Granted, only one has been released in my neck of the woods. Anyway, this one looks pretty darn good to my eyes--thanks in no small part to the "chibi dragon" mentioned in its subtitle--so why not start with it?
5. Zoo Keeper 3D--Go ahead. Look down your nose at me for including this game. I'm not ashamed of the way I feel about Zoo Keeper, no sir. That said, I'll admit to straddling the fence when it comes to this particular version of Success' animal-themed puzzler, as I haven't seen enough of it to know whether it would be a good or bad title to buy. For now, though, I'll just pretend that it would be worth every precious penny I'd spend on it.
Should you realistically expect me to pick up all five of these games? Probably not. I think there's a better-than-good chance, though, that the first and fourth ones will be purchased at some point in 2013.
21 comments:
Ooh I'd really like to try Labyrinth no Kanata! Really hope you get that one so you can tell me all about it :)
Good choices Bryan -- well except Dragon Quest 7. Just spare yourself the pain and play the PSX one in English. I'm surprised you're hesitant about Zoo Keeper, since it will probably be the easiest of all these to play w/o knowing Japanese. BTW, did you ever make a decision on Grandpa Danger? I had a lot of fun just trying to figure out what was going on in the GBA games, so it would be on the top of my list. Oh and Ikki Tousen! Smash Heroes - what about that?
Hey there, Steve! Honestly, it's unlikely I'll buy/try to play through the Japanese 3DS remake of DQVII. That said, I hope beyond hope that it's released here, as it looks soooooo good.
As for Grandpa Danger: I've decided to pass on it for now. The consensus from most folks was that it would require a good bit of Japanese knowledge to enjoy, so I'm going to forego it. Who knows, though, maybe down the line...
Oh, and Ikki Tousen: I've never heard of it. Will look into it...
OMG, Ikki Tousen is so up your alley I just assumed I read about it here. It's Dynasty Warriors with cats and it's adorable! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Cr5s1nSQs
Beyond the Labyrinth and Taiko no Tatsujin are on my to-buy-list too! Oh I wish they would come to Europe :( Uhm, don't want to bother you but have you watched the AC-movie yet? ^^
Oh, now I know what you're talking about, Steve! And, yes, that looks like a lot of fun. Hmmm, consider it on my 'wish list' as of now :)
BTW, I'm hesitant about Zoo Keeper 3D because I'm not sure it's really all that different from Zoo Keeper DS. As such, is it really worth spending money on? I'm not sure.
I have a feeling no one outside Japan is going to get Beyond the Labyrinth, Lizzi. It's just been out for too long. That said, I hope I'm wrong.
I have a feeling Taiko 3DS is stuck in Japan, too. After all, when's the last time Namco released a Taiko game outside of Japan? So sad.
As for the AC movie: No, haven't watched it yet. Sorry. I probably won't get to it until at least Christmas weekend, as things are too busy/stressful in my household right now :(
I was hoping Beyond the Labyrinth would get released. The publisher/devs should consider releasing it as an eShop title.
Forgot to add: the Taiko 3DS game - I watched a video of someone playing - it made me cringe! Not because of the game, but because of all that tapping on the poor 3DS touchscreen! LOL
I did hear that they are "updating" DQ7 to be more inline like #9. But even then, I'm sure it will just be another grind fest ;p
Oh, I wanted Beyond the Labyrinth to get released outside of Japan, too, Igor. And I'm sure it still could be, I guess, but the longer we get from its Japanese release, the less likely I think it's going to see the light of day in the west--as an eShop title or as a retail title.
As for Taiko: I have to admit that I'm a bit nervous about tapping so much on the screens of my newly acquired Japanese 3DS, too. That said, I've tapped the screen of my US 3DS quite a bit thanks to Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, and it still looks great, so maybe I (and you!) shouldn't be so worried?
I'm OK with it being a grind fest, Igor, although I know I'm probably in the minority there. Regardless, are you interested in this remake, or not?
No problem Bryan. Just want to talk about it with you :)
About Beyond the Labyrinth and Taiko no Tatsujin: I really hope you're wrong! I want them so bad :(
That's so unfair. Japan always get the cool games and we have to hope we can experience them too one day... :(
BTW: did you get my NGC-AC-pictures per mail? :)
I hope I'm wrong, too, Lizzi! Fingers crossed :)
I did! I'm going to look at them now and then write back to you. Glad to hear your town/village is finally covered in snow, by the way!
If theres a demo I'll take a look, otherwise I'll avoid it.
With DQ I found I didn't mind some of the aspects, say like #9. The story was kinda cool with the crazy train etc but when it came to game play, that's what killed the game for me.
I feel same would happen with this game. I'll probably like the characters and story, but if its the same game play, it would just kill the game for me.
Oh, a demo would be lovely! I wonder if they'll offer one, though? In Europe and in the US, a demo would be a great, great idea, IMO, but I can see them passing on one in Japan (as folks there are sure to buy the remake regardless).
As for how this game will play: I hate to break it to you, but I have a feeling the DQ7 remake will be play much like 9, which apparently plays a lot like previous DQ games. Still, maybe I'll be wrong in the end!
Which is what I'm expecting.
I'll also add - I find the "8-bit" sound effects a little annoying too LOL kinda like how Pokemon still keeps the 8-bit noises. Yea kinda cool but kinda irritating too haha
Just me I guess
Although I understand finding the 8-bit sound effects annoying, I can see where the devs are coming from with them. This is one series that has a very big, very dedicated fan base--and a good portion of those folks like hearing the same old sound effects. As such, I can see why they leave them in :)
Oh yea, I understand that.
Anyways, whenever the game comes out, hope you enjoy it :)
Thanks! And I hope it's made in a way that you enjoy it, too :)
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