Japanese Games for Nintendo DS
When game consoles are released around the world, they feature locks that prevent games from other countries from being played. The Nintendo DS, however, does not feature this lock. Games from all over the world can be played on any DS, opening gamers up to titles they would not see in America, such as those released solely in Japan.
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Benefits
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Popular DS games will sometimes hit Japan several months before they are seen on American shores. Gamers eager to pick up the latest games in the Dragon Quest, Pokemon and Zelda series can import the games for use on their systems. For gamers who want to always have the latest release before anyone else, picking up these top tier titles months before their friends can trump the difficulty with the language barrier.
The Language Barrier
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While there are Japanese games that do not require any knowledge of the language to fully enjoy, games, such as role playing games or those that feature directions given in Japanese might be harder to play through. Before purchasing Japanese games, search online for translations of the games' script, or walk-throughs that will help you. Also, use this as an opportunity to learn the language. Japanese features three different alphabets and thousands of characters, so if you are not up for the challenge, stay away from text heavy games.
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Importing
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While some stores feature imported games, players looking for a wider selection of Japanese games, as well as games from all over the world should visit Play Asia. You can browse through the selection of games for the DS, which will state if games are compatible with U.S. consoles. Any games you want can be ordered and shipped directly to your home.
Puzzle Games
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Fans of board games, such as Go, can use their DS and imported Japanese games to compete against their friends or themselves with different puzzle games for the console. Begin with Umezawa Yukari no Yasashi Igo, which is a Go game for beginners, meaning that it will walk you through the game with a series of pictures and diagrams. If you have played through every brain training game on the DS, invest in Kageyama Hideo no IQ Teacher, because brain bending puzzles are a universal language.
Anime and Manga
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Fans of Shonen Jump, which features the popular Naruto, Ruroni Kenshin, and Dragon Ball series can battle it out with their favorite characters in Jump! Shounen Ultimate Star! Similar to Smash Bros., thise game allows up to four players to fight one another using icons of Anime and Manga.
Death Note, a Manga series that has spawned both Anime and live action films is also the basis for several DS games. Gamers looking to experience this saga on their handheld can pick up Death Note: Kira, Death Note: L wo Tsugo Mono, and L: The Prologue to Death Note.
Rhythm Games
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DS owners who enjoy tapping the music of rhythm games, such as Elite Beat Agents, should check out the Japanese counterpart, Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! Players take the role of a Japanese cheer squad who use dancing and Japanese Pop music to encourage citizens to do their best. The story may be campy, but the music is catchy and the game requires no understanding of Japanese to enjoy, just the ability to keep a beat. A sequel has also been released.
Drummers should check out Touch de Dokodon, which focuses solely on the percussion instrument but still features several catchy tunes.
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