Some games just have to be imported. For us, it was Ouendan and its sequel. We were even considering Taiko Drum Master, but ended up holding out for a localization. What about you all, though? Was there a Japanese game you just had to have? What was it?
The World Ends With You aka It's a Wonderful World. I first saw the promos of this and it just happened to be released while I was in Hong Kong. Slightly offtopic, but I bought Tales of the Tempest only because it was 12 bucks.
Rhythm Tengoku Gold is pretty hot from what little I've had time to play; I'd definitely suggest Daigasso Band Bros. DX since I doubt it will get released in America. Pokemon Platinum, since I assume it'll come out there in like February, get a 6-month lead on catching them all. Captain Rainbow could go either way, I'd keep an eye on it though.
If you're serious (and somewhat experienced) with learning Japanese I'd recommend Kanji sono mama, DS Rakubiki Jiten as long as you keep in mind it's a dictionary for native Japanese speakers.
I imported Gyakuten Saiban II, and just might have to do the same for Front Mission 2089. I also picked up Ouendan for my significant other at the same time I got GSII, since he was really interested in getting it.
I just finished the main part of Rhythm Tengoku Gold and I must say, its the most fun I've had on my DS in a while. Its a must import along with JUS and the Ouendans.
The Pinky St DS games, both Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side games, Jump Ultimate Stars, the Nana DS game, Itadaki Street DS, the original Daigasso and Princess Maker 4 Portable were all instant imports for me.
Ouendan 1 & 2, of course. And when it came out, Picross DS. I didn't have any idea if Nintendo was going to bring it out here since it had been 12 years since Mario's Picross came out in NA and there had been quite a few Picross games that didn't make it over here (MP2, SNES Picross, etc, etc).
I also have 5 more JP games as well -- Slitherlink was a well worth it deal -- along with a few more Picross games that mostly weren't worth it.
Ouendan was my first DS import buy. I wanted it to be the first game I played on my DS when I got it a couple of years ago, but my overseas order got lost in the mail. I ended up buying them the following summer at an anime convention. I saw the trailer on G4, then had seen some gameplay videos and knew it was meant to be. I bought Jump Ultimate Stars and Bleach DS 2nd the same day. Best $175 I couldn't really afford to spend (^_^)
Ouendan & Ouendan 2 which I own - I'm also holding out for a localization of Taiko but I doubt if they localized it, it would keep the Japanese music...
Both Jump! games and the old pokemon gold and silver versions back when they came out in japan before the US. I was the coolest kid on the playground for having G/S before anyone else.
Btw, JUS code: 0903 1154 4302 Reply to me if you want a battle.
Everyone over looked this game, it was supposed to come to america by the title of ds air but it never did. It is such an awesome air plane shooting game, like rouge squadron, etc... Great 3d graphics, sound, controls, and all around presentation. Also it had 2 players online wifi mode which allows you to fight each other or take on the bosses with each other. O and it has the ability to download new planes as well.
I recommend everyone checking it out because it is such a worthy import game. O and all the menus are in english... DS fanboy should do a review on it.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
morfeatire @ Aug 12th 2008 9:09AM
JUS - Jump Ultimate Stars
one of the best games in the DS ever.
Nigeria @ Aug 12th 2008 9:28AM
I brought Stafi 4, it looked SO cute. It's a decent platformer, though a bit simple. I don't think I'll bother with the 5th iteration.
nightwing59 @ Aug 12th 2008 10:02AM
JUS - Worth every little bit it cost - 80+ Bucks
no fighting game on the DS comes close
Giant Roster, 4 Player Multi, and Great online
Too bad noboby can licence it
Jason @ Aug 12th 2008 10:24AM
Jump! Ultimate Stars, great game. I actually imported it twice after my first copy, along with my DS was stolen.
elsng @ Aug 12th 2008 10:26AM
The World Ends With You aka It's a Wonderful World. I first saw the promos of this and it just happened to be released while I was in Hong Kong.
Slightly offtopic, but I bought Tales of the Tempest only because it was 12 bucks.
Venom @ Aug 12th 2008 10:39AM
JUS and both Oendans. Classics. I really hope there'll be more sequels...
tacoman @ Aug 12th 2008 10:51AM
Rhythm Tengoku Gold is pretty hot from what little I've had time to play; I'd definitely suggest Daigasso Band Bros. DX since I doubt it will get released in America. Pokemon Platinum, since I assume it'll come out there in like February, get a 6-month lead on catching them all. Captain Rainbow could go either way, I'd keep an eye on it though.
If you're serious (and somewhat experienced) with learning Japanese I'd recommend Kanji sono mama, DS Rakubiki Jiten as long as you keep in mind it's a dictionary for native Japanese speakers.
nil @ Aug 12th 2008 11:12AM
SD G Generation Gundam DS, both Jump games, Ouendan, Taiko Drum Master, Simple Series: The Gunground and Gundam 00 were all day one purchases.
Roto13 @ Aug 12th 2008 11:28AM
Some day I will import Rhythm Tengoku and both Ouendans.
Kimiko @ Aug 12th 2008 11:34AM
Ouendan is on my to-buy list. It'll be my first import from Japan.
Of course, most of my games are imported, just from the USA.
Reeve @ Aug 12th 2008 11:34AM
I imported Gyakuten Saiban II, and just might have to do the same for Front Mission 2089. I also picked up Ouendan for my significant other at the same time I got GSII, since he was really interested in getting it.
senfood @ Aug 13th 2008 9:05PM
I just finished the main part of Rhythm Tengoku Gold and I must say, its the most fun I've had on my DS in a while. Its a must import along with JUS and the Ouendans.
aj @ Aug 12th 2008 12:36PM
I really, really, really want "Dream Cat".
Why are there no virtual cat games in North America? I want NintenCats! I want cute kitten action!
And no, "Catz" doesn't count. Nothing Ubisoft produces counts, dig?
Kefka @ Aug 18th 2008 6:16PM
I dig
Steven @ Aug 12th 2008 3:55PM
I imported the first Bleach DS game, cause I didn't want to hear it with english voices. I think it was a good choice.
Hoshi @ Aug 12th 2008 2:02PM
Gyakuten Saiban and Disgaea. Unfortunately the latter of which was a horrible port, but I'm a N1 fangirl, so it doesn't matter.
Jenni L @ Aug 12th 2008 2:04PM
The Pinky St DS games, both Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side games, Jump Ultimate Stars, the Nana DS game, Itadaki Street DS, the original Daigasso and Princess Maker 4 Portable were all instant imports for me.
JusticeDude @ Aug 12th 2008 2:11PM
When I was at a convention, I bought Daigasso Band Brothers. I thought it sounded great, but I got bored with it after only a few weeks.
Pule @ Oct 5th 2008 4:19AM
Did u cope with the japanese and what english songs are they in singing mode.
SmileyDude @ Aug 12th 2008 2:35PM
Ouendan 1 & 2, of course. And when it came out, Picross DS. I didn't have any idea if Nintendo was going to bring it out here since it had been 12 years since Mario's Picross came out in NA and there had been quite a few Picross games that didn't make it over here (MP2, SNES Picross, etc, etc).
I also have 5 more JP games as well -- Slitherlink was a well worth it deal -- along with a few more Picross games that mostly weren't worth it.
mizuiro @ Aug 12th 2008 3:40PM
Ouendan was my first DS import buy. I wanted it to be the first game I played on my DS when I got it a couple of years ago, but my overseas order got lost in the mail. I ended up buying them the following summer at an anime convention. I saw the trailer on G4, then had seen some gameplay videos and knew it was meant to be. I bought Jump Ultimate Stars and Bleach DS 2nd the same day. Best $175 I couldn't really afford to spend (^_^)
Safiel @ Aug 12th 2008 4:03PM
For me, had to get both of the Ouendan games from japan and the Tingle game from europe, don't think I could have beat that one if it was in Japanese.
MidnightScott @ Aug 12th 2008 4:21PM
Ouendan & Ouendan 2 which I own - I'm also holding out for a localization of Taiko but I doubt if they localized it, it would keep the Japanese music...
BlackDS @ Aug 12th 2008 6:54PM
Ouendan 2
Ray @ Aug 12th 2008 9:02PM
Both Jump! games and the old pokemon gold and silver versions back when they came out in japan before the US. I was the coolest kid on the playground for having G/S before anyone else.
Btw, JUS code: 0903 1154 4302
Reply to me if you want a battle.
Jason @ Aug 12th 2008 9:39PM
Can I state the obvious? MOTHER 3. Okay, I said it (and I don't give a rip if it's technically a GBA game).
bombchu @ Aug 12th 2008 11:06PM
Taiko 7 islands! I bought it for the styli. They are SO awesome.
And dressing my drum like an angry panda with a pompadour makes me happy.
BobTheElephant @ Aug 13th 2008 2:11AM
ouendan 2 and JUS as well as JSS were all must haves for me...definitely all worth the import price
Ken Seang @ Aug 13th 2008 2:37AM
Jet Impluse
Everyone over looked this game, it was supposed to come to america by the title of ds air but it never did. It is such an awesome air plane shooting game, like rouge squadron, etc... Great 3d graphics, sound, controls, and all around presentation. Also it had 2 players online wifi mode which allows you to fight each other or take on the bosses with each other. O and it has the ability to download new planes as well.
I recommend everyone checking it out because it is such a worthy import game. O and all the menus are in english... DS fanboy should do a review on it.
SPT Layzner @ Aug 13th 2008 12:57PM
Super Robot Wars W. I just had to buy it.
Jump Ultimate Stars as well.
Garrgamel @ Aug 16th 2008 1:13AM
Korg ds-10