I bought a box of Japanese Nintendo Famicom cartridges for $13. Was it worth it?

Welcome to my next blog!

I've blogged about the Terminator 2020 Famiclone I got back in 2020 before and only have a couple of authentic Famicom cartridges so far - Golf and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

I wanted to get some more and with everything I do from Japan, I go for volume. It works out a lot cheaper if you want to grow your collection quickly, just like I have with my collection of laserdiscs, which is now nearly up to 200.

So I came across an auction for a box of 17 Famicom games for JPY 1,210 ($13). I bid and I won. I knew one of the games was Konami's Metal Gear, which normally sells for no less than JPY 1,000 ($10.70), so on paper, I'd scored myself a bargain.

By the time I added fees and postage, it ended up costing about $65. It still works out at under $4 a game.

I gave the cartridges a good wipe down and cleaned the contacts with isopropyl alcohol and started testing the games. About a third of them were working.

It felt like they weren't fitting into the cartridge slot as securely as I would have liked, so I unscrewed the Terminator 2020, removed the top cover and tried the games in the uncovered cartridge mount.

For the most part, this worked a lot better. I'll have to file some plastic away to ensure that the original games sit better in the console.

So, what games did I end up with? Which games worked? Are they easy to play or not seeing they're in Japanese? Was it worth it?

Let's find out...

1) Metal Gear (メタルギア) - Konami - 1987

The cartridge is in pretty good condition and cleaned up nicely. This game was my main reason for purchasing this box of games, because the artwork on the label is basically a rip off of Kyle Reese from The Terminator!

However, this game isn't going to be an easy one to play if you don't read Japanese. There's dialogue from characters as well as radio transmissions. There's also a menu when you press Select. This allows you to select weapons and items to use in your quest to stealthily infiltrate the enemy base.

I have the English PAL version on the Super 143 in 1 multicart under game number 78 and even being able to understand the dialogue and the menus, this game is incredibly difficult.

You have 1 life and when you die, you start right back at the start. On the plus side, you get to keep any weapons and items you've collected.

The game has a password system to 'save' your progress. The password is given to you when you die and you decide not to continue.

Having a password system does allow for some cheating, but it's still solid. At least the Japanese version allows you to use a couple of codes which start FUCKM E, codes which prompted the PAL version of the game to be censored and the vowels removed from the password screen!

The music in the game is fantastic and really sets a good atmosphere, especially when the guards are alerted to your presence.

I don't feel I have the patience to really get stuck into it. What I've attempted so far has been frustrating and feels slightly unfair, especially having to start right back at the beginning of the game.

Even so, I'm happy to have the game in my collection, if only for the artwork and the awesome soundtrack the game provides.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 1,400 (approx. $16), more than I paid for the whole box of games.

You can see how the game plays in Japanese with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gsEgzMs4MI&t=538s

2) Donkey Kong Jr. (ドンキーコングJR.) - Nintendo - 1983

Happy to have one of the original launch titles for the Famicom, released with Donkey Kong and Popeye back in July 1983.

It's also one of the original cartridges too, with the pulse label that was used on all Famicom games until October 1984.

The cartridge isn't in bad condition seeing it's almost 40 years old. The white plastic hasn't really yellowed but is a bit stained from the scratches over the years. The label's in pretty decent condition too.

This one isn't a problem to play. The game's in English and is a conversion of the 1982 arcade game, so is easy to pick up and play.

If you've never played it, you need to rescue Donkey Kong Sr. who's locked up in a cage by Mario.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 200 (approx. $2.50). Despite being an original game, there's plenty of them around so it can be picked up pretty cheaply.

It can also be found as game number 88 in the Classic 500 in 1 multicart as "Donkey Kong 2" and also as game number 30 in the Super 143 in 1 multicart I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc2L4vxPJF0

3) Tennis (テニス) - Nintendo - 1983

Another early title with a pulse label, Tennis wasn't actually launched until January 1984, but copyrighted by Nintendo in 1983.

The cartridge is in decent condition, but the label's starting to peel away. It'll be an easy fix to stick it back on to the cartridge.

It's a really playable game and really fun with 2 players.

Again no problem with language as it's in English.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 50 (approx. 60 cents). There's plenty of them around and sports games are always cheap as the demand isn't there for them.

It can also be found as game number 133 in the Classic 500 in 1 multicart I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOEeaKEyW98

4) Ice Climber (アイスクライマー) - Nintendo - 1984

Another early title, Ice Climber wasn't actually launched until January 1985, but copyrighted by Nintendo in 1984.

The cartridge is in fair condition with a few stains. The label's in pretty decent condition.

The idea of the game is to scale a mountain with a mallet to break blocks of ice in order to get to the higher levels and attack enemies along the way.

Another pick up and play title with no language barrier.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 480 (approx. $5.50).

It can also be found as game number 103 in the Classic 500 in 1 multicart and also as game number 54 in the Super 143 in 1 multicart I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZqIeMOK4gk

5) Super Mario Bros. (スーパーマリオブラザーズ) - Nintendo - 1985

Does it get any more iconic than this? Technically not the first Mario Bros. game, but the first as a Mario platformer with worlds to complete.

The cartridge is in great condition as well as the label.

Do I really need to explain how to play the game? I thought not.

Great gameplay, great music. An absolute masterpiece.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 150 (approx. $2). Obviously it sold well, so it's really easy to get, keeping the price down.

It can also be found as game number 203 in the Classic 500 in 1 multicart as "Super Plumber" and also as game number 118 in the Super 143 in 1 multicart I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qb_vjPCDuI

6) Super Mario Bros. 3 (スーパーマリオブラザーズ3) - Nintendo - 1988

Another classic entry in the Super Mario Bros. series, with the option to walk around the island to select the world you want to go to. More great gameplay and memorable music.

Another cartridge in good condition and a good label.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 150 (approx. $2). Another cheap, yet essential title to have in a Famicom collection.

It can also be found as game number 120 in the Super 143 in 1 multicart I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfPwc7ZYviw

7) Antarctic Adventure (けっきょく南極大冒険) - Konami - 1985

Back to some Konami games now.

Antarctic Adventure is a racing game where you're a penguin who has to race around Antarctica to reach research stations owned by different countries. Various obstacles try and slow you down such as crevasses, smaller holes in the ice and walrus.

The cartridge and label are in decent condition.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 400 (approx. $4.50).

It can also be found as game number 67 in the Classic 500 in 1 multicart I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4mCis47zxs

8) King Kong 2: The Furious Megaton Punch (キングコング2 怒りのメガトンパンチ) - Konami - 1986

The tagline gives it away. You are King Kong and you're on a path of destruction. Buildings, enemies, it doesn't matter. Just fuck shit up.

The cartridge and label are in good condition.

I was pleasantly surprised by this game. The music is awesome too. Konami know how to make a good chip tune.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 120 (approx. $1.50). This is a Japan only exclusive, but it must have been really popular seeing it's so cheap.

I don't have this game on any of the multicarts I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGy5gBKfrKI

9) Salamander (沙羅曼蛇) - Konami - 1987

Known as Life Force in the West, this is a horizontal space shooter.

Unfortunately, the cartridge has no label. However, it's not all bad news as the cartridge is awesome and is a translucent blue, allowing you to see the circuit board and the 4 chips it has.

A labelled cartridge goes for JPY 1,500 (approx. $17). Even with the depreciation for not having a label, it's safe to say I definitely got good value with this game.

It can also be found as game number 4 in the Classic 500 in 1 multicart and also as game number 66 in the Super 143 in 1 multicart I have, both as "Life Force".

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6SjNDai0tc

10) Dragon Quest II - Gods of the Evil Spirits (ドラゴンクエストII 悪霊の神々) - Enix - 1987

Known as Dragon Warrior II in the West, this is an RPG.

You're going to have no chance if you can't read Japanese.

The cartridge and label are in good condition, so a good display piece if nothing else. The artwork's pretty cool in typical manga fashion.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 50 (approx. 60 cents). Obviously another popular title. At least at JPY50, Tennis was actually playable.

I don't have this game on any of the multicarts I have.

You can see how the game plays in English as Dragon Warrior II with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgApPqfVRK4

11) Dragon Ball: Shenlong's Riddle (ドラゴンボール 神龍の謎) - Bandai - 1986

Continuing the dragon theme is Dragon Ball. Known as Dragon Power in the US, it was also released in France as Dragon Ball: Le Secret du Dragon as Dragon Ball was popular there and it kept its licence.

It's an RPG, so there's going to be language difficulties in the story telling. However, it's more action based than turn based, so you can explore and attack enemies. It's actually more playable than I thought it would be.

It's a pretty unique cartridge and the cart and the label are in good condition.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 80 (approx. $1).

I don't have this game on any of the multicarts I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgdu6UOzCm4

12) Famista '93 (ファミスタ '93) - Namcot - 1992

Of course there's going to be a baseball game, seeing baseball is the national sport of Japan. At least it's something a bit quirkier than Nintendo's Baseball released in 1983.

Famista (short for Family Stadium - like Famicom is short for Family Computer) is a series of baseball games and this version is the 1993 season version. Some Famista games were released in the US, but this is another Japan exclusive.

There's some language issues but ultimately it's baseball. Get through the menus and soon you'll be hitting home runs, fast pitching and diving to catch the other team out.

It comes in a larger cartridge than all of the others in the box.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 480 (approx. $5.50). This surprises me, as sports games often go for less than JPY100. This was released in 1992 at the end of the Famicom's life, so probably didn't sell as many copies as other baseball games, so the rarity would increase the price. People would have been buying Super Famista on the Super Famicom.

I don't have this game on any of the multicarts I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from ISB:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdvtF4Octrk

13) BurgerTime (バーガータイム) - Namcot - 1985

A conversion of the arcade classic where you need to make giant burgers by climbing ladders and dropping the ingredients to the floor, whilst avoiding enemies.

Unfortunately the front label is missing and the top label can be found stuck on the rear of the cart, but even that is incomplete.

The early Namcot games were numbered, and BurgerTime is game number 11.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 600 (approx. $6.50). Obviously this version would be worth less in the condition it's in. Maybe there's the potential to restore the cartridge to its former glory with reproduction labels, or maybe create my own label?

It can also be found as game number 78 in the Classic 500 in 1 multicart I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIba2dVjNiQ

14) Star Luster (スターラスター) - Namcot - 1985

This is a cockpit view space battle simulation, where you warp to different locations and engage in battles, whilst having to watch your fuel and shield.

In a lot of ways, this reminds me of Starfire on the ZX Spectrum, which is one of the Virgin Games I purchased along with Yomp.

Gameplay and graphically though, it is far superior.

I was really surprised with how well the spaceship handled and graphically it was really impressive.

The cartridge is in decent shape and the labels are in good condition.

The Namcot game number is number 12, released not even 2 weeks after the release of BurgerTime at the start of December 1985.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 30 (approx. 35 cents). I think we have a winner for the cheapest game award!

It can also be found as game number 201 in the Classic 500 in 1 multicart I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sksDGavNuAc

15) The Tower of Druaga (ドルアーガの塔) - Namcot - 1985

This is a maze crawler, where you play a knight and have to scale the tower by completing each maze to get to the next level.

The Namcot game number is number 07, released in the August of 1985.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 140 (approx. $1.50).

It can also be found as game number 158 in the Classic 500 in 1 multicart I have as "Druaga".

You can see how the game plays with this video from Nenriki Gaming Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YINU7Ny3YI

16) Yokai Dochuki (妖怪道中記) - Namcot - 1988

Meaning Phantom Travel Journal in English, this is a platformer where you travel through hell with the aim of meeting Buddha.

It was only released in Japan and other parts of Asia.

This looks a pretty good game. Sadly though, I couldn't get the game to work. The cartridge is in good condition. Maybe a restoration job could be done to salvage the game if the ROMs are in decent condition.

There's no Namcot game number on this cartridge, so they obviously decided to do away with that system by 1988.

To buy this game in Japan, the cheapest currently is JPY 280 (approx. $3).

I don't have this game on any multicarts I have.

You can see how the game plays with this video from World of Longplays:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHuf1QDxb24

17) Orange mystery cartridge!

Last but not least is the most intriguing cartridge of them all.

This orange cart has no official labelling on it. Just a black printed ticker label with raised font stating おおずもぅ (Oozumou).

This means Sumo Wrestling. The only game I can find that may be it is Tsuppari Oozumou, released in 1987 by Tecmo.

I do have this game on the Classic 500 in 1 multicart as game number 277.

It also has 2 holes (one is covered with a blue paper dot sticker) and a black switch.

I tried to make this work but sadly no game loaded.

You can see how the game plays with this video from Lu Li Bin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXU9Sg3d9As

Review

Let's have a stats attack to decide if it was worth it:

The total value of the cartridges if purchased on Yahoo Auctions individually was JPY 6,110 ($65). Remember I paid $65 for the postage, so effectively this means I got free postage!

The most valuable game was Salamander at JPY 1,500, however, the label was missing. So it's safe to say Metal Gear would have been the most valuable game at JPY 1,400 as the cartridge was in good condition.

The least valuable game was Star Luster at a paltry JPY 30. I feel a bit sorry for it. It's worth a lot more in my mind.

15 of the 17 games worked, so that's a pretty good conversion rate for what was effectively a junk auction.

2 games were really difficult due to the language barrier: Metal Gear and Dragon Quest II. Although some other games were in Japanese, the impact was minimal and you could still have a bit of fun.

In my mind, this was definitely worth the purchase. Most of the games were in good to great condition and it was a lot of fun experiencing them. A lot of games I'd not even played before.

There's some absolute must haves in any Famicom collection with the Mario games and the original Donkey Kong Jr.

It's given me a couple of mini projects to do. I need to adapt the Terminator 2020 console so it allows the cartridges to sit better. BurgerTime can be refurbished to look as good as new with some new labels. Yokai Dochuki will be a bit more challenging, but maybe I can purchase a new card to put the ROM's onto and maybe that's all it needs to get it running again.

Not sure I can really do much with the orange sumo cartridge, but still a cool oddity to have.

I definitely would consider purchasing another box if I got it at the right price. It also has got me yearning to go back to Japan and find cheap junk games at the recycle shops and game shops of Akihabara.