ヴァージンゲーム - Virgin Games in Japan!
I'm clearly a fan of Virgin Games, having done a few blogs about games they've released, but having recently obtained 2 Japanese consoles and doing some research, I've found that Virgin had a Japanese subsidiary in the mid 90's.
My first thought was that it was set up to bring their most popular games from the West to the Japanese market. In the most part, this is what they did. However, the are some unique, Japanese based games that were clearly made for their own market.
Let's look at each console and what offerings Virgin Games K.K. (as they were known in Japan) gave the land of the rising sun.
SEGA MEGA DRIVE
1) Aladdin (1993)
One of the best games released on the Mega Drive, it was actually released by Sega worldwide, but I've included it as it was developed by Virgin Games and released in Japan.
Due to the storytelling aspects in the game, it was translated into Japanese.
Having played the Japanese version, it's a straight conversion, but runs 16.67% slower on my PAL Mega Drive, due to the Japanese game expecting 60hz and only getting 50hz here in Aus.
Did you know the Super Famicom version was developed and released by Capcom worldwide?
2) Chuck Rock II (1994)
Originally released in 1993, it was released in Japan in 1994.
One of the most expensive games to buy now, selling for well over $1,000 in Japan.
The game was ported directly across with no translation. There is no slow down on this game on my Mega Drive, meaning the game was optimised for 50 or 60hz.
It's interesting to see that they didn't release the original Chuck Rock in Japan seeing that they released the sequel. The only reason I can think is because the sequel involves controlling the baby son of Chuck, on a mission to rescue his father. This cuteness factor would definitely fit in well with the Japanese gaming psyche.
Core Design, the developers of the game, decided to release this themselves in Europe, with Virgin Games releasing it in North America and Japan.
3) Cool Spot (1994)
Originally released in 1993, it was released in Japan in 1994.
Another one of Virgin's hits in the West, this game is not translated into Japanese either.
One of the subtle differences is the branding. Spot is a brand ambassador for 7 Up, but the branding is missing in this version as it is in the European version. The reason for this is because Fido Dido was the brand mascot for 7 Up in Europe. I don't believe 7 Up is sold in Japan, explaining why it was also left out.
There is also an instruction screen missing at the start of the first level where it shows you what you need to collect.
The Japanese version also runs slow on my PAL Mega Drive due to the 50/60hz difference.
Spot appears a few times in this blog. Can you guess which games he appears in and for which consoles?
4) The Lion King (1994)
Another big selling game for Virgin in the West, fresh off the success of their other Disney licensed game, Aladdin.
This game was the worldwide release version, so there is no translation into Japanese.
A cool fact is that this game was released in Europe on my 14th birthday, on 4th November 1994!
5) Robocop vs The Terminator (1994)
One of my favourite games on the Mega Drive.
Despite a story telling intro, this game was not translated and appears to be a direct port of the Western version.
This is the only game to have a region lock-out, so I could only play this version via emulation.
Like Chuck Rock II, it can sell for well over $1,000 in Japan. It was never released on the Super Famicom by Virgin, and maybe a reason as to why it demands such a high price.
The artwork is awesome too, using the artwork from the Robocop vs The Terminator comic book series for the Japanese release, presumably for the fact that manga is so popular in Japan.
NINTENDO SUPER FAMICOM
1) Battle Jockey (1994)
A Japanese exclusive, you race horses around different tracks whilst trying to conserve the horse's stamina by not whipping them too much. In a twist though, and as indicated by the name, you can actually attack your competitors.
It was developed by Nova Games, who also developed Ultraman and Whirlo on the SNES and Burning Force on the Mega Drive.
Once you get a hang of the controls, it's a fun and quite addictive game, and seems to get easier the more you train your horse.
This would have been an interesting game to have been translated into English and released in the West.
2) Circuit USA (1995)
Developed by Leland Interactive Media, it is known as Kyle Petty's No Fear Racing in North America and released by Williams Entertainment there.
Virgin Games unskinned this game of all of the branding and released it in Japan.
This is a stock car racing game based on US NASCAR racetracks. You can even race at Bristol!
An average racer, but it doesn't take itself too seriously and is more of an arcade racer that a full-on NASCAR simulation.
3) Cool Spot (1994)
Originally released in 1993, it was released in Japan in 1994.
The SNES version has been ported across with a Japanese translation of the instruction screen at the start of the first level, which is missing from the Mega Drive version.
Unlike the Mega Drive version where the 7 Up branding is removed in Japan, a fake brand called "Top" is used on the Super Famicom version. The logo appears to be a modified version of the 7 Up logo.
4) Dynamaite: The Las Vegas (1994)
I picked this up for JPY250 (AUD2.60 or GBP1.30) on Yahoo Shopping.
In this Japanese exclusive, you play as an anime character and in the story, Mr. Dynamite (yes, the spelling does change) visits different casinos in Las Vegas to defeat a dragon!
Developed by Micro Factory, who also developed Exile on the Mega Drive. This is their only Super Famicom game.
If you like playing casino games, then you should pick up how to play this game pretty easily, although you might struggle with the storyline seeing it's in Japanese.
I also worked out a password which starts the game with over $8,000,000 instead of just $1,000!
It's NUYX4N23456. Enjoy Rasu Begasu!
5) Gurume Sentai Barayarou (1995)
Known as Gourmet Warriors in the West, although it was only released in Japan originally.
This is a very quirky beat 'em up where you collect food after you beat enemies. At the end of the level, a robot whips you up a meal with the ingredients you've collected and restores your health! You can also do poses, well, just because!
One of the pricier games to buy the original in Japan, it was re-released both in Japan in 2018 and the US in 2019 with an English translation.
I love a good beat 'em up so I definitely approve of this one!
6) Honkaku Shōgi Fūunji Ryūō (1994)
This is a Shogi game. Shogi is like an Eastern version of Chess.
Developed by Aisystem Tokyo, who also developed Operation Thunderbolt on the SNES and Devilish: The Next Possession, Ferrari Grand Prix Challenge, Hit the Ice and Thunder Fox on the Mega Drive.
This one can be picked up pretty cheaply, but unless you know how to play Shogi, probably worth a miss as this is the only gameplay style available.
7) Inazuma Serve Da! Super Beach Volley (1995)
Translates as Lightning Serve! Super Beach Volley and only released in Japan.
This is a volleyball game. It takes a bit of practice, but just an average sports game.
Would have been an easy one to translate and release in the West.
8) Janyūki - Gokū Randa (1995)
This is a Mahjong game based on the storyline of Journey to the West, a popular tale in Eastern culture.
I taught myself how to play Mahjong from playing the Yakuza games on the PS4 and actually picked up the controls of this game pretty easily, winning the first game I played.
I would consider buying this one in the future as I quite enjoyed it, even though I can't understand the story. I might have to use Google translate on this one and give it a proper playthrough.
9) The Jungle Book (1994)
Another Disney game released by Virgin, this is the SNES version ported across, but it surprisingly isn't translated into Japanese.
Also, surprising that they didn't release this on the Mega Drive in Japan seeing that they had released it in the West.
This game was developed by Eurocom and not Virgin Games, unlike other Disney games they had released prior.
10) The Lion King (1994)
Like the Mega Drive version, this is the SNES version ported over with a Japanese translation, which was missing from the Mega Drive version.
11) The Mask (1996)
Originally released in 1995, it was released in Japan in 1996.
The SNES version of The Mask, ported with no translation into Japanese.
Somebody stop me... from playing this game!
This platformer looks pretty but doesn't play fantastically in my opinion.
Developed and released by Black Pearl Software in the West.
12) Pinocchio (1996)
Another Disney license ported over from the SNES with a Japanese translation.
Technically, this wasn't released by Virgin Games K.K. in Japan, but released by Capcom. I've still included it as it was developed by Virgin Games.
Another game that was released on the Mega Drive in the West, but not in Japan, probably due to the fact most Sega owners in Japan had moved over to the Saturn at this point.
13) Rendering Ranger: R2 (1995)
This is a platforming run and gun game and shoot 'em up, in English, but only ever released in Japan.
As a result, it is one of the rarest Super Famicom games, and sells for well over $2,000 when they come up for sale.
Graphically a very impressive game, although I wasn't too fussed with the gameplay. I used a cheat to give the shoot 'em up levels a try and that seemed a bit better, but it was still pretty tricky.
It had some pretty awesome music too.
Developed by Rainbow Arts, who are mainly known for their home computer versions of the Turrican games.
14) Shōgi Sanmai (1995)
The 2nd Shogi game to be released by Virgin, but this one is a bit more expensive compared to the other one.
I think it's because it has a vertical shoot 'em up game included where you are a Shogi tile shooting at other Shogi tiles in a Galaga style, before getting to the giant Shogi tile boss.
At least that part of the game kept me entertained for 5 minutes. It's a shame you only get one life though.
15) Magic Johnson no Super Slam Dunk (1993)
I picked this up for JPY250 (AUD2.60 or GBP1.30) on Yahoo Shopping.
This was released as Super Slam Dunk in North America, and Magic Johnson gets his name in the title on the Japanese version.
Not the greatest basketball game, with a strange dynamic which rotates the court once you reach the halfway line.
Developed by Park Place Productions, with Virgin Games releasing another one of their titles, Muhammad Ali Heavyweight Boxing on the Mega Drive.
16) Super Slap Shot (1993)
Also released in North America, an average ice hockey game.
It was actually Altron that released this in Japan, but I have included as Virgin Games are shown as a copyright owner both in the game and on the box.
It was developed by Ringler Studios, who had also developed Mario Lemieux Hockey and Batman: Revenge of the Joker on the Mega Drive.
I do like the fact you can be the UK in this game, even though we are not a good team.
NINTENDO GAME BOY
1) Spot: Cool Adventure (1994)
This was a re-skin of 1992's McDonaldland in Europe and changed to 7-up's famous Cool Spot for North America in 1993 and Japan in 1994.
I can't tell you what it plays like. As far as I know this is the only Game Boy game released in Japan with the Virgin Games logo.
Developed by Visual Concepts, the only other game they had developed for the Game Boy was Star Trek: 25th Anniversary.
2) Zoop (1997)
A special mention goes to Zoop. For some reason, the Japanese cartridge has a copyright to Virgin Interactive Entertainment. As far as I can tell, Virgin have no other rights to this game anywhere else in the world.
It was published by Yanoman in Japan, so the only thing I can think of is that Virgin acquired the rights and then decided not to release it themselves but allow another Japanese publisher to do it.
SEGA SATURN (SS)/SONY PLAYSTATION (PS)
I've decided to put these consoles together, because a lot of the games were released on both consoles.
1) Agile Warrior (PS) - 1996
Released as Agile Warrior F-111X worldwide.
Developed by Black Ops Entertainment from the developer's homes as they were yet to acquire an office, this was their first ever release.
I picked this up for JPY650 (GBP3.50 or AUD7.25) from Yahoo Shopping.
It reminds me of a 3D rendered version of Desert Strike on the Mega Drive but using a fighter plane instead of a chopper.
It's a good challenge and pretty playable. The mission briefing videos using FMV were dubbed into Japanese, which was a nice touch. I thought they would have just used subtitles.
It had an awesome rock guitar soundtrack as well. I actually just listened to the CD tracks because it was so good!
2) Black Dawn (SS/PS) - 1997
Released worldwide, this was the second game developed by Black Ops Entertainment on the PlayStation and uses the same game engine as Agile Warrior above but using a helicopter instead of a plane.
On the Saturn, it was developed by Point of View as one of their first ever games.
3) Black Fire (SS) - 1995
Released worldwide, but actually released by Sega in North America, with Virgin releasing in Europe and Japan.
Developed by NovaLogic, who had also made Captain Planet and the Planeteers on the Mega Drive and The Rocketeer on the SNES.
4) Blam! -Machine Head (SS/PS) - 1997
Released worldwide and known as just Machine Head in North America.
It was developed by Core Design, who had made other games released by Virgin, notably Chuck Rock, Chuck Rock II and Corporation on the Mega Drive and Wolfchild on the SNES.
5) Chaos Control (SS/PS) - 1996
Only released in Japan on PlayStation and released in Europe and Japan on the Saturn.
It was developed by Infrogrames, a French developer which is now known as Atari as they acquired the rights to one of the most prestigious names in video games.
6) Chaos Control Remix (SS) - 1997
Only released in Japan, this is the same game as before, but it now supports the Virtua Gun.
7) CrimeWave (SS) - 1997
I actually own this game from when I bought a Saturn in the 90's. It will still be at my Mum and Dad's attic somewhere!
It was developed and released worldwide by Eidos, except in Japan. Eidos were most famous for publishing the Championship Manager and Tomb Raider games.
8) Dakar '97 (PS) - 1997
This is a Japanese exclusive.
Developed by Elcom, who had only ever made 3DO games in Japan previously. This was their last game.
I picked this up for JPY272 (GBP1.50 or AUD3) on Yahoo Shopping.
It starts off a bit like Sega Rally, just with poorer controls. The latter stages require you to use a GPS to find checkpoints, and it's pretty easy to get lost.
Not brilliant gameplay wise, but I like the concept, and it has enough gameplay to keep you entertained for the price.
9) The Deep (PS) - 1996
This is also a Japanese exclusive.
Developed by Marionette, who had mainly made Japanese only games, but had North American games on the NES with Phantom Fighter, Dr. Chaos and Advanced Dungeons and Dragons: Pool of Radiance.
I picked this up on Yahoo Shopping for a bargain JPY186 (GBP1 or AUD 2).
Probably just as well, as it wouldn't play properly on my PS2. It runs, but the screen is super stretched, to the point you actually cannot play the game.
I tried changing the aspect ratio in the PS2 settings but still no luck.
10) Gamera 2000 (PS) - 1997
Another Japanese exclusive.
Gamera is a kaiju, much like Godzilla.
11) Gekirindan (SS) -1997
A Japanese exclusive.
Developed by Japan Media Programming, who also made The Unsolved, which can be found later in this list.
12) Grid Runner (SS/PS) - 1996
Released as Grid Run in Europe on the Saturn and not released in Europe on the PlayStation.
Developed by Radical Entertainment, who had previously made The Terminator on the NES, Beavis and Butt-head, Pele and Pele 2 on the Mega Drive and Brett Hull Hockey on the SNES.
13) Ghen War (SS) - 1996
Released worldwide, with Sega publishing in North America and Virgin in Europe and Japan.
14) Hyper 3-D Pinball (SS/PS) - 1997
Known as Tilt! in Europe and not released in North America on the PlayStation.
Developed by NMS Software, who made Aladdin and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade on the NES and Robocop vs The Terminator on the Master System.
15) Lone Soldier (PS) - 1996
Only released in Europe and Japan.
16) Minami no Shima ni Buta ga Ita: Lucas no Daibouken (SS) - 1996
This is a Japanese exclusive.
17) Moujya (SS/PS) - 1996
This is also a Japan exclusive.
18) Nanotek Warrior (PS) - 1997
Released worldwide.
19) NHL Powerplay '96 (SS/PS) - 1996
Not released in Europe on the PlayStation.
This was developed by Radical Entertainment, who we mentioned earlier with Grid Runner.
I picked this up for JPY201 (GBP1.10 or AUD2.25) on Yahoo Shopping.
A decent ice hockey game with international teams as well as the NHL teams.
Sadly, after playing the first period, the screen stretches to the point you cannot play properly, just like what happened with The Deep. At least I got to play some of this one!
20) Sampras Extreme Tennis (PS) - 1997
Not released in North America.
Developed by Codemasters. I shouldn't need to tell you what they've developed as they've been around since 1986.
I picked this up for JPY186 (GBP1 or AUD2) on Yahoo Shopping.
It plays pretty smoothly and not a bad effort for an early 3D tennis game. I got bored pretty quickly as I do with most tennis games, but for a quid, it's worth it.
21) Spot Goes to Hollywood (SS/PS) - 1997
Not released in Europe on the PlayStation.
It's pretty strange that it was released on 32 bit consoles as Virgin also released this on the Mega Drive in the West back in 1995.
22) Time Commando (PS) - 1996
Released worldwide, but only by Virgin in Japan. Activision released it in North America and Electronic Arts in Europe.
23) The Unsolved (SS/PS) - 1997
This is a Japanese exclusive.
3DO
1) Demolition Man - 1994
Based off of the awesome Stallone & Snipes movie, this version is supposed to play very differently than the Mega Drive, Mega CD and SNES versions, which were run 'n guns.
I can't really confirm if this game is any good or not.
Expect a lot of Full Motion Video scenes from the movie though.
2) Fun 'n Games - 1995
Only released in North America and Japan, this is a slightly different version to what was released on the Mega Drive and SNES.
When a game has to tell you it's fun, you pretty much know that it won't be. However, I can only base the gameplay from the Mega Drive and SNES version, so maybe it is fun on the 3DO.
3) Night Trap - 1994
This is a late release of the infamous 1992 Sega Mega CD game, but with a lot better quality video than that version due to the hardware.
I haven't played the 3DO version, but I can't imagine it plays any better than the Mega CD version, which was average.
Comments
Post a Comment