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Hot in Japan: Retro Gaming Challenge
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The ultra popular Japanese television and game series Game Center CX is finally being brought stateside under the name Retro Gaming Challenge. Already in its tenth season in Japan, Game Center CX has captured the hearts of gamers and non-gamers all across Japan. Starring comedian Shinya Arino, the weekly show chronicles his arduous journey through numerous retro console classics. The show is as much comedy as it is a testament to human will and perseverance as Arino is tasked with completing a game in one sitting, oftentimes spending over 16 straight hours on a game before finally catching the ending credits.
Anyone who remembers the oftentimes frustrating challenge of games like Ninja Gaiden, Castlevania III, and Ghouls n’ Ghosts will attest to the brutal torture that some of these game can put a person through. It’s made even funnier with comedian Arino at the controls. Poor guy is thrown some pretty challenging games his way, but he’s got plenty of heart and his sheer will and determination oftentimes sees him overcome the most unbearable of video game obstacles.
It’s quite a surprise that this week’s Hot in Japan feature is actually making its way stateside. XSEED will publish Game Center CX for the Nintendo DS under the U.S. name Retro Gaming Challenge on February 10th. The game will feature eight original retro style games created specifically for the DS title, simulating the challenges that Arino faces on the television program on a weekly basis. There are even rumors floating about that season one of the television show will receive localization and a DVD release stateside as well. There will be dancing in the streets when this one hits.
One of the major appeals of Game Center CX program isn’t so much Arino’s sitting in a chair trying to complete the game at hand. Rather, it’s the special segments that highlight his journey across Japan as he visits various restaurants, game centers, hot springs, and specialty shops that feature retro arcade cabinets. These segments are particularly enticing for foreign viewers who have never traveled to Japan as they highlight the presence and diversity of games all across Japan.
Games featured on the Game Center CX tv series include:
Metroid
Mega Man 2
Super Mario Bros. 3
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
Final Fight
Actraiser
Ninja Gaiden
Kid Icarus
Ghouls n’ Ghosts
Ghosts n’ Goblins
Contra
Sonic the Hedgehog
Donkey Kong Country
Gradius
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