Pink Sweets & Muchi Muchi Pork bundle - Xbox 360!!!!!

[emphatic]

there's not a whole lot of benefit to owning a Japanese system anymore, since almost all of the worthwhile 360 shmups have had American releases now.

The benefit is not having to wait and hope for them being licensed, or having to nag about region free versions.

[brentsg]

HMV Japan has them for $240 right now, and I would guess that shipping is abut $50. Everywhere else seems to be selling them for much higher than that. Having said that, there's not a whole lot of benefit to owning a Japanese system anymore, since almost all of the worthwhile 360 shmups have had American releases now.

Wow, I guess it's just personal taste but I couldn't disagree more. I have almost no use for my USA 360 since my Japanese model plays almost every disk I own.

[bcass]

there's not a whole lot of benefit to owning a Japanese system anymore, since almost all of the worthwhile 360 shmups have had American releases now.

Errrm, 2 Cave games have had US releases. Two Cave games out of 8. And I seriously doubt most people would consider those two games to be the best of that 8.

[njiska]

I like how a lot of people don't understand that investing in a j-360 is a simple matter.
It's called money, and not everyone has $300-$500 to spare.

HMV Japan has them for $240 right now, and I would guess that shipping is abut $50. Everywhere else seems to be selling them for much higher than that. Having said that, there's not a whole lot of benefit to owning a Japanese system anymore, since almost all of the worthwhile 360 shmups have had American releases now.

HMV will pretty much charge you what EMS wants for shipping a package of that size. They've become my primary source of importing material that aren't on sale on Amazon.jp.

[moozooh]

Those who find it hard to shell out for another console to play just a couple games that are otherwise unplayable should also consider that some of us (me included) don't have any other Xbox, aside from the JP one. For those of us it's a system that allows to play much more than a couple games. Maybe it's your EU/US Xbox that isn't worth having? :P

[drauch]

there's not a whole lot of benefit to owning a Japanese system anymore, since almost all of the worthwhile 360 shmups have had American releases now.

What.

[Taylor]

Region lock discussion is like the shmups forums version of Godwin's Law.

Given enough time every thread devolves into it, half of it makes no sense, and the thread cannot progress.

[Cuilan]

This argument is so stupid, its not funny anymore

DS,PSP,PS3 are regionfree, and almost every game reaches USA/Europe.
Japanese version of Blazblue was regioncodefree on PS3, did it hurt US sales? NO!! Same goes for Demons Souls, Asia-version had english text, but US-version sold excellent.

PS3 owners held off on Blazblue because they knew the US version was coming very soon after the JP version, and some people stayed away from Demon's Souls due to the Asian version being server-locked to Asia/Japan (making it a laggy experience). On top of that, both games are in genres that are more popular/sell much better than shmups, so localizing them is less of a financial risk.

Most of the titles worth importing on the DS, PSP, and PS3 have a pretty steep language barrier. It's that language barrier that keeps most people from actually importing good JP-exclusive games for those systems, despite them being region-free. Importing a Japanese game doesn't do you a lot of good if you don't know enough Japanese to enjoy it.

Games like shmups, on the other hand, are very import-friendly since they require pretty much zero knowledge of Japanese to play and enjoy. Shmups are also a very niche genre, so localizing a shmup that is already region-free adds an even greater risk to an already risky business decision.

[Annoyboy]

A few of my opinions on 360 shmups with no US release:

• Ketsui is pretty cool, no qualms there
• Haven't played DeathSmiles IIX but the videos don't impress me and I haven't heard anything good about it
• Otomedius is a mediocre game
• Shooting Love, 200X is neat but not really anything special
• DoDonPachi Dai-Ou-Jou's port was a joke
• I don't like Espgaluda 1 (about to sell my copy, actually) so I'm pretty sure I wouldn't care for the sequel, which the standard edition of is region-free anyway
• I already have Mushihimesama on the PS2, it's not bad but I don't think Futari is different enough to warrant purchase, plus that is also region-free
• DoDonPachi Daifukkatsu is actually really good

This really makes only 2 shmups that are worth buying a Japanese system for (IMO, feel free to disagree). Of course, you can always sell a US system and put the money towards a Japanese replacement, unless you REALLY like a region-locked US game like Fallout New Vegas or something. As an owner of a Japanese system from the start, I do feel a little let down by seeing almost every great game end up being playable on a non-Japanese system.

Also, apologies if I seem to have derailed the topic, I just wanted to point out that Japanese systems are quite affordable if you know where to look.

[neonecko]

I like how a lot of people don't understand that investing in a j-360 is a simple matter.
It's called money, and not everyone has $300-$500 to spare.

Having said that, there's not a whole lot of benefit to owning a Japanese system anymore, since almost all of the worthwhile 360 shmups have had American releases now.

Definitely a difference in opinion. I've had a jasper J360 since its release and have virtually no reason to own a domestic unit. I can play all import titles that I want and every US title I've picked up plays fine on my system. Win/Win.

[Jack Burton]

I like how a lot of people don't understand that investing in a j-360 is a simple matter.
It's called money, and not everyone has $300-$500 to spare.

Having said that, there's not a whole lot of benefit to owning a Japanese system anymore, since almost all of the worthwhile 360 shmups have had American releases now.

Definitely a difference in opinion. I've had a jasper J360 since its release and have virtually no reason to own a domestic unit. I can play all import titles that I want and every US title I've picked up plays fine on my system. Win/Win.

I just wish the Raiden games would work on a japanese 360. They're cheap over here in the US, but the japanese versions are much more expensive.

[neonecko]

I just wish the Raiden games would work on a japanese 360. They're cheap over here in the US, but the japanese versions are much more expensive.

That is unfortunate . I picked those up before their western release, so I didn't know. That sucks

[everlust]

Definitely a difference in opinion. I've had a jasper J360 since its release and have virtually no reason to own a domestic unit. I can play all import titles that I want and every US title I've picked up plays fine on my system. Win/Win.

And this makes me sad when i realize i have two PAL 360's First one cost me nothing though

Mid Jan next year, I'll prob buy a J360 anyways.

As for this MMP/PP bundle, i can't wait. Two CAVE titles I've never played. Desperately want to try them out.

[Dandy J]

there's not a whole lot of benefit to owning a Japanese system anymore, since almost all of the worthwhile 360 shmups have had American releases now.

i have regular access to ketsui and dfk through a friend's j360, and i prefer either of them over futari and espg2, as good as those games are. i do quite like deathsmiles, though

[JOW]

A few of my opinions on 360 shmups with no US release:

• I already have Mushihimesama on the PS2, it's not bad but I don't think Futari is different enough to warrant purchase, plus that is also region-free

WHAT????

I'd recommend reconsidering whether Futari warrants a purchase - indeed I would recommend Futari to anybody who reads this forum.

It took me a while to get it but it's one of the best videogames I have ever played.

[8 1/2]

A few of my opinions on 360 shmups with no US release:

• I already have Mushihimesama on the PS2, it's not bad but I don't think Futari is different enough to warrant purchase, plus that is also region-free

WHAT????

I'd recommend reconsidering whether Futari warrants a purchase - indeed I would recommend Futari to anybody who reads this forum.

It took me a while to get it but it's one of the best videogames I have ever played.

That line caught me off guard too. Futari really shares very little outside of theme with the first game. Top three among the 360 shmups for me.

[evil_ash_xero]

Another vote for Futari here. I was kind of cold to the first one, but I love the second one. They are quite different.

[Trevor spencer]

If this port has the same options and filters as futari minus the HD i will be very happy , Even ketsui's options were perfect IMO

Bet it dosnt though , probably be some lame budget release options like guwange

[Van_Artic]

Bet it dosnt though , probably be some lame budget release options like guwange

why do you think that would happen? they are much different releases
imagine if DOJ and Ketsui would come out for XBLA like they were intended to, would they had no 4:3 support as well?

[Zeron]

Bet it dosnt though , probably be some lame budget release options like guwange

No don't say that

[bcass]

If this port has the same options and filters as futari minus the HD i will be very happy , Even ketsui's options were perfect IMO

Bet it dosnt though , probably be some lame budget release options like guwange

The display options in Guwange come from DeathSmiles II X, which was not a budget release.

[Trevor spencer]

Well i really hope they do a good job as this pack will be very nice if the options are right

The display options in Guwange come from DeathSmiles II X, which was not a budget release.

Yeah this is what im worried about , I was really really looking forward to DSII and they fucked it up , such a shame

[Annoyboy]

A few of my opinions on 360 shmups with no US release:

• I already have Mushihimesama on the PS2, it's not bad but I don't think Futari is different enough to warrant purchase, plus that is also region-free

WHAT????

I'd recommend reconsidering whether Futari warrants a purchase - indeed I would recommend Futari to anybody who reads this forum.

It took me a while to get it but it's one of the best videogames I have ever played.

That line caught me off guard too. Futari really shares very little outside of theme with the first game. Top three among the 360 shmups for me.

I see. I was making assumptions about Futari. I just watched a video and it actually looks quite interesting, so I might give it a try when I have some cash to spare (damn these $100 releases). It's region free though, isn't it? So you couldn't list it as a reason to own a Japanese system. Even so, that still means there's only about 3 great shmups that you can play on a Japanese 360 that you can't on an American one. For most people that already own a US system I'm not sure that it justifies the purchase of a J360. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that I chose a Japanese system, but with all these region-free releases and US releases with DLC included, and the chance of even more games being localised, I am now starting to wonder if the extra cost of importing was truly worth it in the long run. But hey, those games being Cave releases, I understand that to many people on these forums they are worth the extra cost.

At the risk of getting back on topic, what kind of price could we expect to see if Pork & Sweets had a US release?

[BulletMagnet]

At the risk of getting back on topic, what kind of price could we expect to see if Pork & Sweets had a US release?

Deathsmiles was 50 (though that was technically the "LE", the later release without the extras was a bit cheaper), while Raiden IV was 40 and RFA was 20...kinda tough to say, really.

Personally, I'd be very surprised to see this one localized: Deathsmiles was at least a somewhat "approachable" shmup, but these two (Pink Sweets in particular) aren't nearly so inviting to anyone outside the genre fanbase, and even if Cave added in a "Novice" mode I'm not sure how much that would help things.

[bcass]

I see. I was making assumptions about Futari. I just watched a video and it actually looks quite interesting, so I might give it a try when I have some cash to spare (damn these $100 releases). It's region free though, isn't it? So you couldn't list it as a reason to own a Japanese system. Even so, that still means there's only about 3 great shmups that you can play on a Japanese 360 that you can't on an American one. For most people that already own a US system I'm not sure that it justifies the purchase of a J360. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that I chose a Japanese system, but with all these region-free releases and US releases with DLC included, and the chance of even more games being localised, I am now starting to wonder if the extra cost of importing was truly worth it in the long run. But hey, those games being Cave releases, I understand that to many people on these forums they are worth the extra cost.

At the risk of getting back on topic, what kind of price could we expect to see if Pork & Sweets had a US release?

You're conveniently forgetting that Cave fucked-up the US release of DeathSmiles. You're also forgetting that you'll be able to play games somewhere around a year or so in advance of any possible US releases.

[brentsg]

Even so, that still means there's only about 3 great shmups that you can play on a Japanese 360 that you can't on an American one.

Everyone's entitled to an opinion, but I certainly wouldn't use yours to back up that argument. I don't think too many people that own J360's would scan their collection and find only 3 games, as you count.

Your opinion counts for even less when you're dismissing games that you have never even played.

[Some-Mist]

I see. I was making assumptions about Futari. I just watched a video and it actually looks quite interesting, so I might give it a try when I have some cash to spare (damn these $100 releases). It's region free though, isn't it? So you couldn't list it as a reason to own a Japanese system. Even so, that still means there's only about 3 great shmups that you can play on a Japanese 360 that you can't on an American one. For most people that already own a US system I'm not sure that it justifies the purchase of a J360. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that I chose a Japanese system, but with all these region-free releases and US releases with DLC included, and the chance of even more games being localised, I am now starting to wonder if the extra cost of importing was truly worth it in the long run. But hey, those games being Cave releases, I understand that to many people on these forums they are worth the extra cost.

At the risk of getting back on topic, what kind of price could we expect to see if Pork & Sweets had a US release?

It probably wouldn't get a U.S. release but I would guess $60.

also, mushihime-sama futari ver. 1.5 platinum edition is 35 bucks.

[EPS21]

At the risk of getting back on topic, what kind of price could we expect to see if Pork & Sweets had a US release?

Deathsmiles was 50 (though that was technically the "LE", the later release without the extras was a bit cheaper), while Raiden IV was 40 and RFA was 20...kinda tough to say, really.

Personally, I'd be very surprised to see this one localized: Deathsmiles was at least a somewhat "approachable" shmup, but these two (Pink Sweets in particular) aren't nearly so inviting to anyone outside the genre fanbase, and even if Cave added in a "Novice" mode I'm not sure how much that would help things.

Indeed, even at recent shmupmeet among fans where we had PS, MMP, and DFK, DFK had the most interest just cause I think no one understood how PS/MMP work at all (myself included), whereas DFK is easier to understand since everyone played the other pachis and get the basic idea behind it (and its easier). Could also be in part since everyone was excited about DFK's release on the 360, and having a tournament on that game at the same time. But regardless, I think it further solidified the fact that yagawa games a niche among a niche.

[Estebang]

You're conveniently forgetting that Cave fucked-up the US release of DeathSmiles.

On the contrary, I say they improved it. I can get to the final boss on one credit almost every time in the US version, while surviving beyond stage 3 in Futari or Galuda II is a serious undertaking. If the game was originally even easier with the extra slowdown, then that's just pathetic.

'Course, there's the issue of hi scores not being compatible between versions, but that's only a problem for world-class players.

[drunkninja24]

You're conveniently forgetting that Cave fucked-up the US release of DeathSmiles.

On the contrary, I say they improved it. I can get to the final boss on one credit almost every time in the US version, while surviving beyond stage 3 in Futari or Galuda II is a serious undertaking. If the game was originally even easier with the extra slowdown, then that's just pathetic.

'Course, there's the issue of hi scores not being compatible between versions, but that's only a problem for world-class players.

Are you doing EX stages and everything on Level 3?