|
Role playing games - both electronic and otherwise - have found a small niche in the Japanese culture. This is perhaps due to their natural propensity for the fantastic. However, hard core RPG players should not expect too much as RPGs are not that widely known in the country as of yet. In Japan , the term RPG is usually used for computer and console games. Table-talk RPG (TRPG) is the term used for non-electronic RPGs. Sword World is the most popular RPG in Japan.
It is not uncommon to find gaming centers - both as stand alone buildings and as booths inside shopping centers. Aside from the ubiquitous arcade games, you can also find pachinko machines. These fun machines are similar to pinball machines. On the average, a game would cost you 100 yen. Pachinko parlors are a very common sight all over Japan . Many Westerners find it interesting to watch the normally formal Japanese "salarymen" let go of their reservations while playing on the pachinko machines.
Pachinko machines are not all that you can find in the gaming centers. These centers have long served as testing grounds for ground-breaking ideas. Unique games such as the dance revolution and drumming games were born in these gaming centers.
The world famous Japanese Anime is very much linked to the gaming world in Japan . Many a cartoon series has branched out to offer various anime-related games. Some of the most popular ones are Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh. Pokemon even has a game for the Sony PSP. Other animes focus solely on card games.
However, when it comes to games and hobbies, Japan has more than video and computer games to offer. With its rich culture, Japan has a long list of traditional games and hobbies that will surely catch anyone's attention.
|
