How To Import 301: Xbox and Xbox 360

Importing for the Xbox and the Xbox 360

First up, the original (and ENORMOUS) Xbox



The only consistent way to modify an original Xbox to play import games is to install a mod chip. However, if you use Xbox Live, you'll have to find a mod chip that can be "turned off" or employs a "stealth mode" to avoid being banned for "cheating". One slip-up, and your MAC address will be banned.

Therefore, if you use Xbox Live on your original Xbox, then you might want to consider buying an imported console. Otherwise, look into getting a mod chip for it. Unfortunately, I have no experience with mod chips in Xboxes, so I can't tell you how hard it would be.

However, if you're interested in playing imported Xbox 360 games, you might be in luck! Or, conversely, you might not be... Microsoft decided to leave region protection in the hands of the game developers, so some games are region locked and others aren't.



Some of the more popular online import stores will list the compatibility of each game on that particular game's product page. Play-Asia seems to be the best at it, so feel free to check them out.

If it just so happens that the game you want is region locked, the options revert back to the same options that the original Xbox has. Install a mod-chip and risk having the machine banned from Xbox Live or buy a Japanese console.

Buy a Japanese Xbox HERE (be warned, they are out of stock at the time of this posting)

Buy a Japanese Xbox 360 HERE (they have PLENTY of these at the time of this posting ^_^)

Have fun playing!
-Kuromatsuri

Interesting Import Only Game #2: Pop'n Music

Pop'n Music series for the PS2, PS1, Dreamcast, and others

Today's game is called Pop'n Music. It's a series that has a total of 20 versions in the arcade (1 through 17, plus Animelo, Animelo 2, and Mickey Tunes). Home versions have been released for Animelo, Mickey Tunes, and versions 1 through 14, plus a Best Hits version. Versions 7 and newer are on the PS2, the preferred console for these games.

This is a rhythm game (like Guitar Hero or DDR), except that it is played by hitting 9 big, round buttons with the palms of your hands, assuming you use the Arcade Style Controller (ASC) instead of the smaller Pop'n Mini controller (both shown below).


(Custom made ASC; image pulled from http://edointokyo.com/?p=21)

The interesting thing in Pop'n Music (and in many other Japanese-only rhythm games) is that pressing a button always makes a sound that is in the song. Pressing the wrong button will make it play the song incorrectly, while pressing the correct button too late or too early will make the correct note play too late or too early, respectively.

Also, Japanese rhythm games tend to be harder than American ones. Example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKjyJoN-idE&feature=related

Don't let that scare you away, though! The songs don't start off nearly that hard. Here is one that's still a little harder than the beginning songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX_q4ElBrY4

As you can see, it essentially amounts to musical Whack-a-Mole! It is truly great fun, although it is admittedly expensive to get the full size controller.

More information about the Pop'n Music series can be found by clicking HERE

The most recent version of the game can be purchased HERE

The official arcade style controller is hard to find and generally costs around $500. You can check eBay for it. The official Pop'n Mini controller will generally cost you around $50, but again, it's a little hard to find. An excellent alternative to purchasing the official ASC is to purchase a home-built one from www.desktoparcade.com, or other similar places. You might be able to find one of those on eBay as well.

Have fun playing!
-Kuro Matsuri

Interesting Import Only Game #1: Namco X Capcom

Namco X Capcom for the PS2

Time for the first ever "Interesting Import Only Game" post!

The game for today is called Namco X Capcom (pronounced Namco Cross Capcom) for the Playstation 2.


(Box art)

Ever wanted to see Heihachi Mishima from the Tekken series face off against Akuma from the Street Fighter series in a tactical battle? Or how about KOS-MOS from Xenosaga versus Rockman Juno (Megaman Juno) from Rockman Dash? Well, these and many more can happen in the tactical RPG, Namco X Capcom!

There are over 100 characters, nearly all of which are from a variety of different Capcom and Namco games. The four previously mentioned games only scratch the surface. There are also appearances from Resident Evil (or Biohazard in Japan), Ghosts 'n Goblins, Soul Calibur, Darkstalkers, Klonoa Heroes, Rival Schools, and many more!

Two completely new characters lead the way through the story as all the universes that these games belong in start to crash together. Characters from other games start appearing, and they don't know why they are where they are! As you progress through the game, you get to find out what's really going on while getting to play as many of your favorite characters. There is nothing like it in the U.S.A.!

The only problem with it for English speakers is that everything is completely in Japanese. Since it's story based and has complex menues, a basic knowledge of Japanese (or a willingness to experiment a lot) is required to enjoy this game.

I have personally been unable to finish it as it is normally a 70-100 hour game, and it takes even longer for me since I have to spend time translating sections of it to understand it. My Japanese isn't yet good enough to not use my electronic dictionary (which will be featured as a Interesting Import Only Game later, as it is for the DS).

Here's a clip of the gameplay to let you see what it's like. It goes from a grid format typical of strategic RPGs to psuedo-real-time, one-sided battles where the player either only attacks or only blocks. This video shows the attacking part (which is much more fun XD)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQtsj69NeuM

You can find out more information about Namco X Capcom by clicking HERE

You can buy Namco X Capcom (The Best version) right now by clicking HERE

Have fun playing!
-Kuro Matsuri

Just starting!

Here is the beginning of what is sure to be an epic site about all things imported from Japan, especially video games. This may be wishful thinking, but I will try to take it as far as I can, and I will see where it goes.

In short, the blog will focus on video games, but other areas of imported Japan items may be mentioned from time to time.

Please check back often for updates, which should be at least a few times a week, depending on the time I have available to me.

Have fun playing!
-Kuromatsuri