iNiS and Q Entertainment both shared a love of music and a different view of how to interpret music into a game setting. Both companies decided the proper platform for their games was handheld devices; this could be due to the price of handhelds and music games being marketable to non-gamers. Casual games, like music games, serve as an excellent way to introduce people to games and gaming systems. Gaming companies have recently began to realize the profitability of marketing to non-gamers, Nintendo’s Wii has become the best selling console ever by following this strategy. iNis and Q’s games speak to this audience by utilizing something that is inherently human, music. Music is something that speaks to everyone; games that are based around music have the opportunity to have the same power. The games that iNiS and Q have designed seem to have this power with their audience. iNiS’s Elite Beat Agents does an excellent job of drawing the player into the beat of the song, and making them feel like they control the song, this ability to draw the player in and keep them absorbed in the game play is where music games excel.
One of the coolest stores in Akihabara is Super Potato, it is a famous Mecca for classic Nintendo fans. If you are looking to buy a Super Famicon new in box, this is the place to go. Stores like this and arcades show how important gaming is to the culture of Japan. This was not a store full of tourists wanting to buy exclusive or classic Nintendo gear, but a place to fulfill everyone’s nostalgic love of Nintendo. Super Potato is filled with classic games, systems and merchandise it really is the perfect visit for anyone that has any interest in classic gaming. It was very interesting to see the Japanese equivalent of some of my favorite systems, such as the Famicon and Super Famicon. It was even more interesting to watch locals play some of my favorite games in the store, it appeared the store had also become a place to show off one’s gaming prowess with the classics. This is one of multiple places were people congregate to show their skill and accept challenges.
