Microsoft is heading to Japan In Febuary

Written By Style Rodriguez

      On November 15th Microsoft launched the X-Box console. This is history in the making. Why you ask? This is the first time that a videogame system is launched in the United States first. When the talk of the X-Box was first coming out there were rumors about a worldwide launch. This was not something that could happen so the launch dates were separated. On February 22, 2002 the X-Box will launch in Japan. The launch of the system seems to be a great one with these titles for the premier:

· "JSRF - Jet Set Radio Future™" (from Sega) is a unique graphical street-skating action-adventure game with the unique visual style of Japanese "manga" comics.
· "GENMA ONIMUSHA™" (from Capcom) is a new interpretation of the war survival action series that garnered worldwide acclaim.
· "SILENT HILL 2: Saigo no Uta" (from Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo) is the hit adventure game that shook the world with its spine-tingling horror and real-world environment as they can only be presented on Xbox.
· "DOUBLE-S.T.E.A.L." (From Bunkasha) is a car action game modeled after the thrilling trademark car stunt scenes of Hong Kong cinema.
· "AIR FORCE DELTA II" (from Konami) is an incredibly realistic 3-D shooting game that incorporates amazingly intense air battles using real-world fighter planes.
· "HYPER SPORTS 2002 WINTER" (from Konami) recreates 10 sporting events in a realistic, easy-to-control manner. Gamers will appreciate the beautiful atmosphere of winter, with attention to graphics such as the view from the slopes, snow-capped mountains, and skating rinks complete with reflections on the ice.
· "ESPN Winter X Games Snowboarding 2002" (from Konami) is an authentic snowboarding game modeled after the ESPN Winter X Games and based on comments and participation from world-class snowboarders.
· "Nobunaga's Ambition: Chronicles of Chaos" (from Koei) is a historical simulation game in which powerful leaders do battle to become the victorious feudal lord who can bring together various warring factions.
· "Nezmix" (from Microsoft) is a comical adventure in which players take on the role of a mouse who must recruit, lead, and battle with a team of fellow mice to defend their town against a band of enemy invaders.
· "Tenku: Freestyle Snowboarding" (from Microsoft) is a snowboarding game that focuses on freestyle riding, in contrast to traditional race-based games.
· "Project Gotham Racing™: World Street Racer" (from Microsoft) is a game that is the ultimate test of gamers' driving skills, style and risk-taking, featuring a unique Kudos System, in which players earn rewards not only for getting to the finishing line first, but also for displaying skill, finesse and daring while driving.
· "DEAD OR ALIVE 3" (from Tecmo) is the third title in Tecmo's popular tournament fighting action game series.

     As you can see this is a great way to spice up an America console to a market that is dominated by the Japanese. If you want to talk about spicing up here is one for the books. Microsoft is making 50 thousand limited Xbox units with a key chain signed by no other then Bill Gates himself. These limited edition units are a translucent green. Now the reality of the matter is that getting a limited edition unit is a really no big deal, but since Microsoft is an American company you would think that we the Americans would get it first. NOT! Ok, no problem but at last years E3 (Electronic Entertain Expo) there was a Media Briefing and the presidents of Sony Computer Entertainment, Nintendo Of America and Microsoft Games basically debated what the new gaming age was heading for. Microsoft spoke about how they learned from the past mistakes of their colleagues. If this were true then we too would be getting Limited Edition Units and not have to import them. So be it.

As you can see, the model of the unit looks the same; the difference is the controller. Why? There wasn’t a straight answer from Microsoft, but Japanese gamers are different, and from my experience the Japanese like their controllers with a more snug fit where Americans like a bigger and better grip. I have to say that I like the way the directional pad is set up on the Japanese controller better than the one we have. Here is something that I found that is interesting and which I have never seen before. The start and the back buttons are under the left analog stick; the formations of the buttons are different. The white and black buttons are under the main four, plus they seem to be grouped closer together. The specs of the system are the same. Of course there is that whole region code difference, and just as with the American system you need the DVD remote to play DVDs. Along with a different controller there will be two different colors available at the launch, the standard black, and a gray.

The accessories are pretty much the same. You have your 8 Meg memory card, advanced av cables, the RF cord, and the S-video cords. Just as with other systems we believe that the cords are backwards compatible with the American console. So other than the fact that Japan is getting a clear unit, the systems are evenly matched, with pretty much the same number of games at launch. Now all we have to see is if they will be as accepting as we were of this new venture of Microsoft’s.