“Kusoge”  (ku – soh – gay) is a Japanese term, deriving from the terms “kuso” (meaning “crap”) and “geemu” (meaning “game”).  In other words, a crap game.  In broader context, though, the term has been used with both revulsion and...

Earlier this month, I thought I was going to the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo.  Instead, I winded up at the first annual Electronic Entertainment ExBRO.  An ocean of shooters, as far as the eye could see.  Battlefield 3.  Call of Duty.  Gears of War 3.  Hitman: Absolution. Dust 514. Starhawk. ...

Region-locking: truly a two-way street that goes nowhere. Last year, I spent two months studying abroad at the Yamasa Institute in Okazaki, Japan.  One of the people I met there working for the school was a US expat and Japanese history buff who was extremely excited about The Creative Assembly’s...

Every time a game is announced by a Japanese developer there is always a bit of uncertainty as to whether the game will make it to the United States or Europe. Localization is not a cheap prospect and developers need to be sure that they will be able to recuperate the associated costs with bringing the game...

Released: June 23, 2009 Developer/Publisher: Atlus Price: Around $29.99 Verdict: Outstanding! Pros: Turn-Based RPG, addictive, multiple paths, lots of options. Cons: Excessive leveling up required, all names and places are in Japanese, can only play the male character. The newest Atlus RPG in the Shin...