TThe Tokyo Game Show will take place at Makuhari Messe. Makuhari Messe consists of spacious halls situated in a suburban complex about 45 minutes east of central Tokyo. The event occurs in late September and is usually accompanied by extreme heat or heavy rain, leading to humid and crowded conditions. Despite these challenges, I have always had an interest in TGS. My first experience attending was in 2008, and the memories of playing games in a crowded hall with minimal understanding of the surroundings evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Last Friday in Tokyo, many individuals, including myself, felt nostalgic as the event hall was filled with characters and series from 15 years ago. Games like Silent Hill 2 at the Konami Stand and the return of Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater remake sparked memories. Popular titles like Monster Hunter from Capcom, Sony’s showcase of the PlayStation 5 Pro, and Sega’s presence with upcoming games also added to the nostalgic atmosphere. Japanese-made Astro Bots and other new games were on display, reflecting the greatness of the industry.
Alongside these prominent displays, new games like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Like a Dragon: Pirate Rokuza in Hawaiian series captivated the audience. Developers of Palworld faced challenges amidst a lawsuit from Nintendo for alleged copyright infringement. The event also featured Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, Infinity Nikki, and elaborate presentations from Paper Games, offering a variety of experiences to attendees.
Exploring the diverse offerings, it became evident that indie games from around the world were prominently featured this year, showcasing a blend of creativity and innovation not seen a decade ago. Titles like Rolling Macho: Tumble to Earth from Serial Games offered unique gameplay experiences, reflecting the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
Reflecting on my time at TGS, I was reassured that Japanese games, reminiscent of my childhood, were thriving. With new releases like Metaphor: ReFantazio from Studio Zero capturing attention, the event highlighted the enduring appeal of Japanese game development.
What to Play
One standout experience was playing Apartment Story, a Sims-like game that immerses players in the mundane life of a gaming journalist, offering a unique and intimate gaming experience worth exploring.
Available: Computer
Estimated play time: 1-2 hours, multiple playthroughs possible
What to Read
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Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been delayed, sparking controversy and reflections on the gaming industry’s challenges. The removal of The Simpsons: Tapped Out from the app store and insights into the Yakuza series further highlight the evolving landscape of gaming.
What to Click
Question Block
“Is the Valve Steam Deck suitable for plug-and-play gamers like myself? How does its performance compare to traditional PC gaming?”
The Valve Steam Deck offers a portable PC gaming experience at an accessible price point, making it a viable option for gamers seeking convenience. While some games may require minor adjustments for optimal performance, most titles are optimized for the Steam Deck, ensuring a hassle-free gaming experience. Additionally, Steam offers a hassle-free refund policy for games that do not run smoothly on the device, providing peace of mind to users.
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Source: www.theguardian.com
