Games for Tourists
Good old rail shooters up for a one-coin-stand. Maybe these are for gaijin rolling off the escalator, spluttering into port from the alien seas of UFO catchers and Nesica Live.
Not chasing the deeper games: hardly going to commit to years of grinding and micropayments when they’re shipping back out.
Not going to queue for an unknown shmup in five versions – very important differences! – local spectators ready to tut.
After Burner II and Night Striker are familiar. You’re good enough that you’ll get somewhere – or accustomed enough to failing that you won’t feel the shame.
In any case, you’ll be gone tomorrow, leaving nothing but your initials, which’ll wash away in time.
Photographer and writer covering Tokyo arcade life – the videogames, the metropolis and the people
