I've noticed a few major differences between people here in Tokyo vs. in Toronto where I used to live.
1. Japanese play old video games. It seems like many game stores and even used book stores carry consoles and games from Famicom, Dreamcast, Saturn, Super Famicom, PS1 etc. Third-party Famicom 'clone' consoles are easily bought and will play all your old carts.
2. There doesn't seem to be a clear line drawn between 'casual' and 'core' gamers. I've met some self-described non-gamers who then go on to say that they "only" play Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy.
3. 3D is not as interesting. I don't mean to say that Japanese are offended by polygons.. what I mean is that a free-roaming adventure like Super Mario Galaxy or Grand Theft Auto is not so interesting to them. There are some exceptions like Biohazard, but the general reaction I get when showing off a 3D game to them is they say "it looks difficult" and they are not interested to play (they are very happy to sit and watch me play however).
4. HD is not interesting. Most Tokyoites I know have a 13" tube TV and they don't watch it that often. They would much rather play Minna no Golf on PS1 or PSP than on PS3.
★☆jyona★♪
