How many of you collect imports from other countries? I personally bought quite a few boxed games in bulk recently from one seller from Japan who ususally has nice conditioned Super famicom games.
I have a few Famicom and Super Famicom games, mostly commons. I did have a chance at Lickle Legend of the Holy Bell for around $100 and passed on it a few weeks ago. Still torn if I should have bid on it.
I consider buying my first import to have been the major step in me becoming a collector, it was DBZ II on snes\super famicom. I bought it when it was new, cause I was desperate for fighters. Shortly after that, I bought Dracula X and Flash Hiders on PC-Engine. Quite often if I find a cheap famicom\super famicom version of a us game I already own and like, I'll still buy it. That doesn't apply to sega games for the most part, it has to be a good game I have attachment to, such as Exile and Lunar.
In 2000 I beat Ys IV on sfc with a walkthrough, no translation patch. Around 2001 I bought a game axe and imported Final Fantasy III, and tried to beat it with a walk through, but that was a bit tougher than Ys.
Currently I'm waiting for Dragon Quest V to show up, I'm going to put 1-6 in a shadowbox for a decoration.
Edit: Oh yea guess I should mention the Knights of Valour in my sig was an import too. It wasn't till like 2 months ago I discovered it had a home release, it was ported over to Windows. I'm not sure if it's a native port or if it's running on an emulator though.
I collect certain series and try to pick up CIB copies of the import versions (mostly Japanese, but will be going for European releases eventually). So far I've got almost all the Dragon Quest games from Japan except the latest releases. I've also picked up a few Shin Megami Tensei games and Three Kingdoms games from Japan as well.
I like to import cool looking Famicom games that have translations or don't need any. May start doing the same with Saturn games that don't need translations.
At the moment I have some Famicom stuff, exclusives such as holy diver and kid Dracula or games that are too expensive here such as panic restaurant. And super Famicom stuff like parodius. But I want to get into some Saturn, ps1 and PC engine stuff in the future
I have around 10 imports each for Super Famicom and Mega Drive (both Japan and PAL), and around the same number for 3DO (all Japanese). The imports I have for the SFC are almost exclusively games that use special chips.
Otherwise I have a single import each for Saturn, N64, and Dreamcast, and that's pretty much it. I also used to have a couple of Odyssey^2 imports, one of which was apparently ridiculously rare, but I sold them.
I'd like to get the two European exclusives for Intellivision, though they were also released in very limited numbers in Canada.
Yep, I import for the Famicom, Super Famicom, and Saturn. I have other imports as well but I wouldn't consider myself an active importer for those systems. People constantly complain about modern games and always want to go back to the retro games they love. Well guess what? There are TONS of exclusive import gems out there. You pretty much have libraries of retro goodness that are waiting to be played. I hope more people realize this and realize that import gaming is almost like reliving the 80s/90s again.
I had a package come in from Japan today with around 20 super famicom games. Mostly RPGs and a lot of that has to do with the Retron 5 (translation patches).
Also, import collecting can be a great way to save money. For example, I paid $10 for a mint CIB Harvest Moon (Super Famicom). I can simply apply a translation patch to it and enjoy the game instead of having to pay $400+ for a CIB SNES copy.
There are plenty of games that require 0 Japanese as well and are exclusive to Japan. Import collecting doesn't have to be expensive, unless you have a sweet tooth for SHMUPs. If you do happen to love SHMUPs, then all I can say is God help your wallet.
I have a modest collection of Famicom and Super Famicom games. I also own an AV Famicom and my NTSC SNES has busted lockout tabs.
The Parodius trilogy on Super Famicom are among my favorite games.
I also own two PAL NES games, the Mario/Tetris/WC 3-in-1 (I have every licensed multi-cart variant of Super Mario Brothers) and Mario Bros Classic Serie, the enhanced 1993 reissue of Mario Bros with improved physics and cutscenes.
I have a modest collection of Famicom and Super Famicom games. I also own an AV Famicom and my NTSC SNES has busted lockout tabs.
The Parodius trilogy on Super Famicom are among my favorite games.
I also own two PAL NES games, the Mario/Tetris/WC 3-in-1 (I have every licensed multi-cart variant of Super Mario Brothers) and Mario Bros Classic Serie, the enhanced 1993 reissue of Mario Bros with improved physics and cutscenes.
Hmm, I may need to snag these. Thanks for the heads up, I knew the title Parodius but had no idea that there were three for the Super Famicom. Far out, man.
Mostly famicom and sfc do have a couple ps1 and I imported a pal ps3 game (of Orcs and Men) mainly as I wanted to something first hand Spiders had done.
I've been big on importing Famicom carts since I (nearly) finished my NES licensed set this year. I have around 100 Famicom carts. There are so many good exclusives and it has been a real treat diving into that set. I also have one Super Famicom game, Umihara Kawase.
I also have a handful of the NES PAL exclusives. Ufouria is pretty great!
I have around 100 Famicom carts. There are so many good exclusives and it has been a real treat diving into that set.
I also have one Super Famicom game, Umihara Kawase.
Great choice on the SFC game to import. Umihara Kawase is a lot of fun. And you're right, there are lots and lots of great Famicom games out there.
To the OP:
I have imports for Famicom, Super Famicom, Mega Drive, Game Boy, GBC, GBA, PSP, Saturn, DS, PS1, PS2, and PS3. The FC and SFC have the most patch/translation support, so I have more of those consoles by far, but the Sony consoles have a lot of worthwile games on them that don't really need knowledge of Japanese to enjoy.
Also, who did you buy them from? Yamatoku? Hit Japan? Ryoplanshop? 199963wands? I've had great experiences with all of those sellers.
Also, who did you buy them from? Yamatoku? Hit Japan? Ryoplanshop? 199963wands? I've had great experiences with all of those sellers.
I've bought from those sellers and had good experiences with all of them. Only issue I ever had importing from them was one Saturn game was unplayable due to disc rot and I was promptly refunded (including shipping!) when I contacted the seller with a picture of the damage. So I'd say anyone looking to import can buy with confidence from those sellers.
I primarily import Saturn titles, but I have a handful of SFC & Megadrive imports as well.
Also, who did you buy them from? Yamatoku? Hit Japan? Ryoplanshop? 199963wands? I've had great experiences with all of those sellers.
I've bought from those sellers and had good experiences with all of them. Only issue I ever had importing from them was one Saturn game was unplayable due to disc rot and I was promptly refunded (including shipping!) when I contacted the seller with a picture of the damage. So I'd say anyone looking to import can buy with confidence from those sellers.
I primarily import Saturn titles, but I have a handful of SFC & Megadrive imports as well.
I'll third both yamatoku and hit japan, I've delt with them too many times. Don't recal the other ones, but I've also delt with Japan Retro Direct/Famicomvinnk
The first Games (and eBay Transaction) Imported for me was back in Middleschool I was a Hardcore fan of DBZ and had my Dad convinced to let me Bid on the 3 Japanese Playstation titles after our search for the American copy of DBGT Final bout came up emtpy handed.
But thats Ancient History... When I first got serious into collecting 10years ago I Started with alot of the Super Famicom Games we never got in the States that I was interested in at the time. as well as Gamecube and earlier DS/PSP games. (Like Jump Superstars and Naruto before it came to the states)
Gundam (Series)
Dragonball (Series)
Ranma 1/2 (Series)
Sailor Moon (Series)
Mario & Wario
Wrecking Crew 98
Back to the Future II
Godzilla
and other Misc. Fighting/Beatem up games
then moved on to the Famicom with games like..
Star Wars
Devil World
Fire Emblem (Series)
Gundam: Hot Scramble
Dragonball (Series)
Then Closed the Gap with these Honorable Mentioned games on the N64
I keep seeing this game, but when I look up gameplay it never looks good. I have been deceived by gameplay vids in the past, though. What do you think about it?
I keep seeing this game, but when I look up gameplay it never looks good. I have been deceived by gameplay vids in the past, though. What do you think about it?
Im a Gundam Z fan so my opinion may be a bit Bias, But I enjoy it. As soon as I hear the opening theme my hair stands up with Nostalgia.
But For the Famicom it has a good mix of (Simulated 3D space segments and Traditional 2D side scroller stages that is a nice change of pace. although it can be a bit repetitive...
Transforming from Mech to Craft modes in those sidescrolling levels is fun though
The Music keeps you pumped up as you blast your way through the TITANs mobile suits
I keep seeing this game, but when I look up gameplay it never looks good. I have been deceived by gameplay vids in the past, though. What do you think about it?
Im a Gundam Z fan so my opinion may be a bit Bias, But I enjoy it. As soon as I hear the opening theme my hair stands up with Nostalgia.
But For the Famicom it has a good mix of (Simulated 3D space segments and Traditional 2D side scroller stages that is a nice change of pace. although it can be a bit repetitive...
Transforming from Mech to Craft modes in those sidescrolling levels is fun though
The Music keeps you pumped up as you blast your way through the TITANs mobile suits
Good to know, sounds like it's better to play than to watch someone else play. Next time a good condition CIB comes up I'll see if I can grab a copy. Thanks!
Also, who did you buy them from? Yamatoku? Hit Japan? Ryoplanshop? 199963wands? I've had great experiences with all of those sellers.
I've bought from those sellers and had good experiences with all of them. Only issue I ever had importing from them was one Saturn game was unplayable due to disc rot and I was promptly refunded (including shipping!) when I contacted the seller with a picture of the damage. So I'd say anyone looking to import can buy with confidence from those sellers.
I primarily import Saturn titles, but I have a handful of SFC & Megadrive imports as well.
I'll third both yamatoku and hit japan, I've delt with them too many times. Don't recal the other ones, but I've also delt with Japan Retro Direct/Famicomvinnk
I've bought a number of Famicom and Super Famicom games over the years from Japangamestock. Sit looks pretty dated but they are a good company. Unlike most domestic shops, they tend to be cheaper than the 'bay prices, especially with the Yen as low as it is. They always have tons of inventory and shipping isn't too bad. You can definitely save over the eBay pricing when buying multiple games.
Just be aware there are a lot of Famicom boots out there so check the stock photos when buying from eBay sellers. Everything I've ever gotten from Japangamestock was legit.
I keep seeing this game, but when I look up gameplay it never looks good. I have been deceived by gameplay vids in the past, though. What do you think about it?
Im a Gundam Z fan so my opinion may be a bit Bias, But I enjoy it. As soon as I hear the opening theme my hair stands up with Nostalgia.
But For the Famicom it has a good mix of (Simulated 3D space segments and Traditional 2D side scroller stages that is a nice change of pace. although it can be a bit repetitive...
Transforming from Mech to Craft modes in those sidescrolling levels is fun though
The Music keeps you pumped up as you blast your way through the TITANs mobile suits
Good to know, sounds like it's better to play than to watch someone else play. Next time a good condition CIB comes up I'll see if I can grab a copy. Thanks!
No problem, when you do I hope you enjoy it as much as i did.
I've imported some playstation 1, 2, 3 , GBA and Saturn games. I also recently imported Cuvibore for the gamecube and Pikmin 2 since I've never seen these titles in real life and they are too expensive.
Comments
In 2000 I beat Ys IV on sfc with a walkthrough, no translation patch. Around 2001 I bought a game axe and imported Final Fantasy III, and tried to beat it with a walk through, but that was a bit tougher than Ys.
Currently I'm waiting for Dragon Quest V to show up, I'm going to put 1-6 in a shadowbox for a decoration.
Edit: Oh yea guess I should mention the Knights of Valour in my sig was an import too. It wasn't till like 2 months ago I discovered it had a home release, it was ported over to Windows. I'm not sure if it's a native port or if it's running on an emulator though.
Otherwise I have a single import each for Saturn, N64, and Dreamcast, and that's pretty much it. I also used to have a couple of Odyssey^2 imports, one of which was apparently ridiculously rare, but I sold them.
I'd like to get the two European exclusives for Intellivision, though they were also released in very limited numbers in Canada.
I had a package come in from Japan today with around 20 super famicom games. Mostly RPGs and a lot of that has to do with the Retron 5 (translation patches).
Also, import collecting can be a great way to save money. For example, I paid $10 for a mint CIB Harvest Moon (Super Famicom). I can simply apply a translation patch to it and enjoy the game instead of having to pay $400+ for a CIB SNES copy.
There are plenty of games that require 0 Japanese as well and are exclusive to Japan. Import collecting doesn't have to be expensive, unless you have a sweet tooth for SHMUPs. If you do happen to love SHMUPs, then all I can say is God help your wallet.
The Parodius trilogy on Super Famicom are among my favorite games.
I also own two PAL NES games, the Mario/Tetris/WC 3-in-1 (I have every licensed multi-cart variant of Super Mario Brothers) and Mario Bros Classic Serie, the enhanced 1993 reissue of Mario Bros with improved physics and cutscenes.
I have a modest collection of Famicom and Super Famicom games. I also own an AV Famicom and my NTSC SNES has busted lockout tabs.
The Parodius trilogy on Super Famicom are among my favorite games.
I also own two PAL NES games, the Mario/Tetris/WC 3-in-1 (I have every licensed multi-cart variant of Super Mario Brothers) and Mario Bros Classic Serie, the enhanced 1993 reissue of Mario Bros with improved physics and cutscenes.
Hmm, I may need to snag these. Thanks for the heads up, I knew the title Parodius but had no idea that there were three for the Super Famicom. Far out, man.
Famicom
SFC
Saturn
PC Engine
I also pick up certain PS3 releases that never saw a physical release in the states:
Siren Blood Curse
Destroy All Humans
REmake HD
R&C Quest for Booty
I also have a handful of the NES PAL exclusives. Ufouria is pretty great!
I have around 100 Famicom carts. There are so many good exclusives and it has been a real treat diving into that set.
I also have one Super Famicom game, Umihara Kawase.
Great choice on the SFC game to import. Umihara Kawase is a lot of fun. And you're right, there are lots and lots of great Famicom games out there.
To the OP:
I have imports for Famicom, Super Famicom, Mega Drive, Game Boy, GBC, GBA, PSP, Saturn, DS, PS1, PS2, and PS3. The FC and SFC have the most patch/translation support, so I have more of those consoles by far, but the Sony consoles have a lot of worthwile games on them that don't really need knowledge of Japanese to enjoy.
Also, who did you buy them from? Yamatoku? Hit Japan? Ryoplanshop? 199963wands? I've had great experiences with all of those sellers.
Also, who did you buy them from? Yamatoku? Hit Japan? Ryoplanshop? 199963wands? I've had great experiences with all of those sellers.
I've bought from those sellers and had good experiences with all of them. Only issue I ever had importing from them was one Saturn game was unplayable due to disc rot and I was promptly refunded (including shipping!) when I contacted the seller with a picture of the damage. So I'd say anyone looking to import can buy with confidence from those sellers.
I primarily import Saturn titles, but I have a handful of SFC & Megadrive imports as well.
Also, who did you buy them from? Yamatoku? Hit Japan? Ryoplanshop? 199963wands? I've had great experiences with all of those sellers.
I've bought from those sellers and had good experiences with all of them. Only issue I ever had importing from them was one Saturn game was unplayable due to disc rot and I was promptly refunded (including shipping!) when I contacted the seller with a picture of the damage. So I'd say anyone looking to import can buy with confidence from those sellers.
I primarily import Saturn titles, but I have a handful of SFC & Megadrive imports as well.
I'll third both yamatoku and hit japan, I've delt with them too many times. Don't recal the other ones, but I've also delt with Japan Retro Direct/Famicomvinnk
The first Games (and eBay Transaction) Imported for me was back in Middleschool I was a Hardcore fan of DBZ and had my Dad convinced to let me Bid on the 3 Japanese Playstation titles after our search for the American copy of DBGT Final bout came up emtpy handed.
But thats Ancient History... When I first got serious into collecting 10years ago I Started with alot of the Super Famicom Games we never got in the States that I was interested in at the time. as well as Gamecube and earlier DS/PSP games. (Like Jump Superstars and Naruto before it came to the states)
Gundam (Series)
Dragonball (Series)
Ranma 1/2 (Series)
Sailor Moon (Series)
Mario & Wario
Wrecking Crew 98
Back to the Future II
Godzilla
and other Misc. Fighting/Beatem up games
then moved on to the Famicom with games like..
Star Wars
Devil World
Fire Emblem (Series)
Gundam: Hot Scramble
Dragonball (Series)
Then Closed the Gap with these Honorable Mentioned games on the N64
Animal Forest (Crossing)
Custom Robo
Sin & Punishment
Tamagachi
Robopon 64
Gundam: Hot Scramble
I keep seeing this game, but when I look up gameplay it never looks good. I have been deceived by gameplay vids in the past, though. What do you think about it?
Gundam: Hot Scramble
I keep seeing this game, but when I look up gameplay it never looks good. I have been deceived by gameplay vids in the past, though. What do you think about it?
Im a Gundam Z fan so my opinion may be a bit Bias, But I enjoy it. As soon as I hear the opening theme my hair stands up with Nostalgia.
But For the Famicom it has a good mix of (Simulated 3D space segments and Traditional 2D side scroller stages that is a nice change of pace. although it can be a bit repetitive...
Transforming from Mech to Craft modes in those sidescrolling levels is fun though
The Music keeps you pumped up as you blast your way through the TITANs mobile suits
Gundam: Hot Scramble
I keep seeing this game, but when I look up gameplay it never looks good. I have been deceived by gameplay vids in the past, though. What do you think about it?
Im a Gundam Z fan so my opinion may be a bit Bias, But I enjoy it. As soon as I hear the opening theme my hair stands up with Nostalgia.
But For the Famicom it has a good mix of (Simulated 3D space segments and Traditional 2D side scroller stages that is a nice change of pace. although it can be a bit repetitive...
Transforming from Mech to Craft modes in those sidescrolling levels is fun though
The Music keeps you pumped up as you blast your way through the TITANs mobile suits
Good to know, sounds like it's better to play than to watch someone else play. Next time a good condition CIB comes up I'll see if I can grab a copy. Thanks!
Also, who did you buy them from? Yamatoku? Hit Japan? Ryoplanshop? 199963wands? I've had great experiences with all of those sellers.
I've bought from those sellers and had good experiences with all of them. Only issue I ever had importing from them was one Saturn game was unplayable due to disc rot and I was promptly refunded (including shipping!) when I contacted the seller with a picture of the damage. So I'd say anyone looking to import can buy with confidence from those sellers.
I primarily import Saturn titles, but I have a handful of SFC & Megadrive imports as well.
I'll third both yamatoku and hit japan, I've delt with them too many times. Don't recal the other ones, but I've also delt with Japan Retro Direct/Famicomvinnk
I've bought a number of Famicom and Super Famicom games over the years from Japangamestock. Sit looks pretty dated but they are a good company. Unlike most domestic shops, they tend to be cheaper than the 'bay prices, especially with the Yen as low as it is. They always have tons of inventory and shipping isn't too bad. You can definitely save over the eBay pricing when buying multiple games.
Just be aware there are a lot of Famicom boots out there so check the stock photos when buying from eBay sellers. Everything I've ever gotten from Japangamestock was legit.
Gundam: Hot Scramble
I keep seeing this game, but when I look up gameplay it never looks good. I have been deceived by gameplay vids in the past, though. What do you think about it?
Im a Gundam Z fan so my opinion may be a bit Bias, But I enjoy it. As soon as I hear the opening theme my hair stands up with Nostalgia.
But For the Famicom it has a good mix of (Simulated 3D space segments and Traditional 2D side scroller stages that is a nice change of pace. although it can be a bit repetitive...
Transforming from Mech to Craft modes in those sidescrolling levels is fun though
The Music keeps you pumped up as you blast your way through the TITANs mobile suits
Good to know, sounds like it's better to play than to watch someone else play. Next time a good condition CIB comes up I'll see if I can grab a copy. Thanks!
No problem, when you do I hope you enjoy it as much as i did.