Summary
Japan is known for its gorgeous landscapes and rich, diverse culture. The island nation has also given the world some beloved video games, including the timeless platforming classicSuper Mario Bros.and the epicFinal FantasyRPGs. Not only that, but Japan is also home to numerous fictional superheroes.
While many consider them a more Western concept, the East also has its iconic super-powered figures. They have broken out of Japan to reach a global audience, as well as been adapted Stateside into games and other media. They take on forms ranging from aliens to masked fighters, and even a boy robot. Here are some games featuring a mix of both iconic and lesser-known Japanese superheroes.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3is an updated version ofMarvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. It takes the classic tag-team gameplay ofMarvel vs. Capcom 2and adds a shiny new coat of cel-shaded paint, and some additional characters as well. This helps make itone of the best gamesin the fighting franchise’s history.
This title features some of the greatest heroes and villains, not only from Marvel, but also from the Japanese publisher, Capcom. Among the roster are the stylish, tights-wearing Viewtiful Joe, as well asDevil May Cry’sDante andMega Man’sZero.
Viewtiful Joe
LIFE IS VIEWTIFUL!
… Meet the world’s newest celluloid super-hero! Introducing Joe… an average guy that gets caught up in a crazy stunt-filled action movie world in order to rescue his girl, Silvia, from the clutches of evil! Blessed with viewtiful moves, Joe must use his newly acquired super powers to clobber an army of enemies. Utilize VFX power to zoom in, slow down or activate mach speed to fight your foes with style! Loaded with cool and funky visuals and non-stop action, Viewtiful Joe will remind you just how fun video games can be!Henshin a Go Go Baby!
Viewtiful Joe is way cool.
• Re-defines Action Games! Innovative 2D/3D Hybrid Action with Stunning Visual Effects!
• Fight Evil-Doers with Style and Rescue Your Girl, Silvia from the Clutches of Evil!
• Obliterate You Enemies Using VFX Power (Slow, Zoom In & Mach Speed)
• Vividly Comic and Funky Cartoon-Style Visuals… An Absolute Joy to Play!
TheViewtiful Joefranchise has beenall but forgotten by many. Those who were fans of it back in its heyday, however, have fond memories of the movie-loving red head who gets sucked into one of his favorite superhero movies, acquiring red tights, a pink scarf, and the ability to manipulate time.
Viewtiful Joeis heavily influenced by the Tokusatsu films and television shows popular in Japan at the time. Joe transitions to his persona in a flashy morph sequence worthy of anySuper Sentai/Power Rangersshow. He also has his own giant robot, another staple of the Tokusatsu subgenre.
Power Rangers: Battle For The Gridis not simply anotherPower Rangersvideo game, but also a solid fighting game. It features heroes and villains from across the franchise’sthirty-plus-year history, with each fighter possessing a unique move set. The game also features a single-player mode inspired by the Shattered Grid Arc from Boom! Studios’Mighty Morphin Power Rangerscomic book.
WhilePower Rangersis an American franchise, it is a direct adaptation of theSuper Sentaiseries made in Japan. The American show was made by splicing in footage of that original show and overlaying it with American actors and stories, making the entire series one big nod to the original Japanese superhero team.
Astro Boy: Omega Factorfeatures the titular robot boy created by a scientist to ease the grief over his lost son. The property was created by the late manga artist Tezuka Shigeru, better known as Tezuka Osamu. It is largely considered one of the first anime.
Astro Boy: Omega Factoris a side-scrolling beat-em-up co-developed by Hit Maker and Treasure, so it hasthe seal of quality behind it. Its combat is fast-paced and frantic. Astro has several weapons in his arsenal, including machine guns that come out of his butt. The game also has some RPG elements, with upgrades for Astro and a number of NPCs with whom he interacts.
1PepsiMan
Bizarre And Brilliant
When Japan needed a hero, one man heard the call to quench the country’s thirst. PepsiMan was a mascot created by the Pepsi company’s Japan branch. He starred in numerous commercials, and even got his own video game on the PS1.
PepsiManis an auto-runner which sees the player guide the titular hero through various levels, including a suburban neighborhood and a factory. He must dodge and duck under a number of obstacles, as well as run away from a giant Pepsi can. The game has become something ofa cult classic, being very popular among speed runners.
