GameCenter CX
| GameCenter CX | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Japan |
| No. of episodes | 136 |
| Original release | |
| Network | Fuji TV Two |
| Release | Nov 4, 2003 |
GameCenter CX (ゲームセンターCX, Gēmu Sentā Shī Ekkusu), known abroad as Retro Game Master is a Japanese television series where Shinya Arino, a member of comedy duo Yoiko, plays Japan's most popular video games (a majority of which are Family Computer games) and records his progress as he works through a time limit, usually lasting up to one day. He is supported by his Assistant Directors (herein referred to as ADs) and Staff, both via moral support and actual gameplay. He also gets the chance to interview game designers and to play arcade games occasionally.
There are currently seven DVD sets released in Japan. The show has been on-air since November 4, 2003 with a new episode every 2 weeks when a season is running. Fuji TV is currently looking for international distributors for subtitled DVDs.[1][2]
As of June 23rd 2011, gaming website Kotaku has been streaming English translated episodes of the series.[3] On January 13th, 2012, Kotaku announced that their agreement to broadcast the show had ended; there will be no second season, and existing episodes will be removed when the rights expire.[4] However, on February 28th, 2012, Discotek Media announced via their Facebook page that they had acquired the rights to the 12 episodes shown on Kotaku and will release them on DVD. They are hoping for a summer release and the sales of the DVD set will determine whether more episodes will be released in the future. On April 24th, Discotek Media announced on their Facebook page that the episode count will be fourteen.[5] On May 17th, Discotek Media set September 18th, 2012 as the release date.[6]
Premise
Arino is presented as an employee of the GameCenter CX Company.
Sometimes when he really gets stuck playing a game, one of the 'staff/interns' will offer their help to get him past a tough area. They usually stop immediately after and let him continue on his own. Occasionally they will even ask if he 'gives up'.
The CX 'company' even 'promotes' the host depending on how well he does during the season. The phrase Arino says right before turning on the console, "Kachō on!", is actually referring to his status as section manager of the (albeit fictional) aforementioned "company."
| Season | Position | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Chief (Shunin) | |
| Season 1 | Deputy Manager (Kachou Dairi) | |
| Season 4 | Section Chief (Kachou) | After clearing every game in the 3rd Season |
| Season 4 | Deputy Manager (Kacho Dairi) | 4 losses in a row - Ultraman to Act Raiser |
| Season 4 | Chief (Shunin) | Demoted due to a second final boss failure in ActRaiser. |
| Season 4 | Section Chief (Kachou) | Promoted due to a successful completion of Quiz Tonosama no Yabou |
To continue on with the 'Corporation' theme of the show, a stock certificate was included with the second DVD collection to have the buyers feel like they 'owned stock' in the 'company'... perhaps to inspire them to watch and encourage the host to do well.
In the last episode of season 7, Bandai Namco President Ishikawa made Arino an honorary employee of BNG and presented Arino with a Company card.
ADs
- 東島真一郎 - Toujima Shinichirou - Seasons 1 & 2(first episode only)
- 笹野大司 - Sasano Hiroshi - Season 2
- 浦川瞬 - Urakawa Shun - Seasons 3 & 4
- 井上侑也 - Inoue Yuuya, a.k.a. イノコMAX (Inoko MAX) - Seasons 5 & 6
- 高橋佐知 - Takahashi Sachi a.k.a. 名人,先生 (Meijin,Sensei) - Season 7
- 鶴岡丈志 - Tsuruoka Takeshi - Season 8
- 中山智明 - Nakayama Tomoaki - Seasons 9 & 10
- 江本紘之 - Emoto Hiroyuki, a.k.a. エモヤン (Emoyan) - Season 11 & 12
- 伊藤茜 - Itou Akane - Season 11 & 12 & 13
- 片山雄貴 - Katayama Yuuki - Season 13 & 14 & 15 (Only 『Visit this Game Center Sometime』 since 15th Season)
- 高橋純平 - Takahashi Junpei - Season 13 & 14 & 15
- 伊東篤志 - Itou Atsushi - Season 16
Miscellaneous staff
- 阿部浩一 - Abe Kouichi - Cameraman
- 岐部昌幸 - Kibe Masayuki - Art Director, Writer
- 菅剛史 - Kan Tsuyoshi - Producer, Narrator
Recurring themes
- He often will apply reikyaku sheets (adhesive cooling pads intended to decrease temperatures and inhibit fevers) on his forehead. During earlier seasons, he exclusively used Hiepita-brand reikyaku. Occasionally he'll write encouraging words on them as a form of self-inspiration.
- He has a large array of water bottles and junk food to his left to snack on.
- Many of the food items in later episodes are sent in from fans. Arino really enjoys kusashisuika, which are skewered vinegar-soaked squid.
- Whenever Arino plays an arcade machine and makes a top scorer's list (or plays a home console game with a top scorer's list), he enters the letters "SEX" as his name (or "SEXY" if four characters can be entered). However, since this has become expected, Arino has occasionally switched to using "SET" instead.
- Arino will often comment on his strengths and weaknesses as a gamer as he is playing. The narrator often reminds viewers how bad he is at shoot-'em-up games, but Arino takes pride in how good he is at puzzle games.
- Often at the end of the game, Arino will raise his arms in victory, only to find that something else remains to be done. Usually this involves multiple forms of a final boss, or, in the case of Konami Wai Wai World and Metroid, having to escape.
- Arino often forgets to continue in older games that require a cheat code to do so, and ultimately winds up having to start the game from the beginning losing many hours of game play.
Music
- The song used during Arino's arcade field trip adventures is called 異国のしらべ from HEAT WAVE.
- The song during his trip north is "Between the expansive sky and large land" by Chiharu Matsuyama.
Games Featured
NOTE: An asterisk (*) is noted beside the episode number to indicate the episode's localization and release on Kotaku. Western titles in "quotes" are unofficial names Kotaku uses to refer to Japan-only games.
1st Season
(This season featured a game series or game company as its main focus with Arino's challenge game as a secondary feature)
| Featured Company / Game Series | Game Challenge | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed | |
| Taito | たけしの挑戦状 | Takeshi no Chōsenjō | n/a | Famicom | cleared |
| Koei | アンジェリーク トロワ | Angelique Trois | n/a | PlayStation 2 | failed |
| Capcom | 鉄騎 | Tekki | Steel Battalion | Xbox | cleared mission 3 |
| Sega | ROOMMANIA#203 | ROOMMANIA#203 | n/a | Dreamcast | cleared, after pausing footage to read the ending |
| Hudson Soft | スターフォース | Star Force | Star Force | Famicom | cleared |
| ASCII Entertainment | アストロロボSASA | Astro Robo Sasa | n/a | Famicom | failed |
| Namco | ギャラガ | Galaga | Galaga | PlayStation | cleared |
| Chunsoft | ドアドア | Door Door | n/a | Famicom | cleared with help |
| Konami | イーアルカンフー グラディウス ハイパーオリンピック |
Yie Ar Kung-Fu Gradius Hyper Olympic |
Yie Ar Kung-Fu Gradius Track & Field |
Famicom Famicom Famicom |
failed failed cleared with help |
| Nintendo | スーパーマリオブラザーズ スーパーマリオブラザーズ2 |
Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros. 2 |
Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels |
Famicom FDS |
failed failed (later ruled a draw) |
2nd Season
(episode numbering started with Arino's challenge games being the main feature)
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 * | アトランチスの謎 | Atlantis no Nazo | "Mystery of Atlantis" | Famicom | cleared |
| 2 | チャレンジャー | Challenger | n/a | Famicom | cleared |
| 3 | 魔界村 | Makaimura | Ghosts 'n Goblins | Famicom | failed (only beat game once) |
| 4 | コナミワイワイワールド | Konami Wai Wai World | n/a | Famicom | cleared |
| 5 | メトロイド | Metroid | Metroid | FDS | cleared, but did not get "unmasked Samus" ending |
| 6 * | ソロモンの鍵 | Solomon no Kagi | Solomon's Key | Famicom | cleared |
| 7/8 | プリンスオブペルシャ | Prince of Persia | Prince of Persia | Super Famicom | cleared |
| 9 | ロックマン2 Dr.ワイリーの謎 | Rockman 2: Dr. Wily no Nazo | Mega Man 2 | Famicom | failed |
| 10 | スーパーマリオブラザーズ3 | Super Mario Bros. 3 | Super Mario Bros. 3 | Famicom | failed |
3rd Season
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | カトちゃんケンちゃん | Kato Chan Ken Chan | J.J. & Jeff | PC Engine | cleared |
| 12 | 突撃!風雲たけし城 | Totsugeki! Fuun Takeshi-jou! | n/a | Famicom | cleared |
| 13 | ときめきメモリアル | Tokimeki Memorial | n/a | PlayStation | cleared |
| 14 | ファミコンジャンプ英雄列伝 | Famicom Jump Eiyuu Retsuden | n/a | Famicom | cleared |
| 15 | 夢工場ドキドキパニック | Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic | Super Mario Bros. 2 | FDS | partial clear |
| 16 | 火の鳥 鳳凰編 我王の冒険 | Hi no Tori: Gaou no Bouken | n/a | Famicom | cleared |
| 17/18 | スーパーマリオワールド | Super Mario World | Super Mario World | Super Famicom | cleared |
| 19 | 迷宮組曲 | Meikyuu Kumikyoku | Milon's Secret Castle | Famicom | cleared |
| 20 | ゼルダの伝説 神々のトライフォース | Zelda no Densetsu: Kamigami no Tri-Force | The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past | Super Famicom | cleared |
4th Season
(The season mascot changes from King to Queen)
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | ウルトラマン | Ultraman | Ultraman | Super Famicom | failed |
| 22 | ファイナルファイト | Final Fight | Final Fight | Super Famicom | failed |
| 23 | 高橋名人の冒険島 | Takahashi Meijin no Boukenjima | Adventure Island | Famicom | failed |
| 24 | アクトレイザ | ActRaiser | ActRaiser | Super Famicom | failed (demoted two ranks to Senior Staff) |
| 25 | クイズ殿様の野望 | Quiz Tonosama no Yabou | n/a | PC Engine CD | cleared (promoted two ranks to Chief) |
| 26 | ドラえもん | Doraemon | n/a | Famicom | cleared |
| 27/28 | スーパーマリオ64 | Super Mario 64 | Super Mario 64 | Nintendo 64 | cleared |
| 29 * | 忍者龍剣伝 | Ninja Ryuukenden | Ninja Gaiden | Famicom | cleared |
| 30 | 光神話 パルテナの鏡 | Hikari Shinwa: Parthena no Kagami | Kid Icarus | FDS | cleared |
5th Season
(Season was shortened due to birth of Arino's daughter)
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 海腹川背 | Umihara Kawase | n/a | Super Famicom | incomplete clear (called a draw by Urakawa) |
| 32 | 魂斗羅 | Kontora | Contra / Probotector | Famicom | cleared |
| 33 * | ボナンザブラザーズ | Bonanza Brothers | Bonanza Bros. | Sega Mega Drive | cleared |
| 34 | 大魔界村 | Dai Makaimura | Ghouls n' Ghosts | Sega Mega Drive | cleared |
| 35 | サラダの国のトマト姫 | Salad no Kuni no Tomato Hime | Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom | Famicom | cleared |
| 36 | 妖怪道中記 | Yokai Douchuuki | Shadow Land | PC Engine | cleared (got 2nd worst ending) |
6th Season
(The season mascot changes from Queen to Dark King)
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | ストリートファイター2 | Street Fighter 2 | Street Fighter II | Super Famicom | Cleared single-player with Dhalsim (2-3 Vs. Staff, deemed a loss) |
| 38 | 悪魔城伝説 | Akumajou Densetsu | Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse | Famicom | Password Skipped Level 7-5, failed 3rd ending boss |
| 39* | マイティボンジャック | Mighty Bomb Jack | Mighty Bomb Jack | Famicom | Failed |
| 40 | レッドアリーマー2 | Red Arimer 2 | Gargoyle's Quest II | Famicom | Failed |
| 41 | マイティボンジャック | Mighty Bomb Jack (Live show, 12/23/06) | Mighty Bomb Jack | Famicom | Cleared |
| 42 | アドベンチャークイズ・カプコンワールド/ハテナ?の大冒険 | Adventure Quiz: Capcom World / Hatena Hatena no Daibouken | n/a | PC Engine CD | Cleared |
| 43 * | セプテントリオン | Septentrion | SOS | Super Famicom | Failed to get "good ending," but ruled clear by Arino |
| 44 | バイオミラクルぼくってウパ | Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa | Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa | FDS | Cleared |
7th Season
(the season changes from Dark King to King. The Dark King makes a brief reappearance in #53)
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | ウルトラセブン | Ultraseven | n/a | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 46 | ロックマン | Rockman | Mega Man | Famicom | Cleared |
| 47 | ワギャンランド | Wagan Land | n/a | Famicom | Cleared |
| 48 | アウターワールド | Outer World | Another World (Europe) Out Of This World (North America) |
Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 49 | がんばれゴエモンゆき姫救出絵巻 | Ganbare Goemon: Yukihime Kyuushutsu Emaki | Legend of the Mystical Ninja | Super Famicom | Failed |
| 50 | Trip to Korea by Economy Class | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 51 | 六三四の剣 ただいま修行中 | Musashi no Ken - Tadaima Shugyō Chu | n/a | Famicom | Cleared (3-2 Vs. Staff) |
| 52 | 超魔界村 | Chō Makaimura | Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 53* | クロックタワー | Clock Tower: The First Fear | n/a | Super Famicom | Cleared (S Best Ending) |
| 54 | カイの冒険 | Kai no Bouken: The Quest of Ki | n/a | Famicom | Failed (Reached 79th level) |
8th Season
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | カイの冒険 | Kai no Bouken: The Quest of Ki | n/a | Famicom | Failed (Reached 98th level) |
| 56 | フラッシュバック | Flashback | Flashback: The Quest for Identity | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 57 | ビックリマンワールド | Bikkuriman World | n/a | PC Engine | Cleared |
| 58 | 仮面の忍者 花丸 | Kamen no Ninja Hanamaru | Yo! Noid | Famicom | Cleared |
| 59 * | スーパーファンタジーゾーン | Super Fantasy Zone | Super Fantasy Zone | Sega Mega Drive | Failed |
| Christmas Eve Live 2007 | カイの冒険 | Kai no Bouken: The Quest of Ki | n/a | Famicom | Cleared |
| 60 | PC原人 | PC-Genjin | Bonk's Adventure / BC Kid | PC Engine | Cleared |
| 61 * | 東海道五十三次 | Tōkaidō Gojūsan-tsugi | "53 Stations of the Tōkaidō" | Famicom | Failed |
| 62 | 悪魔城すぺしゃる ぼくドラキュラくん | Akumajō Special: Boku Dracula-kun | Kid Dracula | Famicom | Cleared |
| 63 | クインティ | Quinty | Mendel Palace | Famicom | Cleared |
9th Season
(Season was shortened due to Arino being hospitalized)
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ | Sonic the Hedgehog | Sonic the Hedgehog | Sega Mega Drive | Cleared (without all chaos emeralds) |
| 65 | 課長の海外出張inカンヌ映画祭 | Kachou no Kaigai Shucchou in Cannes Eigaisai | The Kacho Goes to the Cannes Film Festival | N/A | Aired while Arino was in hospital |
| 66 | おかえり！課長リターンズスペシャル | Okaeri! Kachou Returns Special | Super Mario Bros. Dr. Mario |
Famicom | Warped to World 3 Win vs. Nakayama |
| 67 | 暴れん坊天狗 | Abarenbou Tengu | Zombie Nation | Famicom | Cleared |
| 68 * | マドゥーラの翼 | Maduura no Tsubasa | The Wing of Madoola | Famicom | Cleared |
| 69 | ドラゴンスレイヤーIV | Dragon Slayer IV | Legacy of the Wizard | Famicom | Cleared |
10th Season
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | ドラゴンボール神龍の謎 | Dragon Ball Shenron no Nazo | Dragon Power (NA) DragonBall (EU) |
Famicom | Failed |
| 71 | チェルノブ | Chelnov | Atomic Runner | Sega Mega Drive | Cleared |
| 72 | ゆうゆのクイズでGO！GO! | Yuu Yu No Quiz De Go! Go! | N/A | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 73 | レミングス | Lemmings | Lemmings | Super Famicom | Cleared on Tricky difficulty |
| 74 | ファーストサムライ | First Samurai | First Samurai | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 75/76 | スーパードンキーコング | Super Donkey Kong | Donkey Kong Country | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 77 | 餓狼伝説スペシャル | Garōu Densetsu Special | Fatal Fury Special | Neo Geo | Cleared |
11th Season
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78 | 福岡里帰りスペシャル | Fukuoka Hometown Special | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 79 | レイラ | Layla | N/A | Famicom | Failed |
| 80 | 星のカービィ夢の泉の物語 | Hoshi no Kābī: Yume no Izumi no Monogatari | Kirby's Adventure | Famicom | Cleared |
| 81 * | バトルゴルファー唯 | Battle Golfer Yui | Battle Golfer Yui | Sega Mega Drive | Cleared, (2-0 Vs. Staff) |
| 82/83 | ロックマン3 Dr.ワイリーの最期!? | Rockman 3 Dr.Wily no Saigo!? | Mega Man 3 | Famicom | Cleared |
| 84 | すーぱーぐっすんおよよ | Super Gussun Oyoyo | N/A | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 85 | 源平討魔伝 | Genpei Tōma Den | The Genji and the Heike Clans | PC Engine | Failed |
| 86 | パンチアウト!! | Punch-Out!! | Punch-Out!! | Famicom | Failed |
| 87 * | ゴールデンアックス | Golden Axe | Golden Axe | Sega Mega Drive | Cleared |
| 88 | ディグダグII | Dig Dug II | Dig Dug II | Famicom | Cleared |
| 89 (24-hour challenge) | レミングス | Lemmings | Lemmings | Super Famicom | Cleared on Taxing Difficulty |
12th Season
(The season mascot changes from King to Fallen Warrior)
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | ドラゴンバスター | Dragon Buster | N/A | Famicom | Cleared |
| 91 | カケフくんのジャンプ天国 スピード地獄 | Kakefu Kun no Jump Tengoku: Speed Jigoku | Kid Kool | Famicom | Failed |
| 92/93 | 不思議のダンジョン２ 風来のシレン | Fushigi no Dungeon 2: Fūrai no Shiren | Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 94 | 電車でGO! | Densha de GO! | Go by Train! | PlayStation | Failed (Got bad Ending) |
| 95 | 2010 ストリートファイター | 2010 Street Fighter | Street Fighter 2010 | Famicom | Failed |
| 96/97 | 忍者龍剣伝II 暗黒の邪神剣 | Ninja Ryūkenden II: Ankoku no Jashinken | Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos | Famicom | Cleared |
| 98 | パイロットウイングス | Pilotwings | Pilotwings | Super Famicom | Failed |
| 99 | レインボーアイランド | Rainbow Island | Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 | Famicom | Failed |
| 100 | レッキングクルー | Wrecking Crew | Wrecking Crew | Famicom | Cleared |
13th Season
(The season mascot changes from Fallen Warrior to King )
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | ゴルゴ13 第一章 神々の黄昏 | Golgo 13: Kamigami no Tasogare | Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode | Famicom | Cleared |
| 102 | す〜ぱ〜ぷよぷよ | Supa Puyo Puyo | Kirby's Avalanche(NA) Kirby's Ghost Trap(EU) |
Super Famicom | Failed |
| 103 | 甲子園 | Koushien | N/A | Famicom | Failed |
| 104 | ゲゲゲの鬼太郎 復活! 天魔大王 | Gegege No Kitarō: Fukkatsu! Tenma Daiou | N/A | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 105 | 北海道連鎖殺人 オホーツクに消ゆ | Hokkaido Rensa Satsujin: Ohotsuku ni Kiyu | N/A | Famicom | Cleared |
| 106 | Yuji Horii Interview Special (no game) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
14th Season
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 107 | パリ・ダカールラリー・スペシャル | Paris-Dakar Rally Special | N/A | Famicom | Cleared (but did not get good ending) |
| 108 | N/A | Jerry Boy | Smart Ball | Super Famicom | Cleared in 9 hours |
| 109/110 | ゼルダの伝説 時のオカリナ | Zeruda no Densetsu: Toki no Okarina | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Nintendo 64 | Cleared in 3 days |
| 111 | スーパースターフォース | Super Star Force | Super Star Force | Famicom | Failed |
| 112 | 最後の忍道 | Saigo no Nindou: Ninja Spirit | Ninja Spirit | PC Engine | Cleared in less than 5 hours |
| 113 | かまいたちの夜 | Kamaitachi no Yoru | N/A | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 114/115 | ロックマン4 新たなる野望！！ | Rockman 4 Arata Naru Yabō!! | Megaman 4 | Famicom | Cleared |
| 116 | バベルの塔 | Babel no Tō | N/A | Famicom | Failed |
15th Season
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 117 | ギミック | Gimmick! | Mr. Gimmick! | Famicom | Cleared (but got bad ending) |
| 118/119 | F-ZERO | F-ZERO | F-ZERO | Super Famicom | Cleared (on standard difficulty instead of expert) with AD Takahashi's help |
| 120 | タントアール | Tanto Aaru | N/A | Sega Mega Drive | Cleared |
| 121 | バイオ戦士DAN | Bio Senshi DAN | N/A | Famicom | Cleared |
| 122 | コミックスゾーン | Comix Zone | Comix Zone | Sega Mega Drive | Cleared (but got bad ending) |
| 123 | カービィボウル | Kirby Bowl | Kirby's Dream Course | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 124 | メタルストーム | Metal Storm | Metal Storm | Famicom | Failed |
| 125 | 子育てクイズ マイエンジェル | Kosodate Quiz My Angel | N/A | PlayStation | Cleared |
| 126 | バトルフォーミュラ | Battle Formula | Super Spy Hunter | Famicom | Failed |
| 127 | ハロー!パックマン | Hello! Pac-Man | Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures | Super Famicom | Cleared |
| 2 Hour Special | Game Center CX in USA/RoboCop | RoboCop | RoboCop | Famicom | Cleared |
| 128 | ストライダー飛竜 | Strider Hiryu | Strider | Sega Mega Drive | Cleared |
| 129 | 飛龍の拳 奥義の書 | Hiryū no Ken: Ougi no Sho | Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll | Famicom | Cleared |
| 130 | 聖闘士星矢 黄金伝説 | Saint Seiya: Ougon Densetsu | N/A | Famicom | Cleared |
| 131 | 天下のご意見番 水戸黄門 | Tenka no Goikenban: Mito Koumon | N/A | Famicom | Failed |
| 132/133 | バトルトード | Battletoads | Battletoads | Famicom | Cleared |
| 134 | 探偵神宮寺三郎 新宿中央公園殺人事件 | Tantei Jinguuji Saburou: Shinjuku Chuuou Kouen Satsujin Jiken | N/A | Famicom | Cleared |
| 135 | アレックスキッドのミラクルワールド | Arekkusu Kiddo no Mirakuru Wārudo | Alex Kidd in Miracle World | Sega Master System | Failed |
| Birthday Live 2012 | パイロットウイングス | Pilotwings | Pilotwings | Super Famicom | Failed |
| 136 | グラディウス | Gradius | Gradius | Famicom | Cleared |
16th Season
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 137 | スーパーチャイニーズ | Super Chinese | Kung Fu Heroes | Famicom | Failed |
| 138/139 | ダイナマイト・ヘッディー | Dynamite Headdy | Dynamite Headdy | Sega Mega Drive | Cleared |
| 140 | カットビ！宅配くん | Kattobi! Takuhai-kun | N/A | PC Engine | Failed |
| 141 | キャプテン翼 | Captain Tsubasa | Tecmo Cup Soccer Game | Famicom | Upcoming |
DVDs[7]
So far there have been six DVD sets put out with the latest released on 18 December 2009. Each one contains key episodes, game center visits and a game challenge exclusive to the DVD set. They are not season compilations.
- DVD-Box Vol. 1 (Released 23 December 2005)
- Games Featured
- Game Center Visits Featured
- Hankyu Daily Shoppers
- DVD Exclusive Challenge
- For the DVD he played Transformers: Convoy no Nazo on the Famicom which he failed.
- DVD-Box Vol. 2 (Released 23 June 2006)
- Games Featured
- Game Center Visits Featured
- Nigiwai Plaza／Nonbiri Onsen
- DVD Exclusive Challenge
- For the DVD he played Ikki on the Famicom which he failed.
- DVD-Box Vol. 3 (Released 22 December 2006)
- Games Featured
- Ninja Gaiden (Director's Cut)／Meikyuu Kumikyoku／Final Fight／Ghouls 'n Ghosts (Director's Cut)／Quiz Tonosama no Yabou／Contra
- Game Center Visits Featured
- The Hot Spring Game Travelogue
- DVD Exclusive Challenge
- For the DVD he played Twinbee on the Famicom which he failed.
- DVD-Box Vol. 4 (Released 21 December 2007)
- Games Featured
- Game Center Visits Featured
- Hana Yashiki/Tanigawa Stationery Shop/Ayase Batting Center/Ishida/The Far North Game Travelogue
- DVD Exclusive Challenge
- For the DVD he played Bomberman on the Famicom which he cleared.
- DVD-Box Vol. 5 (Released 21 December 2008)
- Games Featured
- Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts (Director’s Cut)／The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido／The Quest of Ki／Rockman／Super Fantasy Zone
- Game Center Visits Featured
- Game Center in South Korea／Shibamata Haikara Yokochou／Unirose／Denkiya Hall／Azuma Garden Leisure Center／Autobahn
- DVD Exclusive Challenge
- For the DVD he will be playing The Tower of Druaga on the Famicom.
- DVD-Box Vol. 6 (Released 18 December 2009)
- Games Featured
- Wagyan Land／Legend of the Mystical Ninja／Clock Tower／Kamen no Ninja Hanamaru／The Wing of Madoola (Director's Cut)／Chelnov／Yuuyu no Quiz de GO!GO! (Director's Cut)／Fatal Fury Special
- Game Center Visits Featured
- Daily Mart Imaya／Takasagoya／Fun Yee Super in South Korea／Kisarazu Central／Omocha no Fukushima／Nokogiriyama Ropeway
- Special Features
- Game Center CX Museum Report／Cannes Infiltration Report
- DVD Exclusive Challenge
- DVD-Box Vol. 7 (Released 24 December 2010)
- Games Featured
- Super Mario 64 / Door Door / Doki Doki Panic / Castlevania III / Donkey Kong Country / Mega Man 3 / Battle Golfer Yui (Dir. Cut)
- Game Center Visits Featured
- Daiba Icchome Shotengai / Kineya Suzuki / Inagaki Pastry Shop / Dazaifu Amusement Park / Starlanes Plaza / Tokyo Tower / 10-Yen Game Shop / Warehouse Kawasaki
- DVD Exclusive Challenge
- DVD-Box Vol. 8 (Released 22 December 2011)
- Games Featured
- Mendel Palace / Densha de Go! / Paris-Dakar Rally Special / The Genji and Heike Clans (Director's Cut) / Mega Man 4 (Full Version)
- Game Center Visits Featured
- Komaya Toy Store / Honpo Smiling / Ikebukuro Batting Cages / Adachi Super Fishing / Juichiya Candy Forest
- DVD Exclusive Challenge
- Revenge Challenge
- The Genji and Heike Clans
Segments[7]
Each episode of Game Center CX is made up of a number of different segments. The only segment which appears in every episode is Arino's Challenge. The other segments vary by episode and season. However, the episodes that appear on Kotaku omit these segments, instead focusing only on the challenge of the week.
Arino’s Challenge
Featured in All Seasons
In the segment Arino is challenged with beating or performing a certain task in a classic video game. He is seated in a small office within the Fuji Television building at a table covered in various snack foods and drinks. In front of him is a small TV and the challenge game with accompanying console.
In order to aid his progress he is allowed to call upon the various staff members who work on the show for assistance. He is often presented with various materials which will help his progress such as strategy guides and maps. The challenge usually runs for one day although exceptions can be made at the discretion of the producer and if Arino has the will to go on. If Arino fails at a challenge then the task is handed over to the ADs who must now complete the challenge.
This segment originated as a companion to the extensive interview segments found in the first season of the show before becoming the focus of the show in the second season although the basic premise has remained the same throughout.
I’d Like to Meet This Man
Featured in Season One and Two.
In this segment Arino visited and talked to various people from the Japanese gaming industry ranging from creators of blockbuster games to obscure cult classics. In the first season he mainly talked to various people within a company as opposed to the second season in which he spoke to individuals. The final segment was a compilation of previous segments featuring some new footage.
Game Collections
Featured in Seasons Two through Nine. Returned in Season Eleven.
Interstitials shown during episodes which show a brief description of the game along with some gameplay footage of it. Each game collections segment usually features games which were released during a certain time period as specified at the beginning to the segment or fall within a certain theme of the episode.
You Should Visit this Game Center Sometime (TamaGe)
Featured in All Seasons starting Season Two
Each segment begins with Arino reading a suggestion from a viewer regarding a game centers, shop or other such amusement center where there are good games to be found before entering the location mentioned in the letter. Arino visits locations throughout Japan and plays a variety of different games often with the goal of winning prizes to be given away as prizes to the viewers.
Operation Moshi-Moshi!
Featured in Season Three
During this segment which ran throughout season three Arino was tasked with completing the (notoriously bad) Famicom game Super Monkey Daibouken. The segment name comes from the fact he had a telephone next to him on which viewers could ring him up and offer him advice or just general encouragement. He eventually cleared the game in the last episode of season three.
Urawaza Jet Stream
Featured in Season Four
A short segment which begins with Arino stepping into a soundbooth in a recording studio and reading fond recollections from the viewers of their favourite games. The segment ends with a request for a well known secret or cheat from the game subsequently followed by footage of the trick or cheat being performed.
The Ace of My Hardware Won’t Appear
Featured in Season Five
During this segment Arino tries out various failed gaming consoles and peripherals from Japanese gaming history. The title is a play on words of an old Japanese pop song entitled "Heart no Ace ga Detekonai".
The Romance Never Ends
Featured in Season Six
A very tongue in cheek segment in which Arino plays various Famicom games in the search for salacious scenes featuring women. Once he has found such a scene he takes a picture of it using his phone. The title of this segment is taken from the pop song of the same name, Romantic Ga Tomaranai (Romanticが止まらない), performed by C-C-B.
Game & Watch, I Can’t Leave You Alone
Featured in Season Seven
This focus of this segment was the Nintendo Game & Watch. Each segment would focus on a different series of the Game & Watch with Arino playing some of the games in that particular series. Once he was done playing the games he was told the prices of each game to see the shocked look on his face at the absurdly high prices. The pop song played at the beginning of the segment is ほっとけないよ by 楠瀬誠志郎.
The Game Center CX Game-itization Project
Featured in Season Seven and Eight
These segments which ran over two seasons followed the development process of the first Game Center CX game. It featured Arino talking to many people involved with the development as well as him and other staff members pitching ideas for the game.
The Return of Operation Moshi-Moshi
Featured in Season Eight
The return of the original Moshi-Moshi segment this time with a different game. The game featured in this segment is Championship Lode Runner. With the help of the viewers he cleared the game.
The Xevious Observation Diary
Featured in Season Eight
These short segments filmed as a silent film began with Arino entering the invincibility code into Xevious for the Famicom before fastening a clip onto the controller and leaving the game to run throughout the season. The purpose of this is to see what will happen to the game seeing as the stages in Xevious loop indefinitely. Half way through the season a box was placed over the system and TV to conceal the potential result until the end of the season. At the end of the season the box was removed and the Famicom was turned off. There are indications that a planned power outage on July 6th was the cause.
Famicom Manga Café
Featured in Season Nine
This segment takes place in a small café where Arino is seen sitting at a table reading a newspaper. He is then brought an 80s manga series focused on the Famicom and a cup of tea. He tends to read a chapter of the first volume and the skips to the last chapter of the last volume to see how the series ends, He reads out loud and adds color commentary as well as his own thoughts about the series.
Singing About Whatever the Hell You Want
Featured in Season Ten
In this segment Arino is provided with a viewer selected music clip from a game and also brief lyrics to sing along with it.
The Game Center CX Game-itization Project 2
Featured in Season Ten
With the announcement of the second Game Center CX game this segment returns now following the development of the second game.
Everything Important in Life I Learned From Video Game Strategy Guides
Featured in Season Eleven
A Buddhist priest reads a particularly inspiring/profound passage from a video game strategy guide to the assembled staff. The staff chant the advice, with Arino providing some humorous final thoughts.
A Waste of Color
Featured in Season Twelve
Arino tries out a handful of black & white Game Boy games, supplied by Kibe. He then (usually) chooses one that he'd like to see remade in color, and provides an illustration of how he thinks the remake might look.
Crash Videos MAX
Featured in Season Thirteen
Inoko MAX invites Arino into his apartment to watch a series of videos of gruesome accidents… in video games, of course. Innocuous mistakes like crashing your bike in Excitebike are over dramatized with slow-mo, intense music, and countdowns to the carnage. Who knew Inoue was so morbid?
To Catch a Catch Copy
Featured in Season Fourteen
Arino and two former GCCX staffers, Tojima and Nakayama, convene in a traditional home with a table of games blanketed in front of them. The show’s female announcer, Ms. Takeda, reads a game’s catch copy (ad tagline), and the three men pick what game they think it is, and why, with the goal being to see who simply gets the most right.
Retro Read-Aloud
Featured in Season Fifteen
Arino and new announcer Ms. Nishiyama do dramatic readings of key scenes from various games, such as the melodramatic Fire Emblem.
Project CX: Peripherals
Featured in Season Fifteen
Arino and crew try out various Famicom accessories, ranging from standard pads and joysticks to the more infamous Robot and Power Glove. The title and opening sequence are a reference to documentary series "Project X: Chōsenshatachi."
Video games
At the end of the 6th Season, it was announced that there were plans to make a GameCenter CX video game. The game, entitled GameCenter CX: Arino's Challenge, is for the Nintendo DS and was produced in a collaborative effort by Fuji TV and Bandai Namco Games. During the 7th Season, certain parts of the show featured the development process of the game.
The game was released in Japan on November 15, 2007,[8] and in North America by XSEED Games on February 10, 2009, under the title Retro Game Challenge.
A second game, GameCenter CX: Arino's Challenge 2 was released in Japan on February 26, 2009. Xseed Games has stated that US release of the game is pretty unlikely, due to the gaming community not catching enough attention.
References
- ^ Game Center CX debuts in New York City
- ^ Subtitled Retro Game Master DVDs seek distributor
- ^ http://kotaku.com/5812385/kotaku-presents-retro-game-master-japans-cult-hit-video-game-show
- ^ http://kotaku.com/5875856/this-could-be-your-last-chance-to-see-retro-game-master
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=418518858177214&id=147168055312297
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=436764736352626
- ^ a b Crunk Games Game Center CX Episode Guide
- ^ ゲームセンターCX 有野の挑戦状