GameCenter CX
| GameCenter CX | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Japan |
| No. of episodes | 100 |
| Original release | |
| Network | Fuji TV Two |
| Release | Nov 4, 2003 |
Retro Game Master, known in Japan as GameCenter CX (ゲームセンターCX, Gēmu Sentā Shī Ekkusu), 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 six DVD sets released in Japan. The show finished its 12th season on March 30, 2010, and 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]
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 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, kachou ON!, is actually referring to his status as section manager of the (albeit fictional) aforementioned "company."
| Season | Position | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Chief | |
| Season 1 | Deputy Manager | |
| Season 4 | Section Chief | After completing the whole 3rd Season |
| Season 4 | Deputy Manager | 4 losses in a row - Ultraman to Act Raiser |
| Season 4 | Chief | Demoted to prevent a fifth loss. Instructed to use his staff/interns more. |
| Season 4 | Section Chief | Promoted from 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 and 伊藤茜 - Emoto Hiroyuki and Itou Akane - Season 11 & 12
Miscellaneous staff
- 阿部浩一 - Abe Kouichi - Cameraman
- 岐部昌幸 - Kibe Masayuki - Art Director
- 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 really cheap-o junk food to his left to snack on. A 'true gamer experience' perhaps?
- 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.
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 large sky and large land" from Dave Henderson.
Games Featured
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 |
| Sakura Taisen Series | ROOMMANIA#203 | ROOMMANIA#203 | n/a | Dreamcast | cleared, after pausing footage to read the ending |
| Momotaro Densetsu Series | スターフォース | Star Force | Star Force | Famicom | cleared |
| Derby Stallion Series | 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 |
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 | n/a | 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 |
| 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 | failed |
| 16 | 火の鳥 鳳凰編 我王の冒険 | Hi no Tori: Wagaou 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 | n/a | 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 |
| 25 | クイズ殿様の野望 | Quiz Tonosama no Yabou | n/a | PC Engine CD | cleared |
| 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: Palthena no Kagami | Kid Icarus | FDS | cleared |
5th Season
| Ep # | Japanese Spelling | Romanized | Western Title | System | Cleared or Failed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 海腹川背 | Umihara Kawase | n/a | Super Famicom | incomplete clear |
| 32 | 魂斗羅 | Kontora | Contra / Probotector | Famicom | cleared |
| 33 | ボナンザブラザーズ | Bonanza Brothers | Bonanza Bros. | Sega Master System | 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 |
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 with Dhalsim (2-3 Vs. Staff) |
| 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 | Mighty Bomb Jack | Famicom | Cleared; Live Show on 12/23/2006 |
| 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" |
| 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 (no particular game this week) | ||||
| 51 | 六三四の剣 ただいま修行中 | Musashi no Ken - Tadaima Shugyō Chu | n/a | Famicom | Cleared |
| 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 |
| Live Event 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 | n/a | 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
| 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 |
| 65 | 課長の海外出張inカンヌ映画祭 | Kachou no Kaigai Shucchou in Cannes Eigaisai | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 66 | おかえり！課長リターンズスペシャル | Okaeri! Kachou Returns Special | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 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 |
| 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 | N/A | Sega Mega Drive | Cleared |
| 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 | レミングス on Taxing Difficulty (24 hr Documentary episode) | Lemmings | Lemmings | Super Famicom | Cleared |
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! | N/A | 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 | Pairottouingusu | 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 Prince (The King got turned to stone by the Tengu))
DVDs[3]
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
Segments[3]
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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 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. It was unclear what the cause of this was.
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 colour 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.
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[4], and in North America by XSEED Games in 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, while there has been no word as to whether or not that this will be released outside of Japan as well.