100 Yen: The Japanese Arcade Experience

From TAITO's humble beginnings as the world leader in arcade innovation to the modern day Japanese arcade scene director Brad Crawford takes us on a documentary style journey that will no doubt intrigue many of the gamers of today as well as the gamers of yesteryear. For veteran arcade gamers, and at home console players alike the importance of these socially driven experiences will be explained in a manner that all can understand. You'll get to see interviews with Japanese greats such as Clover-TAC (An expert shmup gamer), Daigo "The Beast" Umehara (A Fighting game expert), and even some of our American favorites (Mike Ross, Mike Z ...) who have helped revive recognition of the declining Arcade industry. Along the way you will also gaze upon the many breathtaking sites of Japan, all of which are depicted in glorious HD. You'll even get to see hardcore Japanese gaming enthusiasts hammering out the arcade buttons in hopes of achieving the next world's record.

This expertly crafted documentary ultimately takes in account the knowledge of both arcade retailers, and gaming experts as they go over the history of the arcade gaming industry as well as the uncertain direction it is currently heading in. Starting off with TAITO's "Space Invaders" historical influence which spawned a global interest, director Brad Crawford captures the essence of the shooter genre through a large variety of gameplay imagery, interviews with top players such as Clover-TAC, and even conversations with the vendors who have provided entertainment for numerous gamers over the years. He places emphasis on Japan's prideful interest in being the best, and their dedicated investment of time in doing so. At one point in the shooter portion of the film I distinctly recall Clover-TAC stating that his current "Akai Katana" record was 430,000,000 pts. This in itself makes me want to dedicate my time to becoming the best, and become as great at the game as he is. In fact I recently picked up "Akai Katana", and may just give it a shot.

After properly introducing us (the viewer) to the shooter genre the director turns his attention to a gaming genre that myself, and a lot of my friends are into. This scene stealing genre known as "Fighting Games" ultimately steals the thunder of Japans arcade shooters, and does so in an interesting way. Unlike the shooter oriented high scores, Fighters introduce an entirely new social aspect to Japan's arcade scene making it possible to go head-to-head with human opponents instead of the usual AI. The director continues his coverage of this topic just as he did that of the shooter genre captivating his at home audience with interviews, and imagery associated with the subject at hand. As the viewer you'll get to see, and hear fighting game masters like Daigo, and Mike Ross give background info on their past arcade experiences as well as their motivation for becoming the great gamers that they are today.

As you might imagine the director's documentary isn't just about two of the greatest genres to ever grace the arcade scene though, but that it's also about the continued innovation that game developers offer the gamers. This next section of film delves deep into the musical aspect of the arcade scene. Games like DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), and Beatmania get their time in the spotlight as experts, and expert gamers take the floor pouring their hearts out for their gaming passion. As a viewer you'll get to see the pros dance their hearts out on your television screen, as well as see some interesting rhythm arcade machines that you may not have seen otherwise. There is no doubt in my mind after viewing the film up to this point that Japan is serious about their arcades, and I remain truly envious as a result.

Aside from the shooter, fighting, and music genre of games director Brad Crawford also touches base on the past, and current status of the arcade scene. While Japan's arcade venues continue to flourish us Americans are left mostly without. Since the 80's, and 90's arcade venues in America have almost become extinct. The director pinpoints the causes behind our arcade establishments' decline as well as the reasons why Japan continues to be the leader in the arcade era offerings. Gaming greats such as Daigo, Mike Ross, and Gootecks continue to give their expertise as to why they think arcades have evolved the way they have. Towards the end of the film a Japanese Gentlemen begs to the viewer to keep the arcades alive by continuing to support them with frequent visits. As a former arcade player I couldn't help but sympathize with his plea. If Console games continue to outgrow the arcade experience the arcades themselves will eventually be something only found in historical books.

If you are looking for a proper gaming oriented film, and want to really discover what the arcade experience was/is like I highly suggest that you pick this up for viewing. It is offered in a variety of different downloadable options. If you prefer viewing it on a mobile device that's an option. If you want to purchase it on your PS3, or Xbox 360 you can do so there as well. Whatever method you choose I strongly suggest you watch it. I have no doubt in my mind that the arcade masters of old, and new featured in this film will inspire you to get out there to the arcade, and experience gaming the way it was meant to be. If you can't afford such a luxury as a visit to Japan then you'll likely still be inspired to do your best at whathever genre of video games you are into. I know I'll be trying to beat Clover-TAC's "Akai Katana" highscore very soon!

100 YEN DIGITALLY:

 

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