The Tokyo Game Show (TGS) has been running for several years now and this year has had the most exhibitors especially from overseas. The TGS is a key event for Microsoft as not only is it nearing the launch of its new console the Xbox 360 but gives Microsoft the chance to showcase its product to the Japanese market which it has yet to crack.
There were a number of exhibitors at the Tokyo Games Show this year and whilst Sony had the largest stand overall it was clear from Microsoft's efforts that they were pulling no punches and going straight for the jugular. Previous year show reports suggested that the Japanese simply ignored anything Microsoft related in regards to the current Xbox. Well this year things were a lot different as the arrival of new hardware for a new generation really did have a certain buzz about it and one that the Japanese actually took an interest in. The Microsoft booth was always filled with masses of people and the orderly queues to play the games ever present. Here is a map of the circular Xbox 360 stand.

The booth was divided into zones with the inner core being an area where gamers could view Xbox 360 movies on a huge screen. The outer areas featured the various demo pods where gamers could play the Xbox 360 games and then a large area to the left was reserved for the Xbox 360 interactive Lounge.

The Lounge
The lounge was a fairly large area and was basically a mock up of a home system. The décor was very much true to the styling of the 360 and as you can see in the picture, showed just how well the 360 can be used within the home for that superb High Definition experience.

The Centre
The centre was a melting pot of Xbox 360 activity and allowed gamers the chance to see what the Xbox 360 had to offer on the big screen. The movie that was playing was an enhanced version of the movie shown at the Microsoft Press Conference and therefore showcased a wide variety of games to wet the appetites of those watching. The centre was always filled with people and with the booming sound meant that the cinematic experience was even greater.

The Demo Booths
The demo booths were the true place to hang out because here you were able to play the Xbox 360; the first for members of the public anywhere in the World. Although there was a little queuing to be had (in the most orderly fashion as you would expect in Japan) there was a real eagerness from those watching others, to play the games themselves. From what I could gather the Xbox 360 controller was well received by the Japanese gamers and the games more so; although there was one game that simply had the most interest judging by how packed out it was at most times during the show (Final Fantasy XI). Maybe having Square Enix producing games for the Xbox360 really will pay off for Microsoft in the region considering the interest levels here and considering the game is quite old for the PC and PS2. The games that were playable here are as follows:

Kameo
Test Drive Unlimited
Ridge Racer 6
Dead Rising
World Airforce
Ninety Nine Nights
ChromeHounds
Call of Duty 2
NFS: Most Wanted
Wrestle Kingdom
Everyparty
Dynasty Warriors 5 Special
(eM)- eNCHANT- arm
FFXI

The Hardware
Whilst most of us know what to expect in terms of the look of the console, specs and the price the Tokyo Games Show was a perfect opportunity for Japanese gamers to get a proper look at the mighty machine. Unlike Leipzig Games Convention in Germany where there were many mock up 360s lying around for people to touch and perhaps attempt to run off with, the 360 hardware was kept well and truly under wraps being only visible through glass display cabinets and of course the demo pods. There were also displays of the peripherals for people to get a closer look which included some new 3rd party items.

The Software
I had mixed opinions about a number of games on display and felt that perhaps there was some rushing demos out to suit the show rather than waiting until a game was ready to be demoed. Some games were looking awesome and other games played and looked terrible for next generation gaming. Either way check out my thoughts on each of the games that I played.

Kameo: Elements of power: This game simply looked amazing and played equally as good. Rare have done wonders to the game that was originally planned as a N64 title. The textures used created an awesome level of depth to the environment and if I'm to get technical the technique of Paralax Mapping (creating a 3D texture on a flat surface) really did bring to life how detailed the game looks. There are a lot of things going on here at once which really does immerse the player into the game world. Controls are intuitive as players can switch characters at the touch of a button. This is not simply a means to navigate the terrain (some characters work better in some areas than others) but is actually something that aids you during combat. Whilst the demo only really touched the surface of this, later on in the game players can really add some individual flare to the combat with the trolls.

Kameo simply feels just right and is easy to get into- however do not be fooled by its cartoon style visuals as there is an aggressive element to the game. The puzzle solving, whilst taxing didn't feel frustrating at all. I think most people will fall in Love with this game and the characters.

Test Drive Unlimited: I was not entirely convinced why this game was on display, because in my point of view it's presence was somewhat counter productive. For starters the graphics were in some serious need of optimisation and secondly the controls were totally over the top as the cars handled like Olympic ice skaters. The frame rate was terrible and basically ruined any chance of looking at this demo objectively. Yes you could free roam and challenge other racers in the city but the flaws in the demo just didn't do the game any favours.

Ridge Racer 6: Another racing game and one that wasn't as impressive as it could have been especially considering the demo was simply a timed run of a few laps around one circuit. Sure the vehicle handled as you would expect and drifting was pretty easy to do but the lack of any opponents kind of made the demo stale. Graphically the game looked sharp but the level featured was pretty bland in my opinion. I know that Namco will optimise the game and have a few tricks up its sleeve come launch.

Dead Rising: Capcom's Dead Rising was one of the better games on display and is everything you could imagine from a game which puts you deep into the world of the zombie. They are simply everywhere and you really do need to keep your wits about you as you carry out your goals. Controls are fairly simple as you run around picking up objects to use as weapons and then attacking any thing that gets too close. I had fun with an umbrella which I used as a shield and zombie battering ram. I was supposed to rescue some girl and a womans husband which I found and then could command them to follow me to certain waypoints. However at one stage I armed with a shotgun I was simply overwhelmed and had to leave the girl to her own devices. Sadly she didn't make it! Dead Rising is a real fun game as you run around shooting, hitting the huge number of enemies. However my only reservation is the fact that the missions might get a little samey if Capcom don't use some imagination. Good game and one to look forward to especially if you are a Resident Evil or Zombie Fan.

World Airforce: I had a play of this game and to be honest wasn't overly excited by it. The flight controls were actually very good and after about 10 mins I was flying like a pro. However the game play was a little stale as it offered nothing different to any other flying game. World Airforce offers Arcade and Simulation modes which will no doubt please the more technical; however I wasn't very impressed with the overall look. When flying close to the ground the textures and level of detail on the terrain was simply not looking as polished as I would have expected. I'm sure there is much more work to do on this title but again why show such an incomplete build?

Ninety Nine Nights: Now this is where it is at as this game not only looked pretty spectacular when playing but also controlled and handled pretty sweet as well. Loads of on screen characters and lots of carnage equals plenty of enjoyment! The character models were looking awesome and although there was some issues with clipping I know that the build is no where near final. So if its as good as it was at the show then gamers are in for a real treat. The hack and slash nature is broken up with some strategic element but because the game looks so fluid in motion then trying to attain high combos is a must. Theres a level of depth to this game which isn't apparent at first and therefore shouldn't be treated as yet another mindless slasher game. There is a deep and meandering storyline which sees a brother and sister's paths cross. With great story telling and engaging play I really had fun with this game and look forward to its release whenever that may be- come on Microsoft grab this one!

Call Of Duty 2: Another World War First Person Shooter I hear you cry? Well yes and no because ok it is a first person game but no because its looking and playing awesome and true to being a next generation title. The difficulty was pretty high on the demo and at first I thought I'd try a Rambo technique however this resulted in a quick death. A little more caution was in order as I worked my way across the map whilst being shot at from all directions. I found the controls to be very smooth and got into the game immediately. Moving up the beach and towards the objective, more enemies appeared and continued to take pot shots at me from behind cover. The intelligence seemed of a very good standard which meant I had a pleasant surprise with this game, especially as I wasn't holding my breath for anything special. Call Of Duty 2 really will improve on the first game and with a high level of immersion thanks to some great direction and the power of the 360 will hopefully mean that this game gets rewarded on is own merits.

NFS:Most Wanted: Did I really want to be chased by the cops, especially as they carry guns in Japan? Well no sooner had I started the race the cops got on my tail and decided to bring me down. Ok, well not in real life but in the game! The mustang that I chose looked the part, handled the part but in general the game needed some serious work on it to make it a true next generation title. Yes the game is fun but why buy a 360 if you get the same level of enjoyment from Xbox games? NFS:Most Wanted needs to do something special to make it stand out- meanwhile my opponents had crossed the line way ahead of me whilst I played death chase with the pursuing cops! Fun but more work wanted!

Dynasty Warriors 5:Special: Another title that didn't make any sense to me- fine the game might be smoother than baby's bottom but at the end of the day who cares when the game plays just fine on Xbox or PS2? I could see very little difference with this game compared to the Xbox version and although I'm perhaps being harsh, Koei really need to do some work on this game if it's to make an impact especially when next to the awesome looking 99 nights. Hack and slasher games need to evolve more and sadly this game doesn't do anything inspiring. Come on guys!

Chromehounds: I didn't spend much time with this title but from what I could gather If you like Mech games then you are going to Love this. Some great details were to be found on the models but the rather bare level didn't inspire at all. Playing vs mode was something different but did mean looking at the mech more than killing others! Again I think it was simply too early to showcase this title at the show!

Sadly I didn't play the following as much as I had wanted to form a valid opinion:

Enchant Arms (Japanese Role playing game- Looks pretty good )
FFXI (it's the same game as the PC and PS2 version anyway)
Wrestle Kingdom (hmmm sweaty men)
EveryParty (very Japanese Party/ Family game probably wont be released in the west).

Tokyo Game Show 2005 Coverage provided by Rob Cram of www.msxbox-world.com (20th September 2005), as part of an Xbox Community Network (XCN) collaboration.