Great Japanese GBA/DS games that never/haven't made to the U.S.

[Antic]

Hey everyone. I'm not sure if there is a topic discussing this or anything, but I was curious of some games that were decent or better that were released in Japan that haven't made it to the states for the GBA and DS. I know that is subjective, but I'm looking for as many suggestions as I can get from people on CAG for all genres (RPG, Strategy, etc.). I'm taking Japanese, and I was looking for some games.

I appreciate the help! :)

[Astinus Majere]

Mother 3 for the GBA is the first thing that pops into my head.

[zatos]

I'm sure there are many who might mention Rhythm Tengoku. ;)

[yayece]

Here are some I think are worthwhile:
Digidrive, Dotstream, Soundvoyager and Rhythm Tengoku for GBA. None of these will really exercise your Japanese, but they're all good and haven't been released in the US.

For the DS, you can try Rhythm Tengoku Gold, Daigasso Band Bros, or Ouendan. If you want to exercise your Japanese, there are some good options. Kanken DS 2 is a good kanji trainer. There are a few variations of that Cooking Navi game. (There's the original, a dessert one, and a high class hotel chef version). If you're not bent on non-US releases, try picking up the Japanese versions of Brain Age or Pokemon.

[Doomed]

Soundvoyager is my favorite game exclusive to GBA. Bit generations in general is awesome and in English.

[zatos]

Kuru Kuru Kururin and its sequel. Although I imported the first one from Europe, it never came here. :(

[laaj]

Ys I and II.

[Kerig]

Jump Ultimate Stars? I haven't tried it yet myself, but the reviews seem to think it's great. It has plenty of Japanese storyline, so much so that you really need a translation guide to get through it properly.

[SL4IN]

Taiko Drum Master 1 & 2

[meerkatgamer]

Stafy games I never played them, but they looked good, Mother 1 & 2, and Mother 3 I was so hoping Nintindo would bring Mother 1 & 2 over as a test and if it did well we'd get the third one too ah well atleast I got my import copies of the three mother games. :cry:

[blandstalker]

No one has mentioned Orbital, except as an unnamed part of Bit Generations.

The really good:

Orbital
Dotstream
Ouendan 1/2
Daigasso original/DX
Rhythm Tengoku GBA/DS

The acquired tastes:

Digidrive
Kuru Kuru Kururin/Paradise
Nodame Cantabile
Jigsaw puzzle games (dogs, cats, soup, etc.)
Chousoujuu Mecha MG
Theta

Don't bother:

Touch Panic
Love and Berry
Coloring for a Relaxing Heart (or whatever the hell it is)

Best bets for Japanese text:

Chosoujuu Mecha MG
Nodame Cantabile

Theta is a bizarre game -- half of it is a puzzle game with rotating gears and dropping balls, and half of it is an aquarium. If you're a real puzzle/logic game freak, it's worth a look, but if you get stuck, you're pretty much stuck.

Chousoujuu is an awesome mech/transformers game. I still think it's better than the Transformers movie games.

Nodame Cantabile is great for classical music and fans of the anime. But it's way too easy.

Both of these last two have lots of cut scenes, with lots of dialogue. I think the Nodame Cantibile would be easier to read.

[flux=rad]

The Hajime no Ippo game for GBA is a pretty good game. At least I don't think it ever came out over here. It's pretty similar to Punch Out.

[blueshinra]

Has anyone imported Front Mission 2089? I'm a big fan of the series and was wondering if this one is any good.

[gaxur]

If you're looking for Japanese practice, check out http://www.thejapanshop.com/home.php?cat=333 . Also, you've probably heard of it, but My Japanese Coach might be worth looking at when it comes out.

[Doomed]

Kuru Kuru Kururin and its sequel. Although I imported the first one from Europe, it never came here. :(
I have Kuru Kuru paridise, and although you can't understand much of the story, it's okay. fucking impossible though. ;)

Orbital and Soundvoyager are the only BG games I own. Both are great, just I looooooove Soundvoyager and love Orbital.

[Antic]

Thanks everyone for some suggestions. I knew of a couple, but it definitely helped me out. If anyone else has more games, feel free to say it.

[nectarsis1]

Xenosaga
Super Robot Taisen (all)
TENGAI MAKYOU II MARU...classic old school rpg

[Kaijufan]

There's a DS port of The Tower (Yoot Tower/Sim Tower) in Japan that I really want to see come out in the US. I'm pretty sure the GBA port of the Tower did poorly in the US because it was released after the DS came out (I decided to wait/hope for a DS version since touch screen controls are perfect for this game). I still hope that The Tower DS makes its way to the US since I really loved Sim Tower when I was younger.

[Axersia]

Magical Vacation (by Brownie Brown) and Tomato Adventure (by AlphaDream). Two early GBA RPGs.

[missingno81]

All the Bleach games I-III seemed okay and some sim games where you strip witchs.

[detectiveconan16]

My favorite of the Super Robot Wars games, Reversal.
As a Gundam fan, it actually included all the series I give a fig about.

Although for something easy... try W.

Jump Ultimate Stars as well as the Cheer Squad games tickle my fancy as well.