Everyone knows video games are big in Japan especially console games, but in recent years, Japanese market is shifting toward handheld or smartphone devices. Those giant game companies like Capcom, Konami and Square Enix start to publish amazing and beautiful mobile games for an audience of millions. Many games have English version, which gives non-Japanese smartphone users a chance to try them. Although not all games have been translated to English-speaking audiences, it can't stop them to become the awesome games that you must try out. Let's take a look at four Japanese Mobile Games That You Should Keep an Eye on in 2015.
Pokemon Shuffle Mobile
Official Site: http://mobile.pokemonshuffle.com/
Download Link(Global): App Store; Google Play
Pokémon Shuffle is a freemium puzzle game that published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS on February 18, 2015. Now the game is hitting iOS and Android in West. As the Nintendo's first mobile game, Pokémon Shuffle Mobile is almost the same game as it is on the 3DS. It features the same match-three mechanics. In Pokemon Shuffle, players will do damage by lining up three or more Pokémon vertically or horizontally to battle against wild Pokémon. You will be able to level up your own team and catch new Pokemon among more than 150 Pokemon in total. It's a very casual game, and moreover there's no need to connect wi-fi in order to check in for daily coins and updates.
Heavenstrike Rivals
Official Site: http://www.heavenstrikerivals.com/
Download Link(Global): App Store; Google Play
Developed by Square Enix, Heavenstrike Rivals is a free-to-play tactical role-playing game. Boasting a turn-based battle system said to have been designed especially for mobile, Heavenstrike Rivals allows you to lay out your team on the side-scrolling chess and battle against players across the world in real time in simple. During the battle, you can check out the HP, ATK, Class and Stars of the on-board characters. These characters can move on the board, but only in a straight line. If you want them to attack the enemy next line, you should change route at the beginning of your turn. There are over 230 units waiting you to collect and train. You can also climb the sacred league and regular events to earn epic rewards.
Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation
Official Site: http://www.jp.square-enix.com/dqsp/dq6/en/
Download Link(Global): App Store; Google Play
Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation is the sixth entry in the Dragon Quest franchise. As the final instalment in the Zenithian trilogy, Realms of Revelation has players journeying across two parallel worlds in a lengthy role-playing adventure, complete with a selection of mini games starring the series’ happy-faced slime mascot. It's a traditional, turn-based role-playing mobile game which features random battles, 360-degree views, casino system and a character class system that the Hero and his party members acquire new skills and spells.
Monster Hunter: Explore
Official Site: http://www.mh-xr.jp/pc/
Download Link(Japan): Google Play
As the Reborn version of Monster Hunter Smart, Monster Hunter Explore takes place on Markja Island that is filled with all kinds of ancient monster history and treasures. The game is basically made by Monster Hunter 3G on 3DS, and it’s easy to find the same monsters, weapons, armors and more. Monster Hunter Explore adopts the best features from 3DS version and optimizes it for the modern mobile gaming experience. Players can use the virtual joystick to move, dodge and attack. Once you touch the monster during the battle, the camera will automatically follow the target. Maybe this is why the official said players can do all action in the game only by one hand.
Mobius Final Fantasy
Official Site: http://www.jp.square-enix.com/MOBIUSFF/
Download Link(Japan): App Store; Google Play
Mobius Final Fantasy is Square Enix's long-anticipated role-playing mobile game which was released in Japan on June 4, 2015. In this game, you controls Wal, a man who wakes with amnesia in the world of Paramitia, and must help conquer the dark forces attacking its people. The game features gameplay elements from previous Final Fantasy, including leveling, exploration via standard navigation and fast travel systems, and turn-based combat tied to a Job system. Although there is no word yet on whether or not this game will enter western market, you can still check out more features at its official site.