Shiori Fujisaki’s high-definition transformation is now available in Japan.

I usually wouldn’t highlight a text-heavy, Japan-exclusive release unless I thought it might be localized, but my confidence in Tokimeki Memorial making its way here isn’t high. If I remember correctly, hesitations from Konami regarding character ages prevented it from being included on the Turbografx-16 Mini, and there’s little indication that they’re eager to make those changes now, nor are they greatly aware of the interest in the series outside Japan. However, they are finally making efforts with Momotaro Densetsu, so perhaps we might see an understated English release that only a handful of players will discover. Who knows!

ARCADE ARCHIVES

Punk Shot

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (worldwide)
• Price: $7.99 / €6.99 / £6.29
• Publisher: Hamster / Konami

What is it? A 2v2 “basket-brawler” that Konami originally developed for arcades in 1990, now finally available for home consoles. Players navigate a chaotic basketball court filled with hazards, needing to physically engage with opponents to secure the ball. The international version includes an energy timer that can eliminate players when depleted—true to the arcade style of that era.

Why should you care? If you’re a fan of ‘90s American urban culture as filtered through a Japanese lens, or you’re looking for a game with more engaging combat than typical “serious” free-roaming combat games of its time.

Tip: Hamster’s “Namco Month” resumes next week with Nebulasray—it’s an odd one-week detour, but at least it supports a worthy game.

EGG CONSOLE

Rune Worth (PC-9801)

• Platform: Nintendo Switch (worldwide)
• Price: $6.49 / ¥880
• Publisher: D4 Enterprise / T&E Soft

What is it? An epic fantasy action-RPG originally created by T&E Soft for various Japanese computers in 1989; this title marked their transition from Hydlide with more accessible progression, greater narrative focus, and a leveling system based on item collection, rather than enemy defeats.

Why should you care? While not typically recognized as the definitive action-RPG without traditional leveling or grinding, it carries forward the intricate detailing seen in the Hydlide series, both in its systems and its visuals. Also worth celebrating is the addition of more PC98 titles on EGG Console.

Language barrier? Most text is in Japanese, and there’s a considerable amount of it.

G-MODE ARCHIVES

Side Pocket

• Platform: Nintendo Switch (Japan)
• Price: ¥600
• Publisher: G-MODE

What is it? The 2005 mobile entry in Data East’s longstanding billiards series Side Pocket, which began in arcades in 1986 and led to various ports and sequels. This version includes several modes beyond regular 9-ball play, such as a story mode and character unlocks.

Why should you care? Digital billiards typically adapt well across platforms; thus, this port doesn’t lose anything in the transition from the mid-2000s phone platform. Just be prepared for the jazz MIDI soundtrack, which can be quite jarring!

Fun fact: Side Pocket is related to Minnesota Fats: Pool Legend, the Sega Saturn pool game known for its cheesy live-action cutscenes; this game was released in Japan as Side Pocket 2.

OTHER

Tokimeki Memorial ~forever with you~ Emotional

• Platform: Nintendo Switch (Japan)
• Price: ¥6600 (standard) / ¥9680 (deluxe)
• Publisher: Konami

What is it? A high-definition remaster of Konami’s iconic romantic adventure game Tokimeki Memorial, first released in 1994 for the PC Engine Super CD and adapted for multiple platforms since. This new version features the “Emotional Voice System,” where characters can pronounce the player’s name, and offers customizable art styles. The deluxe edition includes a gallery of music and artwork from previous iterations.

Why should you care? As this game transitioned from obscurity to a widely-discussed classic, it’s great that those who have recently discovered it now have a modern way to play.

Caution: I haven’t tried this release nor heard from anyone who has, but there may be hurdles with the Emotional Voice System related to online registration and other conditions typical of 2000s Japanese software. So, be prepared for potential complications if trying to access it outside Japan.