Modern video games are not just a distraction or a way to pass the time; they are entire experiences all by themselves. Just like the latest God of War offers an astounding glimpse into the Norse mythology, there are various games spread across multiple genres that let players experience a bit of the rich Japanese fiction, culture and folklore. On that note, here are the four best ways to experience virtual Japan from your home.
Yakuza 0
Any and all of the Yakuza games should be included in this list, but we chose Yakuza 0 because no other game in the series is arguably as fun as this one right here. The dark, crime-ridden district of Kabukicho in Tokyo is brought to life here, and then it has been made larger than life by basically turning your character into an unsung superhero! If you ever wanted to see the dark underbelly of Tokyo and actually enjoy it, Yakuza 0 is the game to play.
Persona 5
Largely considered to be one of the best games of 2017, Persona 5 is a single player JRPG which is set in Tokyo. When we say set in Tokyo, we really mean it because Katsura Hashino made sure that everything in the game is as close to the real city as possible. When you are not hacking and slashing enemies to pieces alongside your trusty pet cat, you will be exploring an awe-inspiring representation of the Sangenjaya district that gets as real as it possibly can, outside reality!
Live Casino Games at Wunderino
For those of us who are more into getting a little something back for their time and effort into a game and don’t mind trying out their luck for that, the Japanese casino Wunderino is the perfect option. Break the fourth wall with their live casino games as you interact with a real life, Japanese dealer in an actual Japanese casino, and win real money in the process.
Nioh
Comparing Nioh to Dark Souls would be stating the obvious, but what is more important is the fact that Nioh is without a doubt, one of the best games in the action-RPG genre ever. The fact that it is set in the Sengoku period of Japan, teeming with mythical beasts and monsters from the Japanese legends and folklore, makes it a perfect candidate for this list. The ruined villages, fog-filled mountain valleys and true-to-life battlefields are nothing short of a trip to one of the most violent periods in Japan’s history. Beware though, it’s really, really hard, but each time you overcome an obstacle, it will give you a sense of pure pride and accomplishment.
Due to the brevity of the list, some titles were left out, but they do deserve an honorable mention nonetheless. You cannot go wrong with the likes of Gravity Rush/Gravity Rush 2 or Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, and for those that want to experience a virtual trip to Japan, they come highly recommended as well.
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