(Cover, cartridge, and back cover)
So I recently learned that DS games are NOT region locked which predictably resulted in me going on a foreign DS game shopping spree (all Japan exclusive dog games of course). One of which was the original Nintendogs “Shiba Inu” version (which was Japan exclusive)! I’ve been wanting to replay Nintendogs (of which my original copy of “Chihuahua & Friends” has countless hours of playtime), so what better way than to experience it again with the Japanese version! It’s basically the same thing as the Labrador version except in Japanese right? WRONG! Here’s my review highlighting the many differences between this version and the others released in North America/Europe.
(Splash screen and home screen, featuring my first adopted dog, a white female Toy Poodle I named Lady.)
Less Breeds…
First off, the starting breeds in the Shiba Inu version are slightly different than the Labrador version.
Shiba Inu version has: Shiba, Sheltie, Poodle, Corgi, and Min Pin.
Labrador Version has: Lab, Schnauzer, Poodle, Corgi, Min Pin, and Shiba.
And yes, you only start off with 5 breeds instead of 6! Also worth noting that all the Japanese versions do NOT have the Husky, Boxer, Golden Retriever, and Dalmatian breeds! Apparently those were exclusive only to the rest of the world.
Less Items….
The Japanese version also has less clothes items. It’s missing the Rhinestone Collar, Pearl Necklace, Star Sunglasses, Sombrero, Viking Hat, Santa Hat, Fireman Hat, New Year Tiara, and Rainbow Wig. Quite a lot! Also it is interesting that the Jack Russell Book in this version is a plain white book with the title “Say Hello!” (this is an actual real Japanese picture book about Jack Russell puppies that was popular in Japan at the time). Since the real life book reference would be unknown to international audiences, the in-game book’s cover was changed for the international versions of the game (see comparison image below). As for Interiors, Japanese versions are also missing the “Seaside” beach house! BUT the Japanese versions do have ONE exclusive item that the rest of the world doesn’t have: the “Afro Wig”! It looks the same as the Rainbow Wig except solid black.
(Jack Russell Book: Japanese Version on the Left, International Version on right.)
Less Commentary?
Remember the comedic commentators from the competitions? In the Japanese versions, Ted Rumsworth is replaced by an Asian guy named “Suzuki Hajime”. Archie Hubbs is renamed “Inukai Hitoshi” and is less talkative. I feel there is overall less dialogue from them, which may be better or worse depending on how you feel about them (I personally liked their cheesy exchanges but I know some people didn’t so this may be a plus for you!)
(Winning our first Agility competition! (Suzuki commentating) and meeting Archie (Inukai) and Spot (Shiro) on a walk.)
Other Small Notes…
The cover art and box design is great, it features an adorable Shiba puppy! The cartridge is a neon bright green color (versus the dark forest green of the Labrador version). It also takes longer to unlock stuff in the Japanese version as the Trainer Point tiers are higher. Finally I was sad to discover that you cannot Bark Mode with other (international) versions. In other words, Japanese versions can only Bark Mode with each other and not North American/European versions because of the additional items/breeds which are not written into the Japanese versions.
Final Thoughts…
Overall I was disappointed to discover that the Japanese edition of Nintendogs is very much a prototype or downgrade from the rest of the world’s versions. I would’ve thought that since the game originated in Japan that they would get the best version but instead the rest of the world was oddly spoiled with extras (maybe because the later international release dates meant that the developers had more time to add stuff?). So I do not recommend this or other Japanese versions unless only for collection or curiosity purposes.
Thanks for reading! 🙂 What are your thoughts on the Shiba Inu version? Comment below!
..CoffieDog's Blog.. 