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All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 Taito: Takeshi no Chousenjou (Takeshi's Challenge)

    • November 4, 2003
    • Fuji TV

    In the first episode of Game Center CX, Arino visits Taito to learn it's history and play one of it's most difficult and cruel games Takeshi no Chousenjou. Upon first entering Taito he marvels at the Space Invaders machine. Tomohiro Nishikado, the creator of Space Invaders comes and discusses with Arino the history and impact of the game and they challenge one another to a game. After this Arino meets Akira Saito to discuss the Densha de GO! series. As the tour continues he finds out nobody from the original development team of Takeshi no Chousenjou is left so he meets Tetsuo Egawa instead to discuss it. To find out more about the legendary game he talks to Kazuhiro Hayashi who presents Arino with guidebooks for the game. Finally we see Arino tackle Takeshi no Chousenjou which includes various hilarious snippits of him getting frustrated at the game's bizarre challenges such as singing karaoke, and waiting one hour without pushing anything. Does Arino complete Takeshi's insane challenge? Watch and find out!

  • S01E02 Koei: Angelique Trois

    • November 18, 2003
    • Fuji TV

    Arino visits the headquarters of Koei to speak with the two men behind the Dynasty Warriors and Nobunaga’s Ambition series of games. He then speaks to a PR representative about another of their popular series, Angelique before taking on the latest addition to the dating sim series, Angelique Trois. It's quite a change of pace from Arino's last challenge but that may work against him as he relaxes and opens his heart to his many suitors.

  • S01E03 Capcom: Tekki (Steel Battalion)

    • December 2, 2003
    • Fuji TV

    Arino enters the Capcom building in Osaka and meets his first interviewee: Keiji Inafune, the creator of Mega Man and Onimusha, among others. Then he interviews Hiroyuki Kobayash and Atsushi Inaba. Lastly, Arino takes a seat in the Fuji Multi-Theater for some extra-special playtime with Tekki (Steel Battalion).

  • S01E04 Sega: Roommania #203

    • December 16, 2003
    • Fuji TV

    Rather than center on one company, this episode of Game Center CX explores an entire game series: specifically, Sega’s Sakura Taisen.

  • S01E05 Hudson: Star Force

    • January 13, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    This episode centers on Hudson, featuring some of their hit games in the collection. The Challenge centers on Star Force where Arino must get the 50,000 bonus from Rarios; Takahashi Meiijin shows up to help Arino as well.

  • S01E06 ASCII: Astro Robo SASA

    • January 27, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    During this episode Arino's challenge is to defeat Astro SASA! Will he surpass this challenge or give in?

  • S01E07 Namco: Galaga

    • February 10, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    In this episode of Game Center CX, Arino challenges Namco's 1985 Galaga. His challenge; to get the bonus stage's 10,000 points

  • S01E08 Chunsoft: Door Door

    • February 24, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    During this episode Arino challenges Chun Soft's Door Door. Nakamura Kouichi the creator of Door Door shows up to help Arino in his challenge.

  • S01E09 Konami: Yie Ar Kung-Fu, Gradius, and Track & Field

    • March 10, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    In this episode Arino is faced with a 3 round Konami challenge. He must go through Yei Ar Kung-Fu, Gradius, & Konami Hyper Olympics.

  • S01E10 Nintendo: Super Mario Bros 1 & 2

    • March 31, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    Arino is faced with the difficult challenge of beating Super Mario Brothers 2 for the Famicom Disk System. He first practices is skills with the original Super Mario Brothers before moving onto Super Mario Brothers 2; will he be able to beat the game? Or will he be defeated by one of Nintendo's own?

  • S01E11 Nintendo: Super Mario Bros Pt. 2

    • May 30, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    This week's challenge is a continuation of last week's and finds Arino attempting to finish Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. Just as it looks as though Arino is no chance, Tojima presents him with a gift that could change the tides in this challenge.

Season 2

  • SPECIAL 0x1 Pokémon Interview & Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels

    • May 30, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    In the closing episode of this first season, Arino visits one of the most famous and yet reclusive developers in the world, Game Freak. Arino discusses their history with company founder Satoshi Tajiri as well as their most famous creation, Pokémon. This week's challenge is a continuation of last week's and finds Arino attempting to finish Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. Just as it looks as though Arino is no chance, Tojima presents him with a gift that could change the tides in this challenge. Lastly there is an extended travelogue centered around visiting arcades in hot springs located in the tourist town of Hakone. When he isn't indulging in the hot springs themselves he's playing impossible prize games, broken shmups or leaving his mark with his trademark high score name.

  • S02E01 Atlantis no Nazo (The Mystery of Atlantis)

    • October 20, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    Arino faces the challenging platformer for the NES, Atlantis no Nazo. Will Arino get the hang of its difficult controls and unforgiving level design? We follow Arino on the first ever arcade trip (TamaGe) to the roof of a department store where he plays a number of classic prize games before being introduced to his newest assistant director. Arino then conducts an interview with Game Republic founder and the creator of a number of classic Capcom games, Yoshiki Okamoto.

  • S02E02 Challenger

    • November 3, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    Arino faces himself up against the action-platformer Challenger by Hudson Soft. He also visits a japanese arcade that is reported to have an original Hang-On.

  • S02E03 Makai Mura (Ghosts 'n Goblins)

    • November 17, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    This season opener acts as a reboot for the series which now centers around the challenge segment of the previous season and for his first challenge Arino tackles one of the scariest games of them all, Ghouls 'N Ghosts! At least it's not all doom and gloom as Arino continues his visit to the TRY Amusement Arcade. After encountering one of the more brutal game over screens Arino manages to recover to play a boat load of classic games but he still pines to get a chance at Xevious. Arino then speaks to one of the most revered game creators of all time, Sega's Yu Suzuki. They speak about a number of his cherished creations and even have a bout in Championship Boxing.

  • S02E04 Konami Wai Wai World

    • December 1, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    Konami’s all-star action platformer is the challenge this time. Konami Man and Konami Lady must rescue six of Konami’s heroes in their own game worlds. This time, Arino has the strategy guide right off the bat — two of them, in fact, thanks to the staff.

  • S02E05 Metroid

    • December 15, 2004
    • Fuji TV

    Nintendo’s classic sci-fi game is thrust upon Arino this time, and his goal is not a very noble one. Inspired by a rumor, Arino hopes to clear Metroid as fast as he can, to see if heroine Samus Aran really does take her clothes off after a speedy clear.

  • S02E06 Solomon no Kagi (Solomon's Key)

    • January 19, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    What secrets are hidden in the many castle rooms of Solomon's Key? Arino takes control of the titular wizard and discovers the many wonders to be had in this difficult puzzle game. Arino travels to Matsudo to visit an arcade with a name fit for a boss, Mechman. Arino barely makes it inside before he finds himself fending off ninjas and flying into the Danger Zone. Arino then meets the creator of the much beloved game centric manga series, Game Center Arashi. Creator Sugaya Mitsuru discloses his favorite game and presents Arino with a gift to top off what is an informative and entertaining interview.

  • S02E07 Prince of Persia (1)

    • February 2, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    Shortly after Arino completed Solomon’s Key, Sasano steps in with a Super Famicom and offered Arino the next challenge: Prince of Persia. With no break in between, Arino begins the challenge. He must save the princess from the evil Jafar by completing 20 stages in under two hours.

  • S02E08 Prince of Persia (2)

    • February 16, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    Part two of the Prince of Persia challenge. The Western game completely hooks Arino in, but can he clear the game before the in game time limit?

  • S02E09 Rockman 2: Dr. Wily no Nazo (Mega Man 2)

    • March 2, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    Arino takes on the most popular game in Capcom's Mega Man series, Mega Man 2!

  • S02E10 Super Mario Bros. 3

    • March 16, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    The season finale is on location at the Sun Hatoya hotel in Ito. Arino spends the last show in style. The challenge room is in a lovely suite overlooking the ocean. The TV and Famicom are all set up, and he even has a new ergonomic chair to sit in and play with the least physical stress. And the game? One of the most stressful of all: Super Mario Bros. 3.

Season 3

  • S03E01 Kato-chan & Ken-chan (J.J. & Jeff)

    • April 13, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    Season 3 opens with Arino being officially "promoted" to Kacho Dairi (Deputy Section Chief). The first challenge of the season is Hudson’s Kato-chan & Ken-chan, for the PC-Engine. A quirky platformer starring a Japanese comedy duo, the game was localized overseas as JJ & Jeff.

  • S03E02 Power Pad: Attack! Takeshi's Castle Showdown (Family Trainer)

    • April 27, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    Arino's body is pushed to its limit as he challenges the power pad game, Attack! Takeshi's Castle Showdown. Based on the hit TV series of the same name, it stars the maniacal Beat Takeshi, who you may remember as the star of the eponymous, Takeshi's Challenge. To take a break, Arino visits a lovely convenience store in Odawara containing a number of addicting prize games. There is one prize game in particular that catches Arino's fancy and before he even has a chance to buy some candy, might end up bankrupting him. Arino continues his quest for glory in Ring Ring Tactics by trying to solve the mystery of the vanishing battle screen.

  • S03E03 Tokimeki Memorial: Forever With You

    • May 11, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    To celebrate his recent engagement Arino is tasked with beating the dating sim, Tokimeki Memorial. The staff hope that his gameplay will instruct lovelorn viewers in how to succeed in the art of love. Even after being presented with the strategy guide Arino boldly declares that he won't be needing it as he embarks on his quest to win the heart of Fujisaki Shiori.

  • S03E04 Famicom Jump: History of Heroes

    • May 25, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    In a series first this week's challenge features the licensed video game, Famicom Jump. What sets Famicom Jump apart is that it doesn't only feature a single licensed character but dozens which were popular in Jump Magazine at the time. Were licensed games always terrible? You'll have to watch to find out. For the latest TamaGe, Arino travels to a mystery arcade where the mystery itself is a mystery. When he's not scratching his head Arino finds some time to enjoy some Nintendo VS. action. And in the latest Ring Ring Tactics Arino actually begins to make some progress when he encounters a new companion on his journey.

  • S03E05 Dream Factory: Doki Doki Panic (Super Mario Bros. 2)

    • June 8, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    In a brilliant piece of network synergy Arino will challenge the disk system classic, Doki Doki Panic. Originally a promotional tool for Fuji TV, Doki Doki Panic was very famously re-skinned and released overseas as turnip picking simulator, Super Mario Bros. 2. Ring Ring Tactics features a surprise helper from the past who attempts to help Arino move ever closer to his goal.

  • S03E06 Hi no Tori Hououhen: Gaou no Bouken (Phoenix: The King's Adventure)

    • June 22, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    Based on the classic manga from Astro Boy creator, Osamu Tezuka, it's Phoenix! The game features a mix of puzzle and platforming elements so we'll have to see if Arino's puzzling skills can compensate for his platforming ineptitude. There's also a TamaGe segment with a carnival vibe this episode. Arino enjoys the many games of skill available and has a chance to use his unique shooting technique as well as admire the owner's large collection of keys. After a disappointing last episode Arino hopes to make forward progress in Ring Ring Tactics by adding Sha Gojo to his party.

  • S03E07 Super Mario World (1)

    • July 6, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    Arino's history with the Super Mario series is mixed to put it extremely generously. He hopes to rectify this when he challenges one of the true all time classics in Super Mario World. While some may view this game as a straight forward platformer Arino is sure to meet stiff resistance in this challenge. One of the holiest places in all of retro gaming, the mega store Super Potato, is the settings for this week's gaming excursion. Filled from floor to ceiling with classic games and systems, Arino is like a kid in a candy store. At long last Arino completes a missed connection in Ring Ring Tactics so at least this episode isn't a total failure in terms of progress.

  • S03E08 Super Mario World (2)

    • July 23, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    We pick up right where we left off as Arino struggles to conquer Super Mario World. Watch as he ventures closer to Bowser's lair in what will prove to be the most dramatic episode yet! But if you can't handle all the stress you can calm your nerves with a little Ring Ring Tactics where we find Arino struggling to decipher a string of random letters.

  • S03E09 Meikyu Kumikyoku: Milon no Daibouken (Milon's Secret Castle)

    • August 3, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    For this episode Arino challenges the much maligned Hudson classic, Milon's Secret Castle. This early entry in the action adventure genre has a bottomless bag of gotchas which Arino has to constantly be aware of if he is to conquer the labyrinthine castle. To give his thumbs the rest that they so sorely need Arino visits a bathhouse that happens to feature a couple of arcade machines. It's the perfect excuse for Arino to recharge his batteries before his next arduous challenge. Ring Ring Tactics moves forward after a viewer assists with solving the mysterious code before Arino encounters a new boss.

  • S03E10 Kamigami no Triforce (The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past)

    • August 31, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    A few familiar faces return and present Arino with his final challenge of the season, The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past! Will Arino be able to finish a game that he claims is one of his favorites? In the stunning conclusion of Ring Ring Tactics Arino calls upon Kaayan who proves to be quite useless once again. Not all hope is lost however as another viewer provides valuable information which may be just what Arino needs.

  • SPECIAL 0x3 Ring Ring Tactics Compilation

    • August 31, 2005

    Do you want to relive the trials and tribulations that Arino faced when he took on the spectacularly crap Super Monkey Adventures? Then do I have the special feature for you! This video combines each segment of the first Ring Ring Tactics into one continuous video for your viewing pleasure. Watch as Arino takes on one of the most notoriously poor and obtuse games in history armed only with his wits and a telephone.

Season 4

  • S04E01 Ultraman

    • October 19, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    In this Season 4 opener, Arino challenges Ultraman for the Super Famicom! Having been promoted to Kacho, Arino sports a new blue suit and a cockier attitude.

  • S04E02 Final Fight

    • November 2, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    A new season brings a new genre to the table with the beat 'em up classic, Final Fight. Hopefully Arino can take back Metro City from the evil gangs which now control it. An amusement park dating back to 1850 might seem dangerous but not for the Game Center CX crew and not for TamaGe! The staff enjoy a number of the amusement rides before closing out with some regular arcade gaming. To slow things down a bit enjoy a Xevious request in Secret Trick Jet Stream. Project: DVD is a short little segment where Arino and a few of the staff discuss what challenges should be included in the first Game Center CX DVD box set. The first challenge to make the cut was an early classic for both fans and the staff.

  • S04E03 Adventure Island

    • November 16, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    There won't be any Takahashi Meijin appearance to save Arino during his challenge of another Hudson classic, Adventure Island. Will the ADs be a suitable replacement for this brutally difficult game? An arcade with the unusual title of Amusement VIKING is the venue for this week's TamaGe. Things become even more unusual when Arino exhibits actual skill when taking on a prize machine before moving on to play some of the rare VS. Super Mario Bros. For Secret Trick Jet Stream Arino receives a request for an Ice Climber glitch. In Project: DVD the staff continue their discussion over what challenges deserve to make it onto the set. The challenge that they finally settle on was one of the longest in the show's short history.

  • S04E04 ActRaiser

    • November 30, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    One of the earliest SNES games is the challenge for this week as Arino battles with the unusual god/action game hybrid, ActRaiser. It may not be the game's difficulty and instead be Arino's tendency to be distracted that will be his downfall in this exciting challenge. This one goes out to all those Dragon Quest 2 adventurers out there in Secret Trick Jet Stream. Project: DVD has Arino answering a couple of viewer questions including what the DVD exclusive challenge will be and the design of the packaging.

  • SPECIAL 0x2 DVD-BOX1 Challenge - Transformers: Mystery of Convoy

    • December 23, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    The fans have spoken, and their choice of game that Arino is to challenge for the first GCCX DVD release is Transformers: Mystery of Convoy! Can Arino step up to the challenge in this legendary difficult Famicom game?

  • S04E05 Quiz: The Feudal Lord's Ambition

    • December 14, 2005
    • Fuji TV

    It's all hands on deck for the first quiz challenge in show history when Arino takes on Quiz: The Feudal Lord's Ambition. Hopefully everyone is up to date on their early 90s Japanese pop culture. Arino visits an arcade with the unusual gimmick of having games priced as low as 10 yen but soon finds that it's too good to be true. Arino doesn't sweat that detail though as he enjoys taking down kids in Virtua Fighter 4 and Final Furlong. For a change of pace things get loud on Secret Trick Jet Stream when a listener requests a hot jam from Raid On Bungeling Bay. Secret Trick Jet Stream quickly segues into Project: DVD as Arino announces the final details about the launch of the first DVD box set.

  • S04E06 Doraemon

    • January 11, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    Another licensed game with a questionable pedigree, it's Doraemon! Arino will try and get this time travelling cat over the finish line and improve his overall record when it comes to challenging Hudson games. The first Game Center CX DVD box set recently went on sale and so we have a special report from the launch event. Arino, Tojima, Sasano and Urakawa were all in attendance to sign autographs and receive some gifts from the more ardent fans. It's another game store visit this week as Arino and Tojima visit Messe Sanoh CHAOS. Together they sample their large selection of import games including The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction and God Of War, which Arino takes a shine to. It's a classic hit from Super Mario Bros. for this week's Secret Trick Jet Stream.

  • S04E07 Super Mario 64 (1)

    • January 25, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    Arino had enough trouble with Mario when he was only 2D so let's see how he fares with an extra dimension in Super Mario 64. He'll have to conquer the highest mountains, ice cold tundra and searing heat on his quest to collect the required number of stars to face Bowser and save the princess. It's a bit of a special TamaGe this week as Kibe and Arino compete to get the best deal on games with only 5000 yen to spend. They both stretch their budgets a little to pick up a couple of games and Tojima makes a sudden appearance with the required gear for them to test out their purchases. The finale of Secret Jet Stream has a request for a steamy little number from the typically very serious Hokkaido Serial Murders.

  • S04E08 Super Mario 64 (2)

    • February 8, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    Join Arino for the exciting conclusion of his Super Mario 64 challenge. Arino has it all ahead of him though as he takes on the games toughest levels to try to increase his star tally and open up the doorway to the King Of The Koopa's himself, Bowser. A new and exciting form of transport delivers Arino to this week's TamaGe location but that's not before he samples the local delicacies in Enoshima. Once at his destination Arino drives a virtual train before trying to trick AD Urakawa in a plan that quickly backfires.

  • S04E09 Ninja Ryukenden (Ninja Gaiden)

    • February 22, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    In this episode, Arino returns to another classic NES game. This time it’s the fan-favorite Tecmo game Ninja Gaiden. With a victory here, he can bring his record for the season to a tie, but the Ninja Gaiden series is considered one of the hardest game series ever made. After some time Arino comes to the realization that it may be the hardest game he's ever played in his life... even harder than Ghosts 'n Goblins and Adventure Island! Arino pays a visit to a nostalgic little arcade with a odd name which is enjoyed by children and adults alike. There he discovers a prize machine filled with a cornucopia of pop culture icons and some strange decorations adorning the outer wall.

  • S04E10 Palutena no Kagami (Kid Icarus)

    • March 8, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    In what could be the last challenge ever, Arino attempts to save the mythical land of Kid Icarus and rescue the goddess Palutena from the tendrils of Medusa. Along the way he'll have to berate shop keepers, deal with vegetable loving wizards and even battle death itself. Some may recall this store being the location of a previous TamaGe but this time is different. For this visit Arino is joined by the staff as they attempt to line their pockets by selling the games featured in the challenges for this season. Their true value will come as a surprise to all.

Season 5

  • SPECIAL 0x4 Northernmost Game Travelogue (Parts 1 & 2)

    • April 12, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    Arino starts the journey at Tonekko no Yu, an indoor hot spring center in Monbetsu-cho. He steps into the game center, where the "Money Exchanger" sign is bigger than the actual "Game Corner" sign. Consider it all too telling: as soon as he steps in, Arino’s surprised by the small size of the place compared to the rest of the building. And there are more prize and pachislo machines than video games.

  • SPECIAL 0x5 Northernmost Game Travelogue (Parts 3 & 4)

    • April 26, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    The gang travels to downtown Asahika. Unfortunately the larger number of people around hasn’t made it any warmer. At any rate, he walks down to the next target: a dedicated game center called the Sugai Amusement Factory.

  • SPECIAL 0x6 Northernmost Game Travelogue (Parts 5, 6 & 7)

    • May 10, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    This time we’re in Kayoru, and the gang is getting ever closer to the northern tip of the island. The next place to visit is Sun Pillar, another hot spring center surrounded by trees.

  • SPECIAL 0x7 Northernmost Game Travelogue (Parts 8 & 9)

    • May 24, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    Arino’s arrived at Wakkanai Station, signifying the northernmost town in Hokkaido and the home stretch of the journey. But there’s still a couple more places to check out! Arino heads over to Hitoshi no Mise for a bite to eat, and he asks the owner about the area before settling down with an order of kanimeshi (crab & rice).

  • SPECIAL 0x8 Northernmost Game Travelogue (Compilation)

    • May 24, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    During the break between season 4 and 5 of Game Center CX viewers were treated to a number of short TamaGe segments that chronicled Arino's journey to discover the northernmost arcade game in Japan. These segments were later collated into a single extended DVD special and that is what is presented here. So put on some extra layers and join Arino as he makes expert use of his parental leave to travel to Hokkiado, GPS unit in hand, in search of the northernmost arcade game. Things start out promising with arcades brimming with games but the further north he travels the lower that density becomes until he can finally crown a single game the winner.

  • S05E01 Umihara Kawase

    • June 7, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    For the season 5 opener Arino must try to complete the cult classic, grappling hook platformer, Umihara Kawase. Perhaps the new AD can impress with his gaming skills and propel the Chief to victory. In the first TamaGe outing of the season Arino visits a quaint stationary store. With the sun glaring down he makes judicious use of the sun blockers so he is able to enjoy some Metal Slug co-op along side the elderly owner. This season will feature a new segment focusing on lesser known hardware called The Aces Of Hardware Won't Appear. The hardware Arino will be introduced to today is the Sega Mark III which had a number of notable titles including Alex Kidd In Miracle World.

  • S05E02 Contra

    • June 21, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    The Konami classic Contra is the featured challenge for this episode and its renowned co-op gameplay may offer Inoko MAX a chance to redeem himself after his poor showing last episode. The TamaGe for this episode features a wonderful store with a variety of nostalgic candy and game machines. There's also a great cast of supporting characters including classic movie stars, robots, aliens and idols. Aces Of Hardware this time will focus on the the obscure Cassette Vision from the even more obscure manufacturer, Epoch. While most of its games require a lot of imagination to enjoy Pakpak Monster has a very recognisable protagonist.

  • SPECIAL 0x9 DVD-BOX2 Challenge - Ikki

    • June 23, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    It's time for Arino to take on Sunsoft's Ikki in a challenge that carries an ending so shocking that viewers are asked not to spoil it for others. But don't go in thinking that the ending will be the only thing to leave you in awe. It's a challenge filled with twists and turns with a riddle at the center of it that will leave Arino guessing till the very end.

  • S05E03 Bonanza Bros.

    • July 5, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    Arino challenges Bonanza Bros, a Mega Drive game about burglarizing buildings and hiding from the cops. A special report brings us coverage from a fan event to promote the release of the second DVD box set. The fans are teased with upcoming show merchandise before an autograph and gift giving session. The Aces Of Hardware is dedicated to Sega's Game Gear and features a couple of ports of out and out classics plus one particularly odd game.

  • S05E04 Dai Makai Mura (Ghouls 'n Ghosts)

    • July 19, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    The game dropped on Arino's lap for his latest challenge is Ghouls 'N Ghosts, the terrifying sequel to Ghosts 'N Goblins. The knight Arthur must once again descend into the pits of hell to retrieve the souls of the innocent from the clutches of Lucifer. If this 16-bit entry in the series has a boost in difficulty to go along with its graphical one, Arino doesn't have a hope in hell. The latest piece of hardware to be dredged up from the past in Aces Of Hardware is the ill-fated 3DO. Conceived of by EA's founder, Trip Hawkins, the system bet and lost big on the full motion video craze of the 90s. Arino will be a victim of that mistake when he's forced to play the abysmal Jurassic Park Interactive and a Wacky Races video game where the game part is debatable.

  • S05E05 Sarada no Kuni no Tomato Hime (Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom)

    • August 2, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    In one of the most talked about challenges yet, Arino tackles the much ported adventure game, Princess Tomato In Salad Kingdom. Arino will endeavour to save the kingdom from evildoers in this cute adventure game that belies a rather serious storyline. When he isn't saving nobles Arino checks out a general store which features a couple of arcade machines and is a big hit with all of the neighborhood kids. There's even some action in the bedroom as Abe and the owner argue about the value of her stamp collection. Yet another piece of Sega hardware features in Aces Of Hardware this week and this time it's the SG-1000 II. A couple of games stand out in this edition including a version of the previously challenged Star Force and the first game from Sonic creator Yuji Naka, Girl's Garden.

  • S05E06 Youkai Douchuuki (Shadow Land)

    • August 30, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    Arino hopes to end the season on a high but it won't be easy as he has to take on the difficult platformer, Shadow Land. Arino will do his best to lead the mischievous Tarosuke through hell itself to the world of the living. For the final arcade visit of the season Arino travels to a little grocery store with a number of outdoor arcade and prize games. Arino will be hoping he can clean up on the prize games so he can win some tokens to spend inside. After all of that he might even have time to squeeze in a little Metal Slug. And for the finale of The Aces Of Hardware Won't Appear the interestingly named Pyuuta from Tomy is shown off in all of its glory.This computer may have misrepresented its power but it did have a couple of neat action games including a port of Scramble.

Season 6

  • S06E01 Street Fighter II

    • November 1, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    The veritable masterpiece, Street Fighter 2, serves as the opener for season 6. Since this genre of game is atypical for the show it's decided that an ending that is as equally out of the ordinary is required. No arcade trip this episode but instead we have a report from the Tokyo Game Show including highlights from a Game Center CX stage show as well as Arino's visit to the show's merchandise booth. The new segment for this season will be The Romance Never Ends, a segment focusing on some of the most risqué moments in gaming. First up is a candid moment from the anime based game, Magical Taruruuto-kun.

  • S06E02 Akumajou Densetsu (Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse)

    • November 15, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    One of the most revered and hardest series on the NES, Castlevania makes its challenge debut when Arino challenges Castlevania 3. Arino will have to call on everything he has learnt over the years in order to slay the prince of darkness once and for all. If that all sounds a but too heavy then there's a TamaGe to an establishment that is a mix of arcade and diner complete with sexy outfits for wall decorations. After some light gaming Arino decides to treat the staff to a meal of his choosing. A sexy moment from a decidedly unsexy game is shown in this week's The Romance Never Ends when we take a peek at the classic detective game, Murder At The Dragon's Temple In Kyoto.

  • S06E03 Mighty Bomb Jack

    • November 29, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    Our game-testing everyman, Shinya Arino, faces off against Mighty Bomb Jack. Mighty Bomb Jack was released in 1986 for the arcade and the following year for the Nintendo Entertainment System. In the game, Jack makes his way through a 16-level pyramid on his way to defeat the demon Belzebut and rescue a royal family. The game is packed with oddities, like a rule that punishes a player for collecting coins too quickly, hidden passages found behind Sphinx and time-extending magical potions. The Romance Never Ends caters to all shapes when it features a hot and heavy sumo scene from Shoving Sumo Tournament.

  • S06E04 Red Arremer II (Gargoyle's Quest II)

    • December 13, 2006
    • Fuji TV

    Mere seconds after the brutal Mighty Bomb Jack challenge, Arino gets up to leave, but is called to sit back down. He’s handed Red Arremer II (known in the west as Gargoyle's Quest II) for the next challenge. Arino finally gets to play as his enemy the Red Arremer, but in an almost ironic twist, this Arremer moves nothing like his old foe. Arino checks out a rustic batting center equipped with a few arcade games in today's TamaGe. After checking out the limited selection of semi-functional games Arino has a chance to impress with his imperious baseball skills. The Romance Never Ends in this steamy hot spring scene in Momotaro Electric Railway.

  • SPECIAL 0x10 DVD-BOX3 Challenge - TwinBee

    • December 22, 2006
    • Fuji TV

  • S06E05 Mighty Bomb Jack (Live Show Recap)

    • January 10, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    In front of a live audience, Arino tries to complete the game that he came close to clearing Mighty Bomb Jack. The immense pressure from hundreds of eyes watching his every move makes Arino and the staff much more susceptible to mistakes. Can Arino clear his first live challenge?

  • S06E06 Hatena no Daibouken (Adventure Quiz: Hatena's Quest)

    • January 24, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    The best that Game Center CX has to offer must once again join forces to topple the Capcom character heavy quiz game, Adventure Quiz: Hatena's Quest. In order to best this mix of adventure and quiz game the staff will rely on a certain method that has proven to be successful in the past. For a change of pace this week's TamaGe features not one but two excursions. The first has Arino visiting a prize game heavy arcade where he tries out a unique method for winning and makes a pun of spurious quality. The next stop is Home Ground which doesn't fit any typical designation. It's best described as a themed restaurant that tries to replicate the experience of playing games at home including draws full of games and some oddly personal items.

  • S06E07 Septentrion (SOS)

    • February 7, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    The game this time is Septentrion (Vic Tokai’s "SOS" in America), a Super Famicom action-adventure taking place on a sinking cruise liner, the Lady Crithania. Arino's visiting a toy store turned arcade called Sugimoto in the latest TamaGe. Once he arrives, Arino fancies his chances against a sun faded roulette game, a robot with a loose grip and a game that brings back painful memories from TamaGe past.

  • S06E08 Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa

    • February 21, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    A game that was commonly bootlegged as Baby Mario is in fact the Konami disk system game, Bio Miracle. The infant hero Upa has for some reason been tasked with ridding the world of the evil Zai in this precarious platformer. With the season record sitting evenly at 3-3 Arino will try and end things on a high by guiding Baby Upa to the ending through 7 colorful worlds.

Season 7

  • S07E01 Ultraseven

    • May 2, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    Ultra Seven is the sequel to Ultraman, the game that opened season 4! And from the look of the game, it seems Arino’s in for yet another kaiju-driven hellride. Will he prevail, or will this second Ultraman game begin another spiral of failure as it did before?

  • S07E02 Rockman (Mega Man)

    • May 16, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    It's time for Arino to step into the boots of the Blue Bomber once again as he challenges Mega Man. Being the first entry in the venerated series, Arino will have to contest with some of its less refined aspects and what some fans call the highest difficulty level to be found in the original 6 games. In the second instalment of Project: Game Version Arino visits the developer of the game, indieszero. Once there, Arino grills company head Masanobu Suzui about his mouse and the history of the company. The Game & Watches that can't be left alone this week belong to the Silver Series of games.

  • S07E03 Wagyan Land (Wagan Land)

    • May 30, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    A cute but difficult platformer which is perhaps best remembered for its unique boss battles, Wagyan Land is today's challenge. While the boss battles may the game's most unique aspect it is a piece of abstract art which will cement this episode in history. A special game starring a couple of familiar faces is spotted during this week's TamaGe as Arino visits the combination arcade and game store, Takasagoya. In fact the store is nothing but familiar sightings, from previously challenged games to the TamaGe mainstay, Metal Slug. In this instalment of Project: Game Version, Game Center CX staff members discuss various game ideas with the team at indieszero with Abe especially impressing with his character designs. Last but not least, the Widescreen Series is showcased in Game & Watch: I Can't Leave You Alone.

  • S07E04 Outer World (Another World)

    • June 13, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    The rotoscoped masterpiece, Out Of This World is the focus of today's challenge. Developed by Frenchman Eric Chahi, how will Arino handle this strange western game? Luckily for Arino this week's TamaGe isn't too far from Fuji TV and luckier still it features a shooting range for him to show off his special technique. The operator of said shooting range may not be feeling so lucky though as Arino takes aim in his direction. In Project: Game Version Arino discusses more ideas with the team, some of which are inspired by games he has challenged in the past. The precursor to the DS, the Multi-Screen Series is highlighted in Game & Watch: I Can't Leave You Alone.

  • S07E05 Ganbare Goemon: Yukihime Kyūshutsu Emaki (Legend of the Mystical Ninja)

    • June 27, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    The Legend Of The Mystical Ninja, the much beloved SNES entry in the long running Mr. Goemon series, is Arino's challenge this time round. See if Arino, together with his usual partner in crime, can save Princess Yuki before they throw each other in the drink. Project: Game Version is a casual affair this time as the show's staff and indieszero get together for some dinner and we get an artwork presentation from AD Takahashi as well as the official logo reveal.

  • S07E06 Trip to Korea by Economy Class

    • July 11, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    It's the 50th episode extravaganza! Game Center CX is finally hitting the big times and going abroad to South Korea for their first ever international trip for a TamaGe In South Korea! Watch as Arino and staff visit the best of Korean arcades and stores including a stall jam packed with games of a questionable and mysterious origin. Arino even gets the chance to interview a professional StarCraft team when he isn't buying odd souvenirs at the many local vendors lining the streets. But that's not all as in the finale Arino risks the show's budget on a single round of roulette! It's an ending that can't be missed.

  • S07E07 Musashi no Ken: Tadaima Shugyou Chu (Sword Of Musashi)

    • July 25, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    Back down to earth after the highs of the previous episode in South Korea, Arino is presented with a difficult choice. He must choose between three licensed NES games for today's challenge and after sampling each he settles on the period action game, Sword Of Musashi. This week's TamaGe was actually shot while the staff were still in Korea and features a gaggle of kids and a dodgy crane game. Deciding that maybe the odds of this particular prize game aren't in his favor, Arino just buys some snacks instead. That's not the only Korean follow up as Arino and Kibe examine some of the more mysterious games that they purchased while abroad. Some questions are answered while new ones are raised in this puzzling segment. The Project: Game Version segment for this episode shows Arino getting some hands on time with the game and also recording some sound bites for the in game characters. The Game & Watch segment this week features the biggest of all the series, the Tabletops.

  • S07E08 Cho Makai Mura (Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts)

    • August 22, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    With his series record sitting at one loss and one win this battle will determine his fate as Arino takes on the hellish Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts! It's a game filled with a myriad of hell beasts including the much reviled Red Arremer. A one off report covers the happenings at a recent Fuji TV public event where Arino shows off Retro Game Challenge and challenges members of the public to a game of Street Fighter 2. In Project: Game Version Arino and Kibe sift through fan submitted names for the princess in Haggleman as well as some fan art before we're treated to some new footage. The follow-up to the Tabletop Series is the Panorama Game & Watch Series which used a unique screen setup to grab attention in an increasingly crowded handheld market.

  • S07E09 Clock Tower

    • September 5, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    Arino's first horror game challenge. In Clock Tower, players must guide Jennifer through the Barrows manor... where horrors beyond measure await. TamaGe hits Chiba and an arcade by the name of Nakayama Game Corner. The first game that Arino tries is very reminiscent to one that he's challenged before but never been able to beat and this time might not end so well either. Arino has better luck on another prize game before putting pedal to the metal in Super Sprint. Project: Game Version primarily focuses on the RPG, Guadia Quest, but also shows off some tricks and how Arino will feature in the game. In Game & Watch: I Can't Leave You Alone it's the Micro VS. System Series of games that is getting the spotlight. Since this series focused on multiplayer Arino and Kibe decide to work out their issues with a round of boxing.

  • S07E10 Kai no Bouken (The Quest of Ki) (1)

    • September 19, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    The setting for today's challenge is Bandai Namco HQ where Arino is quickly whisked away to a conference room where he'll have to contend with a towering game that will go down in show history, The Quest Of Ki. The Namco theme continues by following the progress of the Namco published Retro Game Challenge in Project: Game Version. In the final instalment of this segment for the season Arino plays a couple of games within the game some of which are still being kept under wraps. For the final Game & Watch: I Can't Leave You Alone Arino is presented with the extremely expensive but super cool Super Color and Crystal Series. But wait, there's more! Arino also checks out the Super Mario Bros. Game & Watch which was only available as a contest prize and as you can probably guess, it has a price to match its rarity. The last TamaGe for the season also takes place in Bandai Namco headquarters and follows Arino as he peruses their archive of classic arcade games. Arino starts with the first Namco game ever, Gee Bee before having the privilege of playing a Gator Panic machine that still has mallets in good condition.

Season 8

  • S08E01 Kai no Bouken (The Quest of Ki) (2)

    • October 24, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    Will Arino finally be able to ascend to the top of this accursed tower and escape once and for all? Arino and the ADs will need to pull out all the stops as they slowly claw their way up, floor by floor, in the second part of this riveting challenge of The Quest Of Ki. In a special report, Arino makes his triumphant return to the Tokyo Game Show where he was part of a presentation that gave awards to some classic game creators such as Hideo Kojima. He was then escorted by his bodyguard Tojima to the Game Center CX merchandise booth as well as the Namco Bandai booth to check out Retro Game Challenge. Project: Game Version is getting down to the wire as indieszero focus on the arduous task of bug testing.

  • S08E02 Flashback

    • November 7, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    It was only last season that Arino challenged the strange western game, Out Of This World, and now it's time for its spiritual successor, Flashback. Compared to Out Of This World, Flashback features more puzzles, a larger world to explore and unfortunately for Arino's challenge prospects, an increased emphasis on combat. This week's TamaGe takes place in Taitou-ku where Arino visits a café based on a tip from a magazine. After finally locating the entrance he sits down with a Namco cocktail cabinet and enjoys some of the specials they have on offer. Just when the wounds had begun to heal, Ring Ring Tactics returns in full force with a new game in tow. That game being the expert puzzler Championship Lode Runner which Arino will attempt to clear with assistance from the audience. This season will also feature a very short segment known as The Xevious Observation Diary which will study the effects of leaving a copy of Xevious running forever with invincibility on.

  • S08E03 Bikkuriman World

    • November 21, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    A game with a very complicated history but straight forward gameplay is the challenge for this episode. It's Sega's Bikkuriman World! or Wonder Boy In Monster Land! depending on who you ask. It's a leisure center visit for this episode's TamaGe and what a leisure center it is. It has arcade games that require some active participation of the player as well as indoor fishing, pool and something called auto tennis. The second instalment of Ring Ring Tactics picks up with Arino struggling with stage two but luckily there's someone who claims they can help him out with a technique straight out of the pied piper's hand book. 2 days and 18 hours after starting, the Xevious Observation Diary experiences its first score rollover.

  • S08E04 Kamen no Ninja Hanamaru (Masked Ninja Hanamura)

    • December 5, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    Another week and another game with an odd backstory. It's the game that was later turned into a mascot platformer for a pizza chain, Masked Ninja Hanamura! Don't fret though, the original had skateboarding too. This episode also brings us a mini-documentary of sorts that follows Arino over a single day as he must attend three promotional events in three separate cities to promote Retro Game Challenge. What sounds like three simple fan events crammed into a single day is turned on its head when Arino makes a disastrous mistake on his way to the second event. The test pilot gets some words of encouragement in the Xevious Observation Diary.

  • S08E05 Super Fantasy Zone

    • December 19, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    Despite his lack of skills with shooters, Arino must face the challenge of Super Fantasy Zone, SEGA's smash hit shooter series. ormer AD Sasano informs Arino of a great arcade that features over 200 classic arcade games in this university town set TamaGe. Though he's spoilt for choice, Arino tries hitting a home run before taking on Tanii in an unfair game of Space Wars. Arino tries to beat the ladder filled stage 3 of Championship Lode Runner in Ring Ring Tactics. Unable to do it himself he turns to a viewer who suggests using a fake-out technique to get the better of the robots. In a one off segment Abe, Arino, Kibe and director Fujimoto discuss what game should be challenged during the upcoming Christmas live challenge. Will it be Quest Of Ki? Another Mario game perhaps? Most importantly of all, will Abe cook anything?

  • SPECIAL 0x11 DVD-BOX4 Challenge - Bomberman

    • December 21, 2007
    • Fuji TV

    In this exclusive challenge from the fourth DVD box set, Arino will attempt to finish all 50 stages of the seminal Bomberman. At least that was the original intent of the staff but when Arino is cruising they decide to spice things up. To get his own back Arino grills them about their personal lives but they needn't worry as no one will ever see this challenge, right?

  • SPECIAL 0x12 The Quest of Ki LIVE

    • December 24, 2007
    • Fuji TV
  • S08E06 Bonk’s Adventure

    • January 16, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    Hudson's famous mascot finally makes an appearance when Arino challenges Bonk's Adventure. It's another in a long line of cute platformers which take a quick turn into masochistic territory and will put Arino's reflexes to the test. This episode also features a documentary which covers the Christmas Live Challenge which featured Arino trying to finally complete Quest Of Ki and the increasing levels of drama which occurred as the deadline drew closer and closer.

  • S08E07 Toukaidou Gojuusan-tsugi (53 Stations Of The Tokaido)

    • January 30, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    The goal of The Toukaidou Gojuusan-tsugi is to guide the fireworks maker, Kantaro through 21 extremely difficult stages. The games difficulty may prove to much for Arino to handle, and in an effort to help Arino AD Tsuroka ends up showing the staff his "singing" skills. At the amusement center, Arino soon spots Namco's awesome Lucky & Wild but it's not really his speed so he persuades Kibe to play him in Puyo Puyo. The trip ends with Arino, Kibe and Tojima trying not to embarrass themselves when they challenge each other to some bowling. There's also the latest instalment of Ring Ring Tactics in which Arino finally receives correspondence from a high school girl. The Xevious Observation Diary hits the 10 day mark and a surprising new character appears in the score.

  • S08E08 Akumajou Special: Boku Dracula-kun (Kid Dracula)

    • February 13, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    Having had a horrifying experience with the third instalment of the Castlevania series perhaps Arino will have better luck with a spin-off of the series when he challenges Kid Dracula. He better beware though as this platformer is scarily difficult in its own right. Ring Ring Tactics reaches its hardest challenge yet in stage five which will require the use of a special bridge technique to beat. The score grows increasingly bizarre in the Xevious Observation diary.

  • S08E09 Quinty (Mendel Palace)

    • March 5, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    The last challenge of season 8 has a subtle connection to the last episode of the first season. It was then that Arino met Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of the Pokémon series who also created the quirky puzzle game featured in today's challenge, Mendal Palace. It wouldn't be a season finale without a TamaGe and so Arino obliges by paying a visit to Fukushima Toys. Arino checks out a couple of sun faded arcade machines before perusing the shelves of forgotten pop culture items in store. In the epic conclusion to the Ring Ring Tactics saga Arino must finish the sixth stage of Championship Lode Runner with the help of a kid named Tatsuya. After the release of Retro Game Challenge Arino decides it's time he checks up on the progress each of the staff members has made in the game. The most accomplished person may surprise you (but probably won't). The Xevious Observation Diary is about to have its plug pulled until AD Tsuruoka steps in to save it, allowing the segment to live long enough to see another season.

Season 9

  • S09E01 Sonic the Hedgehog

    • June 25, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    The time has finally come for Arino to challenge Sega's blue blur when he takes on the first entry in the classic series, Sonic The Hedgehog. Unfortunately for him, Sonic won't have his buddy Tails until the sequel so he'll be flying solo on this one. This episode also brings us a special report from a Game Center CX museum exhibit which featured playable games, merchandise and memorabilia from the show. There were even a few stages acts including gaming themed comedy and a screening of a TamaGe starring Tojima. There's also a quick segment showing the Yamanote train line emblazoned with advertising for the new DVD box set.

  • S09E02 The Kacho Goes to the Cannes Film Festival

    • July 2, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    First there was South Korea, now the Chief is hitting the red carpet at the Cannes film festival to sell the show at the international film and TV market. It's not all business however as Arino visits a number of local stores and arcades. At one particular store Arino looks at their selection of Japanese games before blowing the mind of the owner with a little surprise. When they hit a local arcade, Arino and Tojima get the thrill of their lives in a full body roller coaster experience. Even with all of this we're introduced to a new segment for season 9, the Famicom Mange Café, which will focus on comic series devoted to video games. This first segment shines a light on one of the better known series of this type, Famicom Rocky.

  • S09E03 The Kacho Returns (Super Mario Bros. & Dr. Mario)

    • July 16, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    The date is July 7th and Arino is returning to work at Game Center CX for the first time in a month. He's been out of commission due to an issue with his lungs and since he is still recovering the staff have decided to take it easy on him. This episode will feature two smaller challenges against Super Mario Bros. as well as Dr. Mario and also feature some show highlights from recent memory. Don't fret though as we've also got a new Famicom Mange Café where Arino reads Famicom Soldier Of Fortune, a series about a boy who dreams of becoming a game programmer. We also have a TamaGe where Arino visits a very quaint neighborhood store with a classic mechanical game outside and a variety of classic sweets inside. It's another TamaGe location clearly adored by the local kids who even get to enjoy a little gaming time with Arino afterwards.

  • S09E04 Abarenbou Tengu (Zombie Nation)

    • July 30, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    After a couple of out of the ordinary episodes Arino is back with a traditional challenge of an untraditional game. It's the shooter Zombie Nation, a game in which the player controls a disembodied head as it travels the United States and fights a number of icons from American culture. It's exactly as crazy as it sounds. Arino gets to enjoy the hospitality of a store owner who goes above and beyond when he visits their business in today's TamaGe. But when he's not being treated like a king he's playing games and attempting to win prizes of questionable quality. In the latest instalment of Famicom Mange Café Arino checks out Famicom Cap which focuses on our eponymous hero who partakes in high intensity video game battles.

  • S09E05 Madoola no Tsubasa (The Wing Of Madoola)

    • September 3, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    Not since Clock Tower has Arino played as a girl in a challenge game before, but this season we have The Madoola no Tsubasa, starring the female knight Lucia. Can Arino help her get through 16 stages and help recover the stolen Wing? Arino stops by the wordy Game Corner Station-Front Center to check out some of the many fighting and shmup games they have on offer. He's immediately drawn to the graphically impressive Tekken 6 but soon moves onto some Bomberman before trying to survive a bullet hell shooter. In the Famicom Mange Café Arino reads from the bizarrely named Cyberbrain Boy. It features a story we can all relate to, a boy who struggles with school work but is a savant when it comes to video games.

  • S09E06 Dragon Slayer IV (Legacy of the Wizard)

    • September 17, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    It's a family affair when Arino takes on Legacy Of The Wizard which was actually the fourth game in the Dragon Slayer series of games. This one features a family of adventurers with unique abilities that Arino will have to juggle if he wants to see the ending. Fuji TV recently had another outdoor event and as usual Game Center CX featured heavily. The highlight of the show was the reveal of a special Game Center CX themed version of Space Invaders. Sadly this episode will be the last visit to the Famicom Manga Café. Famicom Wolf is the featured series this time and follows a protagonist who was raised by Wolves and who can call on their spirit to assist him with his gaming. It was five months ago that the Xevious Observation Diary experiment was enclosed in a box and left to run unattended. AD Nakayama reveals the ultimate fate of the experiment.

Season 10

  • SPECIAL 0x13 Nintendo Channel 1 - Mega Man 9 (1)

    • September 24, 2008
    • Fuji TV
  • SPECIAL 0x14 Nintendo Channel 1 - Mega Man 9 (2)

    • October 1, 2008
    • Fuji TV

  • S10E01 Dragon Ball: Mystery of Shenlong (Dragon Power)

    • October 15, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    For the season 10 opener we have a game that was memorably mangled in its overseas release, it's Dragon Ball! As it turns out, Master Roshi doesn't like sandwiches as much as you might have originally thought. It's that time again as the Game Center CX crew pay a visit to the Tokyo Game Show and they brought the massive announcement of Retro Game Challenge 2 along with them. There was also some talk of the English release of Retro Game Challenge as well as Arino's usual visit to the Game Center CX merchandise booth. Sing Whatever The Hell You Want is the title for season 10's new segment and it gives you exactly what it says on the tin. In it Arino sings submitted lyrics to the tune of famous video game music or sound effects. This week's tune is the theme from world 1-2 in Super Mario Bros. To go along with the announcement of the game sequel a sequel to Project: Game Version has also been launched. Since the game is still in the very early stages this first report has Arino speaking to the producers about the vision for the game.

  • S10E02 Chelnov (Atomic Runner)

    • November 12, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    The original endless runner, Atomic Runner Chelnov, is the star of today's challenge. While Arino can stop the Runner when he desires the screen will always keep moving in this high tempo action game. For the second Singing Whatever The Hell You Want Arino belts out some lyrics over music from Super Mario Bros., Ninja Gaiden and Mega Man 2. Project: Game Version 2 is making steady progress as Arino and Abe both present some character ideas to the staff of indieszero. A few weeks later and it's indieszero's turn as they show off a big character poster for the adventure game that'll appear in Retro Game Challenge 2.

  • S10E03 Yuuyu's Quiz De Go! Go!

    • November 26, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    The quiz genre makes a triumphant return to the show with Yuuyu's Quiz De Go! Go! The eponymous Yuuyu was a popular teen idol during the 80s and 90s who also acts as the quiz master in the game. Will a group of adults be able to handle the precocious teenager or will Yuuyu leave them stumped? For this TamaGe the staff pay a visit to one of the most famous locations in all of Tokyo, the Tokyo Tower. It houses an arcade on the fourth floor where Arino and Abe enjoy a high octane bike race. We in Project: Game Version 2 that Retro Game Challenge 2 is making swift progress as Arino presents some game ideas and we get to see some footage from the upcoming game. Finally, Arino decides to Sing Whatever The Hell You Want to the tunes of Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy and Gradius.

  • S10E04 Lemmings

    • December 10, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    Lemmings, a puzzle game inspired by a long held misconception of the small rodent, is Arino's challenge for the day. Like that misconception, the creatures in Lemmings have no regard for their own well being and it will be up to Arino to steer them safely through 30 trap filled stages. We join Arino in the offices of indieszero as he checks out a near complete version of Retro Game Challenge 2's adventure game in Project: Game Version 2. We're also given an overview of the game shop which contains some special versions of games found in the first Retro Game Challenge. No one can stop Arino from Singing Whatever You Want over tunes from Dragon Quest 3, Super Mario World, Twinbee and Spelunker.

  • SPECIAL 0x15 2008 Holiday Special with Southernmost Game Travelogue

    • December 15, 2008
    • Fuji TV

    Arino and company search for the game center that's the farthest south possible in Japan.It was in 2006 that Arino ventured to the far north of Hokkaido to find the northernmost game in Japan, and in 2008 he'll do the exact opposite. Finding the southermost game is a great excuse for a trip to Okinawa to enjoy the food, the sun and maybe play a couple of games. After checking out a mechanical prize game on the side of the road, the crew fill up on tempura in Okinawa City. Then it's on to a candy shop with a few arcade games including the perennial mainstay, Metal Slug. To the southwest is Senaga Island and their next destination, Senaga Island Sports Park. The sports park packs quite a few arcade games including, to the glee of Arino, a game with a love test mode for him to try out with Kibe. Day 2 now and the weather has started to turn. After hitting another arcade the crew receive a tip that there might be arcade machines at a local meeting hall. Will this lead them to the southermost arcade game or will it just leave them chasing their tails?

  • SPECIAL 0x16 DVD-BOX5 Challenge - Tower of Druaga

    • December 21, 2008
    • Fuji TV

  • S10E05 First Samurai

    • January 14, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    For today's challenge Arino will take on the bizarre European made (though you wouldn't know by looking at it) First Samurai. It's a difficult game but it's most challenging aspect may be deciphering it's voice samples. We also get a report from a recent launch event for the fifth DVD box set which included a stamp rally and the usual meet and greet. Arino attempts to sort the wheat from the chaff as he reads entries for a Retro Game Challenge 2 competition in the latest Project: Game Version 2 segment. But that's not all as there's also new footage of two sequels to games that appeared in the first Retro Game Challenge. In what will be the final time Arino gets to Sing Whatever The Hell You Want he's backed by tunes from Ghosts 'N Goblins, Final Fantasy and Mega Man.

  • S10E06 Super Donkey Kong (Donkey Kong Country) (1)

    • January 21, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    It's been a while since the show has featured a bona fide classic but that's about to change when Arino takes on Donkey Kong Country. This being a Rare developed game Arino can expect great graphics and deceptively difficult gameplay. Arino travels to a restaurant with a gaming themed dish in the latest TamaGe, and while he's waiting for his meal he partakes in some retro games of chance. Project: Game Version 2 picks up steam as we step into the recording booth with Arino. We also get a sneak peek at a few staff cameos in the game.

  • S10E07 Super Donkey Kong (Donkey Kong Country) (2)

    • February 4, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Given the game length and pedigree of the developer it's no big shock that the Donkey Kong Country challenge has been extended to part 2. There will however be no more extensions as Arino tries to topple the evil King K. Rool. In the latest Project: Game Version 2 update we get to see a new feature inspired by Arino's behaviour on the show. Plus the last game of the collection is revealed to be 16-bit inspired.

  • S10E08 Garou Densetsu Special (Fatal Fury Special)

    • February 18, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    It's time for the console that towers above all the rest when AD Nakayama presents Arino with a Neo Geo and a copy of Fatal Fury Special for today's challenge. Arino has had a poor history with the fighting genre before but maybe a change a system is all that he really needed. Warehouse Kawasaki is the venue for this episode's TamaGe and it may be the strangest of them all, on the outside at least. Encased inside a rusted windowless tower that looks like something from a horror game Arino finds plenty of arcade games, both old and new. With Retro Game Challenge 2 complete at last, Arino can sit down to enjoy the finished product in this final instalment of Project: Game Version 2.

Season 11

  • SPECIAL 0x17 DVD Special Challenge - Game Center CX: Arino no Chōsenjō

    • February 26, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Special episode released as a bonus DVD with the release of Game Center CX: Arino no Chosenjou 2. For the first time in show history Arino will not only have to contend with a series of challenges issued by the staff but his evil alter ego in this very special challenge of Retro Game Challenge. Like a snake eating its own tail, Arino faces down King Arrino as he attempts to prove that he's the real deal.

  • SPECIAL 0x18 Nintendo Channel 2 - Virtual Console Demonstration

    • April 5, 2009
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x19 Nintendo Channel 3 - Star Force

    • April 8, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    After sampling the best of what the Wii's Virtual Console has to offer, Arino will be challenging the arcade version of Star Force. But before he sits down with the Virtual Console version an actual arcade machine is wheeled in for him to warm up on. What challenge is he warming up for exactly? A challenge he succeeded in all the way back in season 1, defeat Larios and be awarded 50,000 points.

  • SPECIAL 0x21 Takeshi no Chousenjou LIVE

    • April 12, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    After a botched introduction Arino begins the first live challenge in 2 years when he once again tackles Takeshi no Chousenjou. When Arino originally completed the game it took him 5 hours but with years more experience it's hope he'll be able to finish it in just 2 hours. A stiff challenge to be sure but if there's anyone who can do it's the Chief. So join Arino as he dares to do battle with a plate of sushi the size of your head, bad karaoke, worse impersonations and a man that Taito should have just said no to.

  • S11E01 Fukuoka Trip

    • April 15, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    In a special episode of Game Center CX Arino goes on the last leg of a promotional tour of Retro Game Challenge 2 to the home prefecture of a number of staff members, Fukuoka. Things start off with a stroll through a market on the way to Dazaifu Amusement Park which is home to a number of rides that Arino tries out with Watanabe. Then it's Abe's turn to team up with Arino when they try to take down an Ogre at a shooting range. Next stop is a bowling alley where Abe and Arino go head to head in a motorcycle race. The staff then have a little bowling tournament before ending the night with a nice meal. For the game tour itself it's a race against time as Arino and the staff attend fan events in Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo in the space of a single day. To prevent himself from getting carpel tunnel Arino doesn't give out the typical autographs and instead slaps down a hand print instead, much to the surprise of the many hardcore fans. There's also a follow up of sorts to the Cannes Special with the show now being sold at the Dubai Character Expo.

  • S11E02 Layla

    • April 29, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Layla, an obscure game with misleading box art, is the subject of today's challenge. With only eight stages perhaps Arino will be able to see it through but he's had trouble with less in the past. Today's TamaGe takes to the air when Arino takes a cable car to the top of Mount Nokogiri to visit the arcade at the summit. When he arrives he partakes in a bit of mole whacking and shares a meal with Watanabe. In a new segment for season 11, four members of the show's staff are given a life lesson by a priest based on the hidden teachings found in strategy guides. This convoluted setup has an equally impressive title, Everything Important In Life, I Learned From Video Game Guides, and the strategy guide for this episode belongs to Mother.

  • S11E03 Hoshi no Kirby: Yume no Izumi no Monogatari (Kirby’s Adventure)

    • May 13, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Kirby's Adventure, the NES sequel to the Game Boy exclusive Kirby's Dream Land, is Arino's latest challenge. The sequel truly defined what a Kirby game was when it introduced the ability to take on enemy abilities and Arino will have to make full use of this power if he hopes to prevent Dream Land from slipping into a nightmare. The latest TamaGe tip-off sets Arino's sights on Okawa Store, a candy store adored by children for more than 50 years. While the store has a couple of very cheap arcade machines outside the goods inside are the main attraction. When Arino is done flicking through some nostalgic sticker cards he sits down to indulge in some monjayaki with Nakayama. The strategy guide for Solomon's Key gives guidance on keeping ones hopes and dreams alive in Everything Important In Life, I Learned From Video Game Guides.

  • SPECIAL 0x20 Nintendo Channel 4 - Downtown Special: Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki da yo Zenin Shugou!

    • May 14, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    The unbelievably wordy Downtown Special: It's Kunio's Samurai Drama! Gather 'Round Everybody! is the subject of today's challenge. This instalment in the long running Kunio series of game is set in the Edo period and Arino has been tasked with beating this period piece in only 5 hours. Downtown Special features the same great cooperative gameplay that made another Kunio game, River City Ransom, such a big hit and Arino will have to make use of that feature if he has any hope of completing this time sensitive challenge.

  • S11E04 Battle Golfer Yui

    • May 27, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Battle Golfer Yui is probably one of the most unique games ever made. It's part RPG, part adventure, and part golf. In addition the new AD Emoto arrives to help Arino, and Arino ends up in a vs mode against the new AD, and the camera assistant Ban. For today's TamaGe we find ourselves in Itabashi and at a toy store favored by famed Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri. Once inside it's easy to see why with its large collection of mint in box retro games. 53 Stations Of The Tokaido actually contains an important life lesson in this instalment of Everything Important In Life, I Learned From Video Game Guides.

  • S11E05 Rockman 3: Dr. Wily no Saigo!? (Mega Man 3) (1)

    • June 10, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    It's the third entry of a series Arino has a mixed history with, Mega Man 3. While generally not thought of as being one of the most difficult in the series, it is one of the longest and will push Arino's endurance to the limit. Everything Important In Life, I Learned From A Dog Eared The Tower Of Druaga Strategy Guide.

  • SPECIAL 0x22 Nintendo Channel 5 - Splatterhouse

    • June 17, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    A bright conference room isn't the ideal environment for playing horror games but chills will soon crawl up Arino's spine when he challenges Splatterhouse. This gory arcade classic follows the possessed protagonist Rick as he tries to rescue his girlfriend Jennifer from the clutches of evil. Arino has 5 hours to clear this challenge and save Jennifer otherwise she'll be lost forever in the blood soaked halls of the West Mansion.

  • S11E06 Rockman 3: Dr. Wily no Saigo!? (Mega Man 3) (2)

    • June 24, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Arino was damned if he was going to let all of his hard work go to waste in making it to the final stages of Mega Man 3 and so the challenge enters part 2. It will be an uphill battle as Arino fights some of the hardest bosses in the series including version 2.0 of an old favorite, Just like last episode, today's TamaGe is in Itabashi, but this time the show is visiting the 10 yen game museum. As the name implies the museum is filled with mechanical and amusement machines that are only 10 per play. We learn that jumping in Adventure Island contains lessons applicable to us all in Everything Important In Life, I Learned From Video Game Guides.

  • SPECIAL 0x23 Nintendo Channel 6 - Volfied

    • July 1, 2009
    • Fuji TV

  • S11E07 Super Gussun Oyoyo

    • July 8, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    While puzzle games are traditionally Arino's strong suit, Super Gussun Oyoyo has a little twist. It's a block based puzzle game but you are using those blocks in order to guide an AI controlled Gussun to the exit of each stage. Arino will have to keep the little fella in one piece if he hopes to see the ending. Things get crazy at Miracle In, the location for today's TamaGe. But before things get too wacky, Arino partakes in a bit of magnetism and the thrill of reading technical manuals. Everything Important In Life, I Learned From Video Game Guides teaches us that Starship Hector contains an important message about overcoming our fears.

  • S11E08 Genpei Touma Den (Genji and the Heike Clans)

    • July 22, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Arino must traverse the Japanese underworld as he challenges The Genji And The Heike Clans. The settings is appropriate as this will ultimately prove to be one of the more difficult challenges in recent memory. In a short bit a Game Center CX news, we follow the themed Space Invaders machine as it travels Japan. The wisdom imparted from Everything Important In Life, I Learned From Video Game Guides comes from Bomberman this week.

  • SPECIAL 0x24 Nintendo Channel 7 - Super Mario Kart

    • July 22, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    For today's Nintendo Channel challenge Arino will take to the asphalt of Super Mario Kart's first track. Arino will attempt to beat Nintendo's goal time of 1 minute and 3.68 seconds to claim victory and stand atop the podium. It's not long before the challenge hits a road block though, as Arino can't even decide which racer to pick.

  • S11E09 Punch-Out!!

    • August 5, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    It's time for Arino to get his lights knocked out by Punch-Out!! The game was only released in Japan sans Mike Tyson and as a prize in a tournament so the challenged cartridge comes in fancy gold plating. Don't think Mr. Tyson's absence will make this challenge any easier as Arino tries to prove he's a true contender. The Tower Of Druaga proves to be an endless well of wisdom in Everything Important In Life, I Learned From Video Game Guides. This episode also features a discussion between Abe, Kibe, Arino and director Fujimoto on the subject of the upcoming 24 hour challenge.

  • S11E10 Golden Axe

    • August 26, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    For the first time since Final Fight, Arino is given another beat-em-up to play: Sega’s Golden Axe for the Mega Drive/Genesis. Taking control of either Gilius the dwarf, Tyris the amazon, or Ax Battler the barbarian, Arino must get through all eight stages and defeat Death Adder. Arino heads to a rooftop arcade in today's TamaGe that features both rides and games. The first game Arino plays is a Dragonball Z card battler before he gets cosy with Suda and Watanabe in a Sonic themed police car. It turns out that the Ninja Hattori strategy guide will provide you with everything you need to know in life.

  • SPECIAL 0x25 Lemmings 24-Hour LIVE

    • August 29, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    It is surely a moment Arino regrets, an offhand comment about a 24 hour challenge which would have been laughed off by the staff of any other show. But this is Game Center CX we're talking about, and so it actually came to be that Arino challenged Lemmings for a 24 hour live challenge. Game Center CX first 24 live show held in the Fuji TV Multi Theater on August 29th, 2009 in front of a live audience. Arino once again challenges Lemmings.

  • S11E11 Dig Dug II

    • September 9, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Air pump simulator, Dig Dug 2, is the subject of today's challenge. Being more of a puzzle game than straight arcade like its predecessor it's hoped that Arino will clear it, it does however contain a whopping 72 stages. Arino fills his stomach with a sesame seed ball before heading to a nearby toy store which is the location of today's TamaGe. While the store has a number of classic arcade game including Konami's The Simpsons the staff are quickly drawn to it's slot car circuit. Castlevania 3's strategy guide contains the only lesson you will ever need to learn.

  • S11E12 Lemmings (Live Show Recap)

    • September 21, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    All roads lead to this. It's the 24 Hour Lemmings Challenge Documentary Spectacular! This documentary special follows all aspects of the production on the day, starting from when Arino first arrived at Fuji TV HQ and leaving off shortly after the conclusion of the challenge. Not only do we get to see the behind the scenes stress of Kan, Kibe and the rest of the staff but a number of special interludes that were used to break up the monotony. These include some surprise guests, Abe's wonderful cooking and a tour of the hall of faxes. Then there was the challenge itself which turned out to be one of the closest in the history of the show and left everyone involved on the edge of their seats as it seemed that it could have easily gone either way.

Season 12

  • S12E01 Dragon Buster

    • October 14, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    The NES port of Namco's popular Dragon Buster is today's challenge. Arino must navigate twelve worlds filled with labyrinthine dungeons and dragons (obviously) in order to reach the ending. It's the segment that comes but once a year, a visit to the Tokyo Game Show . At this year's show Arino was the host of a talk with game creators and made his usual visit to the Game Center CX booth. Kibe comes bearing gifts in the new segment for season 12, A Waste Of Color. Each episode Kibe will share a few Game Boy games with Arino to try on the Super Game Boy. After playing each one Arino will choose which he thinks deserves a color remake and then draw what he imagines that would look like. First up is Super Mario Land, Bomber Boy and Heiankyo Alien.

  • S12E02 Kakefu Kun no Jump Tengoku: Speed Jigoku (Kid Kool)

    • October 28, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Another season and another game featuring an obscure Japanese child star. It's Kid Kool starring Kakefu-kun who, as we will come to learn, is no longer living a celebrity life of excess. For today's TamaGe, Arino heads to Nikoniko Shop where he immediately encounters a classic car themed coin flipper outside. He then heads inside to enjoy a bit of Metal Slug with Nakayama and a meal with Watanabe. Next up is another instalment of A Waste Of Color where Arino must declare what he'd like to see remade out of Gargoyle’s Quest, Burgertime Deluxe and ONI.

  • S12E03 Fushigi no Dungeon 2: Furai no Shiren (Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer) (1)

    • November 11, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Fushigi no Dungeon 2: Furai no Shiren (Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer) is a "roguelike" dungeon crawler, where death is swift and frequent. Can Arino even reach the double-digit floors before dusk falls? Arino heads to a bowling alley in Chiba to check out some games and maybe play a few frames in the newest TamaGe. Inside he tests his strength before spotting a familiar face decked out in a full set of bowling gear who takes him on. A Waste Of Color features For The Frog The Bell Tolls, Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge and the game that has been seen in color a million times in different forms including in the previous segment, Qix.

  • SPECIAL 0x26 Nintendo Channel 8 - Super Mario Bros. 3 (1)

    • November 11, 2009
    • Fuji TV

  • S12E04 Fushigi no Dungeon 2: Furai no Shiren (Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer) (2)

    • November 25, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Unsurprisingly, Fushigi no Dungeon 2 left Arino beaten and bruised beyond recognition last time. His attempt to get through all 30 "floors" of the game’s dungeons fell pretty short of that number. It was a learning process the entire way, as Arino’s mistakes had grave consequences — having to start all over with nothing. In A Waste Of Color, Arino tries out Mercenary Force, The Sword of Hope and Mole Mania which Kibe suggests may be good fodder for a challenge but Arino is having none of it. Then we have a special report on Game Center CX's recent SkyPerfect award win which was humbly accepted by Abe and AD Emoto.

  • SPECIAL 0x27 Nintendo Channel 8 - Super Mario Bros. 3 (2)

    • November 25, 2009
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x28 Nintendo Channel 8 - Super Mario Bros. 3 (3)

    • December 2, 2009
    • Fuji TV

  • S12E05 Densha de GO! (Go by Train!)

    • December 9, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Arino immediately knows today's challenge is a special one when he enters the conference room and he ain't wrong. In celebration of the Yamanote train line's 100th anniversary it's time to take on Taito's famous train simulator, Go By Train! If that's not exciting enough there's also a TamaGe to go along with it. Starlight Takayama is today's venue and it's an arcade that features a large variety of competitive games that Arino challenges the ADs on.

  • SPECIAL 0x29 DVD-BOX6 Challenge - Yie Ar Kung Fu

    • December 18, 2009
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x30 Revenge Challenge 1 - Legend of the Mystical Ninja

    • December 18, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    Two years is a long time to hold a grudge but that's exactly how long Arino has had to wait in order to re-challenge The Legend Of The Mystical Ninja and exact his revenge. First up he'll have to topple of precariously placed boss before he takes a stroll down memory lane in the game's final brutal stage. Will Arino come out on top or was this a challenge best left in the past?

  • SPECIAL 0x72 Lemmings Christmas Special (Last 1 Hour)

    • December 24, 2009
    • Fuji TV

    A recap broadcast of the Lemmings 24-Hour LIVE.

  • S12E06 2010 Street Fighter (Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight)

    • January 13, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    Known for being one of the most infamous examples of Capcom's exploitation of the Street Fighter franchise, today's challenge is Street Fighter 2010. Player's take on the role of everyone's favorite Street Fighter, Kevin, as he tries to rid the galaxy of evil parasites. Today's TamaGe takes place in the hybrid sports center and arcade, Ikebukuro Batting Center. After playing a few games and showing off his super human strength Arino decides he wants to hit a few home runs in the batting cages. A Waste Of Color starts to push standards and practises as three games that basically already exist in full color are presented to Arino for perusal.

  • S12E07 Ninja Ryukenden II: Ankoku no Jashinken (Ninja Gaiden II) (1)

    • January 27, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    Four years after tackling the original Ninja Ryukenden (Ninja Gaiden), our hero is forced to endure that game’s sequel: Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos. It’s definitely no softer than its predecessor, but will Arino get far without the help of three ADs at his side, like last time? On a chilly summer day an event was held in Akihabara to celebrate the release of the 6th DVD set. It proved to be yet another popular event with fans given the chance to win a new year's card from Arino and even a Game Center CX stock certificate if they collected enough stamps from the show's staff. When Arino goes in search of the latest hidden TamaGe gem he's soon distracted by premium food before being stumped by a sweets shop. After finally reaching the Space Invaders clone he was searching for, Arino's game time is interrupted by AD Watanabe and her healthy appetite. Arino will only be looking at three games in his A Waste Of Color class today. First is It's A Wooden Hammer! It's A Quiz! It's Hammerin' Harry!, a quiz spin-off of the Irem action game. Then Arino gets a double dose of sports from Tonkin House with Dodge Boy and Seaside Volleyball.

  • S12E08 Ninja Ryukenden II: Ankoku no Jashinken (Ninja Gaiden II) (2)

    • February 10, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    Part 2 of the Ninja Gaiden II challenge. Arino continues to fight his way through the brutal game. In order to help him, Tojima returns with multiple AD's from past and present at his side. It will take the all of their combined power to finally put an end to Jaquio. In January of 2010, Game Center CX held a company day trip which doubled as a fan appreciation event. 120 lucky people were taken by bus to the event where they were greeted by Arino before moving on to a bowling alley, a picnic and finally a wrestling match which would be considered bizarre even by Japanese standards. In A Waste Of Color the first game that Arino plucks from Kibe's supply is the unique card focused RPG, Monster Maker. He then selects the Ghosts 'N Goblins spin-off, Gargoyle's Quest, a game that eventually went on to spawn a console exclusive series. The last game he chooses is a personal favorite of Kibe, Space War Of Mu.

  • S12E09 Pilotwings

    • February 24, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    After the brutality that was Ninja Gaiden 2, Arino escapes to the air with his challenge of Pilotwings. Or at least he would like to but Pilotwings' difficulty curve and strict instructors have different ideas. In a very special report we are presented with footage from Tojima's recent wedding which also featured a brief recorded message from Arino who wasn't able to be there. In the final instalment Kibe is literally scrapping the bottom of the bag as he presents Arino with Prince Of Persia and Street Fighter 2.

  • S12E10 Rainbow Islands

    • March 17, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    It's time for another deceptively difficult game with a cute aesthetic when Arino challenges Rainbow Islands. This Bubble Bobble sequel seems like a pretty straight forward arcade action game but it has a unique win condition which makes it truly special. Arino is going for a bit of fishing in this TamaGe segment and the spot he chooses is Super Fishing Adachi. Don't let the name fool you though, this fishing center also features a decent selection of arcade games to choose from. Arino knows the show has truly made it when he and Nakayama visit a karaoke parlor to sing a recent addition to the set list.

  • S12E11 Wrecking Crew

    • March 31, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    The last episode of season 12 is also a milestone in the show's history. It's the 100th episode and to commemorate the special occasion Arino will challenge one of Ninendo's lesser known games, Wrecking Crew. Let's hope that Arino can end the season and celebrate this momentous occasion with a win. The only other segment is a small interlude where Arino finds Nakayama messing about with a noise making, controller shaped toy. It turns out that Bandai has made 100 Game Center CX themed ones that will be given away to lucky viewers.

Season 13

  • SPECIAL 0x31 Nintendo Channel 9 - Super Metroid (1)

    • May 1, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    With the goal of getting Samus down to a bikini, Arino takes on Super Metroid!

  • SPECIAL 0x32 Nintendo Channel 9 - Super Metroid (2)

    • May 6, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    The second part of the three-parter Super Metroid Game Center CX episode!

  • SPECIAL 0x33 Nintendo Channel 9 - Super Metroid (3)

    • May 12, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    The finale of the three-part Super Metroid episode!

  • SPECIAL 0x34 Nintendo Channel 10 - Fire Emblem: Monshou no Nazo

    • July 7, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    This challenge is another first for Arino: a strategy RPG! And it’s Fire Emblem: Monshou no Nazo ("Mystery of the Emblem"), the first in the series for the Super Famicom, and later remade for the Nintendo DS. It’s a straightforward game, but FE is known for its harsh nature (dead characters stay dead), and Arino never played one before.

  • S13E01 Golgo 13: Kamigami no Tasogare (Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode)

    • July 29, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    Arino's challenge, should he choose to accept it, is to take down a global conspiracy in Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode. The star of Top Secret Episode is Duke Togo, codename: Golgo 13, a professional assassin who finds himself entwined in a dastardly plot which threatens the entire planet. With the clock ticking Arino will only have one shot to foil the plan and save the world. JJ Club One Zero Zero (or is it 100?) has been selected as the TamaGe for the 100th broadcast of the show. The number 100 is actually a misnomer as the mammoth amusement center has 125 arcade machines and 20 different activities to enjoy. Spoilt for choice, Arino settles for playing some Irritating Stick and having a Virtual On battle against a little boy. Arino is lured into Inoko MAX's tiny apartment where the AD explains the premise of this season's new segment. Shocking Videos: MAX, as he's called it, will feature the most shocking footage from the world of videos games which Arino will be forced to endure. First up are 4 shocking scenes from 3 games, Excitebike, Balloon Fight and Elevator Action.

  • S13E02 Super Puyo Puyo (Kirby's Avalanche)

    • August 5, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    Arino has traditionally been very good when it comes to puzzle games but how will he fair when he challenges the competitive Super Puyo Puyo? He may have been feeling confident from the outset but that soon changes when he is informed that today's challenge will be against the hardest difficulty. Kids both young and old can enjoy the candy store featured in today's TamaGe. As soon as he arrives Arino is hounded by children as he tries to take in some Metal Slug before heading inside to spend his remaining money on yummy goodies. Things get extreme in Shocking Videos: MAX when Inoko MAX shows Arino footage from Ghosts 'N Goblins, Super Mario 64, Ice Climber and Mach Rider.

  • S13E03 Koshien Baseball

    • August 19, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    Koshien takes its name after Koshien Stadium, the regular home of Japan’s National High School Baseball Championship. All Arino has to do is complete the tournament in the game, a six-team gauntlet. For the occasion, AP Ishida will be keeping score, and AD Katayama follows by giving Arino a baseball cap.

  • S13E04 Gegege No Kitarou: Fukkatsu! Tenma Daiou (GeGeGe Kitaro: Great King Tenma Resurrected!)

    • September 9, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    A game that Arino is surprisingly unfamiliar with, GeGeGe Kitaro, will be his challenge for today. The first 16-bit instalment in what is a decades old media franchise follows the hero Kitaro as he tackles a variety of creatures from Japanese folklore. Arino will be hoping that its horrifying aesthetic doesn't reflect its difficulty as he attempts to traverse the game's 19 stages to reach the ending. The Shinjuku based Game Center Mikado is where Arino is headed for his latest arcade visit. The massive selection of games inside allows Arino to indulge in both retro and modern classics and he even has the chance to impress with his DJing skills. Arino is forced to avert his eyes from clips of Ninja Warriors, Mega Man, Section Z and Wizards & Warriors in the latest edition of Shocking Videos: MAX.

  • S13E05 Hokkaido Rensa Satsujin: Ohotsuku ni Kiyu (Hokkaido Serial Murders: Fade to Okhotsk)

    • September 23, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    As a hint of things to come, Arino challenges Yuji Horii's Hokkaido Serial Murders. Horii, who would go on to create the Dragon Quest series, imbued this adventure classic with a strong story and sense of atmosphere and it's up to Arino to crack the case. In the latest piece of Game Center CX news we get a report from another Fuji TV public event. The staff were all there to promote the new 24 Hour Challenge DVD and Arino even took on members of the public in Super Puyo Puyo. It's the segment everyone is talking about, Shocking Videos: MAX. This time Arino diverts his eyes from shocking moments in Super Arabian, Adventure Of Xandra, Faxanadu and City Connection.

  • S13E06 Special: Yuji Horii Interview

    • October 7, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    Horii’s game career began in 1983, but before that, he was kicking around as a freelance writer. But his love of games led him to enter an Enix game design contest in 1982, the same contest that Koichi Nakamura, another part of the Dragon Quest team, would enter. Horii’s entry was a game called Love Match Tennis. Both his and Nakamura’s games ended up published, and from there, Horii was in it to win it.

Season 14

  • S14E01 Paris-Dakar Rally Special

    • October 28, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    The first game to be challenged in season 14 is the bewildering Paris-Dakar Rally Special. While the title might suggest that this is a straight forward racing game it actually contains a series of strange stages that just happen to contain a car, and that's after the ordeal you have to go through to even get a vehicle. In a short piece of Game Center CX news we get the annual report from the Tokyo Game Show where Arino was a presenter at an awards ceremony and also made his regular appearance at the merchandise booth. To Catch A Catch Copy is the new segment for the season and this time it is a competition between Tojima, Nakayama and Arino. They have a pile of games in front of them and when read the game's tagline have to be the first to match it to the correct game. The first taglines speak of dreamy adventure, dramatic action and new fun.

  • S14E02 Jerry Boy (Smart Ball)

    • November 11, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    Another of Game Freak's lesser known games is the subject of today's challenge when Arino slowly rolls his way to victory in Smart Ball. Will Arino be able to clear 8 stages and rescue the princess or will the curse afflicted Jerry Boy be stuck as a slime ball forever? Jambo is an arcade situated near a railway station that's usually frequented by salary men but today Arino will be paying it a visit. Arino and Takahashi take their aggression out on the pitch in Pro Evolution Soccer before teaming up to shoot baddies in the latest Time Crisis release. There's some more mental gymnastics in To Catch A Catch Copy as the guys try to identify which games had taglines about growing stronger with Mario, a reluctant hero and a hard but fun game.

  • S14E03 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1)

    • November 25, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    It was 5 years ago that Arino first challenged a Nintendo 64 game when he took on Mario's jump to 3D and now it's Link's turn. Arino will finally be challenging Nintendo's masterpiece, The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. Will Arino be able to become the hero of time or will the world of Hyrule be thrown into eternal darkness? Ribbit! It's a frog filled TamaGe when Arino takes a night scroll to Honjo Kaeru Honpo. While they do have a couple of frog themed arcade games it's not long before Arino and Kibe are enjoying some monjayaki together instead. The subject of the taglines in To Catch A Catch Copy are described as a true mystery, a real fighter and an awakening.

  • S14E04 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (2)

    • December 9, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    As it was with Mario's leap to 3D so it is with Link's, it's part 2 of Arino's challenge of The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. In the second part of this epic challenge, Arino has two more medallions to collect before he must fight for the fate of Hyrule against the dark lord himself, Ganondorf. Tojima and Nakayama attempt to take an outright lead in the latest To Catch A Catch Copy by spotting a dangerously fun game, a Roman sequel and a game that thinks quite highly of itself.

  • SPECIAL 0x35 DVD-BOX7 Challenge - Binary Land

    • December 24, 2010
    • Fuji TV

    For the exclusive challenge for the seventh DVD box set, Arino will do battle with another fondly remembered Hudson game, Binary Land. Being the Puzzle Chief the staff anticipate he won't have any issues with clearing its 99 stages and so they throw a spanner in the works. Being as the theme of the game is that of love between the two playable penguins the staff have declared that every 10 stages Arino must pick a random romantic question and answer it as honestly as he can. The Chief's heart is laid bare in this truly one of a kind challenge.

  • S14E05 Super Star Force: Jikureki no Himitsu

    • January 6, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Arino has a horrid record when it comes to traditional shmup games so it might be lucky that Super Star Force isn't strictly that. Unlike the original that Arino previously challenged, Super Star Force is a mix of shooting and adventure gameplay which will hopefully be better suited to his unique set of skills. Today's TamaGe jaunt will take place at the developer owned Plaza Capcom. As you'd expect the entrance is teeming with Street Fighter iconography and the arcade proper is filled with a number of their classic and latest games, including Super Street Fighter IV on which Arino battles Nakayama. Chess dreams, hungry wolves and sumo are the subjects of the taglines in To Catch A Catch Copy as Arino tries to close the gap.

  • S14E06 Saigo no Nindou (Ninja Spirit)

    • January 20, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    While Arino would probably fair poorly against Irem's shmups he might have a better shot at their action classic, Ninja Spirit. Similar to another ninja themed series of games, Ninja Spirit can be very difficult and the player has to contend with one of the hardest gauntlets in any TurboGrafx-16 game. Arino goes back to basics with a country excursion to Nagatoro where he takes in the scenery on an electric bicycle before heading to the local arcade, Game Cosmos. After working up a sweat Arino wins a prize of questionable origin that he can use to dab his face before moving on to games with more traditional prizes. To Catch A Catch Copy has games in all shapes in sizes that hopefully match taglines about excitement in the outfield, beating 100% and the gong show. Lastly there is a small bit of Game Center CX news from a recent Santa themed stamp rally to promote the latest DVD release.

  • S14E07 Kamaitachi no Yoru (Night Of The Sickle Weasel)

    • February 3, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Night Of The Sickle Weasel is more interactive story than it is a traditional video game but it is very interesting nonetheless. Arino will attempt to identity the killer in this classic story setup of a group of strangers trapped in a cabin during a fierce snow storm. To keep with the theme of the challenge, Arino will be paying a visit to a charming convenience during dusk. Arino tries his hand at a typical coin flipping game before he shares some games and conversation with a couple of local kids. Arino will try to make up his deficit in To Catch A Catch Copy by picking out a historic adventure, a puzzling fantasy game and a co-operative adventure.

  • S14E08 Rockman 4: Arata Naru Yabou!! (Mega Man 4) (1)

    • February 17, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    With the record for this series leaning slightly in his favor, Arino takes on its fourth instalment, Mega Man 4. While this entry is not known for introducing too many innovative features to the franchise it did make once major addition, the ability to charge up your mega buster shots, which Arino must make heavy use of if he wants to see the ending. On a cold and miserable day the best way to warm one's soul is with an arcade visit and so Arino will be visiting the Chiba North Skyland recreation center. The activities that are offered include a batting center, indoor fishing, mini-bikes and games which are all sure to keep Arino warm as he waits out the weather. Tojima and Arino will attempt to catch up in today's To Catch A Catch Copy by identifying an international game, a game that's sure to make you cry and a game that's suitable for everyone.

  • S14E09 Rockman 4: Arata Naru Yabou!! (Mega Man 4) (2)

    • March 3, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    As it was with the third game so it is with the fourth. Mega Man 4's challenge has entered its second day. After finally reaching the evil Doctor's castle last time out Arino has an uphill battle ahead of him as each stage is harder than the last until the final showdown with the Doctor himself. Once you get past the bizarre German theming and angel pig mascots, Tokyo German Village houses a traditional arcade inside its walls. Arino tries his hand at feeding some zoo animals before taking on some ADs at a game of soccer with a unique control mechanism. With the race relatively even one contestant will try to pull ahead in To Catch A Catch Copy by identifying a mysterious game, a game with strong enemies and a bird simulator.

  • S14E10 Tower of Babel

    • March 17, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Being the Puzzle Chief, Arino actually selected this game to be his last challenge of the fourteenth season during the new year's special. And so he will attempt to build a series of staircases to heaven in Namco's puzzle classic, Tower Of Babel. It is the final round of To Catch A Catch Copy and Arino and Nakayama are evenly poised to take the honors. One will attempt to pull ahead for good by matching games to taglines about the number one arcade port, a terrifying experience and a challenging game fit for a genius.

Season 15

  • S15E01 Gimmick! (Mr. Gimmick)

    • April 14, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Considered by many to be the swan song of the NES, Mr. Gimmick contains vivid graphics, a memorable soundtrack and wickedly difficult platforming. It is this last point that Arino will be most concerned with when he tries to beat Mr. Gimmicks 6 stages and start season 16 off with a win. Picking up right where the last TamaGe left off, Arino is enjoying the variety of amusements that Tokyo German Village has to offer. Those amusements include a bit of pitching practise, pigging out and weapons training.

  • S15E02 F-Zero (1)

    • April 28, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Arino takes to the hover track when he challenges Nintendo's futuristic racing classic, F-Zero. Arino claims he played the game exhaustively as an adult and so boldly sets the game to the highest difficulty. Will his confidence prove to be his downfall or is he really the fastest thing on no wheels? Today Arino will visit Miharashiya Candy Shop which is referred to as a children's store and it's easy to see why as the place is soon heaving with them. Arino tries to play some In The Hunt and Monster Land in the sea of children until he retreats into the store to buy some candy for himself. Arino and Ms. Nishiyama discover the true meaning of love when they read a key scene from Fire Emblem in Retro Read Aloud.

  • S15E03 F-Zero (2)

    • May 12, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Evidentially setting the difficulty to expert wasn't a great idea as Arino's standard challenge of F-Zero enters its second lap. Arino will hope he can keep a certain elderly driver at bay as he races towards the finish line. A stationary store loved by children and even immortalised in a song will be the venue for today's TamaGe. The store has a few games outside including not one but two Metal Slug games, one of which Arino and AD Katayama play together. Inside the store, AD Takahashi just can't walk away from the opportunity to win a poster of his favorite AKB48 member. Ms. Nishiyama is slightly confused by an infamous scene from Dragon Quest 3 during Retro Read Aloud, but luckily Arino is there to set her straight.

  • S15E04 Tant-R

    • May 26, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    All the way back in season 5 Arino challenged Bonanza Bros. and now the time has come to challenge its pseudo-sequel, Tant-R. While the previous game was quite hard to categorize Tant-R falls squarely into the category of mini-game collection. Arino will have to tackle 4 pun filled stages if he wants to come out on top. After some light snacking Arino makes it to his latest TamaGe destination, a small candy store in Akabane. After failing to resist the beckoning call of Metal Slug Arino ducks inside where he gives the owner the wrong impression, Arino and Ms. Nishiyama re-enact a heated exchange from the first Famicom Detective Club title. In order to support the Tohoku-Kanto region a fundraiser was held where each of the over 12,000 not only supported a great cause but received a number of gaming related goods.

  • SPECIAL 0x37 Nintendo Channel 11 - Excitebike 3D

    • June 7, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Some months after his last appearance, Arino returns to the Wii’s Nintendo Channel for a new set of featurettes. Actually, he’s also debuting on the 3DS eShop! That’s because he’ll be playing Nintendo’s new 3D Classics games, beginning with Excitebike. This video was also shot in 3D, so owners of a Japanese 3DS could partake in the fun.

  • S15E05 Bio-Senshi Dan: Increaser to no Tatakai (Bio-Warrior Dan)

    • June 9, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    It's time for Arino to challenge a game that was deemed too bad to be released in the United States, Bio-Warrior Dan. Arino will travel back to the distant past of 1999 and do battle across 5 alien worlds to try and prevent an evil alien, Increaser, from enslaving the future. Today's TamaGe isn't to an arcade but to Café Charade, a husband and wife run business with but a solitary slot game inside. After his luck turns Arino moves on from the game to an expensive capsule machine. Although Arino isn't too pleased with his prize an egg sandwich leaves him feeling much better. It's a classic scene from a classic game in Retro Read Aloud when Arino and Ms. Nishiyama read Frog's introductory scene from Chrono Trigger.

  • SPECIAL 0x38 Nintendo Channel 12 - Xevious

    • June 15, 2011
    • Fuji TV

  • S15E06 Comix Zone

    • June 23, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    It's another Genesis challenge, the king of 90s cool, Comix Zone! Pulled into a world of his own creation, Arino and his trusty pet rat will have to beat the villainous Mortus if they have any chance of busting out of this printed nightmare and returning home. After getting sidetracked by some aromatic food Arino arrives at the latest TamaGe location. This little store situated in Kita has a few fighting games which Arino thinks he can take Tanii in before he realises that might not have been a good idea. Another idea that may be less than good is the purchase he makes of a controller with a feature that sounds to good to be true. Ms. Nishiyama is a bit baffled when she gives a sad reading as Zero from Mega Man X in Retro Read Aloud.

  • SPECIAL 0x39 Nintendo Channel 13 - Star Fox 64

    • July 6, 2011
    • Fuji TV

  • S15E07 Kirby Bowl (Kirby's Dream Course)

    • July 7, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Arino takes to the putting green when he challenges the pseudo golf game, Kirby's Dream Course. Not strictly a golf game with its mix of golf and pool like gameplay, Arino will hope this Kirby game keeps with series tradition by staying on the easier side of things. There's a surprising and awkward cameo in Retro Read Aloud when a scene filled with hope from Mother is read.

  • S15E08 Juuryoku Soukou Metal Storm (Metal Storm)

    • July 21, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    The last time Arino dealt with an Irem action game he dispatched it in record time but Metal Storm will prove to be a different beast altogether. Arino will have to wrap his head around Metal Storm's most famous feature, the ability to flip gravity at will, if he has any hope of completing this action classic. While the location of today's TamaGe technically doesn't have any arcade machines it more than makes up for it. Iseki is part laundromat and part candy store but Arino and AD Takahashi are far more interested in the AKB48 keychain filled capsule machine out front. In Retro Read Aloud, Arino and Ms. Nishiyama recite a heartfelt scene from the third Detective Saburo Jinguji game, The Dangerous Pair.

  • S15E09 Kosodate Quiz My Angel (Child-Rearing Quiz: My Angel)

    • August 11, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Former producer Nagashima has an ulterior motive in mind when he presents Arino with Child-Rearing Quiz: My Angel for the day's challenge. You see, Nagashima is now the father of a baby girl so he'd like to watch the more experienced father, Arino, at work. Will Arino be able to raise a well adjusted girl or, heaven forbid, will she be just as geeky as her dad? A flirtatious scene that soon goes awry from Final Fantasy 2 is brought to life in Retro Read Aloud.

  • S15E10 Battle Formula (Super Spy Hunter)

    • September 8, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Super Spy Hunter is two things: rare and expensive (in Japan, anyway), and infamously difficult. Can Arino finish all six stages, or will he crash and burn? Also featured is a look at the latest GCCX stage show at the United States of Odaiba, where Arino continues to challenge F-Zero, and the next edition of Retro Read-Aloud, featuring Secret of Mana.

  • S15E11 Hello! Pac-Man (Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures)

    • September 22, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Arino will have to draw upon his greatest strength, his patience, when he tries to coerce Pac-Man to do his bidding in Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures. After producing one of the biggest arcade hits of all time Namco decided that the direct sequel should be a mix of god and adventure game styles and now Arino will have to pay for their mistake. Bowling is always a good way to relieve stress and so Arino pays a visit Fuji Bowl. As with most bowling alleys Fuji Bowl features a robust selection of arcade games, but more interesting than that is a familiar figure looking for revenge. In the final Retro Read Aloud, a quartet of readers read from one of the more obscure endings of the sound novel, Night Of The Sickle Weasel.

  • SPECIAL 0x40 Game Center CX in U.S.A. - Robocop

    • October 6, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Many dreamt. Few believed. But they delivered. It's time for Game Center CX In The USA! And since there's just about nothing more American than a road trip the staff of Game Center CX will hit the highway as they travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles where a legion of adoring fans await them... they hope. If all the excitement of a trip to the USA wasn't enough, there's still the matter of Arino's challenge. To keep with the theme Arino will be taking on the role of one of America's favorite pulp culture icons, Robocop. It's an American movie classic by way of a Japan in this blockbuster of a challenge. Arino's journey begins in San Francisco with a visit to Musée Mécanique, a unique location that's part museum and part arcade. While Arino has fun with the more traditional video games it's the variety of mechanical oddities, especially End Of The Trail, that really blow his socks off. After filling up with crab at the wharf the staff head into the city to check out South Town Arcade, a hot bed for competitive fighting game action. Spotting a local on Super Street Fighter IV Arino just has to know if his fabled Yoga Fire technique holds up as well in the west as it does back home. The next stop is at a game store in the suburbs where Arino finally gets his hands on this NES he's heard so much about. Once the staff is done blowing into cartridges they end their visit to San Francisco with a hearty steak dinner. Now on to the main course of the trip, the fan event in Los Angeles. Held at a shopping mall arcade, Arino has expectations of a modest 50 person attendance but the event would blow both the expectations of the show's staff and the show's fans, completely away.

  • S15E12 Strider Hiryu (Strider)

    • October 20, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Arino takes on a Mega Drive game, and it’s another well-regarded title: Strider, Sega’s port of the Capcom arcade game. It’s a relatively short game — just five stages — and not as brutal as, say, Ghouls ‘N’ Ghosts, but it still has its moments.

  • S15E13 Hiryuu no Ken: Ougi no Sho (Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll)

    • November 3, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Arino’s challenge this time is Hiryu no Ken for Famicom, a simple action game from the company that would become Culture Brain. You play as a young man named Ryuhi, martial arts master trying to recapture the secret scrolls of the Hiryu-no-Ken. The game alternates between platformer stages and one-on-one tournament battles, and Arino must finish the world tournament at the end of the game to win.

  • S15E14 Saint Seiya: Ougon Densetsu

    • November 17, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    It’s time to challenge Saint Seiya: Ougon Densetsu, the first Famicom game based on the popular manga/anime Saint Seiya. It’s a regular action game with some RPG elements and loosely follows some plot-lines from the manga.

  • S15E15 Tenka no Goikenban (Mito Koumon)

    • December 1, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    To bid farewell to the extremely long running historical TV drama of the same name, Arino will challenge Mito Koumon. Arino should be wary of this challenge however as the creators of Ikki and a licensed video game could make for a very dangerous combination. The suggestion for today's TamaGe comes directly from behind the camera as Abe suggests Arino visits Yamamoto Store. After being distracted by chopsticks and fine food along the way, Arino finally reaches his destination and plays some Metal Slug before playing dress up. Hori's series of commander video game controllers are the subjects of this week's Project CX. They all feature a standard turbo feature but each has their own pluses and minuses.

  • S15E16 Battletoads (1)

    • December 15, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    While relatively unknown amongst Japanese gamers, Battletoads is infamous with the rest of gaming world as being one of the single most challenging, yet rewarding games for the NES. And now the time has finally come for Arino to take it on. Arino will have to slip, slide, crash and bash through 12 stages of unrelenting platforming action if he is to rescue Princess Angelica and save the day! If one infamously difficult game isn't enough then the arcade that Arino visits packs another. As soon as Arino enters Game Fuji he spots Ghosts 'N Goblins and he has to know if his skills still hold up. He then spots different instalments in series he's challenged before, namely Gussun Oyoyo and Go By Train! 2. The first peripheral shown off in this week's Project CX is Hudson's Joy Stick which Arino puts through its paces with a mini challenge in Super Star Force. Next he looks at the Joyball trackball controller from Kirby maker HAL.

  • SPECIAL 0x41 DVD-BOX8 Challenge - City Connection

    • December 22, 2011
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x42 Revenge Challenge 2 - The Genji and Heike Clans

    • December 22, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    When Arino first challenged The Genji And The Heike Clans he found himself stuck in a literal platforming hell. Now, two years on, he wants his revenge and the only thing that stands between him and the ending are 4 more demanding stages. And some birds. A lot of birds.

  • SPECIAL 0x43 Dullest New Year's Special in History

    • December 31, 2011
    • Fuji TV

    Arino, Abe and director Fujimoto wave goodbye to 2011 in this special broadcast. With only 5 minutes until the clock strikes 12 the group look back on the year that was before Inoko MAX clumsily leads them into the new year and a discussion of upcoming events in 2012.

  • S15E17 Battletoads (2)

    • January 12, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    We all knew that a game with as many tricks as Battletoads couldn't be bested in a single episode and so the challenge speeds into part 2. When last we left Arino he was entangled with snakes but his troubles with them will seem like child's play compared to what awaits him. Will Arino beat this challenge by the skin of his teeth or will Battletoads chew him up and spit him out? If the challenge didn't contain enough frustration then Project CX certainly will when Nintendo's R.O.B. finally makes an appearance. This toy, that assisted you in playing one of two games by acting as a second player, was notoriously finicky and as Arino illustrates, perhaps not worth the effort. Plus, when Arino tries to catch an ice cream break Kan informs him that the show has a special birthday treat planned for him.

  • S15E18 Tantei Jinguuji Saburou: Shinjuku Chuuou Kouen Satsujin Jiken (Detective Saburou Jinguuji)

    • January 26, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Things need a chance to cool down after what as a red hot challenge last time out and there's nothing cooler than noir. Arino will take on the role of the chain smoking Detective Saburou Jinguuji as he tries to solve of a case of murder most foul in neon lit Shinjuku. When he's not walking the beat Arino takes a casual stroll to a recreation center called Chiba: Daikeien. Arino shoots some 3s, has yet another rematch with his arch nemesis and swings for the fences in this laid back TamaGe. In Project CX, the staff discuss one of the most interesting peripherals of its time, Hori's Game Repeater. While a device that records and plays back your gameplay seems incredibly useful it soon becomes clear that if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Another DVD release brings another Christmas themed stamp rally in the latest bit of Game Center CX news.

  • S15E19 Alex Kidd in Miracle World

    • February 9, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Arino takes on SEGA's original mascot game, Alex Kidd in Miracle World on the SEGA Master System.

  • SPECIAL 0x44 Nintendo Channel 14 - Donkey Kong

    • February 22, 2012
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x45 Pilotwings LIVE: Arino's Final Live Challenge of His 30s (40th Birthday Challenge)

    • February 24, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    A live challenge was the only way that seemed fitting to celebrate Arino's 40th birthday and so it was. The last challenge of his 30s and first of his 40s was against Pilotwings but this compilation is less concerned with that and more with the pile of gifts that Arino received. Arino was able to select from a pile of 40 gifts throughout the show that were given by everyone from revered game creators to people who made one time cameos. This video highlights each of the gifts he was able to open as well as the moment he turned 40. Plus, if you keep your eyes peeled you may see your message of support adorning the walls as Kibe shows off all the faxes the show received from overseas viewers.

  • S15E20 Gradius

    • March 8, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    As has been typical, Arino and shoot-em-ups don’t exactly mix, so they haven’t been featured on the show often. But when it comes to truly classic shooters, there’s no ignoring Gradius, which Konami made into a bigger hit thanks to the Famicom version. And that’s just what Arino is playing today.

Season 16

  • S16E01 Super Chinese (Kung Fu Heroes)

    • April 12, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Arino goes HIYA! in the first installment of the Super Chinese series on the Famicom.

  • S16E02 Dynamite Headdy (1)

    • April 26, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Dynamite Heady is the strange hero of one of Mega Drive's finest, and hardest, platformers. Can Arino figure out this treasure and conquer it?

  • S16E03 Dynamite Headdy (2)

    • May 10, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Arino continues his struggle with the detachable hero, Dynamite Headdy. Is all hope lost?

  • S16E04 Kattobi! Takuhai-kun (Full Speed! Delivery Boy)

    • May 24, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Another entry in the perpetually neglected delivery boy simulation genre, it's time for Arino to challenge Full Speed! Delivery Boy. Arino's patience and driving etiquette will be put to the test as he delivers packages to the town's residents and tries to clear all 30 stages. P-Koen, an arcade that specialises in classic 10 yen arcade and mechanical machines, is the stop for today's TamaGe. Inside Arino spots a machine that the owner claims has been never been conquered, which is a challenge that Arino simply can't walk away from. Arino, The Living National Famicom Treasure, is asked to explain Tokimeki Ninja Girl Memorial. The master explains that this is a dating sim before he pontificates on the pitfalls of ninja love.

  • S16E05 Captain Tsubasa (Tecmo Cup Soccer Game) (1)

    • June 7, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Arino goes for the gold trophy in the first of Captain Tsubasa's Famicom adventures. How will Arino score in this adventure sports hybrid game?

  • S16E06 Captain Tsubasa (Tecmo Cup Soccer Game) (2)

    • June 21, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Will Arino's team be taken out of the cup, or will he score the final goal and lead them to victory?

  • SPECIAL 0x46 Nintendo Channel 15 - Kirby's Dream Collection: Kirby Super Star

    • June 22, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    When the Kirby series turned 20 Nintendo decided to celebrate by releasing Kirby's Dream Collection which contains 6 entries from the beloved series. Today Arino will be challenging one of the games on the collection that he has unfinished business with, Kirby Super Star. During the new year's special he managed to clear 5 of Super Star's mini-games with his comedy partner Hamaguchi. Today he will attempt the clear the sixth, a boss rush style mode, The Arena.

  • SPECIAL 0x47 Nintendo Channel 16 - Kirby's Dream Collection: New Challenge Sampler

    • June 22, 2012
    • Fuji TV

  • S16E07 Pilotwings Live In Iwate

    • July 5, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    The story of Arino and Pilotwings is not a happy one. This game was meant to serve as a victory lap during his 40th birthday challenge and instead it humbled him for the second time. Arino is not one to let sleeping dogs lie, and so he will once again challenge Pilotwings, but this time he'll be doing it in front of a live audience of hundreds in the city of Iwate. Before we get to the challenge proper it's decided that it would be remiss not to have the first ever TamaGe in Iwate. He stops by the Shizukuishi Retrospective Store which is brimming with nostalgic food, games and paraphernalia. Arino picks up some goodies, plays some games with local kids and then checks out some more traditional games being played in the store.

  • S16E08 Gun-Dec (VICE: Project Doom)

    • July 19, 2012
    • Fuji TV

  • S16E09 Famicom Tantei Club: Kieta Koukeisha (Famicom Detective Club)

    • August 2, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    It seems that someone has been knocking people off in connection to a large family inheritance and it will be up to super sleuth Arino to crack the case in Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir. Arino will be struggling to keep his clearance rate in the red when he takes on this sprawling crime drama. Arino's off to pay a TamaGe visit to a quaint little candy store in Kiyose City which he hears has a number of classic 10-yen games. Once he arrives he's greeted by a few kids who quickly share some insider tips that'll net him the most bang for his buck. The Living National Treasure is presented with an early famicom game that he's familiar with by the name of Uradius. Unlike the similarly named Gradius, Uradius is a simulation of the life of a certain Assistant Director.

  • SPECIAL 0x48 Game Center CX in U.S.A. DVD Challenge - Dynamite Deka (Die Hard Arcade)

    • August 31, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    A billion terrorists. One middle aged Japanese man. The odds are against Shinya Arino. But that's just the way he likes it.

  • SPECIAL 0x65 The People In My Head

    • August 31, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    In The People In My Head the show's numerous staff members have been tasked with drawing some of the more well-known characters that have been featured on the show over the years. The twist is that they're doing it from memory and have Arino as the sole critic of their work. Originally released on the official GCCX mobile site, this series of segments proved to be so popular they were included with the GCCX In The USA DVD set.

  • S16E10 Karnov

    • September 6, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    The game being featured in today's challenge is the classic action game starring a mustachioed hero, Karnov. It turns out that God isn't pleased with how things are going on Earth so he decides to send a hulking sinner to handle the clean-up. Arino will have 9 stages to work his way through as the eponymous hero in order to see the ending and regain his freedom from God. The United States Of Odaiba event was held again this year and like previous years there was a live stage challenge. This year Arino was challenging a game that had recently been featured on the show and he did his utmost to send the crowd home happy. In the final instalment of The Living National Famicom Treasure, Arino is asked about Great Detective Tsurube. It just so happens that Great Detective Tsurube is about a subject that Arino is intimately familiar with, the world of comedy.

  • S16E11 Kawa no Nushi Tsuri 2 (Legend of the River King 2)

    • September 20, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    It's the second instalment in the cult hit River King series, Legend Of The River King 2. In this fishing RPG challenge, Arino must battle fish and all manner of woodland creatures to level up and reel in the River King and the ending too. A concerned fan has suggested that Matuzakaya's arcade get the TamaGe treatment as rooftop arcades of its kind are getting rarer and rarer. Arino duly obliges and justifies his decision when he wins big on a couple of their many prize games. During a little ice cream break producer Kan quizzes Arino on who would best represent Japan in the Olympics if video games were included. Arino doesn't fancy his chances but Kan thinks there is a country that he'd have a better shot at representing.

  • SPECIAL 0x49 Game Center CX in Asia (with Super Mario Kart)

    • October 5, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Not satisfied with being the crowned Prince Of Games in his native Japan, Arino has now set his sights on Cambodia where he plans to win a local tournament to prove his credentials! It won't be all business however as Arino has a chance to sample the best of what Cambodia has to offer. Much like the USA Trip episode, this trip is accompanied by a challenge shot back in Japan. Arino's objective this time will be to earn 4 gold trophies in the 150cc class in Super Mario Kart. He'll be hoping he gets to grips with it quicker than the last time he challenged it, otherwise he's in for a rough ride. Back in Cambodia, Arino heads to an arcade in the sole shopping mall in the city of Siem Reap, to see what games the locals are playing. After a bit of fishing the staff take a trip to an amusement park where Arino checks out a variety of rides and games of skill. Arino and Kibe decide it's time to do a bit of shopping next so they head to a local game store and they're mightily impressed by the selection and Cambodian ingenuity. The next stop is an arcade in the capital, Phnom Phen, called Happy Land. As expected from the biggest arcade in the country, Happy Land is jam packed with patrons and games including the latest hits from Japan and China. But it seems like Arino is less concerned with the latest fighting game release than getting a monkey intoxicated. The final stop is, of course, the tournament itself where Arino will battle it out against Cambodia's best in Street Fighter 2 to prove that he truly is the Prince Of Games. Yoga Fire!

  • S16E12 Pulseman

    • October 25, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Today Arino will be challenging Game Freak's forgotten masterpiece, Pulseman! Intended as a competitor to Sonic, Pulseman unjustifiably fell into obscurity thanks to only being released physically in Japan. Now Arino will have to battle his way through 8 electrifying stages in order to defeat the evil Dr. Wakayama. Another year, another visit to the Tokyo Game Show. It was standard fare this year as Arino presented at the Japan game awards and fans flocked to the show's merchandise booth. But there was a slightly sadly note brought on by a notable absence. This episode also marks the beginning of a segment that will surely go on to be a classic, Barcode Gambler. In this segment Arino must place a bet on the winner of a showdown determined by the Barcode Battler, a device that scans and generates a fighter based on a given barcode. In this inaugural installment we get a real battle for the ages, Sonic The Hedgehog vs. Super Mario Bros.

  • SPECIAL 0x50 Nintendo Channel 17 - Satoru Iwata Interview with Balloon Fight

    • October 26, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Just as Arino sits down to record a Nintendo Channel challenge of Balloon Fight he's informed that he'll have a rather special guest for today's challenge. That guest is none other than Satoru Iwata, the CEO of Nintendo and one of the developers who worked on Balloon Fight. It turns out the President is here to interview the Chief for his Iwata Asks series were he interviews various game creators and luminaries. They discuss their own relationship to and histories in gaming before taking turns at a Balloon Fight challenge.

  • S16E13 Meikyuujima (Kickle Cubicle)

    • November 8, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    The puzzle chief returns once again to tackle Irem's puzzle classic, Kickle Cubicle. This ice themed action puzzler involves the creation and manipulation of ice blocks in order to gather the dream bags found on each stage. Will Arino melt under the pressure of this challenge or will he once again prove to be as cool as ice? Today's TamaGe isn't really a TamaGe at all. Rather it's a clip from the trip to Cambodia where we get to see Arino and eventually someone else enjoy some noodles. Today's Barcode Battler will put an end to the age old argument of Final Fantasy vs. Dragon Quest. Whatever camp you're in the outcome will leave you shocked.

  • S16E14 Parappa Rappa (PaRappa the Rapper)

    • November 22, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    It's not every day that we see a Playstation challenge but only something truly special would be worthy of the 150th episode's challenge. That something special is the rhythm masterpiece, PaRappa The Rapper. Arino's rhythm and rhyme will truly be put to the test in this anthropomorphic music classic. When Arino isn't busy laying down hot beats he likes to relax and visit arcades and so he decides to do just that in Toy Park Masamiya. Primarily a store stocking a lot of retro toys they also have a few arcade machines including, would you believe, Metal Slug. The two titles duking it out in Barcode Gambler this time are both giants of the historical simulation genre. In the red corner there is Nobunaga's Ambition and in the blue corner is the much cooler sounding Black: Romance Of The Three Kingdoms.

  • S16E15 Yumemi Yakata no Monogatari (Mansion of Hidden Souls)

    • December 13, 2012
    • Fuji TV

    Arino is about to get a glimpse of what was once thought to be the future of video games as he challenges the FMV Mansion of Hidden Souls on the Sega CD. The story follows a young boy who must save his sister from being transformed into a butterfly. Arino will have to discover the many secrets hidden within the mansion if he wants to save his sister and himself. On this week's TamaGe Arino heads to a cute little candy store in Itabashi. It has all the features one would expect from a store of this type. Sun bleached coin flippers outside, friendly old ladies, Metal Slug and degenerate gambling. Find out who will be declared the king of comedy as Sanma and Beat Takeshi go head-to-head in the latest bout of Barcode Battler!

  • SPECIAL 0x51 DVD-BOX9 Challenge - Spelunker

    • December 21, 2012
    • Fuji TV

  • S16E16 Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1)

    • January 10, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    It has taken a good long while for everyone to calm down after the conclusion of his last Mario challenge but the time has come to take on another entry in the series, and this time it's Yoshi's Island. Being a parent himself, Arino will hopefully have the patience of a saint required to guide Baby Mario to the ending and to reunite him with his family. The name of this arcade may be mundane but Retro Game Museum makes for a memorable visit. Not only does it have a great selection of arcade classics, each accompanied with blaring music, but an owner with a unique manner of speaking. It's a testosterone fuelled instalment of the underground Barcode Gambler. This time it's the battle of the action stars when Arnie's Terminator 2 takes on Sly's Rambo.

  • S16E17 Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (2)

    • January 24, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    As any new parent knows, newborns can be a real handful, so it's no surprise that Arino's challenge of Yoshi's Island has been extended into part 2. Arino is determined that this family reunion will be a happy one but there's one scary fellow who will have something to say on the matter. To test his might Arino has come Fujimidai Game Park, an arcade that has a large assortment of fighting games. Arino gets a little roughed up and then miffed once he realises who's been handing out the beatings. The hits keep on coming in Barcode Gambler when it's time for two super hard games to take to the ring. It's Adventure Island VS. Ghosts 'N Goblins in a showdown for the ages. We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you a special report of a live event. This time it was a stamp rally focused on finding producer Kan's murderer. The truth may be shocking and viewer discretion is advised.

  • SPECIAL 0x52 Nintendo Channel 18 - Balloon Fight (Wii U VC)

    • January 24, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Balloon Fight was recently released on the Wii U Virtual Console to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Famicom. This makes for a great excuse to film a challenge in HD as well as revive a recent Nintendo Channel challenge. That challenge was to pop 20 green balloons in trip mode and was attended by the CEO of Nintendo, Satoru Iwata, who explained he later went home and cleared it on his own time. He suggests that Arino should try and get his revenge as well, but it isn't long before things start to escalate.

  • S16E18 Metro-Cross (1)

    • February 7, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    The subject of today's challenge is Namco's odd classic, Metro-Cross. Perhaps best known in the west for its appalling box art, this challenge will see Arino running (and skateboarding) for his life as he attempts to beat the clock on the game's 32 tracks. Toshimaen, an amusement park that features not one but two arcades is the destination for this week's TamaGe. Rather than trying out the typical arcade games Arino is more interested in the prize games typical of an amusement park but when his luck begins to turn he has a special guest step in. The two pugilists duking it out in Barcode Gambler this week are the notoriously lightweight protagonists of Spelunker and The Mystery Of Atlantis. It's a hero who is fallible to bird droppings versus a man who can be left crippled by a one foot drop in this dynamite battle.

  • SPECIAL 0x53 Nintendo Channel 19 - Fire Emblem: Monshou no Nazo (Wii-U VC)

    • February 20, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Arino previously challenged Fire Emblem: Mystery Of The Emblem when it appeared on the Wii Virtual Console but its release on the Wii U makes for a perfect excuse to double dip. Given that Arino has played it before you may think he has an advantage but fortunately he has absolutely no memory of playing the game let alone what it even entails. So his challenge to clear Book One: Chapter 3 without the loss of a party member could prove tough.

  • S16E19 Metro-Cross (2)

    • February 21, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Arino is racing towards the finish line in the pulse pounding conclusion to his Metro-Cross challenge. There is no let up after reaching the half way point in the game as the strange obstacles continue to pile on. Perhaps a little role-playing will give him the final push he needs towards the goal. Not only has Metro-Cross stretched into a second part but so has the TamaGe visit to the Toshimaen amusement park. First up Arino tries out a cooking game with a unique input device before he takes on Abe's daughter Amane in Mario Kart and Final Furlong. Two very fitting competitors have stepped into the ring for the latest round of Barcode Gambler. In the red corner is the incumbent, Street Fighter 2 while in the black corner is the up and comer Virtua Fighter.

  • S16E20 Space Hunter

    • March 7, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    After finally getting across the line against his challenge of Metro Cross Arino is immediately thrust into his next challenge, Space Hunter. Space Hunter is a 'game' played by electronically manipulating images produced by a computer program on a TV accompanied by what can be generously described as music. God speed Arino. Since this is the last episode of the season we need to squeeze in two installments of Barcode Gambler. The first is a Nintendo vs. Sega bout followed by a battle of the live challenges. As Arino has already run out of coins he has to get creative to stay in the game. We're also treated with a bit of GCCX News where we get to see Arino enjoy playing Fix-it Felix Jr., a promotional game made for the movie Wreck It Ralph.

  • SPECIAL 0x54 Nintendo Channel 20 - Mother 2 (Earthbound)

    • March 20, 2013

    To celebrate the long demanded and much belated release of Earthbound on the Wii U Virtual Console, Arino is tasked with finding the first Your Sanctuary location in the game and recording its melody on the Sound Stone. Along the way he'll be introduced to the weird and wonderful world of this cult classic where he'll battle hula hooping gangsters, rabid dogs and wooden robots. His quest to reach Giant Step begins now.

Season 17

  • S17E01 Mickey no Magical Adventure (Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse)

    • April 11, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Season 17 is a special season, the 10th anniversary season! In the first episode of this special season, Arino plays his first Disney game, the Capcom-made Magical Quest for the SNES. Can Arino-Mickey rescue Pluto and save the land from the clutches of the evil Emperor Pete?

  • S17E02 Family Trainer Jogging Race

    • April 25, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    It's hard to believe but it's been 8 years since the last time Arino took on a power pad game. Back then it was a sprightly 33 year old who took on a mad count in Attack! Takeshi's Castle Showdown, but fronting up to challenge Power Pad: Jogging Race is a battle weary 41 year old. Will the middle aged Chief have enough left in the tank to go the distance and complete this marathon of a challenge? As if Arino wasn't getting enough exercise this episode, there's also a TamaGe at Ohtsuka Batting Center. After Arino tries in vain to serve the perfect beer he spots a competitive motorcycle game and Abe instinctively knows what's up. While the games were fun Arino really wants to work on his batting, a task AD Matsumura might be able to help him with. Famicom Sniper is a brazenly bizarre new segment where Arino has to identify a game that he has previously challenged. The twist is that he's trying to spot it from a sniper's perch as it's being exchanged surreptitiously by two individuals. For his first shot, Arino spies a red cartridge, but before he can take the shot he needs to nail down what was on the label.

  • S17E03 Tom Sawyer no Bouken (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)

    • May 9, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Today Arino will be challenging a video game adaptation of Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer. While this action adaptation is far less infamous than the RPG interpretation produced by Square it is far superior in the weirdness department. Arino needs to beat all 6 stages and save Tom's girlfriend Becky if he wants to close the book on this challenge. To escape from the insanity of the challenge Arino heads to a pinball heavy arcade called Neverland for a TamaGe trip. Inside Arino tries to ascend to the peak in the classic Mountain Climbing Game before he closes out his visit with an education in pinball basics from the owner. Arino has two men, a bicycle and a white cartridge in his sights in Famicom Sniper. Will Arino be on the mark with his guess or will it be another near miss?

  • S17E04 Cho Wakusei Senki Metafight (Blaster Master)

    • May 23, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Metafight (Blaster Master to the rest of world) is a swift kick in the pants for a guy who realizes he can barely make out the tiny print in the manual these days. The Kacho keeps at it though, and through failing eyes and sluggish thumbs tries to push through some treacherous boss battles, and towards that end screen.

  • S17E05 Best Keiba Derby Stallion (Derby Stallion)

    • June 6, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Arino is off to the races when he challenges the first instalment of the venerated Derby Stallion series. Despite appearing on the NES this horse racing simulation game packs an incredible amount of depth and an unrivalled devotion to accuracy. Arino will have to breed a winner if he is to complete the challenge of winning all 12 cups of the G1 class. From his Famicom Sniper perch Arino has spotted some suspect individuals involved in the exchange of a cartridge. With only one shot however, he'll have to determine the color of the metallic glint he thinks he spotted. Lastly, Kan has some exciting news for an ice cream eating Arino about the future of the Retro Game Challenge series.

  • S17E06 Super Donkey Kong 2 (Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest) (1)

    • June 20, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Four and a half years on from his challenge of the original Arino is taking on Donkey Kong Country 2. Since DK himself has been kidnapped this time it'll be up to Diddy and his girlfriend Dixie to conquer the game's whopping 41 stages to save him. Today's TamaGe visit has a touch of sadness as the store being visited was conducting its closing down sale. This didn't stop Arino from enjoying himself with some light gaming and checking out some of the great bargains on offer. Arino may finally have a shot in Famicom Sniper when he thinks that there's only a single match for the shade of cartridge he's spotted in his sights. To match the size of his ice cream treat the news being delivered to Arino during his break is equally big.

  • S17E07 Super Donkey Kong 2 (Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest) (2)

    • July 4, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    After starting his Donkey Kong Country 2 challenge brimming with confidence Arino was quickly brought back to earth in the way only Rare games know how to do. With some 'words of encouragement' given by AD Matsui this is a quest Arino feels he must complete. A short GCCX News segment brings us to a press conference where a number of exciting announcements were made regarding the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the show. The size of Arino's ice cream is directly proportional to the size of the announcement so you know today's ice cream break is going to bring big news. Two suspicious fellows exchange a white package in the middle of a busy intersection but it's not the plot of a crime thriller, it's Famicom Sniper.

  • SPECIAL 0x55 Mega Man 2 LIVE (Famicom 30th Anniversary)

    • July 18, 2013
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x56 Super Mario Bros. LIVE (Fuji TV One/Two/Next 15th Anniversary Promotion)

    • July 18, 2013
    • Fuji TV

  • S17E08 Super Donkey Kong 2 (Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest) (3)

    • July 18, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    In what is a first for the show Arino's challenge of Donkey Kong Country 2 was stretched into a third day. With only the last world standing between Arino and victory he'll be praying that this challenge won't throw up any more surprises than it already has. For this week's TamaGe Arino is tipped off about a miraculous toy store. First up Arino plays a class beat-em-up before speaking to the owner in order to discover the true nature of the miracle of which the postcard spoke. Arino will have to deal with a special guest who's quick on the draw if he hopes to guess the game in Famicom Sniper. This Project: Game Version 3 segment brings us what will undoubtedly be the first of many production meetings to discuss ideas for the third Retro Game Challenge title.

  • S17E09 Dragon Ball Z: Super Butoden

    • August 8, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Akira Toriyama was a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose works didn’t just cross genres, it created them. His contributions to the world of manga, anime and game art have often been imitated, inspired countless people across the world, and will never be forgotten. As a team, we decided to temporarily put aside our other projects to prioritize this episode as our own small tribute to a man whose works made people across countries, languages and cultures believe in themselves, believe in their friends, push themselves to try harder and do more than they thought they could. We’re raising our hands and sending him our love and energy to Toriyama-sensei and all of his fans with this one.

  • S17E10 Yami no Shigotonin Kage (Shadow of the Ninja)

    • August 22, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    While Arino may not initially be familiar with developer Natsume he won't soon forget the name after he challenges their stylish action game, Shadow Of The Ninja. Bearing a striking resemblance to a pair of Ninja themed action games that he previously challenged, Arino will be hoping that those similarities don't also extend to its difficulty if he hopes to notch another win for season 17. It's a candy store TamaGe this time out as Arino visits Harada Market in Kawasaki. More than its limited selection of games, the store is known for its adorable elderly owner who isn't afraid to toot her own horn. In the latest edition of Project: Game Version 3, Arino pays a visit to G.Rev HQ to see how things are progressing. After sitting down with President Maruyama he gets to see which, if any, of his proposed ideas have been included in the game.

  • S17E11 Skykid

    • September 19, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    A shooter! As the show enters its 10th year it's finally time that Arino conquers his fear of the shooting genre and the challenge that will hopefully help him transition is Namco's Skykid. With such a cute aesthetic and a grinning plane as a protagonist Skykid seems like the perfect starting point but it's not longer before Arino begins to experience some turbulence. The attendees of 2013's United States Of Odaiba event were once again treated to an on stage live challenge. This time out Arino wanted to right a wrong that occurred during the recent Power Pad: Jogging Race challenge. In Project: Game Version 3 Arino shares some ideas with the staff at G.rev including an ingenious pitch for a versus game.

  • SPECIAL 0x57 Game Center CX in Paris (Mario & Wario)

    • October 14, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Il est de retour! After a long absence Arino has finally returned to France in order to attend the 14th annual Japan Expo in Paris. Has the show reached the people of France or will Arino be performing to empty seats? As is tradition with overseas trips we're also treated to a full length challenge filmed back in Japan. Arino will be challenging Mario & Wario, a puzzle game that was only released in Japan. It's controlled entirely with Nintendo's SNES mouse.

  • S17E12 Yuu Yuu Hakusho: Makyo Toitsusen

    • October 24, 2013
    • Fuji TV

  • S17E13 Nitropunks: Mightheads (Rocky Rodent)

    • November 7, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    Today Arino will be challenging Rocky Rodent which marries two of his favourite topics, hair care and organised crime. Apparently the Mafia has kidnapped a girl and with the incentive of free food as a reward Arino is on the case. During this week's TamaGe outing Arino will be visiting Ichise Market with the promise of meeting the famous Mr. Tora. After checking out a few of the games, including a rare appearance by Metal Slug, Arino discovers Mr. Tora along with a bevy of other famous faces. Celebrations of the SG-1000's 30th anniversary continue as Kibe and Arino check out 3 more hot hits from the system's library. Which of Congo Bongo, Yamato or Star Jacker leave the biggest impression on Arino? In Project: Game Version 3 we get a run-down of the videos that will be included on the DVD that comes with limited edition of the upcoming game. We also get a glimpse of the filming of one of these videos, namely Arino's challenge of Retro Game Challenge 2.

  • S17E14 Aigina's Prophecy: From the Legend of Balubalouk (1)

    • November 21, 2013
    • Fuji TV

  • S17E15 Aigina's Prophecy: From the Legend of Balubalouk (2)

    • December 12, 2013
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x58 Nintendo Channel 21 - NES Remix

    • December 18, 2013
    • Fuji TV

    NES Remix is a collection of challenges composed of stages from 16 classic Nintendo games and befitting of such a premise is a new format for today's challenge. Arino has to compete with 3 children across several rounds with the winner being whoever winds up with the most points, Arino or the kids. Arino will be hoping that his years of gaming experience will pull him through against his pint-sized competitors whose collective age is less than that of the NES itself.

  • SPECIAL 0x59 DVD-BOX10 Challenge - Pooyan

    • December 20, 2013
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x60 Arino's Challenge in Budokan

    • January 1, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    The Nippon Budokan is an indoor events center located in central Tokyo. It has played host to Bob Dylan, Muhammad Ali, Frank Sinatra and after tonight, a comedian who plays difficult video games for entertainment purposes. In front of 7000 screaming fans Arino will attempt to exact his revenge on a selection of 5 games, one of which is shrouded in secrecy. Arino will need to draw on a decade of experience if he has any hope of conquering the 5 massive hurdles in front of him before the night is over.

  • S17E16 Budokan Backstage Access

    • January 9, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    With the triumph that was the Budokan live challenge still fresh in the memory we're granted a behind the scenes look at how it all came together. From begging to end see exactly what went to plan and what didn't in this all access look at Arino's challenge in Budokan. Kibe is not easily deterred and so the SG-1000 anniversary party keeps on rolling. This week Arino will deliver his verdict on 3 genuine classics, the Yuji Naka made Girl's Garden, Flicky and Zaxxon.

  • S17E17 Oishinbo: Kyūkyoku no menyū sanbon shōbu (Oishinbo: The Ultimate Menu Three-Course Showdown)

    • January 23, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    The challenge being served up today is in Oishinbo: The Ultimate Menu Three-Course Showdown. Arino will have to draw on all of his culinary expertise in order to craft the ultimate menu and please a set of notoriously picky food critics. That's if he can manage to stay on the right side of the law for long enough. In the lead up to the release of Game Center CX: The Movie we're given a brief behind the scenes look at some of the special cameos we can expect to see including famous game creators and the show's staff. Celebrations of the SG-1000's 30th anniversary continue with a look at three games made for the card catcher accessory. They are the unfortunately named Dragon Wang, the space shooter Zoom 909 and the puzzle action game Dokidoki Penguin Land.

  • S17E18 Woody Poko

    • February 6, 2014
    • Fuji TV

  • S17E19 Nosferatu (1)

    • February 20, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    Arino's getting a sense of déjà vu as he attempts to once again vanquish Dracula. This time the count has kidnapped the protagonist's girlfriend with fiendish plans to convert her into a vampire and it'll be up to Arino and his two fists to put him in the ground once and for all. A seafront market is not your typical TamaGe destination but that's exactly what Arino is checking out today. After gorging himself on local treats Arino tries to burn off some calories by beating some alligators and then a drum. With the Game Center CX movie only 2 days from release we get a brief behinds the scene look at some of its production including some very nostalgic set dressing. The SG-1000 party rolls on as Arino and Kibe continue to check out some of the systems classic titles. This time they take a gander at Gulkave, Ninja Princess and try out some 2-player Champion Kendo.

  • SPECIAL 0x61 Game Center CX: The Movie - 1986 Mighty Bomb Jack

    • February 22, 2014
    • Fuji TV

  • S17E20 Nosferatu (2)

    • March 6, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    The similarities between Prince Of Persia and Nosferatu don't end with the gameplay and both of their challenges have entered a second day. Back in 2005 Arino was eventually able to lead his Prince to victory but he'll soon find out that the later stages of Dracula's castle pose a far greater obstacle to overcome. For today's TamaGe outing Arino is headed to a huge amusement center that's filled with video games and other assorted activities. Obviously his first instinct is to try out the video games before showing off his physical prowess, culminating in a show of strength against the show's crew. In a spot of GCCX News we get to see footage from the premier of Game Center CX: The Movie as well as some new footage from the third installment of the Retro Game Challenge series. In what will be the final installment of the SG-1000 party, Arino and Kibe sign off with a look at Wonder Boy, Champion Billiards and the Sherlock Holmes adventure game, Portrait Of Loretta.

  • SPECIAL 0x62 DVD Special Challenge - Game Center CX: Arino no Chōsenjō 2

    • March 21, 2014

Season 18

  • S18E01 Tatsunoko Fighter

    • April 10, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    From the creators of the classic delivery boy simulator Full Speed! Deliver Boy comes Tatsunoko Fighter. While the title may be reminiscent of a more recent game this title is an out-and-out platformer featuring art from a celebrated manga creator. This Tonkin House special will serve as a fittingly difficult and bizarre opening to what is sure to be yet another roller coaster of a season. The new segment for season 18 deals with an odd piece of Nintendo history, the NES Box. The NES Box, which oddly used NES and not Famicom parts, was a coin operated system with a multitude of games available to choose from. Arino decides to start out with a classic before abruptly finding out exactly how much his 100 yen gets him. To celebrate the release of the 3rd Game Center CX game a public event was held in frigid Sapporo. Despite the weather over 120 brave fans turned out to participate in the festivities.

  • SPECIAL 0x63 Nintendo Channel 22 - NES Remix 1+2 (1)

    • April 16, 2014
    • Fuji TV
  • SPECIAL 0x64 Nintendo Channel 22 - NES Remix 1+2 (2)

    • April 22, 2014
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E02 Mega Man X (1)

    • April 24, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    There was no chance that Capcom's celebrated mascot wouldn't make the leap to the next generation and so Arino finds himself challenging the blue bomber's first 16-bit outing, Mega Man X. Having already taken on 4 entries in the series to date Arino will be hoping that his generalization of SNES games being easier will hold true. Either way he's in for one hell of a ride.

  • S18E03 Mega Man X (2)

    • May 8, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    As Arino's challenge of Mega Man X enters part 2 he must venture deep into the bowels of Sigma's fortress in order to defeat the big bad himself. Along the way Arino will to deal with all manner of robotic opponents and even relive a dramatic scene from his recent past. Arino arrives at Asakusa Batting Stadium in style for the latest TamaGe. Given the decor it's fairly obvious the location is primarily for indoor batting cages which Arino will be able to enjoy after he's sampled their selection of games. As a nice break from the intensity of the challenge we have another instalment of NES Box. This one picks right up where the last one left off with Arino continuing to enjoy Devil World.

  • S18E04 Satsui no Kaisō: Soft House Renzoku Satsujin Jiken (The Hierarchy of Murderous Intent: The Software House Serial Murders)

    • May 22, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    A murder has been committed at a small game company and there’s only one man who can get to the bottom of it. Unfortunately, he wasn’t available so it’s up to Arino to figure out the killer in The Hierarchy of Murderous Intent: The Software House Serial Murders.

  • S18E05 Gunstar Heroes

    • June 5, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    At long last the time has come for Arino to challenge Gunstar Heroes! This beloved classic from Treasure features some of the coolest and toughest action on the Genesis and it'll be up to Arino (and red or blue?) to put a stop to Golden Silver and save the world. The Adachi neighborhood of Tokyo is home to a charming little candy store by the name of Cosmo and this will be Arino's destination for his latest TamaGe excursion. Once inside Arino has to deal with the pressure of performing in front of all of his adoring onlookers. Unable to get much gaming in, this visit will have to be continued... Determined to get an NES Box win under his belt Arino selects a classic sports game he's sure will be able to beat in quick time.

  • S18E06 Tenkaichi Bushi Keru Nagūru

    • June 19, 2014
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E07 Super Godzilla

    • July 3, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    To coincide with the new at the time movie, Arino will doing his beast to save humanity from destruction in Super Godzilla! There will be six stages to be conquered in this unique fighting game if Arino hopes to be able to ensure that Godzilla remains in his rightful place as the true king of the monsters. Up a ropeway in Saitama is where you will find Arino in the latest TamaGe. Even at the top of a mountain Arino can enjoy a few unique arcade machines that are hard to find down below. Arino and Inoue try and get on the board against the CPU in some games of mahjong in the latest Famciom Box.

  • S18E08 Super Mario Land

    • July 17, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    For his first portable challenge Arino will be taking on the Game Boy classic, Super Mario Land. Released alongside the Game Boy in 1989 this Mario outing did an admirable job of emulating its console counterparts and is perhaps best remembered for its fantastic soundtrack. While very short Arino will have to contend with a unique aspect of this particular Mario game, shooting stages. More recreation center and less arcade, Chichibu Muse Park is today's TamaGe destination. While the park does offer a variety of activities Arino would rather take part in some virtual competition with the staff. Arino picks the perfect game to cool off after a hot bath in the latest NES Box segment when he sits down to play some Ice Climber. Arino sets himself a goal of beating 10 stages in 10 minutes which could prove tough in this slippery platformer.

  • S18E09 Family Jockey (1)

    • August 7, 2014
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E10 Family Jockey (2)

    • August 21, 2014
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E11 Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi

    • September 18, 2014
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E12 Heisei Tensai Bakabon

    • October 23, 2014
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E13 Magic Sword

    • November 6, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    Arino will be in for some classic arcade action when he takes on Capcom's Magic Sword. Consisting of 50 levels, the game finds our hero battling hordes of enemies as he journeys to the top of the tower to vanquish the dark lord Drokmar. Luckily Arino will be able to recruit a number of powerful warriors to fight alongside him. Oh, and Derek. After drifting off into memory lane Arino can focus on the real task at hand, checking out a batting center for TamaGe. While appearing to be your typical Japanese batting center the main attraction at this location is several unique prize game created by the site's manager. That, and Hi-C. It's time for another round of the segment of Game Center MSX, the segment that finally gives the system the attention it deserves. This time around Arino plays a game with a title more exciting than its gameplay in Butamaru Pants, and a game with perhaps a little too literal of a title title in Jump Coaster.

  • S18E14 D

    • November 20, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sega Saturn, Arino takes on one of the systems quintessential games, D. In Kenji Eno's horror classic, Arino will guide the heroine Laura on her search for answers to her family's bloody past. In today's TameGe, Arino is north of Tokyo in Ageo, Saitama checking out a game center with some unique titles. The game center features some original prize games as well as one machine that is too hot for TV. And to finish things off, Arino heads to the well stocked vending machine corner. On GameCenter MSX, Arino checks out the very unique math based platformer Balance as well as Heavy Boxing before deciding on how the MSX got its name.

  • S18E15 Crazy Climber

    • December 11, 2014
    • Fuji TV

    In today's episode Arino has to scale the immense challenge presented by Crazy Climber. In this port of the classic arcade game the player has to scale a series of buildings of increasing difficulty in order to reach the ending. Will Arino be able to get to grips with the unique control scheme or will he plummet to defeat? On a quiet installment of TamaGe, Arino pops into a small cafe in Tokyo's Nakano ward. Inside he finds the usual fare of manga, food and hopefully games. Arino must do his best to construct a compelling MSX abbreviation from just horse racing and a machine gun-toting skier in GameCenter MSX.

  • SPECIAL 0x74 DVD-BOX11 Challenge - Castlevania

    • December 19, 2014
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E16 Bravoman

    • January 8, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E17 R-Type

    • January 22, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E18 Wizards & Warriors

    • February 5, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E19 Commando

    • February 19, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S18E20 The Mysterious Murasame Castle

    • March 5, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    Another classic is on the cards today as Arino tackles Nintendo's The Mysterious Murasame Castle. While the game only consists of 5 stages, it is known for its high level of difficulty that requires fast twitch responses, two things that will surely suit Arino. Arino takes a step back in time in an old shopping street in Meguro for this episode's TamaGe. After snacking Arino hits a local toy store where he enjoys some old favorites before torturing Takahashi once again. Arino and Kibe sit down to enjoy what is the final rendition of GameCenter MSX. They will go out swinging with their most expensive title Zanac and MSX Baseball.

Season 19

  • S19E01 Intelligent Qube (1)

    • April 9, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    At the conclusion of last season it was announced that the next generation of consoles was finally cleared for challenges. That announcement has paved the way for today's challenge of I.Q.: Intelligent Qube for the Playstation. With I.Q. being a puzzle game that Arino apparently has some history with this should be easy, the operative word being should. The first TamaGe of the season is a brisk affair that takes place at a small store in Chiba. Firstly Arino checks out what is probably the single most dilapidated line up of arcade machines ever featured on the show before heading inside to check out the selection of candy on offer. Every new season ushers in a new segment and this season we're being treated to DJ Monster! In this segment two J-Pop songs are feed into Monster Rancher's monster generator and whatever is spit out goes head to head. First off Arino will have to decide whether he's going to back Love Phantom or Moonshine Dance in this monster showdown.

  • S19E02 Intelligent Qube (2)

    • April 23, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    With a new generation of consoles came a new level of difficulty so it is with no great surprise that Arino's challenge of Intelligent Qube required a second instalment. With the rank of Puzzle Manager on the line will Arino be able to rise to the challenge or will his hopes and dream plummet into a bottomless pit of despair? Watch now to find out! In what is a first for a TamaGe Arino will be visiting a book store to promote the release of a puzzle solving adventure book. And how else would one promote such a book other than solving a few puzzles themselves which is exactly what Arino has been tasked with doing. In the second installment of the new hit segment, DJ Monster, Arino will be spinning There's Always Tomorrow and Mark Of Courage on the ones and twos in order to see who will emerge triumphant.

  • SPECIAL 0x66 Super Mario 30th Anniversary - Game Center CX SP at NicoNico Chokaigi 2015

    • April 25, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    At this year's NicoNico Chokaigi, an annual fan event for the extremely popular Japanese video site NicoNico Douga, a special Game Center CX stage show to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Super Mario Bros. was held. The show featured Arino and various NicoNico personalities challenging the original Super Mario Bros. with an unusual handicap before Arino was finally able to use the franchise to exact pain on others thanks to Mario Maker.

  • S19E03 Quiz Nanairo Dreams: Nijiiro Machi no Kiseki

    • May 7, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    Quiz Nanairo Dreams: Nijiiro Machi no Kiseki It's just been too long since a quiz game was featured as a challenge but that dry spell is about to end when Arino takes on Quiz Nanairo Dreams. This particular quiz game is actually a hybrid romance simulator and quiz game which ought to make things interesting, particularly if the rest of the staff get involved. On a cold February day we find Arino visiting a small candy store for a spot of TamaGe. Outside Arino spots some dilapidated machines through which he hopes he'll be able to earn some tokens to partake in some treats found inside the store. This fresh DJ Monster hit is the battle of the theme songs. It's Dream5's Yo-Kai Watch ending theme against GeGeGe Kitaro's opening theme by Shigeru Izumiya.

  • S19E04 Zen-Nippon Pro Wrestling

    • May 21, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S19E05 Double Dragon

    • June 4, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S19E06 Ninja-Kid II (1)

    • July 2, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x70 Game Center DX - Yoshi's Woolly World

    • July 7, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    From the creators of GameCenter CX comes a wholly original new show, GameCenter DX! Unlike that other show there will be no challenges of dusty old retro games. Instead the youthful Executive Producer Hamaguchi has mandated that only new games will be featured. In this inaugural episode the Executive Producer will be challenging Yoshi's Woolly World. It should prove no challenge for the vibrant Hamaguchi but if help is required he can turn to his very experienced Chief Observer for assistance.

  • S19E07 Ninja-Kid II (2)

    • July 16, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x68 Game Center CX in Vietnam Special

    • July 18, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    After two long years it's finally time for another overseas trip for Game Center CX. This time out the crew will be headed to Vietnam with a specific goal in mind. Not only will they experience the local culture, gaming or not, of Hanoi but Arino will be hoping to avenge his Casino loss in South Korea all those years ago. As is tradition this overseas special is accompanied by a challenge and the game being challenged today is The Return Of Ishtar from the creator of Tower Of Druaga, Masanobu Endou. The Return Of Ishtar is a sprawling action RPG with a unique gameplay gimmick, the two onscreen characters are both controlled with a single controller. Arino usually has trouble enough controlling one character so how will he fare when he has to control two at the same time?

  • S19E08 Yamamura Misa Suspense: Kyōto Ryū no Tera Satsujin

    • August 13, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S19E09 Mole Mania

    • September 10, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    6 years after Arino enjoyed Mole Mania during a segment, it is time to challenge its colossally long 231 stages. Will he be able to conquer this epically long Gameboy game and rescue Muddy Mole's kidnapped family in the process? During a recent Fuji TV summer event Arino had the chance to redeem himself in front of a live audience by trying to beat a game that recently bested him.

  • SPECIAL 0x67 Super Mario Maker Player Chapter

    • October 1, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    It's time for another dose of Super Mario Maker action. This time Arino will be sampling a number of different levels from creators as presented by the game's main modes. After subjecting several hapless players to his diabolical creations during the NicoNico event Arino is about to get a taste of his own medicine.

  • SPECIAL 0x114 Super Mario Maker - Costume Chapter

    • October 1, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    Happy Mar10 Day! Huh? What do you mean you were expecting Super Mario RPG? Chief Arino plays Super Mario Maker and discovers he is now a Costume Mushroom in the game!

  • S19E10 Trojan

    • October 8, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S19E11 ESWAT: City Under Siege

    • October 22, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S19E12 Kaizō Chōjin Shubibinman

    • November 5, 2015
    • Fuji TV

  • S19E13 Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1)

    • November 19, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    It is finally time Arino to return to the land of Hyrule as he begins his challenge in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. On his long journey to restore Princess Zelda from her eternal slumber Arino will have to come to grips with a myriad of new mechanics in what is one of the most controversial titles in the Zelda series. A break from the norm for today's TamaGe as Arino heads to Saitama to take in an exhibit on the history of video games. He hooks up with the curator of the exhibit who walks him through some of the earliest titles on display. In the second round of Chief Arino's Bonus Appraisal, Arino will have to banish all enemies in Flappy and keep a volley going in Gaplus.

  • S19E14 Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (2)

    • December 3, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    It's been a decade now since Arino's battle first began against The Legend of Zelda series, a series of battles that currently reads 2-0 in Arino's favor. However, Zelda II is a different kind of beast altogether. Arino will truly have to give his all if he has any hope of reaching the final palace and saving Princess Zelda from the clutches of the evil Ganon. Picking up right where the previous TamaGe segment left off, Arino puts pedal-to-the-metal in one of Taito's first games and a very controversial game. He also manages to fit in some head-to-head action and some traditional space shooting games that made up so much of gaming's early history. Arino will attempt to turn things around in Chief Arino's Bonus Appraisal when he challenges 2 different bonus stages. While both historical in nature, the first challenge is a test of gluttony while the second is a test of accuracy.

  • SPECIAL 0x69 Super Mario Maker Live Broadcast - Arino Kacho vs 10000 Creators

    • December 12, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    It's been 2 years since the last live challenge but if any game demands such a stage it is Super Mario Maker. Thanks to the contributions of 10,000 avid fans from around the world, Arino will be aiming to 12 user-submitted levels within the allotted 2 hours. Each of the 12 levels follow a particular theme, from the ultra difficult to the ultra easy, but knowing Arino (and past live challenges) things will come right down to the wire.

  • SPECIAL 0x71 New Year's Eve - Revenge of 2015 - Zelda II

    • December 31, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    Arino battles Link's Adventure again.

  • SPECIAL 0x75 DVD-BOX12 Challenge - Resident Evil: Director's Cut

    • December 18, 2015
    • Fuji TV

    Join Arino as journeys into darkness to solve the mystery of the Spencer Mansion in Resident Evil: Director's Cut. This is going to be a spooky DVD Challenge so Arino is going to have a few very special companions along the way.

  • S19E15 Chase H.Q.

    • January 14, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S19E16 Olivia no Mystery

    • January 28, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S19E17 China Warrior

    • February 11, 2016
    • Fuji TV

    For today's challenge, Arino will be battling through 4 brutal stages in Hudson's mystifying beat 'em up, China Warrior. He will have to be at his very best in order to dodge all the flying potatoes and a series of bosses with increasing levels of sunburn. We are off to Saitama today for a TamaGe outing at a sports center that also packs plenty of arcade games. After a light snack Arino takes on an old foe to appease his daughter watching back home. Arino will be hoping for a fair result in Chief Arino's Bonus Appraisal as he leaps bears in Girl's Garden, and chuck shuriken in Shinobi.

  • S19E18 Yume Penguin Monogatari

    • February 25, 2016
    • Fuji TV

    It is once again time for Arino to face off against another bizarre classic from Konami when he tackles Yume Penguin Monogatari. A title never released outside of Japan for reasons that become immediately obvious, Arino must whip our rotund hero Penta back into shape if he wants to when back his girlfriend before time runs out. Things pick up right where they left off in this segment of TamaGe. Despite being a batting center we'll be treated to not only an exhibition of baseball prowess, but soccer, wrestling, and boxing too. Arino continues his quest for what he feels he is entitled to in Chief Arino's Bonus Appraisal. This time he'll be hoping to come out in the black against Mighty Final Fight and Street Fighter.

  • S19E19 Seicross

    • March 10, 2016
    • Fuji TV

    At least Arino will have alcohol on hand as he takes on Seicross, another classic from the developers of Crazy Climber. While seemingly only featuring 3 stages this devilishly difficult shooting game is sure to push Arino to the edge of his limited abilities. Not the first place you would expect to have a TamaGe segment but Atami Castle isn't your average Japanese castle. Inside Arino finds all manner of traditional toys as well as game machines with opportunities to win prizes from both. In Arino's lastest Bonus Appraisal he will try to best some Nintendo classics with the block breaking Alleyway or the barrel jumping event in Super Mario RPG.

  • S19E20 Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

    • March 24, 2016
    • Fuji TV

    Today Arino will challenge one of the GameBoy's most revered titles, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. As the title indicates, money plays a large role in his Mario adventure. Arino will need to make stacks on stacks if he wants to ensure that Wario doesn't get the better of him. Picking up from the last TamaGe at Atami Castle in Shizuoka, Arino heads down to the game corner nestled in the basement. Downstairs he has the chance to shoot, drive and pac-man before soaking his feet and soaking-in the gorgeous view from the castle. On Arino's final Bonus Appraisal, he will take on a notoriously difficult game before having a chance at revenge against a game whose bonus he came oh so close to clearing previously.

Season 20

  • S20E01 Ape Escape (1)

    • April 22, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E02 Ape Escape (2)

    • May 13, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E03 Rygar

    • May 19, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E04 Chō Aniki (1)

    • June 2, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E05 Chō Aniki (2)

    • June 16, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E06 Wagan Land 2

    • July 7, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E07 Osomatsu-kun: Hachamecha Gekijō

    • July 21, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E08 Wurm: Journey to the Center of the Earth

    • August 4, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E09 Altered Beast

    • September 1, 2016
    • Fuji TV

    Arino has risen from his grave to challenge the Genesis class, Altered Beast. While Altered Beast, with its simple auto-scrolling beat-em-up action, is simple by todays standards, the real drama of today's challenge will come from Arino having to deal with a newbie in the director's chair. Today's TamaGe excursion to a candy store in Nishitokyo is as traditional as it gets. Arino will be checking out this neighborhood staple outfitted with classic games, candy and an elderly owner with a personality to boot. In this one off segment shot during the recent Shikoku special, 5 of the staff competed in a beach footrace,similar to the one held during the American trip. Will it be the middle-aged Kibe and Arino, the young-gun Takahashi and Watari, or the marathon champ Kan who will take the spoils?

  • SPECIAL 0x76 Mega Drive Special - Sonic the Hedgehog 2

    • September 2, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E10 GameCenter CX in Shikoku: The 88 Game Pilgrimage / KiKi KaiKai

    • October 13, 2016
    • Fuji TV

    In true Japanese TV fashion this impetus for this episode is a pun. Arino all travel the 4 K's of Shikoku's 4 regions in glorious 4K (presented here in 720p)! Arino will be undergoing his own version of the famous Shikoku Pilgrimage but instead of visiting 88 temples he'll be attempting to play 88 arcade games. Along the way he'll meet any manner of man, machine and monster much to the chagrin of Kibe. All whilst keeping in mind the goal of 88 arcade games being he makes it to his final destination, a fan meetup in Kagawan theme park. But of course no travel episode would be complete without a challenge to accompany it. For that challenge Arino will be playing the appropriately themed and named, Kiki KaiKai for the TurboGrafx-16. A predesessor to the Pocky & Rocky games, Arino must guide Sayo-chan on her own pilgrimage in order to release the seven lucky gods. Will Arino conquer feudal Japan? Will luck be on his side? Will there be enough footage? Watch to find out!

  • S20E11 Somer Assault

    • October 27, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E12 Quiz Tonosama no Yabō 2: Zenkoku-ban

    • November 10, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E13 Cosmo Police Galivan

    • November 24, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x77 DVD-BOX13 Challenge - Ganbare Goemon 2

    • December 16, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E14 Clock Tower 2 (1)

    • December 18, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E15 Clock Tower 2 (2)

    • December 22, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x73 New Year's Eve - Revenge of 2016 - KiKi KaiKai

    • December 31, 2016
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E16 Code Name: Viper

    • January 19, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E17 F-Zero X

    • February 2, 2017
    • Fuji TV

    Arino is back on track as he tackles the Nintendo 64 classic, F-Zero X. If he wants to be considered a real champion, Arino will have to make his way through the ranks and finish top when it matters most in this futuristic, adrenaline filled racer. Arino is in a quiet corner of Tokyo for today's candy store focused TamaGe. There are many familiar games to be found inside, and even though the old woman running the place hasn't met Arino before, there's a sense of familiarity about her too. On this Quiz Famionaire, Arino will need to have a sharp ear as he gradually tries to move closer to the top prize.

  • S20E18 Pizza Pop!

    • February 16, 2017
    • Fuji TV

    Another self indulgent challenge sees Arino take on Pizza Pop! In a take as old as time, Arino must help the pizza delivery boy protagonist make $10,000 in order to buy a diamond ring for his girlfriend. The only things standing in his way are his rival in love Nick and Arino's platforming skills. It's a tamaGe outing so big it's a two parter in one episode! This time Arino is in Yokohama to check out an arcade that boasts over 100 games and prize machines. Straight out of the gate Arino heads to check out some of the arcade's original prize machine before roping in an unsuspecting shop assistant into the action. It's time for everyone's favorite, competely original quiz show, Quiz Famionaire! This time Arino is nearing the end game as he attempts to answer questions about Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Penguins.

  • S20E19 Super C

    • March 2, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S20E20 Märchen Maze (1)

    • March 16, 2017
    • Fuji TV

Season 21

  • S21E01 Märchen Maze (2)

    • April 20, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E02 Renegade

    • May 4, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E03 Densha de Go! 64

    • May 18, 2017
    • Fuji TV

    The Arino express is back up and running after 7 years off the tracks and heading on a collision course with Densha De Go 64. After recently appearing in a movie as a train driver, Arino will hopefully be able to teach Shinjuku from Tokyo station without resorting to continues and derailing his challenge. An Ice Cream corner without the ice cream gives a hint of an upcoming nautical adventure for Arino.

  • S21E04 Um Jammer Lammy

    • June 1, 2017
    • Fuji TV

    If there's anything that Arino is known for besides his gaming skills, it's his rhythm. And that is exactly what will be challenged when he goes up against Un Jammer Lammy. Following up from the cult classic PaRappa the Rapper, Un Jammer Lammy sees our hero Lammy running late to a concert that could be her big break. It will be up to Arino to rock out by any means necessary and make sure Lammy makes it on time. Arino's modestly sized ice-cream gives as hint as to what is being announced in the latest ice-cream news break. 2-player without honor or humanity tackles one of the quintessential 2-player games in the form of the original Mario Bros. This time, Arino will face off against Itou in an attempt to prevent him from clearing phase 4.

  • S21E05 Splatterhouse 2 (1)

    • June 15, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E06 Splatterhouse 2 (2)

    • July 6, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E07 Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom

    • July 20, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x78 PC Engine Special - Takahashi Meijin no Shin Boukenjima

    • August 2, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E08 The Adventures of Bayou Billy

    • August 3, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E09 Nishimura Kyōtarō Mystery: Blue Train Satsujin Jiken

    • September 7, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E10 Super R-Type

    • October 5, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E11 Earthworm Jim

    • October 19, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E12 Bonk's Revenge

    • November 2, 2017
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E13 Gekibo: Gekisha Boy

    • November 16, 2017
    • Fuji TV

    It's time to smile for the camera as Arino poses as a photographer in Gekisha Boy. Arino will do his best to help David Goldman pass 9 stages in what must be the most strict graduation process in education history. In this 2-Player battle it is the power bower himself Nakayama who will face off against Arino in Mario Bros.

  • S21E14 Dragon Quest (1)

    • December 7, 2017
    • Fuji TV

    The time has finally come for Arino to take on Yuji Horii's seminal Dragon Quest. Can Arino draw upon his distant memories in order to free the land of Alefgard from the tyranny of the Dragonlord? Watch now as his epic adventure begins! A bit of a short TamaGe excursion in Akihabara today as Arino sets out to track down and play the Game Center CX coin clipper game. Nakayama is out for revenge in the latest bout of 2p Battle Without Honor or Humanity.

  • S21E15 Dragon Quest (2)

    • December 21, 2017
    • Fuji TV

    This is it. The dramatic conclusion is one of the most legendary games of the NES era of gaming, Dragon Quest! With the Princess still in peril, it will be up to Arino to destroy the DragonLord once and for all and free the people of Alefgard. In a quick dose of GCCX News, we catch up with Arino as he attends The Tokyo E-Sports Festival to challenge Bakarhythm in 5 rounds of retro gaming action. We are being taken to school in the latest segment, Learning Game Course. The first lesson will be math and has Sensei Kibe schooling Arino with Underground Continent Orudoora.

  • S21E16 Destiny of an Emperor

    • January 18, 2018
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E17 It's Bazar dé Gozarre's Game, If You Please

    • February 1, 2018
    • Fuji TV

    Today Arino will be tackling a classic game featuring NEC's mascot of the day in It's Bazar dé Gozarre's Game, If You Please! Arino will need to guide our simian hero through 80 perilous puzzle action stages if he wants to see the much awaited ending screen. Class is back in session and it is time for a little aerobics lesson during P.E.

  • S21E18 Virtua Fighter 2

    • February 15, 2018
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E19 New Japan Pro-Wrestling Chō Senshi in Tokyo Dome: Fantastic Story

    • March 1, 2018
    • Fuji TV

  • S21E20 Wild Guns

    • March 15, 2018
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x109 Red Edition Blu-Ray Bonus Challenge - The Mystery of Atlantis Revenge Challenge

    • August 2, 2018

    Game Center CX Red Edition Blu-Ray Bonus Challenge | The Mystery of Atlantis | Famicom Mini | Sunsoft | 1986

Season 22

Season 23

  • S23E01 Pac-Land

    • April 18, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E02 Shin Nekketsu Kōha: Kunio-tachi no Banka

    • May 9, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E03 Demon's Crest

    • May 23, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E04 Image Fight

    • June 6, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E05 Klonoa: Door to Phantomile

    • June 20, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E06 Super Ninja Kun

    • July 11, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x99 GameCenter CX in Russia

    • July 21, 2019
    • Fuji TV

    Здравствуйте and welcome to Russia! We join Arino and crew already in the frozen north as they begin their journey. They made the trip in order for Arino to appear at an orchestra performing music from some classic video games. But before that happens they will have the chance to interact with the locals, check out some classic Russian arcade hits and ride not only a Soviet era train but also the wildest roller coaster this side of the Okhotsk. Back in Japan Arino is challenging the fittingly chilly Ice Climber. Will Arino be able to conquer this perilous mountain or will he plummet to the bottom?

  • S23E07 Athena

    • July 25, 2019
    • Fuji TV

    Another masterpiece that only the Famicom era could produce, Athena. Arino must lead our plus sized protagonist towards her goal of defeating the evil ruler Dante without being distracted by some hot beats and hotter curves. The long farewell to the Game Boy sees no sign of stopping as Arino and Kibe check out Final Fantasy Legend in Good Bye Game Boy.

  • S23E08 EarthBound (1)

    • August 15, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E09 EarthBound (2)

    • September 12, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E10 EarthBound (3)

    • October 10, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E11 World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck

    • October 17, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E12 Werewolf: The Last Warrior

    • November 7, 2019
    • Fuji TV

    Today Arino will take on Werewolf: The Last Warrior, or as the much cooler Japanese title calls it, Warwolf. It will be a massive challenge for Arino to clear all 5 stages and take out the evil Dr. Gordon, and he will be feeling the pressure with the expectant eyes on interns on him. For today's TamaGe Arino is actually on his way to an Onsen where there are rumors of a celebrity appearance later that day. But until that person comes Arino will need to keep himself busy with classic games and a relaxing dip. Arino will be busying himself putting together some Nintendo themes puzzles while he waits for his Yoshida Udon in Until The Udon Boils.

  • S23E13 Valkyrie no Densetsu

    • November 21, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E14 Space Channel 5

    • December 5, 2019
    • Fuji TV

    It is all happening in this episode of GameCenter CX as the longstanding ban on Dreamcast games is finally lifted allowing Arino to take on Space Channel 5. As Arino is well known for his rhythm skills, it should be easy for him and Space Reporter Ulala to save the galaxy from the evil Morolians. We find Arino taking in the quiet atmosphere of a park at the outset of today's TamaGe before heading over to a local store. This store not only sells candy, has games but also makes Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. After struggling with a few games, Arino heads inside to terrorize a couple of the local children. While Arino is waiting for Kibe to prepare some Himi Udon he will have the chance to check out some Mario and Street Fighter themed collectible cards in Until the Udon Boils!

  • S23E15 Meikyuu Jiin Dababa

    • December 19, 2019
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E16 Raf World

    • January 16, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E17 Valis: The Fantasm Soldier

    • February 6, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E18 Avenging Spirit

    • February 20, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E19 Quarth

    • March 5, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S23E20 Joy Mech Fight

    • March 19, 2020
    • Fuji TV

Season 24

  • S24E01 Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (1)

    • April 16, 2020
    • Fuji TV

    Season 24 kicks off with a bone-a-fide classic, Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. Arino will control Richter Belmont on his quest to rescue 4 kidnapped women and once again banish the Prince of Darkness back to hell. Arino is visiting a quaint neighborhood game center in TamaGe today. First he tries his hand at winning some prizes of very dubious quality before being upstaged by the staff when he moves over to the games. In this brand new and mysterious segment, Arino visits a fortune teller in the Gaming House of Fortunes to find out his personal fortune as well as compatibility with his chosen life partner.

  • S24E02 Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (2)

    • May 7, 2020
    • Fuji TV

    Arino continues his battle against all manner of hell-spawn on his quest to banish Dracula in Castlevania Rondo of Blood: Part 2! Arino enters the Gaming House of Fortunes for the first or second time to learn his compatibility with a celebrity of his choice.

  • S24E03 The House of the Dead

    • May 21, 2020
    • Fuji TV

    A change of pace from the typical fare that Arino challenges as he takes on the original THE House of THE Dead. He will need to shoot his way through all manner of creatures developed by the evil Dr. Curien if he has any hope of rescuing his fiancé Sophie. On his latest TamaGe outing, Arino is exploring a wholesale center that houses all manner of stores as well as a game center. It will be a day of enjoying shopping, gaming eating and poo. Arino takes another trip into the Gaming House of Fortunes to discover some deeper insights into his true self.

  • S24E04 Dragon Fighter

    • June 11, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E05 Hammerin' Harry

    • July 9, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E06 Chack'n Pop

    • July 23, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E07 King of the Monsters 2

    • August 13, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E08 Mappy Kids

    • September 17, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E09 Pokémon Snap

    • October 8, 2020
    • Fuji TV

    Today Arino will finally have the chance to challenge one of the biggest brands in gaming when he takes on the N64 classic Pokémon Snap! Arino will be focusing his lens on clearing all 7 stages filled with 63 of the classic Pocket Monsters. What fortune will "Mark" give Kobayashi when he enters the tent of the Gaming House of Fortunes?

  • S24E10 Devil Dice

    • October 22, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E11 Psycho Dream

    • November 12, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x105 Yoiko's 35 Years with Super Mario - Super Mario 64 Top Memories

    • November 12, 2020
    • Fuji TV

    Arino and Hamaguchi sit down to go over fans' top 5 memories from Super Mario 64 to celebrate Mario's 35th anniversary.

  • S24E12 Esper Dream

    • November 26, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E13 The NewZealand Story

    • December 10, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E14 Quiz no Hoshi

    • December 24, 2020
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E15 Sailor Moon

    • January 14, 2021
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E16 Bloody Wolf

    • January 28, 2021
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E17 Saturday Night Slam Masters

    • February 11, 2021
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E18 Dynamite Duke

    • February 25, 2021
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E19 Squashed

    • March 11, 2021
    • Fuji TV

  • S24E20 The Firemen

    • March 25, 2021
    • Fuji TV

  • SPECIAL 0x104 GameCenter KBX

    • March 28, 2021

    A one-hour special broadcast where GameCenter CX staff writer Masayuki Kibe takes on the main character role, and Chief Arino appears as a guest.

Season 25

Season 26

Season 27

Season 28

Additional Specials