The Best Shooter Games Set In Japan, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Japanese video games featuring guns may reflect influences from Western cinema and are often set in Japan.
The games here not only come with great gameplay but are well integrated into their Japanese setting.
Games like Gal Gun, Sin & Punishment, and Yakuza: Dead Souls offer unique and sometimes humorous experiences involving guns with a Japanese backdrop.

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for games set in Japan, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into some truly unique experiences that showcase the rich culture and vibrant cityscapes of this fascinating country. Among these, there are a handful of titles that stand out as exceptional examples of video games that not only entertain but also immerse players in the heart of Japan.

In Japan, where gun laws are stringent, firearms are seldom seen, making their appearance in media significant. For instance, when guns are brandished in the Yakuza series, they often signify important events or predicaments due to their illegality and potential danger.

The scarcity of these elements in Japan might explain why numerous games produced there often incorporate them as they resemble mythical weapons. Additionally, influences from Western films may have impacted the Japanese game development scene since the 80s. Notably, these specific games not only involve guns but are set in Japan, predominantly around the Tokyo region. Their ranking will be based on their quality and how well they resonate within Japanese culture.

Honorable Mention – Call of Duty: World At War

The Best Shooter Games Set In Japan, Ranked

In Call of Duty: World at War, players weren’t confined to one theater of World War II; instead, they were offered two distinct battlefronts. One group of characters fought against the Japanese in the Pacific region, while another team engaged in combat in Russia. Unlike many other World War II games, which often focus more on the European front, this game offers a unique perspective within the Call of Duty franchise by showcasing less-often depicted battlefields.

The Japan campaign had a tropical feel due to its island-hopping design. It was also quite intense, with flamethrowers serving as a particularly destructive weapon. Although it wasn’t one of the series’ best moments, it did introduce the Pacific Theater setting and the zombie mode that continues to be a feature in the game today.

5 Gal Gun Returns

Love Is A Powerful Drug

Developer: Inti Creates
Publisher: PQube
Release Date: February 12, 2021 (NA)

Originally launched in Japan in 2011 and subsequently released in North America in 2021 as a remastered version, the game titled “Gal Gun” is notable for its content that might explain why it didn’t reach international markets earlier. The story revolves around a high school teenager in Japan who gets struck by Cupid’s arrow, leading to an unusual situation where numerous female students become attracted to him.

In this game, these girls are so smitten, that players must respond with an overflow of affection, causing them to fall to their knees. This unusual idea is for a rail shooter, where instead of combating monsters or soldiers, you’re battling lovestruck high school girls. While it might not appeal to everyone, there’s plenty of humor in the absurd premise. To top it off, the developer, Inti Creates, has a strong reputation, having worked on numerous excellent titles such as the Mega Man Zero series for Capcom.

4 Sin & Punishment

The Future Of Japan Is Filled With Mutants

In 2000, “Sin & Punishment” was initially released only in Japan for the N64 system. Interestingly, although most of the text might have been in Japanese, the spoken dialogue was in English, similar to the “Resident Evil” series. Just like “Resident Evil,” this dialogue is quite cheesy and poorly performed, which only adds to its charm.

This futuristic video game, set in 2007 Japan, features a group of rebellious teenagers battling mutated creatures and authoritarian soldiers. In this on-rails shooter, players have greater control over their character, enabling them to dodge obstacles or attacks by moving sideways. It’s a concise gaming session that can be enjoyed in an afternoon, and it’s included in the Switch’s N64 digital library, making it worth your time.

3 Yakuza: Dead Souls

The Dead Are Infiltrating The Mob

Yakuza: Dead Souls stands out as one of the most unusual offshoots within the series. The action primarily unfolds in familiar locations such as Kamurocho in Japan, but with a shocking twist – a zombie infestation! Unlike the main games where you can knock out zombies with fists, players are equipped with an extensive arsenal of guns, ranging from pistols to assault rifles. Additionally, various characters can be played, including the always amusing Majima, offering different viewpoints on the narrative.

Players can anticipate the familiar zany comedy found in the primary titles, yet it seems to fall short on the expansive side content offered in an open-world format. While it may not deliver the same polished experience as the main games, it remains a must-play for devoted fans. Zombie game enthusiasts might also find this appealing, potentially leading them to delve into the entirety of the Yakuza series in the process.

2 Binary Domain

The Terminators Are Invading Japan

In a future where robots have become an integral part of daily life, from running shops to performing household chores, there are still issues plaguing the system. The game kicks off when a series of events triggers a group of malfunctioning robots to revolt against humans. Imagine a blend between “The Terminator” and “Yakuza”, as the creators of the latter have contributed to this title, making it both campy and action-packed.

In this team, Dan serves as the commander, and during each mission, players have the option to select two allies to join him on the battlefield. This is a third-person cover shooter game that emphasizes squad mechanics. The more effective the commands given by the players to their team, the more they will gain Dan’s admiration, which in turn unlocks rewards. Players can also acquire various skills and weapons, providing multiple strategies for defeating the robot adversaries, some of which can be upgraded.

1 Ghostwire: Tokyo

Battling Demons With Finger Guns

Ghostwire: Tokyo offers a unique first-person shooting experience where you combat supernatural entities using sorcery instead of traditional firearms. What makes this game stand out is its authentic Japanese setting, as it’s set right in the heart of Tokyo. Areas of the city have been mysteriously cordoned off by ghostly magic, and you acquire magical and psychic abilities by merging with a former spirit hunter who has passed away.

In Ghostwire: Tokyo, players can harness the unique abilities of elements such as Wind, Fire, and Water, each with their own distinct control styles. For instance, Water magic may have a limited reach but it packs quite a punch. In addition to this magical combat, players can also throw charms at adversaries or fire off enchanted arrows. The game offers a skill tree for character development as well. Initially, parts of the city might be sealed off, but as the story unfolds or side missions are completed, new areas become accessible. To truly immerse yourself in a contemporary Japanese urban environment minus the dense populace, Ghostwire: Tokyo is an essential play.

2024-11-10 09:33