Import or Domestic...which is the best way to play

[Vocaloid]

I'll admit I have bought a few games over the years from over seas, but that was when I had more time to play games and the game I wanted wasn't available in the US...Ever!!!. But with so many new games finding their way stateside long before a import/translation can be decided on, I wonder if it is worth it to wait any more. Currently on my list is Virtual Diva 2, and with the Vocaloid base growing in the US, I don't know if I will have the patience to wait this one out. What are some of the video games you currently are waiting on or have imported and what did you go thru before doing so? Just curious about it and also looking to start expanding my game library again so suggestions and playability experiences would be appriciated

[Makoto]

If you have the spare change, a decent understanding of Japanese, and either systems that can play games from other regions with little difficulty or a Japanese version of the system, I'd say go for it. There are still a lot of Japanese games that aren't translated and released in English (and many of those still aren't likely to be); plus, there's always the chance that an English re-release may change things (features, etc.) or leave them out, have considerable script changes, questionable voice acting, etc.

I've imported games for quite some time; it was easy to do with my SNES, TG-16, Genesis - and the GB/DS play import games without any need for modification. The more recent disc-based systems will require either a hardware mod or a full Japanese system, though.

(I used to frequent the Japanese game stores (including one that sold used Japanese games) in San Francisco, but I haven't been to those in a while, so I don't even know if they're still there. )

[Spokavriel]

It depends on the game. But original nation release is almost always better than a localization that takes liberties. There are many fan translations of games that are superior to the games originally sold in foreign markets.

Just like with books. Or movies. If you can train yourself to know the language go to the original sources. They are almost Always the best.

[CRBWildcat]

If I'm going to play something, I'd like to be able to understand it.