GameCenter CX(2003–)

Taito: Takeshi no Chousenjou (Takeshi's Challenge)

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.

Koei: Angelique Trois

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. Contains interviews with Kou Shibusawa, Takazumi Tomoike, and Tomomi Matsushita.

Capcom: Tekki (Steel Battalion)

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).

Sega: Roommania #203

Rather than center on one company, this episode of Game Center CX explores an entire game series: specifically, Sega’s Sakura Taisen. Arino challenges Sega's Roommania #203 for the Sega Dreamcast. Contains interview with Oji Hiroi.

Hudson: Star Force

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. Contains interviews with Akira Sakuma and Eiji Shio.

ASCII: Astro Robo SASA

During this episode Arino's challenge is to defeat Astro SASA! Will he surpass this challenge or give in? Contains an interview with Hiroyuki Sonobe.

Namco: Galaga

Can Arino blast every enemy in the arcade classic Galaga's first bonus stage?! Featuring interviews with Iwatani Toru (Pac-Man) and Endo Masanobu (Xevious, Tower of Druaga).

Chunsoft: Door Door

Arino must trap six aliens at once behind one door in the Famicom classic Door Door. Featuring the game's creator, and Chunsoft founder Nakamura Koichi as well as an interview with Shinichiro Tomie.

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

In this episode Arino is faced with a 3 round Konami challenge. He must go through challenges on the games Yie Ar Kung-Fu, Gradius, & Konami Hyper Olympics. Features extensive interviews with developers (Shingo Takatsuka, Akira Yamaoka, and Toshiki Yamamura) behind the PES and Silent Hill series.

Nintendo - Super Mario Brothers 2 - The Lost Levels (Part 1)

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? Contains interview with Yoshio Sakamoto.

Ultraman

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.

Final Fight

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.

I am the Game Martial Artist! "Street Fighter II" (#37)

It's Arino's first fighting game challenge! Arino tries to clear the game but first he must find which of Street Fighter's iconic brawlers suits him best.

The Kacho's Love Whip! "Castlevania III" (#38)

Arino has tried out many difficult games throughout the show, but his first Castlevania game Castlevania III, is probably not the best to try out first.

No Warps? No Saves?! "Mighty Bomb Jack" (#39)

The Terrifying Double-Header! "Gargoyle's Quest II" (#40)

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.

Fan Appreciation Day! "Mighty Bomb Jack" (#41)

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.

A Year Since Quiz Time! "Adventure Quiz: Hatena's Great Adventure" (#42)

Arino is given another PC Engine quizfest: Hatena no Daibouken, which features a Capcom character theme.

Break Out! "S.O.S." (#43)

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.

"Umihara Kawase:" How 'bout it? The Kacho Returns (#31)

Six months later, everyone’s favorite section chief arrives back on the scene. Due to Arino’s family commitments, season 5 is only a scant six episodes long, but it promises to be as entertaining as ever. His first challenge Umihara Kawase is a unique game, but his new AD Inoue might be more unique than the game itself.

Best Regards to "Contra" (#32)

Arino challenges Konami's classic action game, and he doen't even use the Konami Code! AD Inoue a.k.a. Inoko MAX tries to aid Arino after his previous blunder.

Sega's Strongest Brothers: "Bonanza Bros." (#33)

Arino challenges Bonanza Bros, a Mega Drive game about burglarizing buildings and hiding from the cops.

Another Life-Or-Death Struggle: "Ghouls 'n Ghosts" (#34)

Arino's worst nightmare has come true, he must challenge the sequel to Makai Mura, and once again face the Red Arremer.

Seconds, Please! "Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom" (#35)

Arino's first adventure game challenge. As the valiant Sir Cucumber, Arino must rescue Princess Tomato and stop the evil Minister Pumpkin.

It's Season 7, so "Ultra Seven" (#45)

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.

Start From the Beginning! "Mega Man" (#46)

Two years ago Arino challenged Rockman 2, and though he got incredibly far, he just couldn’t quite get to that ending screen. But now he faces the original Rockman, arguably the toughest of the 8-bit originals.

The Shiritori King's Real Power!? "Wagan Land" (#47)

Arino explores another forgotten Japanese action game: Namco’s Wagyan Land. Though clearly this is a game for little kids — it looks cute and colorful, and the boss "fights" are just memory and word games. This surely will be a cinch for Arino...

The Mysterious Western Game: "Another World" (#48)

Go For It! "The Legend of the Mystical Ninja" (#49)

This time, with a pair of new shoes over his feet, Arino challenges another Super NES classic: The Legend of the Mystical Ninja, the first 16-bit "Ganbare Goemon" game; the wacky story of Goemon and his partner Ebisumaru as they try and rescue the kidnapped Princess Yuki.

Gaming in Korea, Traveling by Economy Class (#50)

50th Episode Special. In celebration of the 50th episode of of the show, Arino is leaving home and heading to South Korea! There he heads to many of South Korea's arcades, and interviews some of South Korea's pro gamers.

Character Game Festival: Which will the Kacho Choose? (#51)

After returning from South Korea, Arino is given a choice of trying to clear one of 3 video games based off of 3 different comic book series. Taito's Sword of Musashi, Hudson's Ninja Hattori, and Bandai's Gegege Kitaro or Ninja Kid as it's known overseas.

The Great Kaicho's Great Battle!! "Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts" (#52)

Arino challenges the third and final game in the GnG series. With only 5 continues, he must defeat the forces of hell and rescue Arthur's beloved.

The First Horror Game Challenge! "Clock Tower" (#53)

Hello 9th Season! The Spikey Kacho Takes On "Sonic The Hedgehog" (#64)

The Kacho's Business Trip to the Cannes Film Festival

Aired while Arino Kachou was hospitalized. Arino and the staff head to the Cannes Film Festival in hopes of selling the show overseas.

Welcome Back! The Kacho Returns! (#65)

Arino was hospitalized after he discovered an abcess on his lung. Returning to work for the first time, Kibe "interrogates" the Kachou. Afterwords Arino enters "recovery mode". The staff decides it would be cruel to subject him to a usual challenge so soon. So Arino casually plays Super Mario Bros, and ends the episode playing Dr. Mario's VS mode with AD Nakayama.

Back to Work, Kacho! "Zombie Nation" (#67)

Arino must save America from being completely zombiefied in the cult classic Abarenbou Tengu (Zombie Nation) for Famicom.

Fight! Sunsoft's Madonna, "The Wing of Madoola" (#68)

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.

Find the Dragon Balls! "Dragon Power" (#70)

In the first episode of the new season, Arino tackles a game based on one of his favorite comic book series, Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball: Shenlong no Nazo is known for it's brutal challenge, can he clear it? He has the support of this season's A.D. Nakayama! Nakayama returns to the show for another season to help out Arino.

All You Can Do Is Run! "Atomic Runner Chelnov" (#71)

Data East’s Chelnov was part platformer, part shoot-em-up: the hero, Chelnov, always runs forward. And while he can stop, the screen always scrolls forward anyway. Even as he looks at the screenshots on the back of the box, he knows this is going to be a hard one.

"Yuyu no Quiz de Go! Go!" Go, Kacho! (#72)

Arino must assemble a team in hopes of defeating Yuuyu no Quiz de GO! GO!. Yuuyu is the nickname of Yukiko Iwai, a teen idol from the ’80s and early ’90s who was part of the musical group Onyanko Club and the host of the show this game is based upon.

Can the Kacho Lead!? "Lemmings" (#73)

The Last Samurai? Nah, "First Samurai" (#74)

First Samurai is a platform game published by Kemco, but originally made by Europeans on Amiga. While it’s not particularly great, and only five stages long, the hope, as always, is that it will give Arino a good challenge.

It's Been a While! "Donkey Kong Country" (#75) (Part 1)

Arino takes on Donkey Kong Country. Though he finds the game fun and grows fond of it, it's brutal difficulty and limited save system may be to much for him to handle.

"Donkey Kong Country": The Special Conclusion (#76)

Arino couldn't beat half of Donkey Kong Country before he ran out of time in the last episode.

That Shiny Gold Cartridge! "Dragon Buster" (#90)

Arino returns to his post, and for the start of the twelfth season, he’s playing Dragon Buster, Namco’s Famicom port of their arcade game. Arino must take the brave young hero through 12 worlds ("Rounds"), each dotted with dungeons, which are filled with monsters of all kinds.

Kid Arino and "Kid Kool" (#91)

For this episode, Arino takes on an original Famicom "classic," Vic Tokai’s Kakefu-kun no Jump Tengoku Speed Jigoku, which came out internationally as "Kid Kool." Kakefu-kun was a real-life kid celebrity, and his game looks like a regular platformer, with seven worlds to complete.

The Kacho's Trial!? "Shiren the Wanderer" (#92) (Part 1)

Fushigi no Dungeon 2: Furai no Shiren (Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer) is a "roguelike" dungeon crawler, where death is swift and frequent.

The Real Trial! Shiren the Wanderer (#93) (Part 2)

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 mistakeshd grave consequences — having to start all over with nothing.

Arino the Conductor: "Densha de Go!" (#94)

Catching Up With the Times: "Street Fighter 2010" (#95)

Game Center CX returns for 2010 with the Famicom sci-fi action game 2010 Street Fighter. SF2010 tells the story of bionic warrior Kevin (or Ken in the English version), tasked with defeating some bionic menaces over several planets.

Another Death Struggle: "Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos" (#96) (Part 1)

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.

We Fight Together! "Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos" (#97) (Part 2)

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.

Captain Kacho: "Pilotwings"

Arino takes to the sky with Pilotwings, the Super Famicom launch game that’s now almost 20 years old! This "sky sports simulation" features a variety of flying machines that the player uses to complete various challenges.

Catch the Rainbow: "Rainbow Island" (#99)

Today it's Rainbow Islands from Taito, the first sequel to Bubble Bobble. In it, the dinosaurs-turned-humans Bubby and Bobby must rescue a princess, and rather than blowing bubbles, the boys shoot rainbows that they can use to climb up the levels.

Welcome Back! "Fukuoka Hometown Special" (#78)

The Game Center CX staff head to Fukuoka, the hometown of Cameraman Abe, Urukawa, and Inoko MAX, to promote GCCX's second DS game and meet fans. Along the way Arino visits two game centers with the staff.

Starting the 11th Season With "Layla" (#79)

LayLa must rescue her partner from the enemy base through eight stages that Arino has to get through.

Suck It! "Kirby's Adventure"

Hoshi no Kirby: Yume no Izumi no Monogatari, the bigger, bolder sequel to the original Hoshi no Kirby on Game Boy. It’s not a terribly hard game for most, but it can be lengthy, and regardless, there are tricky bosses in the latter half that may or may throw Arino for a loop.

The Kacho's Golf Trip: "Battle Golfer Yui" (#81)

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.

The Decisive Battle! "Mega Man 3" (#82)

Arino has 1 win and 1 loss in the Mega Man series, by taking on Mega Man 3 he will either overcome his losing streak or increase it.

The Conclusion! "Mega Man 3" (#83)

Part 2 of the Mega Man 3 Challenge. After fighting not just 8, but 16 brutal boss battles, Arino heads to Wily's Castle.

"Super Gussun Oyoyo:" Tsk Tsk (#84)

This action puzzle game has you moving and placing blocks in order to guide Gussun to the exit door. With tons of stages to get through, Arino may have his work cut out for him. Gussun is easily spooked by blocks falling too close to him, and otherwise can’t be pushed off an edge from too high.

Crunch Time! "Genpei Toma Den" (#85)

Arino’s back in the saddle, and this time he’s tackling the PC Engine game Genpei Touma Den, a Namco action game from the arcades. In it, the undead samurai Kagekiyo traverses a very bizarre-looking Japan as he defeats creatures from the underworld. With a not-so-linear progression, Arino will have to stay sharp in his journey to get to the end.

Yoiko TKO'd!? "Punch Out!!" (#86)

Fight for the "Golden Axe!" (#87)

Burrow Burrow!? "Dig Dug II"

This time, Arino is playing a pretty simple game: Namco’s Dig Dug II for Famicom. Rather than a game of digging underground to burst enemies, Dig Dug II is a game of walking around an island to burst and/or sink enemies by destroying plots of land.

The Revival! "Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode" (#101)

Arino’s tasked with conquering Golgo 13 for Famicom, better known to English-speaking countries as Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode for NES. And coincidentally enough, it has 13 arduous stages for the kacho to try to get through as he assumes the role of the manga super spy for the first episode of the 13th season.

Chain 'em! "Super Puyo Puyo" (#102)

Arino challenges Super Puyo Puyo on the hardest difficulty, but it may prove to be to difficult even for the self proclaimed puzzle kacho.

The Sweat and Tears of Youth: "Koshien" (#103)

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.

Celebrating the Morning Serial Drama?! "GeGeGe no Kitaro: The Demon King's Resurrection" (#104)

Arino’s challenge for this episode: GeGeGe no Kitaro: Fukkatsu! Tenma Daioh (Resurrection of the King of Demons) for the Super Famicom, the third Kitaro game and a pretty standard platformer. Arino must get through all 19 stages before seeing the ending; no small number for him.

Detective Kacho!? "Hokkaido Serial Killer" (#105)

From the creator of Dragon Quest, comes this adventure game. As a detective you must find out who is behind a series of murders in Hokkaido and stop them.

Aim For 100! "The Quest For Kai" (#55) (Part 2)

A month’s rest leaves Arino ready and willing to finish the game he had to give up; Kai No Bouken.

Another Weird Western Game: "Flashback" (#56)

It was just a few months ago when Arino defeated the French classic Another World, and now he’s ready to take on another European classic, Flashback: The Quest for Identity. Flashback looks and plays very similarly, but with a greater emphasis on puzzle solving… and firepower.

Stick and Be Stuck "Bikkuriman World" (#57)

Arino takes on "Bikkuriman World", a port of Wonder Boy in Monster Land on the PC Engine with characters from the Bikkuriman sticker franchise featured in the game.

Don't Lose to Haggleman! "Masked Ninja Hanamaru" (#58)

"Kamen no Ninja Hanamaru" is a ninja Famicom game from Capcom. However, it was released outside Japan and heavily reworked into the NES game Yo! Noid.

Leave the Shooting to Me! "Super Fantasy Zone" (#59)

Despite his lack of skills with shooters, Arino must face the challenge of Super Fantasy Zone, SEGA's smash hit shooter series.

Honk If You're Bonk! "Bonk's Adventure" (#60)

Arino attempts to clear Bonk's Adventure. In addition a recap of Arino's live Kai no Bouken Christmas Challenge narrated by Toujima is shown.

Headin' to Edo! Or Not...? Tokaido Gojusan-tsugi (#61)

The goal of The Toukaidou Gojuusan-tsugi is to guide the fireworks maker, Kantaro through 21 extremely difficult stages. The game's difficulty may prove too much for Arino to handle, and in an effort to help Arino AD Tsuroka ends up showing the staff his "singing" skills.

Who're YOU? "Kid Dracula" (#62)

Akumajou Special: Boku Dracula-kun (Kid Dracula) is a unique Castlevania spinoff starring Alucard.

Off-Course!? "Paris-Dakar Rally Special" (#107)

Today’s challenge, Paris-Dakar Rally Special, is considered a bad one. It’s low-quality all-around, from a Famicom-era publisher (CBS Sony) that was never known for quality in the first place. It’s a racing game, of course — taking place in the real-life Paris-Dakar Rally — but calling it a racing game is not entirely accurate. You’ll see.

The Prince Becomes a Slime! "Smart Ball" (#108)

Jerry is turned into a slime by an evil magician who also goes ahead and steals the princess. For Arino, this means he must complete all eight worlds in this cute platformer before midnight.

Finally That Masterpiece... "Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (#109) (Part 1)

Arino takes on one of the greatest games ever made, and luck may be on his side.

The Masterpiece's Conclusion!? "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (#110) (Part 2)

No, Not More Shooting! "Super Star Force" (#111)

Arino challenged the original Star Force way back in season 1, and Super Star Force would make the second ever shooting game featured in full on the show.

From Beginning to End: "Ninja Spirit" (#112)

Arino takes on this surreal side scroller, and makes amazing progess.

You Scared? You Sleepy? "Night of the Sickle Weasel" (#113)

Arino recently played through the detective adventure Okhotsk ni Kiyu, and now he tackles another adventure, though this one is almost pure story: Kamaitachi no Yoru, Chun Soft’s Super Famicom visual novel.

And Now, Once Again... "Mega Man 4" (#114) (Part 1)

Arinos 4th challenge in the Mega Man series, sees him battle a new foe... the mysterious Dr.

Climing Higher... "Mega Man 4" (#115) (Part 2)

Part 2 of the Mega Man 4 challenge, has Arino challenging the final 4 Wily stages.

The 15th Season Starts! "Mr. Gimmick" (#117)

The game that opens this new season is Sunsoft’s Gimmick! This platformer came at the peak of the Famicom’s life, and is a fantastic production both visually and musically. And though it may look cute and possess only six stages, it’s designed for platforming pros; a nice send-off for a system that more or less made the genre.

F1!? Nah, "F-ZERO" (#118) (Part 1)

In his early 20's Arino played F-Zero on SNES more times than he can remember, because of this Arino must clear all of the original F-Zero's courses on Expert difficulty.

The Kacho Roars Around in "F-ZERO" (#119) (Part 2)

Arino's F-Zero challenge has been lowered from Expert to Standard difficulty, but even so it proves to be quite a hurdle.

Can You!? Can't You!? Puzzle and Action in "Tant-R" (#120)

For the first time, Arino challenges a mini-game compilation title, Tant-R on the Mega Drive.

The Kacho Warrior: "Bio Senshi DAN" (#121)

Jaleco’s Bio Warrior DAN was an action game that’s filled with weird imagery, and is also a bit confusing at times.

A Marvel? "Comix Zone" (#122)

Arino takes on Sega's unique comic book styled beat-em up.

Golf? Or Billiards? "Kirby's Dream Course" (#123)

Kirby Bowl (Kirby’s Dream Course) isn’t a regular Kirby game — it’s a crazy hybrid of mini-golf and elements of pool, with Kirby being the ball, and needing to get through the tricky courses by destroying all the enemies and dropping into the hole at the end.

Slug? Gear? Nah "Metal Storm" (#124)

With a zit on his nose and a new hair style, Arino faces Metal Storm on the Famicom, a gravity defying action shooter.

Raised By Quizzes: "Quiz My Angel" (#125)

Daisuke Nagashima, the shows former producer, reappears before Arino. Like the Arinos, he had a baby girl and so he looks to the Kacho for advice on how to raise a child. In Arino's 3rd PS1 challenge he takes on Quiz My Angel which is both a quiz game, and a simulation game in which you raise a daughter to adulthood.

Run 'n Gun! "Super Spy Hunter" (#126)

Battle Formula is hard, rare and expensive, making Arino even more nervous making sure he beats this hefty investment.

A New Hello! "Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures" (#127)

Hello! Pac-Man," known outside Japan as "Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures." is a cartoony action-adventure where you guide Pac-Man through a series of missions. You can only direct him using a slingshot to fire pellets at things he should pay attention to, or a secondary "look" command. There are only four episodes ("rounds") in the game, but this likely won’t be a jolly stroll for Arino.

Ninja From the Future!? "Strider" (#128)

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.

Traveling By Dragon: "Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll" (#129)

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.

Take On The Cloth! "Saint Seiya: Ougon Densetsu" (#130)

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.

My Thanks To You. "Mito Koumon" (#131)

Mito Koumon is a Famicom game sort of based on the long-running historical TV drama of the same name, featuring the old adventurer Mito Koumon and his band of followers. It’s an action adventure a little bit like the Ganbare Goemon games, but with more "adventure" — in other words, figuring out what to do half the time. Arino has to get through seven stage, which sounds promising, but it is a Sunsoft game, after all.

Fighting Frogs! "Battletoads" (#132) (Part 1)

Arino takes on the unique Western Side scroller Battletoads. Known in the west for both it's unique gameplay, and it's difficulty, Arino finds himself doing something he hasn't done in a while on the show...

More Fighting Frogs! "Battletoads" (#133) (Part 2)

Part 2 of the Battletoads challenge, Arino continues to struggle through the brutal difficulty of the game, but the fun factor seems to override the frustration factor.

Find the Solution! "Jake Hunter" (#134)

Arino seeks out the mystery in Tantei Jinguuji Saburou, a Famicom Disk System game involving the investigation of a murdered bar hostess.

SEGA's Ace!? "Alex Kidd in Miracle World"

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

It's Season 16! Xie Xie! "Kung Fu Heroes" (#137)

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

Use Your Head! "Dynamite Heady" (#138) (Part 1)

Dynamite Heady is the strange hero of one of Mega Drive's finest, and hardest, platformers.

Settle It! "Dynamite Heady" (#139) (Part 2)

Arino continues his struggle with the detachable hero, Dynamite Headdy.

The Kacho Delivers... "Kattobi! Takuhai-kun" (#140)

Kattobi! Takuhai-kun is a strange game on the PC Engine where the player takes the role as a delivery boy. Arino sits on his trusty moped and hopes to get the package delivered in time, but many obstacles are in his way.

Huh? The Kacho Plays Soccer!? "Captain Tusbasa" (#141) (Part 1)

Arino goes for the gold trophy in the first of Captain Tsubasa's Famicom adventures.

Lost Time!? "Captain Tsubasa" (#142) (Part 2)

Iwate Business Trip Special: Complete "Pilotwings"?! (#143)

Arino once again heads for the sky in this live episode, seeking to clear the expert mode of Pilotwings.

Run 'n Gun! "Vice: Project Doom" (#144)

Deduction Time: "Famicom Detective Club" (#145)

The Russian Skinhead! "Karnov" (#146)

Desert Island Fishing!? "River King 2" (#147)

Charge! "Pulseman" (#148)

Capturing Islands With Puzzles... "Kickle Cubicle" (#149)

Celebrating 150 Episodes with "PaRappa the Rapper" (#150)

In celebration of the 150th episode of the show, Arino tries out his 4th PS1 challenge, Parappa the Rapper. It is the first music game to be challenged in the show. However in order to master a game about rap, he must become a rapper.

Mysterious Group Adventure: "Mansion of Hidden Souls" (#151)

So Excited... "Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island" (#152) (Part 1)

Heart's Pounding... "Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island" (#153) (Part 2)

Walk! Fly! Run! "Metro-Cross" (#154) (Part 1)

Whatever, Just Hurry!! "Metro-Cross" (#155) (Part 2)

Our First Disney Game! "The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse" (#157)

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.

While the Tokyo Marathon's Going... "Famicom Trainer Jogging Race" (#158)

That Famous Gaming Masterpiece... "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (#159)

Get On And Off: "Blaster Master" (#160)

Aim For G1! "Best Keiba Derby Stallion" (#161)

Shaking with Excitement for "Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest"! (#162) (1)

Crazy About "Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest"! (#163) (2)

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.

Moved by "Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest"! (#164) (3)

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.

Find Those Dragon Balls! "Dragon Ball Z: Super Butoden"

A Familiar Ninja Game: "Shadow of the Ninja" (#166)

Spin Me Right Around~ "Sky Kid" (#167)

Jump Generations! "Yu Yu Hakusho" (#168)

Use Your Head! "Rocky Rodent" (#169)

On Point...? "Aighina's Prophecy" (#170) (1)

Continued: On Point...? "Aighina's Prophecy" (#171) (2)

Arino's Challenge in Budokan Documentary (#172)

Deliciously Supreme: "The Gourmet" (#173)

Like Playing With Paper Sumos: "Woody Poko" (#174)

The Vampire of Legend... "Nosferatu" (#175) (1)

Celebrate the 19th Season! A New Era Revealed! "Intelligent Qube" (#197) (1)

Intelligence x Speed: "Intelligent Qube" (#198) (2)

Answer Your Hopes! "Quiz Rainbow Dreams: The Miracle of the Rainbow Village" (#199)

Celebrating 200 Episodes! "Zen-Nippon Pro Wrestling" (#200)

Burn! "Double Dragon" (#201)

Go For It, Arino-Kid! "Ninja-Kid" (#202) (1)

Ninja-Arino-Kid Stands Tall! "Ninja-Kid" (#203) (2)

The Culprit Is...? "Yamamura Misa Suspense: Kyoto Ryuu no Tera Satsujin Jiken" (#204)

Digging Forward! "Mole Mania" (#205)

Armed With Sword and Shield! "Trojan" (#206)

Episode 11

An Interesting Game!? "Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman" (#208)

The 3rd Time In 5 Years: "Zelda II: The Adventure of Link" (#209) (1)

The Royal Road of an Action RPG: "Zelda II: The Adventure of Link" (#210) (2)

Securing by Ramming! "Chase H.Q." (#211)

The Mysterious Puzzle: "The Mystery of Olivia" (#212)

Wachoo Kacho: "China Warrior" (#213)

The Penguin Boom of Those Days!? "Yume Penguin Monogatari" (#214)

Fighting with a Scooter! "Seicross" (#215)

Miyashita World! "Seahorse Fighter" (#177)

The Royal Road Again... "Mega Man X" (#178) (1)

Just As We Thought, an Extension... "Mega Man X" (#179) (2)

Arino's a Detective Again. "Satsui no Kaisou: Power Soft Renzoku Satsujin Jiken" (#180)

Fight On, SEGA Hero! "Gunstar Heroes" (#181)

Clear de Kill!? "Keru Naguru" (#182)

Celebrate the World Debut! "Super Godzilla" (#183)

The First Game Boy Game! "Super Mario Land" (#184)

Become the Greatest Jockey... "Family Jockey" (#185) (1)

Vow to Conquer!? "Family Jockey" (#186) (2)

Arino's a Ninja Again... "Shadow Dancer" (#186)

It'll Be Fine... Right!? "Heisei Tensai Bakabon" (#188)

Cut 'em Down! "Magic Sword" (#189)

A New Sense of Horror!? "D" (#190)

Climb Even Higher! "Crazy Climber" (#191)

An Interesting One!? "Bravoman" (#192)

What Type is the Kacho? "R-Type" (#193)

The Legendary Kacho!? "Wizards & Warriors" (#194)

Super-Kacho Rushs In: "Commando" (#195)

Year of the Monkey! "Ape Escape" (#217) (1)

Catch 'em! "Ape Escape" (#218) (2)

Go! "Rygar" is an Extreme Charge! (#219)

Cho Kacho! "Cho Aniki" (#220) (1)

Go Macho! "Cho Aniki" (#221) (2)

It's Been Nine Years: "Wagan Land 2" (#222)

Akatsuka World ! "Osomatsu-kun: Nonsense Theater" (#223)

Where Am I? "Wurm: Journey to the Center of the Earth" (#224)

Were-Kacho!? "Altered Beast" (#225)

GameCenter CX in Shikoku: Pigrimage for the 88 Games (#226)

Fight With 12 Constellations! "Somer Assault" (#227)

A Foothold at Last!? "Quiz: The Feudal Lord's Ambition 2: Nationwide Edition" (#228)

Space Sherrif!? "Cosmo Police Galivan" (#228)

Yet Another Nightmare... "Clock Tower 2" (#230) (1)

The End of Scissorman!? "Clock Tower 2" (#231) (2)

A Revolving Door... "Code Name: Viper" (#232)

More Heated Racing: "F-ZERO X" (#233)

Carry and Fight! "Pizza Pop!" (#234)

It's Been 11 Years! "Super C" (#235)

The Long-Established Personality: "Mega Man X2" (#257) (1)

Naturally, an Extension... "Mega Man X2" (#258) (2)

Theatrical Game? "Wonder Momo" (#259)

I'll Become the "King of Demons"! (#260)

Arinosaurus!? "Pocket Saurus" (#261)

Suck and Blow Again! "Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards" (#262)

The Double-Cup Memorial! "Captain Tsubasa II: Super Striker" (#263) (1)

Part II of "Captain Tsubasa II: Super Striker" (#264) (2)

The Ancestor of Ninja Gaming: "The Legend of Kage" (#265)

Let's Remodel! "Choro Q" (#266)

So Many Dragons: "The King of Dragons" (#267)

Man or Woman?! "Ranma 1/2" (#268)

Don't Get Caught! "Super Bomberman" (#269)

I Knew It! Whips! "Castlevania: Bloodlines" (#270)

All You Can Depend On is Your Gun! "Rolling Thunder" (#271)

Arino's Challenge in Makuhari Messe (#272)

Mario is the Star! "Super Mario RPG" (#273) (1)

Bowser's An Ally Too?! "Super Mario RPG" (#274) (2)

Together With Peach... "Super Mario RPG" (#275) (3)

Let's Start the 23rd Season! "Pac-Land" (#277)

Explosion of Youth! "Shin Nekketsu Koha" (#278)

Firebrand's the Main Character! "Demon's Crest" (#279)

Shoot and Dodge! "Image Fight" (#280)

Blow & Jump!! "Klonoa: Door to Phantomile" (#281)

Red Shinobi... "Super Ninja-kun" (#282)

It's Summer! Swimsuits! "Athena" (#283)

Guaranteed Masterpiece! "Earthbound" (#284)

Itoi Shigesato's Advent!! "Earthbound" (#285)

Don't Cry Until The Ending "Earthbound" (#286)

Fantasy! "Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse" (#287)

Claw Is The Key... "Werewolf: The Last Warrior" (#288)

With Sword And Magic... "Valkyrie no Densetsu" (#289)

Dreamcast Unbanned "Space Channel 5" (#290)

The Stage Is India "Meikyuu Jiin Dababa" (#291)

New AD Enters! "Raf World" (#292)

Yuuko & Reiko "Valis: The Fantasm Soldier" (#293)

Am I a ghost!? "Avenging Spirit" (#294)

Erase it with a square! "Quarth" (#295)

Season 30 start! "Crash Bandicoot" (#417)

Proceed to the back! "Crash Bandicoot" (#418)

Use the ring... "Jewel Master" (#419)

With the Triforce... "The Legend of Zelda" (#317)

Defeat Ganon! "The Legend of Zelda" (#318)

Fight the Irrational... "Dragon's Lair" (#319)

Aim for the Top! "Fuuun Shourin Ken" (#320)

Fight! In each era... "Gain Ground" (#321)

Destruction & Escape "Air Fortress" (#322)

3rd Time in 5 Years "Super Wagyan Land" (#323)

The Lord of the Rings-like... "Faxanadu" (#324)

Celebration! PS2 Unlocked! "Global Defence Force" (#325)

Back to 1999 "Tokyo Bus Annai" (#326)

Curse you Ryūkotsuki "Getsu Fūma Den" (#327)

Keep your Weapon "Rastan Saga II" (#328)

Roll it! "Super Monkey Ball" (#329)

Vertical and horizontal too... "Axelay" (#330)

Snow Brothers "Snow Bros." (#331)

Depart now "Space Harrier" (#332)

Unite it... "Dokuganryū Masamune" (#333)

Celebration! 50 years "Owarai Yowiko no Game Michi: Oyaji Sagashite 3 Choume" (#334)

Protect Gotham City "Batman: The Video Game" (#335)

The 21st Season Begins! "Marchen Maze" (#237) (2)

Don't Make Fun! "Renegade" (#238)

In Celebration of the Movie! "Densha de Go! 64" (#239)

The Kacho Arrives! "Um Jammer Lammy" (#240)

Jason the Kacho: "Splatterhouse 2" (#241) (1)

We'll Be Rescued, Right!? "Splatterhouse 2" (#242) (2)

GameCenter CX on The Pacific Ocean: Arino's First Challenge on a Boat! (#243)

Welcome to the Bad Streets! "The Adventures of Bayou Billy" (#244)

The Great Detective Arino!? "Nishimura Kyōtarō Misuterī: Blue Train Satsujin Jiken" (#245)

What Type is Arino Again? "Super R-Type" (#246)

A Space Worm?! "Earthworm Jim" (#247)

Eat That Meat! "Bonk's Revenge" (#248)

Never Miss a Photo Op! "Gekisha Boy" (#249)

It All Started Here... "Dragon Quest" (#250) (1)

And Thus Into Legend... "Dragon Quest" (#251) (2)

Arino's Three Kingdoms: "Dynasty Wars" (#252)

Move It! "Bazaru de Gozaru no Gemu Degozaru" (#253)

Fight in 3D! "Virtua Fighter 2" (#254)

Shin Nippon Pro Wrestling: Great Warrior in Tokyo Dome (#255)

Hero once again... "Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line" (#377)

As a hero... "Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line" (#378)

A favorite "River City Super Sports Challenge" (#379)

Assistant chief's favorite! "Sadakichi Seven: Hideyoshi no Ougon" (#380)

Take aim... "Virtua Cop" (#381)

Dig here! "Mr. Driller G" (#382)

Dancing solves it!? "Space Channel 5: Part 2" (#383)

Scary? Cute? "Splatterhouse: Wanpaku Graffiti" (#384)

Welcome to the world of sound novels "Otogirisou" (#385)

Is it coming? Special move! "Brawl Brothers" (#386)

Equipment is everything... "Armored Core" (#387)

Weakest no longer!? "Spelunker II: Yūja e no Chōsen" (#388)

Leave the deserted island to me! "Survival Kids" (#389)

It's coming... "Totally Rad" (#390)

Prince of Pufftop "Densetsu no Starfy" (#391)

Aim to clear on the first go!! "Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side" (#392)

The player is heavy machinery! "Blast Corps" (#393)

Ukky~! "Spanky's Quest" (#394)

Now, again... "Super Castlevania IV" (#395)

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

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.

Attack! Takeshi's Castle Showdown (Family Trainer)

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.

Tokimeki Memorial: Forever With You

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.

Famicom Jump: History of Heroes

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.

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

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.

Hi no Tori Hououhen: Gaou no Bouken

Based on the classic manga from Astro Boy creator, Osamu Tezuka, it's Hi no Tori Hououhen: Gaou no Bouken! 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.

Super Mario World (Part 1)

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.

Super Mario World (Part 2)

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.

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

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.

Celebration! Season 27 begins!! "Final Fantasy Adventure" (#357)

Will it be cleared!? "Final Fantasy Adventure" (#358)

Ichidan and Arino... "Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R" (#359)

Kick away! "Contra III: The Alien Wars" (#360)

Extreme! Devilishly difficult "Whirlo" (#361)

Overtake 'em! "Mario Kart 64" (#362)

Shoot the Ghost! "Fatal Frame" (#363)

Gottsan desu... "Tsuppari Ōzumō" (#364)

Aim! "The Sniper" (#365)

Ultra hard!? "Dragon Scroll" (#366)

Cheerfully♪ "Samba de Amigo" (#367)

Extreme Fight!! "Streets of Rage 2" (#368)

Decide in seconds! "WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!" (#369)

The protagonist is a stone!? "Moai-kun" (#370)

GO! "Nekketsu! Street Basket: Ganbare Dunk Heroes" (#371)

"Saitama Super Arena documentary" (#372)

Fight in the world!! "The Ninja Warriors" (#373)

You are already... "Hokuto no Ken" (#374)

Akira is the protagonist "Youkai Club" (#375)