PlatinumGames’ Hideki Kamiya has always been known for his no compromises approach in making games, and he’s similarly outspoken when he offers his opinion. With this in mind, you would be surprised with how we determines what games are truly world famous.
Sugamo, a neighborhood in Toshima, Tokyo, contains a shopping area known for its older clientele, Jizo-dori. Jizo-dori has been described as Harajuku for old ladies, so you have an idea of what kinds of people are found there.
Apparently, Kamiya goes to Sugamo on occasion, and there he finds out if Sugamo’s regulars know about video games. This, in Kamiya’s mind, is the true test if a game is truly world famous.
Kamiya laments his games don’t pass the test. Surprisingly, neither do Metal Gear Solid, or Monster Hunter.
The big winners won’t surprise you. Super Mario and Dragon Quest have been around since the 1980s, and endured through the decades to stay relevant, in a way other classic game franchises like Ganbare Goemon was not able to.
The most interesting note, however, are the games that are in the precarious borderline position. The Legend of Zelda,Resident Evil, and Final Fantasy are the games that are somehow in this borderline position.
Admit it; you’ve tried a test like this yourself, right? I know I’ve always found someone who knows Super Mario, and nowadays,DOTA, when I go around Binondo. What games have you found strangers will confirm are ‘world famous’? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
