Seasons & episodes
S1 · E11Nintendo - Super Mario Brothers 2 - The Lost Levels (Part 2) 2004-05-30 · 60 min
Previously bested by Super Mario Bros 2 (SMB: The Lost Levels), Arino vows revenge. Staff involved in the Pokemon games are interviewed including Satoshi Tajiri.
S2 · E1Atlantis no Nazo (The Mystery of Atlantis) 2004-10-20 · 60 min
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.
S2 · E2Challenger 2004-11-03 · 60 min
Arino challenges "Challenger" for Famicom (1986). In a game that often changes the gameplay style, can he prevail? Meanwhile, he continues his search for the legendary sit-down arcade cabinet, Hang-On.
S2 · E3Makaimura (Ghosts 'n Goblins) 2004-11-17 · 60 min
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.
S2 · E4Konami Wai Wai World 2004-12-01 · 60 min
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. Contains interview with Hideo Kojima.
S2 · E5Metroid 2004-12-15 · 60 min
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. Contains interviews with Akira Sakuma, Takayuki Doi and Chisa Yokoyama.
S2 · E6Solomon no Kagi (Solomon's Key) 2005-01-19 · 60 min
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.
S2 · E7Prince of Persia (Part 1) 2005-02-02 · 60 min
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. Contains interview with Koji Igarashi.
S2 · E8Prince of Persia (Part 2) 2005-02-16 · 60 min
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?
S2 · E9Rockman 2: Dr. Wily no Nazo (Mega Man 2) 2005-03-02 · 60 min
Arino takes on the most popular game in Capcom's Mega Man series, Mega Man 2! Contains interview with Etsunobu Ebisu.
S2 · E10Super Mario Bros. 3 2005-03-16 · 60 min
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. Contains season 2 outtakes with Okamoto, Suzuki, Kojima, Igarashi and Ebisu.
S3 · E1Kato-chan & Ken-chan (J.J. & Jeff) 2005-04-13 · 60 min
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.
S3 · E2Attack! Takeshi's Castle Showdown (Family Trainer) 2005-04-27 · 60 min
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.
S3 · E3Tokimeki Memorial: Forever With You 2005-05-11 · 60 min
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.
S3 · E4Famicom Jump: History of Heroes 2005-05-25 · 60 min
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.
S3 · E5Dream Factory: Doki Doki Panic (Super Mario Bros. 2) 2005-06-08 · 60 min
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.
S3 · E6Hi no Tori Hououhen: Gaou no Bouken 2005-06-22 · 60 min
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.
S3 · E7Super Mario World (Part 1) 2005-07-06 · 60 min
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.
S3 · E8Super Mario World (Part 2) 2005-07-23 · 60 min
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.
S3 · E9Meikyu Kumikyoku: Milon no Daibouken (Milon's Secret Castle) 2005-08-03 · 60 min
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.
S3 · E10Zelda no Densetsu: Kamigami no Triforce (The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past) 2005-08-31 · 60 min
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.
S4 · E1Ultraman 2005-10-19 · 60 min
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.
S4 · E2Final Fight 2005-11-02 · 60 min
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.
S4 · E3Takahashi Meijin no Boukenjima (Adventure Island) 2005-11-16 · 60 min
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.