Reviewed by Melissa Garza
One of the best parts of being in a relationship is the introduction of things that you’d never watch otherwise. Over the years, my husband Stephen has shown me many great productions – Spaced, QI, Cinematic Titanic, Botchmania, Community and Riff-Trax are just a few. In turn, I’ve shown him the Law & Order franchises, Phineas and Ferb, the 1950s Dragnet and though he won’t fully admit it – Dance Moms Miami.
Steve has known about Retro Game Master for years but only recently started watching it. When I sat down to view it with him, I thought – “Watching someone play videogames may not be too interesting” but as he sits through “Wife Swap” and “Judge Judy” I was there with a smile on my face ready to delve into however awful this show would be. I humbly admit, I was 100% wrong.
Now, for those adamantly opposed to reading, I must say that the program is from Japan and the ones we view from YouTube are subtitled. Though I prefer subtitles, it’s good to know that there will be an official US release of dubbed DVDs.
The show follows Arino who is an employee of Game Center CX. He plays video games from the older systems NES, Super NES, etc. His goal each episode is to finish the game in one sitting. When he’s stuck his interns come to his aid and offer helpful advice.
The great part of the show is that he isn’t a gaming expert. It isn’t as though he sits down and finishes in 5 minutes. It takes hours…sometimes 24 hours and sometimes he just can’t do it.
As for those worried about whether the comedy translates over, I’d say that’s an easy answer. Arino is hilarious and the comedy translates over very well. To put it another way, with few exceptions I am not a fan of Japanese produced horror productions. I think that due to cultural perspective as to what “scary” is that those movies when brought to the US aren’t nearly as horrifying. Plainly, I am not a fan of all things un-American as some people are. Just because something comes from another country doesn’t mean it’s the smartest or greatest thing in the world. That said, this may be the smartest and greatest thing in the world…I may be overselling a bit but seriously it’s definitely a fun watch and one should most certainly seek it out.
Another selling point about the show is the events that happen between the gaming. They show Arino going to different shops purchasing, trying or trading in video games. He seems genuine in his enjoyment and acts endearingly in the manner one would expect from a child. They’re entertaining and fun segments.
I would highly suggest viewing this and cannot wait for the official US release.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8/10