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The Simple Series is a staple in Japan and are a line of budget-priced games released by D3 Publisher for the Dreamcast, Game Boy Advance, DS, Wii, PSP, PS1 and PS2. The games are typically by smaller developers and all of the DS titles are bargain priced at ¥2800.

This makes them a great way for people who normally don’t import video games to give them a try (especially since the PSP and DS are region-free.) Simple DS Series Volume games for the DS usually start at $28 and older entries can be as cheap as $19. For people who have never imported before, this can be a way for people to test and see if they could play a game filled with Japanese text.

Also, many of the Simple DS Series games don’t get released overseas so it can be a chance to experience something different. The more traditional titles, including Simple DS Series Vol. 4: The Block Kuzushi and Simple DS Series Vol. 2: The Billiard, made it overseas as Break ‘em All and Billiard Action. However, more obscure titles like Simple DS Series Vol. 34: The Haisha (Dentist) will likely never see a stateside release.

A summary of Simple DS Series Volumes released so far:

An astounding number of Simple DS Series Vol. have been available in Japan in the four years since the DS has been released. While all are budget priced, they aren’t always cheap quality. If anything, they’re a good, quick way to spend your time. With 42 different Simple DS Series Vol. games released so far, there should be at least one you’ll enjoy.

Simple DS Series Volume games seem to fit into certain categories. There are the brain trainer/quiz games, sports or board style games, simulations and puzzles. Occasionally you’ll seem some deviations, with games like Simple DS Series Vol. 32: The Zombie Crisis or Simple DS Series Vol. 17: The Nezumino Action Game ~Mouse Town Lodi & Litano Bouken~ (aka Flushed Away).

The simulation and puzzle games are certainly the most intriguing titles in the bunch, as they provide experiences North American gamers don’t normally find on their systems. However, the simulation games can be tricky at times and are better for veteran game importers. The puzzle and sport games can usually be enjoyed with basic katakana and hirigana recognition.

Simple DS Series Volumes worth playing

With 42 titles, it’s east to get lost in all the names and get confused. Especially since all of the titles are in Japanese and you could get lost in the text. So here’s a quick summary of 6 of the most interesting Simple DS Series Volume titles.

• Simple DS Series Vol. 8: The Kanshikikan is a game similar to Phoenix Wright or Jake Hunter, where you act as a detective/cop and investigate various cases. Its a text heavy game, but fun for someone who enjoys those kinds of titles. There was also a sequel to this, Vol. 15: The Kanshikikan 2.
• Simple DS Series Vol. 24: The Sensha is a tank fighting game which is one of more popular entries in the series among importers. Its easy to understand and is a basic shooting tank fighting game. Plus, even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can enjoy it. There was a similar, follow-up title called Vol. 31: The Choudangan! Custom Sensha which elaborated on the tank aspect and offered extra tank options.
• Simple DS Series Vol. 32: The Zombie Crisis is another one of those games which anyone can enjoy since there isn’t much text. Basically its a zombie shooter like Touch the Dead. It is a bit difficult, but has quite a few zombie destroying options. It isn’t scary, but it can be a lot of fun.
• Simple DS Series Vol. 34: The Haisha is a dentist sim. Think Trauma Center set in a dentist’s office. You fill cavities, perform extractions, do cleanings and other dentist stuff. Its really text heavy, so its probably best for people with some knowledge of Japanese.
• Simple DS Series Vol. 35: The Genshijin is an entertaining simulation where you act as a sort of god and guide a tribe of primitive cavemen. This game originally was released on the PS2 and even made it overseas as The Adventures of Darwin.
• Simple DS Series Vol. 41: The Bakudan Shori Han is best described as a bomb squad simulation, where you’ll go in and try to defuse bombs on the touch screen. It’s an interesting concept and, while it is pretty text heavy, has a lot of potential.
• Simple DS Series Vol. 42: The Haioku Byoutou ~Norowareta Byouin kara no Dasshutsu is the most recent release in the series. It is a sort of survival horror/investigation simulation where you investigate an abandoned, haunted hospital. Its sounds like the kind of game Dementium: The Ward fans would enjoy.

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Importables reviews Audition Portable for the PSP. If you don’t miss a single installment of Important Importables, or want to know right away when the next column is up, then sign up for the Gamertell Newsletter and RSS feed.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables suggested Jump Ultimate Stars anime-themed deck suggestions.

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