Dear Future Gamer,

While browsing the web for any new developments on the PS2, I stumbled across these unbelievable announcements about some forthcoming Japanese games: "Kadokawa Shoten will release Nadesico: The Mission for Dreamcast on August 26, for 6800 yen - a war strategy game based on the anime Nadesico, with love simulation, adventure elements and 3D battle sequences".

Further down a report read, "Konami will release their long-delayed love simulation game Want to See You - Your Smile's In My Heart for PlayStation on August 26 in Japan. This game will be in a whooping four-CD set and will also include a character introduction movie of the highly anticipated love simulation game Tokimeki Memorial 2".

I'm sorry, but love simulation? What next? Toilet simulators? Smoking championships? Ecstasy driving games? I don't want to get too philosophical and dramatic about this, but isn't love a bit impossible to 'make up'? There are some things you just can't and shouldn't reproduce in a game. Oh, and for the record, I don't have anything against developers trying to show some innovation in the games they write, but it is obvious that they are running out of decent ideas. If that means we see more games based on 'real life', then thanks, but I prefer the 'free' version.

Jinn

FG: Isn't culture wonderful? They're a wacky lot, the Japanese, and do enjoy these bizarre anime creations. Perhaps thankfully the rest of the world doesn't quite share their passion for 'love simulation' games and it's unlikely we'll see these games released over here.