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Spot the difference, guys. By looking at...pictures. Not terribly exciting, I realize that. Nonetheless,
it�s still fun. And I�ll tell you why. First off, even if you go into these things
expecting suck, you still end up playing like a godd*mn detective. You can�t help it.
It�s human nature to, uh, you know...organize information. And then tap touch-sensitive
screens. It�s iSpot Japan for the Nintendo DSi.
It�s elementary, my Emma Watson.
So this thing comes from the DSi spammers over at EnjoyUp Games. I mean that in a good
way. These guys have been pumping games onto Nintendo�s handhelds for years now, and
although this is far from their best, it�s a perfectly fine casual game for those who
use their DS for things like...puzzles. And crosswords.
And who...take naps, in the afternoon.
Old people, is what I�m saying.
Freaking...AARP.
Now, iSpot Japan�which sounds like...Apple made some huge magnifying glass to hang over
Tokyo�was released to DSiWare back in 2012. Of course, it�s available on the 3DS eShop,
as well. And again, it�s a pretty simple concept. You get two pictures, very similar
in appearance but with very subtle differences. Find the differences to progress, use hints
if you must, I have a freaking headache.
So there are three difficulty levels, each one with more or less differences to find.
The game strings the photos together like levels, and you only have a few hints to work
with. So it�s actually kind of arcade-like, in that...you kind of just keep going until
you lose.
Of course, the overall theme of iSpot Japan...is Japan. Each photograph shows some kind of
Japanese landmark or cultural staple. And after completing each picture, you�re shown
a little map of Japan with the history and location of the photographed place. If you�re
interested in Japanese culture, that�s definitely a nice little touch.
There�s also local one-on-one multiplayer, where two players race to find all the differences
first. And that�s really when the game is at its best.
Anyway, there�s...really not much to say here. The game plays fine, the taps are very
responsive...it�s a well-made game, if a little thin. Like most of EnjoyUp�s DSi
and 3DS offerings, it�s a small, inexpensive game meant for short bursts of gameplay. And
with that criteria, iSpot Japan is a solid little game.
With pictures of sushi.