Whether it is due to cultural nuances or just a more established presence, there are just some video games that perform better in certain regions. For example, Madden will tend to do better in North America while FIFA or eFootball does best with the rest of the world.
The PS5 is home to a variety of games, and while titles such Gran Turismo 7 or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim have universal appeal, there are still a few Japanese-centric games. Despite these games getting worldwide releases, they perform better in their home market through reception, sales, or just a better understanding.
6 Neptunia re★Verse
Neptunia re★Verse is a remake of the original 2010 release Hyperdmimention Neptunia game for the PS3. The franchise is known for its satirical take on the console wars and the gaming industry. While the West still has its fair amount of console warring that continues to this day online, there are a lot of Japanese references in Neptunia re★Verse that the average Western gamer won't understand.
A few of the side characters are the personification of Japanese video game companies that never made it big in the West outside a niche audience. There are characters based on CAVE Entertainment or 5pb. Inc (now MAGES).
5 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
The Yakuza games have been a well-established franchise in the West for a few years now. While a part of that has to do with memes, it is also thanks to the localization efforts of SEGA that gamers have been able to experience the captivating stories the series has to offer. For several gamers, the Yakuza series provides a glimpse into what Japan is like, albeit exaggerated.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon continues on that trend. There are quite a few details that are only fully appreciated or understood in Japan. Some mini-games available in Yakuza: Like a Dragon like Koi-Koi or Shogi aren't typically played in the West. Establishments like hostess clubs or pachinko parlors are also rare to find outside of East Asia.
4 Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy
For the most part, JRPGs have a commanding presence worldwide. Final Fantasy and Pokemon have ingrained themselves as staples of video games. Even smaller franchises such as Tales of or Trails have their loyal following.
While Atelier Ryza 2 and its predecessor were commercially successful, its presence is still more prominent in Japan. A lot of the merchandise, such as figures and keychains is only available there. The gameplay can also be an acquired taste. Unlike the more popular ones out in the market, there is a strong emphasis on gathering and crafting, which could be intimidating for those who are only used to traditional JRPG mechanics.
3 Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation: Code Fairy
Mobile Suit Gundam is a beloved anime franchise spanning back to the 1980s. As of late, it has gone to the wayside as newer mech animes have taken the spotlight. Regardless, new Gundam shows and video games continue to pop up. This year alone will see a new Gundam movie and anime.
Mobile Suit Gundam Battle Operation: Code Fairy is one of the latest video game entries in the Gundam franchise. It is an action game where players control a Gundam on various battlefields. It features new characters and a story not shown elsewhere. There was seldom marketing of the game in the West compared to other Bandai Namco titles that were released around the same time, so this entry was only enjoyed by the Gundam faithful out here.
2 Fatal Frame: Maiden Of Black Water
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water was released in 2014 as a Wii U exclusive. It has since been ported over to other consoles like the PS5 in 2020. Fatal Frame is a survival horror series set in Japan using tropes usually found in various Japanese horror films and manga.
As the title suggests, this entry features shrine maidens, or miko as they are known in Japanese. The main location, Mount Hikami, while fictional, is roughly based on a real-life mountain in Japan, Mount Osore. This along with some design choices that the West might deem inappropriate or questionable has the game more appreciated in its home market.
1 Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires
The Warriors (Musou) franchise has been popular lately in the West, thanks to collaborations with well-established anime and games. Examples include Fist of the North Star, One Piece, Persona 5, The Legend of Zelda, and Fire Emblem.
Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires is the latest entry for the mainline Warriors franchise. It combines both hack and slash and strategy. The game and its predecessors are influenced heavily by Ancient Chinese literature, one of them being the Romance of Three Kingdoms. The game contains a lot of references or homages to the novel. Those volumes of work have a large following in Japan compared to other regions.
