Every season of GameCenter CX ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of GameCenter CX!

In the first episode of Game Center CX, Arino visits Taito to learn it's history and play one of it's most difficult and cruel games Takeshi no Chousenjou. Upon first entering Taito he marvels at the Space Invaders machine. Tomohiro Nishikado, the creator of Space Invaders comes and discusses with Arino the history and impact of the game and they challenge one another to a game. After this Arino meets Akira Saito to discuss the Densha de GO! series. As the tour continues he finds out nobody from the original development team of Takeshi no Chousenjou is left so he meets Tetsuo Egawa instead to discuss it. To find out more about the legendary game he talks to Kazuhiro Hayashi who presents Arino with guidebooks for the game. Finally we see Arino tackle Takeshi no Chousenjou which includes various hilarious snippits of him getting frustrated at the game's bizarre challenges such as singing karaoke, and waiting one hour without pushing anything.

Taito: Takeshi no Chousenjou (Takeshi's Challenge)

Arino visits the headquarters of Koei to speak with the two men behind the Dynasty Warriors and Nobunaga’s Ambition series of games. He then speaks to a PR representative about another of their popular series, Angelique before taking on the latest addition to the dating sim series, Angelique Trois. It's quite a change of pace from Arino's last challenge but that may work against him as he relaxes and opens his heart to his many suitors. Contains interviews with Kou Shibusawa, Takazumi Tomoike, and Tomomi Matsushita.

Koei: Angelique Trois

Arino enters the Capcom building in Osaka and meets his first interviewee: Keiji Inafune, the creator of Mega Man and Onimusha, among others. Then he interviews Hiroyuki Kobayash and Atsushi Inaba. Lastly, Arino takes a seat in the Fuji Multi-Theater for some extra-special playtime with Tekki (Steel Battalion).

Capcom: Tekki (Steel Battalion)

Rather than center on one company, this episode of Game Center CX explores an entire game series: specifically, Sega’s Sakura Taisen. Arino challenges Sega's Roommania #203 for the Sega Dreamcast. Contains interview with Oji Hiroi.

Sega: Roommania #203

This episode centers on Hudson, featuring some of their hit games in the collection. The Challenge centers on Star Force where Arino must get the 50,000 bonus from Rarios; Takahashi Meiijin shows up to help Arino as well. Contains interviews with Akira Sakuma and Eiji Shio.

Hudson: Star Force

During this episode Arino's challenge is to defeat Astro SASA! Will he surpass this challenge or give in? Contains an interview with Hiroyuki Sonobe.

ASCII: Astro Robo SASA

Can Arino blast every enemy in the arcade classic Galaga's first bonus stage?! Featuring interviews with Iwatani Toru (Pac-Man) and Endo Masanobu (Xevious, Tower of Druaga).

Namco: Galaga

Arino must trap six aliens at once behind one door in the Famicom classic Door Door. Featuring the game's creator, and Chunsoft founder Nakamura Koichi as well as an interview with Shinichiro Tomie.

Chunsoft: Door Door

In this episode Arino is faced with a 3 round Konami challenge. He must go through challenges on the games Yie Ar Kung-Fu, Gradius, & Konami Hyper Olympics. Features extensive interviews with developers (Shingo Takatsuka, Akira Yamaoka, and Toshiki Yamamura) behind the PES and Silent Hill series.

Konami: Yie Ar Kung-Fu, Gradius, and Track & Field

Arino is faced with the difficult challenge of beating Super Mario Brothers 2 for the Famicom Disk System. He first practices is skills with the original Super Mario Brothers before moving onto Super Mario Brothers 2; will he be able to beat the game? Or will he be defeated by one of Nintendo's own? Contains interview with Yoshio Sakamoto.

Nintendo - Super Mario Brothers 2 - The Lost Levels (Part 1)

Previously bested by Super Mario Bros 2 (SMB: The Lost Levels), Arino vows revenge. Staff involved in the Pokemon games are interviewed including Satoshi Tajiri.

Nintendo - Super Mario Brothers 2 - The Lost Levels (Part 2)

Arino faces the challenging platformer for the NES, Atlantis no Nazo. Will Arino get the hang of its difficult controls and unforgiving level design? We follow Arino on the first ever arcade trip (TamaGe) to the roof of a department store where he plays a number of classic prize games before being introduced to his newest assistant director. Arino then conducts an interview with Game Republic founder and the creator of a number of classic Capcom games, Yoshiki Okamoto.

Atlantis no Nazo (The Mystery of Atlantis)

Arino challenges "Challenger" for Famicom (1986). In a game that often changes the gameplay style, can he prevail? Meanwhile, he continues his search for the legendary sit-down arcade cabinet, Hang-On.

Challenger

Arino tackles one of the scariest games of them all, Ghouls 'N Ghosts! At least it's not all doom and gloom as Arino continues his visit to the TRY Amusement Arcade. After encountering one of the more brutal game over screens Arino manages to recover to play a boat load of classic games but he still pines to get a chance at Xevious. Arino then speaks to one of the most revered game creators of all time, Sega's Yu Suzuki. They speak about a number of his cherished creations and even have a bout in Championship Boxing.

Makaimura (Ghosts 'n Goblins)

Konami’s all-star action platformer is the challenge this time. Konami Man and Konami Lady must rescue six of Konami’s heroes in their own game worlds. This time, Arino has the strategy guide right off the bat — two of them, in fact, thanks to the staff. Contains interview with Hideo Kojima.

Konami Wai Wai World

Nintendo’s classic sci-fi game is thrust upon Arino this time, and his goal is not a very noble one. Inspired by a rumor, Arino hopes to clear Metroid as fast as he can, to see if heroine Samus Aran really does take her clothes off after a speedy clear. Contains interviews with Akira Sakuma, Takayuki Doi and Chisa Yokoyama.

Metroid

What secrets are hidden in the many castle rooms of Solomon's Key? Arino takes control of the titular wizard and discovers the many wonders to be had in this difficult puzzle game. Arino travels to Matsudo to visit an arcade with a name fit for a boss, Mechman. Arino barely makes it inside before he finds himself fending off ninjas and flying into the Danger Zone. Arino then meets the creator of the much beloved game centric manga series, Game Center Arashi. Creator Sugaya Mitsuru discloses his favorite game and presents Arino with a gift to top off what is an informative and entertaining interview.

Solomon no Kagi (Solomon's Key)

Shortly after Arino completed Solomon’s Key, Sasano steps in with a Super Famicom and offered Arino the next challenge: Prince of Persia. With no break in between, Arino begins the challenge. He must save the princess from the evil Jafar by completing 20 stages in under two hours. Contains interview with Koji Igarashi.

Prince of Persia (Part 1)

Part two of the Prince of Persia challenge. The Western game completely hooks Arino in, but can he clear the game before the in game time limit?

Prince of Persia (Part 2)

Arino takes on the most popular game in Capcom's Mega Man series, Mega Man 2! Contains interview with Etsunobu Ebisu.

Rockman 2: Dr. Wily no Nazo (Mega Man 2)

The season finale is on location at the Sun Hatoya hotel in Ito. Arino spends the last show in style. The challenge room is in a lovely suite overlooking the ocean. The TV and Famicom are all set up, and he even has a new ergonomic chair to sit in and play with the least physical stress. And the game? One of the most stressful of all: Super Mario Bros. 3. Contains season 2 outtakes with Okamoto, Suzuki, Kojima, Igarashi and Ebisu.

Super Mario Bros. 3

Season 3 opens with Arino being officially "promoted" to Kacho Dairi (Deputy Section Chief). The first challenge of the season is Hudson’s Kato-chan & Ken-chan, for the PC-Engine. A quirky platformer starring a Japanese comedy duo, the game was localized overseas as JJ & Jeff.

Kato-chan & Ken-chan (J.J. & Jeff)

Arino's body is pushed to its limit as he challenges the power pad game, Attack! Takeshi's Castle Showdown. Based on the hit TV series of the same name, it stars the maniacal Beat Takeshi, who you may remember as the star of the eponymous, Takeshi's Challenge. To take a break, Arino visits a lovely convenience store in Odawara containing a number of addicting prize games. There is one prize game in particular that catches Arino's fancy and before he even has a chance to buy some candy, might end up bankrupting him. Arino continues his quest for glory in Ring Ring Tactics by trying to solve the mystery of the vanishing battle screen.

Attack! Takeshi's Castle Showdown (Family Trainer)

To celebrate his recent engagement Arino is tasked with beating the dating sim, Tokimeki Memorial. The staff hope that his gameplay will instruct lovelorn viewers in how to succeed in the art of love. Even after being presented with the strategy guide Arino boldly declares that he won't be needing it as he embarks on his quest to win the heart of Fujisaki Shiori.

Tokimeki Memorial: Forever With You

In a series first this week's challenge features the licensed video game, Famicom Jump. What sets Famicom Jump apart is that it doesn't only feature a single licensed character but dozens which were popular in Jump Magazine at the time. Were licensed games always terrible? You'll have to watch to find out. For the latest TamaGe, Arino travels to a mystery arcade where the mystery itself is a mystery. When he's not scratching his head Arino finds some time to enjoy some Nintendo VS. action. And in the latest Ring Ring Tactics Arino actually begins to make some progress when he encounters a new companion on his journey.

Famicom Jump: History of Heroes

In a brilliant piece of network synergy Arino will challenge the disk system classic, Doki Doki Panic. Originally a promotional tool for Fuji TV, Doki Doki Panic was very famously re-skinned and released overseas as turnip picking simulator, Super Mario Bros. 2. Ring Ring Tactics features a surprise helper from the past who attempts to help Arino move ever closer to his goal.

Dream Factory: Doki Doki Panic (Super Mario Bros. 2)

Based on the classic manga from Astro Boy creator, Osamu Tezuka, it's Hi no Tori Hououhen: Gaou no Bouken! The game features a mix of puzzle and platforming elements so we'll have to see if Arino's puzzling skills can compensate for his platforming ineptitude. There's also a TamaGe segment with a carnival vibe this episode. Arino enjoys the many games of skill available and has a chance to use his unique shooting technique as well as admire the owner's large collection of keys. After a disappointing last episode Arino hopes to make forward progress in Ring Ring Tactics by adding Sha Gojo to his party.

Hi no Tori Hououhen: Gaou no Bouken

Arino's history with the Super Mario series is mixed to put it extremely generously. He hopes to rectify this when he challenges one of the true all time classics in Super Mario World. While some may view this game as a straight forward platformer Arino is sure to meet stiff resistance in this challenge. One of the holiest places in all of retro gaming, the mega store Super Potato, is the settings for this week's gaming excursion. Filled from floor to ceiling with classic games and systems, Arino is like a kid in a candy store. At long last Arino completes a missed connection in Ring Ring Tactics so at least this episode isn't a total failure in terms of progress.

Super Mario World (Part 1)

We pick up right where we left off as Arino struggles to conquer Super Mario World. Watch as he ventures closer to Bowser's lair in what will prove to be the most dramatic episode yet! But if you can't handle all the stress you can calm your nerves with a little Ring Ring Tactics where we find Arino struggling to decipher a string of random letters.

Super Mario World (Part 2)

For this episode Arino challenges the much maligned Hudson classic, Milon's Secret Castle. This early entry in the action adventure genre has a bottomless bag of gotchas which Arino has to constantly be aware of if he is to conquer the labyrinthine castle. To give his thumbs the rest that they so sorely need Arino visits a bathhouse that happens to feature a couple of arcade machines. It's the perfect excuse for Arino to recharge his batteries before his next arduous challenge. Ring Ring Tactics moves forward after a viewer assists with solving the mysterious code before Arino encounters a new boss.

Meikyu Kumikyoku: Milon no Daibouken (Milon's Secret Castle)

A few familiar faces return and present Arino with his final challenge of the season, The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past! Will Arino be able to finish a game that he claims is one of his favorites? In the stunning conclusion of Ring Ring Tactics Arino calls upon Kaayan who proves to be quite useless once again. Not all hope is lost however as another viewer provides valuable information which may be just what Arino needs.

Zelda no Densetsu: Kamigami no Triforce (The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past)

In this Season 4 opener, Arino challenges Ultraman for the Super Famicom! Having been promoted to Kacho, Arino sports a new blue suit and a cockier attitude.

Ultraman

A new season brings a new genre to the table with the beat 'em up classic, Final Fight. Hopefully Arino can take back Metro City from the evil gangs which now control it. An amusement park dating back to 1850 might seem dangerous but not for the Game Center CX crew and not for TamaGe! The staff enjoy a number of the amusement rides before closing out with some regular arcade gaming. To slow things down a bit enjoy a Xevious request in Secret Trick Jet Stream. Project: DVD is a short little segment where Arino and a few of the staff discuss what challenges should be included in the first Game Center CX DVD box set. The first challenge to make the cut was an early classic for both fans and the staff.

Final Fight

There won't be any Takahashi Meijin appearance to save Arino during his challenge of another Hudson classic, Adventure Island. Will the ADs be a suitable replacement for this brutally difficult game? An arcade with the unusual title of Amusement VIKING is the venue for this week's TamaGe. Things become even more unusual when Arino exhibits actual skill when taking on a prize machine before moving on to play some of the rare VS. Super Mario Bros. For Secret Trick Jet Stream Arino receives a request for an Ice Climber glitch. In Project: DVD the staff continue their discussion over what challenges deserve to make it onto the set. The challenge that they finally settle on was one of the longest in the show's short history.

Takahashi Meijin no Boukenjima (Adventure Island)

One of the earliest SNES games is the challenge for this week as Arino battles with the unusual god/action game hybrid, ActRaiser. It may not be the game's difficulty and instead be Arino's tendency to be distracted that will be his downfall in this exciting challenge. This one goes out to all those Dragon Quest 2 adventurers out there in Secret Trick Jet Stream. Project: DVD has Arino answering a couple of viewer questions including what the DVD exclusive challenge will be and the design of the packaging.

ActRaiser

It's all hands on deck for the first quiz challenge in show history when Arino takes on Quiz: The Feudal Lord's Ambition. Hopefully everyone is up to date on their early 90s Japanese pop culture. Arino visits an arcade with the unusual gimmick of having games priced as low as 10 yen but soon finds that it's too good to be true. Arino doesn't sweat that detail though as he enjoys taking down kids in Virtua Fighter 4 and Final Furlong. For a change of pace things get loud on Secret Trick Jet Stream when a listener requests a hot jam from Raid On Bungeling Bay. Secret Trick Jet Stream quickly segues into Project: DVD as Arino announces the final details about the launch of the first DVD box set.

Quiz Tonosama no Yabou (Quiz: The Feudal Lord's Ambition)

Another licensed game with a questionable pedigree, it's Doraemon! Arino will try and get this time travelling cat over the finish line and improve his overall record when it comes to challenging Hudson games. The first Game Center CX DVD box set recently went on sale and so we have a special report from the launch event. Arino, Tojima, Sasano and Urakawa were all in attendance to sign autographs and receive some gifts from the more ardent fans. It's another game store visit this week as Arino and Tojima visit Messe Sanoh CHAOS. Together they sample their large selection of import games including The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction and God Of War, which Arino takes a shine to. It's a classic hit from Super Mario Bros. for this week's Secret Trick Jet Stream.

Doraemon

Arino had enough trouble with Mario when he was only 2D so let's see how he fares with an extra dimension in Super Mario 64. He'll have to conquer the highest mountains, ice cold tundra and searing heat on his quest to collect the required number of stars to face Bowser and save the princess. It's a bit of a special TamaGe this week as Kibe and Arino compete to get the best deal on games with only 5000 yen to spend. They both stretch their budgets a little to pick up a couple of games and Tojima makes a sudden appearance with the required gear for them to test out their purchases. The finale of Secret Jet Stream has a request for a steamy little number from the typically very serious Hokkaido Serial Murders.

Super Mario 64 (Part 1)

Join Arino for the exciting conclusion of his Super Mario 64 challenge. Arino has it all ahead of him though as he takes on the games toughest levels to try to increase his star tally and open up the doorway to the King Of The Koopa's himself, Bowser. A new and exciting form of transport delivers Arino to this week's TamaGe location but that's not before he samples the local delicacies in Enoshima. Once at his destination Arino drives a virtual train before trying to trick AD Urakawa in a plan that quickly backfires.

Super Mario 64 (Part 2)

In this episode, Arino returns to another classic NES game. This time it’s the fan-favorite Tecmo game Ninja Gaiden. With a victory here, he can bring his record for the season to a tie, but the Ninja Gaiden series is considered one of the hardest game series ever made. After some time Arino comes to the realization that it may be the hardest game he's ever played in his life... even harder than Ghosts 'n Goblins and Adventure Island! Arino pays a visit to a nostalgic little arcade with a odd name which is enjoyed by children and adults alike. There he discovers a prize machine filled with a cornucopia of pop culture icons and some strange decorations adorning the outer wall.

Ninja Ryukenden (Ninja Gaiden)

In what could be the last challenge ever, Arino attempts to save the mythical land of Kid Icarus and rescue the goddess Palutena from the tendrils of Medusa. Along the way he'll have to berate shop keepers, deal with vegetable loving wizards and even battle death itself. Some may recall this store being the location of a previous TamaGe but this time is different. For this visit Arino is joined by the staff as they attempt to line their pockets by selling the games featured in the challenges for this season. Their true value will come as a surprise to all.

Palutena no Kagami (Kid Icarus)

Six months later, everyone’s favorite section chief arrives back on the scene. Due to Arino’s family commitments, season 5 is only a scant six episodes long, but it promises to be as entertaining as ever. His first challenge Umihara Kawase is a unique game, but his new AD Inoue might be more unique than the game itself.

"Umihara Kawase:" How 'bout it? The Kacho Returns (#31)

Arino challenges Konami's classic action game, and he doen't even use the Konami Code! AD Inoue a.k.a. Inoko MAX tries to aid Arino after his previous blunder.

Best Regards to "Contra" (#32)

Arino challenges Bonanza Bros, a Mega Drive game about burglarizing buildings and hiding from the cops.

Sega's Strongest Brothers: "Bonanza Bros." (#33)

Arino's worst nightmare has come true, he must challenge the sequel to Makai Mura, and once again face the Red Arremer.

Another Life-Or-Death Struggle: "Ghouls 'n Ghosts" (#34)

Arino's first adventure game challenge. As the valiant Sir Cucumber, Arino must rescue Princess Tomato and stop the evil Minister Pumpkin.

Seconds, Please! "Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom" (#35)

Arino begins his last challenge: Youkai Dochuuki (a.k.a. Shadowland), the PC Engine version of a Namco arcade game starring Tarosuke, a boy trying to make it through a land full of demons.

Amourousness in Summer: "Yokai Dochuki" (#36)

It's Arino's first fighting game challenge! Arino tries to clear the game but first he must find which of Street Fighter's iconic brawlers suits him best.

I am the Game Martial Artist! "Street Fighter II" (#37)

Arino has tried out many difficult games throughout the show, but his first Castlevania game Castlevania III, is probably not the best to try out first.

The Kacho's Love Whip! "Castlevania III" (#38)

No Warps? No Saves?! "Mighty Bomb Jack" (#39)

Mere seconds after the brutal Mighty Bomb Jack challenge, Arino gets up to leave, but is called to sit back down. He’s handed Red Arremer II (known in the west as Gargoyle's Quest II) for the next challenge. Arino finally gets to play as his enemy the Red Arremer, but in an almost ironic twist, this Arremer moves nothing like his old foe.

The Terrifying Double-Header! "Gargoyle's Quest II" (#40)

In front of a live audience, Arino tries to complete the game that he came close to clearing Mighty Bomb Jack. The immense pressure from hundreds of eyes watching his every move makes Arino and the staff much more susceptible to mistakes.

Fan Appreciation Day! "Mighty Bomb Jack" (#41)

Arino is given another PC Engine quizfest: Hatena no Daibouken, which features a Capcom character theme.

A Year Since Quiz Time! "Adventure Quiz: Hatena's Great Adventure" (#42)

The game this time is Septentrion (Vic Tokai’s "SOS" in America), a Super Famicom action-adventure taking place on a sinking cruise liner, the Lady Crithania.

Break Out! "S.O.S." (#43)

This time Arino tackles Bio Miracle: Bokutte Upa, a Konami Disk System game that was often pirated and sold as "Baby Mario.

The Last Hello? "Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa" (#44)

Ultra Seven is the sequel to Ultraman, the game that opened season 4! And from the look of the game, it seems Arino’s in for yet another kaiju-driven hellride.

It's Season 7, so "Ultra Seven" (#45)

Two years ago Arino challenged Rockman 2, and though he got incredibly far, he just couldn’t quite get to that ending screen. But now he faces the original Rockman, arguably the toughest of the 8-bit originals.

Start From the Beginning! "Mega Man" (#46)

Arino explores another forgotten Japanese action game: Namco’s Wagyan Land. Though clearly this is a game for little kids — it looks cute and colorful, and the boss "fights" are just memory and word games. This surely will be a cinch for Arino...

The Shiritori King's Real Power!?  "Wagan Land" (#47)

The Mysterious Western Game: "Another World" (#48)

This time, with a pair of new shoes over his feet, Arino challenges another Super NES classic: The Legend of the Mystical Ninja, the first 16-bit "Ganbare Goemon" game; the wacky story of Goemon and his partner Ebisumaru as they try and rescue the kidnapped Princess Yuki.

Go For It! "The Legend of the Mystical Ninja" (#49)

50th Episode Special. In celebration of the 50th episode of of the show, Arino is leaving home and heading to South Korea! There he heads to many of South Korea's arcades, and interviews some of South Korea's pro gamers.

Gaming in Korea, Traveling by Economy Class (#50)

After returning from South Korea, Arino is given a choice of trying to clear one of 3 video games based off of 3 different comic book series. Taito's Sword of Musashi, Hudson's Ninja Hattori, and Bandai's Gegege Kitaro or Ninja Kid as it's known overseas.

Character Game Festival: Which will the Kacho Choose? (#51)

Arino challenges the third and final game in the GnG series. With only 5 continues, he must defeat the forces of hell and rescue Arthur's beloved.

The Great Kaicho's Great Battle!! "Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts" (#52)

The First Horror Game Challenge! "Clock Tower" (#53)

The final challenge of this season is on-location, but rather than a fancy hotel, this time it’s at the headquarters of Bandai Namco Games! Today’s game: Namco’s Kai no Bouken! The second sequel to The Tower of Druaga; a side-scrolling platformer starring the princess Ki, whose magical powers let her float up through the tower.

Aim For the Top! "The Quest of Ki" (#54) (Part 1)

A month’s rest leaves Arino ready and willing to finish the game he had to give up; Kai No Bouken.

Aim For 100! "The Quest For Kai" (#55) (Part 2)

It was just a few months ago when Arino defeated the French classic Another World, and now he’s ready to take on another European classic, Flashback: The Quest for Identity. Flashback looks and plays very similarly, but with a greater emphasis on puzzle solving… and firepower.

Another Weird Western Game: "Flashback" (#56)

Arino takes on "Bikkuriman World", a port of Wonder Boy in Monster Land on the PC Engine with characters from the Bikkuriman sticker franchise featured in the game.

Stick and Be Stuck "Bikkuriman World" (#57)

"Kamen no Ninja Hanamaru" is a ninja Famicom game from Capcom. However, it was released outside Japan and heavily reworked into the NES game Yo! Noid.

Don't Lose to Haggleman! "Masked Ninja Hanamaru" (#58)

Despite his lack of skills with shooters, Arino must face the challenge of Super Fantasy Zone, SEGA's smash hit shooter series.

Leave the Shooting to Me! "Super Fantasy Zone" (#59)

Arino attempts to clear Bonk's Adventure. In addition a recap of Arino's live Kai no Bouken Christmas Challenge narrated by Toujima is shown.

Honk If You're Bonk! "Bonk's Adventure" (#60)

The goal of The Toukaidou Gojuusan-tsugi is to guide the fireworks maker, Kantaro through 21 extremely difficult stages. The game's difficulty may prove too much for Arino to handle, and in an effort to help Arino AD Tsuroka ends up showing the staff his "singing" skills.

Headin' to Edo! Or Not...? Tokaido Gojusan-tsugi (#61)

Akumajou Special: Boku Dracula-kun (Kid Dracula) is a unique Castlevania spinoff starring Alucard.

Who're YOU? "Kid Dracula" (#62)

Satoshi Tajiri, head of Game Freak and creator of the Pokemon series idolized Namco, and in the mid-’80s he and Ken Sugimori created their own Famicom game, Quinty, and managed to sell it to Namco. And at the end of season 8, Quinty becomes Arino’s next challenge.

Blinding Exhilaration?! "Mendel Palace" (#63)

Hello 9th Season! The Spikey Kacho Takes On "Sonic The Hedgehog" (#64)

Aired while Arino Kachou was hospitalized. Arino and the staff head to the Cannes Film Festival in hopes of selling the show overseas.

The Kacho's Business Trip to the Cannes Film Festival

Arino was hospitalized after he discovered an abcess on his lung. Returning to work for the first time, Kibe "interrogates" the Kachou. Afterwords Arino enters "recovery mode". The staff decides it would be cruel to subject him to a usual challenge so soon. So Arino casually plays Super Mario Bros, and ends the episode playing Dr. Mario's VS mode with AD Nakayama.

Welcome Back! The Kacho Returns! (#65)

Arino must save America from being completely zombiefied in the cult classic Abarenbou Tengu (Zombie Nation) for Famicom.

Back to Work, Kacho! "Zombie Nation" (#67)

Not since Clock Tower has Arino played as a girl in a challenge game before, but this season we have The Madoola no Tsubasa, starring the female knight Lucia.

Fight! Sunsoft's Madonna, "The Wing of Madoola" (#68)

After three victories, Arino faces what could be his biggest challenge this season. The game before him is Namco/Falcom’s Dragon Slayer IV, known in America as Legacy of the Wizard. This action-RPG featurs a humongous mazelike dungeon, and a family of five, the Worzens, who must defeat the dormant dragon living beneath.

The Perfect Missing Child!? "Legacy of the Wizard" (#69)

In the first episode of the new season, Arino tackles a game based on one of his favorite comic book series, Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball: Shenlong no Nazo is known for it's brutal challenge, can he clear it? He has the support of this season's A.D. Nakayama! Nakayama returns to the show for another season to help out Arino.

Find the Dragon Balls! "Dragon Power" (#70)

Data East’s Chelnov was part platformer, part shoot-em-up: the hero, Chelnov, always runs forward. And while he can stop, the screen always scrolls forward anyway. Even as he looks at the screenshots on the back of the box, he knows this is going to be a hard one.

All You Can Do Is Run! "Atomic Runner Chelnov" (#71)

Arino must assemble a team in hopes of defeating Yuuyu no Quiz de GO! GO!. Yuuyu is the nickname of Yukiko Iwai, a teen idol from the ’80s and early ’90s who was part of the musical group Onyanko Club and the host of the show this game is based upon.

"Yuyu no Quiz de Go! Go!" Go, Kacho! (#72)

Can the Kacho Lead!? "Lemmings" (#73)

First Samurai is a platform game published by Kemco, but originally made by Europeans on Amiga. While it’s not particularly great, and only five stages long, the hope, as always, is that it will give Arino a good challenge.

The Last Samurai? Nah, "First Samurai" (#74)

Arino takes on Donkey Kong Country. Though he finds the game fun and grows fond of it, it's brutal difficulty and limited save system may be to much for him to handle.

It's Been a While! "Donkey Kong Country" (#75) (Part 1)

Arino couldn't beat half of Donkey Kong Country before he ran out of time in the last episode.

"Donkey Kong Country": The Special Conclusion (#76)

The game that AD Nakayama wanted Arino to try finally makes an appearance! Fatal Fury Special in addition to being one of Nakayama's favorite games, is Arino's second fighting game challenge. During the challenge Nakayama announces that this episode will be his last.

Nakayama Approved! "Fatal Fury Special" (#77)

The Game Center CX staff head to Fukuoka, the hometown of Cameraman Abe, Urukawa, and Inoko MAX, to promote GCCX's second DS game and meet fans. Along the way Arino visits two game centers with the staff.

Welcome Back! "Fukuoka Hometown Special" (#78)

LayLa must rescue her partner from the enemy base through eight stages that Arino has to get through.

Starting the 11th Season With "Layla" (#79)

Hoshi no Kirby: Yume no Izumi no Monogatari, the bigger, bolder sequel to the original Hoshi no Kirby on Game Boy. It’s not a terribly hard game for most, but it can be lengthy, and regardless, there are tricky bosses in the latter half that may or may throw Arino for a loop.

Suck It! "Kirby's Adventure"

Battle Golfer Yui is probably one of the most unique games ever made. It's part RPG, part adventure, and part golf. In addition the new AD Emoto arrives to help Arino, and Arino ends up in a vs mode against the new AD, and the camera assistant Ban.

The Kacho's Golf Trip: "Battle Golfer Yui" (#81)

Arino has 1 win and 1 loss in the Mega Man series, by taking on Mega Man 3 he will either overcome his losing streak or increase it.

The Decisive Battle! "Mega Man 3" (#82)

Part 2 of the Mega Man 3 Challenge. After fighting not just 8, but 16 brutal boss battles, Arino heads to Wily's Castle.

The Conclusion! "Mega Man 3" (#83)

This action puzzle game has you moving and placing blocks in order to guide Gussun to the exit door. With tons of stages to get through, Arino may have his work cut out for him. Gussun is easily spooked by blocks falling too close to him, and otherwise can’t be pushed off an edge from too high.

"Super Gussun Oyoyo:" Tsk Tsk (#84)

Arino’s back in the saddle, and this time he’s tackling the PC Engine game Genpei Touma Den, a Namco action game from the arcades. In it, the undead samurai Kagekiyo traverses a very bizarre-looking Japan as he defeats creatures from the underworld. With a not-so-linear progression, Arino will have to stay sharp in his journey to get to the end.

Crunch Time! "Genpei Toma Den" (#85)

Yoiko TKO'd!? "Punch Out!!" (#86)

Fight for the "Golden Axe!" (#87)

This time, Arino is playing a pretty simple game: Namco’s Dig Dug II for Famicom. Rather than a game of digging underground to burst enemies, Dig Dug II is a game of walking around an island to burst and/or sink enemies by destroying plots of land.

Burrow Burrow!? "Dig Dug II"

At 10:00 A.M. on August 29th, 2009 Arino embarked on his second live challenge. With a time limit of 24 hours he will try to clear Lemmings on the "Taxing" difficulty level. This episode recaps the 24 hour special with some additional behind-the-scenes moments.

24-Hour Documentary (#89)

Shinya Arino, a member of comedy duo Yoiko, plays Japan's most popular video games and records his progress as he works through a time limit, usually lasting up to one day. He is supported by his Assistant Directors and Staff, both via moral support and actual gameplay. He also gets the chance to interview game designers and to play arcade games occasionally.

The Best Seasons of GameCenter CX

The Best Seasons of GameCenter CX

Season 17

Season 15

Season 10

Season 18

Season 2

Season 3

Season 5

Season 1

Season 4

Season 7

Season 6

Season 8

Season 9

Season 11

Season 12

Season 13

Season 14

Season 16

Season 19

Season 20

Season 21

Season 22

Season 23

Season 24

Season 25

Season 26

Season 27

Season 28

Season 29