Xbox 360 even less backwards compatible in Japan

The official US list is missing Mech Assault, Splinter Cell and Doom 3. We’re all bummed, but compared to the Japanese release list it seems like a miracle. The Japanese emulator will work with only a dozen titles.

Here’s the list:

Halo

Halo 2

Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack

Ninja Gaiden

Ninja Gaiden Black

Fable

Forza Motorsport

Crimson Skies

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six 3

Grand Theft Auto Double Pack (Vice City & GTA III)

Xbox World Collection: The Simpsons Hit and Run

Jade Empire

Ok so the Japanese 360 owners are missing out on the few Japanese Xbox exclusives like N.U.D.E., Shin Megami Tensei Nine or Magatama. It might be understandable to leave these games out since they aren’t “top selling” titles. However the Japanese emulation package has obvious omissions from the American Xbox 360. Why omit Dead or Alive 3? That game is one of the few games that sparked interest in the Xbox in Japan. Other unplayable games that the US 360 can play include: Call of Duty: Finest Hour, Star Wars: Jedi Academy, Gemma Onimusha, House of the Dead III, Phantom Crash, Sonic Heroes and Puyo Pop Fever.

More games may be announced for Japan in the future. But 12 games out of 200+ that can be emulated on any other Xbox 360 is not a good sign.

The Japanese list (in Japanese of course)