Shinya Arino
GameCenter CX (2003)
Season 2
Game Center CX was retooled thoroughly for Season 2. After a few months away, the show was relaunched in its new format. The「」quote brackets around the CX in the title were removed. Arino's Challenge was greatly expanded, becoming the main focus of each episode. TamaGe (trips) and Game Collection segments became regular features. Interviews continued through this season. Episode numbering started over in Season 2, and this official system has remained in place throughout subsequent seasons. AD introduced in Season 2: Hiroshi Sasano (#1, during the closing segment)
Released Nov. 4, 2003
Episode 60 min
10+
Genres: Comedy, Reality TV
Keywords: imdb.non-fiction, imdb.reenactment
Production Companies: Fuji Television Network
Network: Fuji TV
S2E1 - Atlantis no Nazo (The Mystery of Atlantis)
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.
Oct. 20, 2004, midnight
S2E2 - Challenger
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.
Nov. 3, 2004, midnight
S2E3 - Makaimura (Ghosts 'n Goblins)
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.
Nov. 17, 2004, midnight
S2E4 - Konami Wai Wai World
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.
Dec. 1, 2004, midnight
S2E5 - Metroid
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.
Dec. 15, 2004, midnight
S2E6 - Solomon no Kagi (Solomon's Key)
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.
Jan. 19, 2005, midnight
S2E7 - Prince of Persia (Part 1)
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.
Feb. 2, 2005, midnight
S2E8 - Prince of Persia (Part 2)
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?
Feb. 16, 2005, midnight
S2E9 - Rockman 2: Dr. Wily no Nazo (Mega Man 2)
Arino takes on the most popular game in Capcom's Mega Man series, Mega Man 2! Contains interview with Etsunobu Ebisu.
March 2, 2005, midnight
S2E10 - Super Mario Bros. 3
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.
March 16, 2005, midnight
Network: Fuji TV
Episode Runtime: 60 min.
Season Runtime: 2040 min.
Released: Nov. 4, 2003
Last Air Date: Dec. 11, 2025, midnight
Next Air Date: Dec. 25, 2025, midnight
Status: Returning Series
Certification: NR / 10+
Rate this show
Add {Movie} to static lists