Episode guide
GameCenter CX: Season 1
11 episodes · premiered Nov 4, 2003
The CX in the title comes from JOCX, the call sign of Fuji TV. Arino's Challenge began as a short segment in Season 1. Interviews made up most of each episode. ADs (Assistant Directors) introduced in Season 1: Naoki Yamada (M1 only) and Shinichiro Tojima (M5 onward). ADs typically "graduate" from the show after a season or two, but old favorites often return in new roles or on special occasions.
- Episode 1: Taito: Takeshi no Chousenjou (Takeshi's Challenge) Nov 4, 2003 · 1h 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…
- Episode 2: Koei: Angelique Trois Nov 18, 2003 · 1h 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…
- Episode 3: Capcom: Tekki (Steel Battalion) Dec 2, 2003 · 1h 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…
- Episode 4: Sega: Roommania #203 Dec 16, 2003 · 1h 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…
- Episode 5: Hudson: Star Force Jan 13, 2004 · 1h 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…
- Episode 6: ASCII: Astro Robo SASA Jan 27, 2004 · 1h 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.
- Episode 7: Namco: Galaga Feb 10, 2004 · 1h 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).
- Episode 8: Chunsoft: Door Door Feb 24, 2004 · 1h 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…
- Episode 9: Konami: Yie Ar Kung-Fu, Gradius, and Track & Field Mar 10, 2004 · 1h 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…
- Episode 10: Nintendo - Super Mario Brothers 2 - The Lost Levels (Part 1) Mar 31, 2004 · 1h 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…
- Episode 11: Nintendo - Super Mario Brothers 2 - The Lost Levels (Part 2) May 30, 2004 · 1h 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.