Pachi-Slot Aruze Oukoku Pocket - Ward of Lights (Japan)
Pachi-Slot Aruze Oukoku Pocket - Ward of Lights (Japan) on NGP
Pachi-Slot Aruze Oukoku Pocket - Ward of Lights is a Japanese slot machine simulator released for the Neo Geo Pocket Color. It belongs to the Aruze Oukoku Pocket series, a line of pachi-slot games published by Aruze, a major pachinko and slot machine manufacturer. The exact release year is not well documented, but it appeared during the handheld's commercial lifespan in Japan, likely around 1999-2001.
The player operates virtual pachi-slot machines, which simulate the experience of playing real Japanese slot machines. You start by selecting a machine and inserting credits (the game provides a credit balance). The core loop involves pressing a button to spin the reels, then hitting stop buttons to try and land winning combinations across paylines. Special features like bonus games or 'BB' (big bonus) rounds may trigger when certain symbols align. Since its a Japan-exclusive title, all menus and instructions are in Japanese.
Ward of Lights is a niche title even among Neo Geo Pocket fans. Its appeal today lies in its authenticity as a digital version of Aruze's real pachi-slot machines, with detailed reel graphics and sound effects that mimic the arcade experience. If you enjoy retro gambling simulations or want to explore the oddball corners of the Neo Geo Pocket library, this is a curious piece. Just be aware its purely a simulator with no plot or action, and the language barrier may be tricky for non-Japanese speakers.
How to Play Pachi-Slot Aruze Oukoku Pocket - Ward of Lights (Japan) Online
Getting Started
When you first start Pachi-Slot Aruze Oukoku Pocket - Ward of Lights, you will see a title screen in Japanese. Press Start (Enter) to proceed. The main menu lets you choose between different slot machines, each with its own theme and payout table. Use the D-Pad to highlight a machine and press A (X) to select.
Once in a machine, you need to insert credits. The game begins with a certain number of credits displayed on screen. Use the appropriate button (likely A or B) to bet and spin the reels. On a Neo Geo Pocket, the A button typically spins the reels, while the B button stops each reel individually. Experiment with the controls: pressing B while the reels spin will stop the first reel, then the second, and so on. This stop timing affects the outcome in some pachi-slot games. The goal is to line up symbols on active paylines to win credits.
If you hit a bonus combination (often a specific three-symbol pattern), a bonus game may start automatically. These bonus rounds usually involve free spins or a mini-game where you accumulate extra credits. Since all text is in Japanese, learning the game's flow may require some trial and error. Start with a basic machine and observe how the reels behave. The core loop is simple: insert credits, spin, stop reels, collect winnings, and repeat.
Pachi-Slot Aruze Oukoku Pocket - Ward of Lights (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: Y button
- A: X button
- Q: L shoulder
- E: R shoulder
- Enter: Start
- V: Select
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