Holy hell! This is one of those only-in-Japan moments I live here for. A free-to-play digital slot game dispenses information on the crime and criminal, and just how the average Taro Tanaka can cash in:
“The game is like a typical slot machine but with mug shots instead of cherries or lemons. When three of the same mug shot line up, the player wins. The jackpots bring details of the suspect and the crime, as well as how to give tips to police and the amount of any reward offered, company official Takashi Saito said.”
And though not thrilled by the idea of the game, “The National Police Agency said Friday that while authorities appreciate the sentiment, the game inappropriately uses police property for entertainment and could distress victims. … [Yet] police stopped short of outlawing the game and … thought it might still help - and would also be a hit.”
“Be a hit”!? Probably. The game “has already been played by more than 100,000 people.”
Read the complete story here: Mug shots featured in new Japanese game (URL redirected after original died)
In this photo released by Tokyo-based Japanese software maker Famista Inc. Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, a screen image of an Internet-based slot machine game featuring mug shots of suspects on Japan’s wanted lists is shown. Famista said Friday it launched a free, Internet-based game to publicize the facial photographs of fugitives in high-profile murder cases. The game features a dozen photos of suspects in Japan’s most notorious cold cases, including Katsuya Takahashi, one of three members of the doomsday cult behind the 1995 Tokyo subway gassing and Tatsuya Ichihashi, and an alleged killer of a British woman found dead in a sand-filled bathtub last year. (AP Photo/Famista Inc.,HO)
Note the “東部警パチ” (Police: Eastern Division Pachinko) title at the top. It is a play on “西部警察” (Police: Western Division), a famous cop show from ‘79 to ‘84 featuring over-the-top violence, including the destruction of 4,680 cars and 320 buildings, rooms and structures during its run. Check out the production page of different cars, weapons, and characters featured in the show. (Japanese language ability not really required to enjoy.)
Play the game Jackpot Police (claims to be an English site, but crime information was still in Japanese). Flash required. (Start with 200 credits. Each spin costs 4 credits. Left-hand button is a Settings button for Volume, Replay and Reset.)
