12 import games I bought in 2012 but didn't tell you about until now: Everybody's Stress Buster

Before I get to the contents of the game you see in the photos below, I probably should note that this is the Asian release of the game known in Japan as Minna no Sukkiri and in North America as Hot Shots Shorties.

So, why'd I pick up the Asian version as opposed to the Japanese or North American ones? First, I wanted a boxed/physical copy of the game--which isn't a possibility when it comes to the North American release. Second, the Asian version includes English text--something that isn't the case with the Japanese original.

As for the point of Everybody's Stress Buster: it's mini-game-focused spin-off of Clap Hanz' excellent Everybody's Golf (aka Hot Shots Golf or Minna no Golf) series.

In fact, 12 disparate mini-games are stuffed into Everybody's Stress Buster. As is often the case with such things, some of these morsels are more appetizing than others. My favorites thus far: the Dynasty Warriors-esque "Counter Crusader" and the Katamari Damacy-ish (kind of) "Vacuum Dash." I've also got a bit of a soft spot for the rather boringly titled "Bookshelf Dash."

As is true for far too many of the games included in this series, I haven't yet put a ton of time into Everybody's Stress Buster. I'm going to do my best to give it the attention it deserves early next year, though--especially since I could use a smidge of serenity at the moment.

See also: Previous '12 import games I bought in 2012 but didn't tell you about until now' posts

I can't believe this game hasn't sold a billion copies

Considering the gloomy economic and employment news that continues to dominate the airwaves in the U.S., you'd think a game called Everybody's Stress Buster would be a big hit among American PSP owners.

Of course, for that to happen the game would have to be called Everybody's Stress Buster (it is known as Minna no Sukkiri, or Everybody's Refreshment, in Japan, although the Asian version is called Everybody's Stress Buster). Oh, and American PSP owners would have to know it exists.

Unfortunately, someone at Sony Computer Entertainment America seemingly made sure neither of the above came to pass--as the game, rechristened Hot Shots Shortes, was chopped up (into four, three-game "packs") and unceremoniously dumped onto the PlayStation Store yesterday.

That's too bad, because this Clap Hanz-developed title seems pretty darn fun.(Here's a trailer for the UK version.) I especially like the looks of the Dynasty Warriors-ish "Counter Crusader" and the Katamari Damacy-esque "Vacuum Dash" mini-games.