How to Learn Japanese on Dreamcast

Practice on Dreamcast

• 1

  Access a Japanese dictionary and grammar dictionary. If you want to learn Japanese from a Dreamcast game you will need to consult both a dictionary and a grammar text. You can purchase these texts from a bookstore or visit free Web sites such as Jisho.org or GuidetoJapanese.org.

• 2

  Teach yourself the Japanese alphabet. Before you can begin playing Japanese games, you will need to learn the basics of the Japanese system of writing. Japanese has three forms of writing, and your dictionary should introduce both phonetic alphabets as well as kanji, the traditional pictographic language used in writing.

• 3

  Check a list of Japanese Dreamcast games. Try to find a game that is text heavy, as many games feature little or no text, making it difficult to learn. Role-play games, such as "Skies of Arcadia," are good choices because they are text heavy but allow you to select the speed of the text. This will give you plenty of time to figure out what's being said.

• 4

  Import a Japanese Dreamcast and game. Once you have selected a game, visit a Web site such as GenkiVideoGames.com and place an order.

• 5

  Begin playing the game. Play the game slowly and consult your dictionary and grammar guide whenever you encounter difficulty.

• 6

  Take notes of difficult words. Review these notes regularly to reinforce what you've learned. Make a list of common words that are used repeatedly in the game for quick reference.