All-are-bored!!! Could you imagine a more mundane game than driving a speeding train? Millions would disagree with me, as games of this nature are quite popular in Japan. We saw a few of these eastern mass transit simulators brought to life on the Dreamcast with Tokyo Bus Guide and Taito's Densha De Go 1 and 2. Naturally, it's this same company that's bringing the blockbuster excitement of driving a train in Shikansen 2006. The object of the game is to make a fast break between train stops and pick up as many customers as possible withtout overshooting the stops. Riventing, I tell you.

Speciality peripherals are generally a bad idea, but what is even more peculiar to me is Taito's decision not to leverage the Wiimote on this project. Seems like a no brainer -- all of those dials could be overlaid on the screen and the Wiimote could have been served as a lever pushed back and forth on your lap. Duh, Taito! Duh!

The true appeal of these games is how accurately they recreate the most famous Japanese rail lines, which plays a very important role in their transportation system. Given their track record it makes perfect sense for them to further their niche franchise on Wii. We doubt they'll bring this stateside, but we thought some hardcore sim enthusiasts would like to know that it will be ready for import around February of 2007. Check out screenshots Shikansen 2006 here.

[Via Watch Impress ]