Othertimes the issue is just a lack of understanding, or incompetence that keeps the best games out of your hands. Whatever the reasons, being out of touch, foolishness, racism, you ARE missing out.

Fortunately, there is a way around the mess.

To play import games  on your Sony Playstation, you need to have your Playstation converted from a regional model to a universal 'Teststation'. This is done with the implantation of a barely legal chip that eliminates the electronic lock that keeps dirty Gaijin from soiling racially pure Japanese software with their dirty World Genes. The chip can be implanted for a fee (usually around a hundred bucks) by an import store, either by mail order or by finding a local outlet. The process is quick, and once done, allows you to play any game from any country in the world.

Next you have to get games, and these can be bought from importers. There are many to choose from, and some may be local to your area. Check magazines like 'Gamefan' or search the net for import Japanese games. You will find no shortage of options.

You should note that import games cost more, because they are expensive to bring back. Import gaming is not a big industry, and basically involves people flying over and packing up a suitcase with software and bringing it back. That is a hell of a trip for a few fans.

The usual price for an import game is around 80 to 100 dollars American. Sometimes you can get a better deal on an older game, say in the 50's or 40's dollar range. Generally though, imports cost more. I do not begrudge this: the mark up is pretty small, and import  retailers are not becoming millionaires off of this. Usually, they are just serious game lovers too, and willing to make a big effort for a smallish profit.