Why, oh why do publishers change names of games for different regions of the world?
That is the million dollar question. They will give you all sorts of reasons and excuses, but it all boils down to the marketing teams and what they think will work in their segment.
We think these games would have an identity crisis if they were human. Actually, some games are known by more than two different names ! C’mon, that is absurd, no matter where you are from.
Here is a list of well known classic video games that are known by various names around the world. You be the judge of which region names you prefer. If you know of others that aren’t on the list, hit us up on Twitter or Facebook:
Game Name | Also Known As (AKA) |
Bare Knuckle | Streets of Rage |
Life Force | Salamander |
Contra | Gryzor, Probotector |
Bad Dudes | DragonNinja, Bad Dudes vs DragonNinja |
PC Kid | Bonk |
Jet Set Radio | Jet Grind Radio |
Devil Crash | Devil’s Crush, Dragon’s Fury, Devil Crash MD |
Another World | Out of this World, Other World |
Ninja Gaiden | Shadow Warriors |
Two Crude Dudes | Crude Buster |
Buggy Boy | Speed Buggy |
Green Beret | Rush’n Attack |
International Karate | World Karate Championship |
Stunt Car Racer | Stunt Track Racer |
Winter Olympiad 88 | Winter Challenge |
Slap Fight | Alcon |
International Karate + | Chop ‘n Drop Karate |
Microprose Soccer | Keith van Eron’s Pro Soccer |
Driller | Space Station Oblivion |
The Sentinel | The Sentry |
Nebulus | Tower Toppler |
Pipemania | Pipe Dream |
Rock ‘n Wrestle | Bop ‘n Wrestle |