TokyoCatch — Crane Games, Otaku Stuff & Lots of Yelling

I’ve spent the last three weeks lamenting my life because I couldn’t win a cutie in the Uma Musume: Pretty Derby mobile game’s crane game. So, when TokyoCatch offered Anime Corner the opportunity to try out their mobile crane game, it became my redemption arc. But what exactly is TokyoCatch, and more importantly, how does it work?

If you believe you need to leave your house to experience an arcade, you’re underestimating modern technology. TokyoCatch’s crane games let you enjoy the typical arcade experience from the comfort of your home. You set up an account, earn some gems, and try to win a variety of anime merchandise, action figures, Japanese snacks, and other otaku-related items.

I’ve visited an arcade once, and honestly, I’d rather not relive that experience. Like Monica Everett, I do everything possible to avoid social interaction. My idea of a good time is hiking far away from people and disconnecting from all electronic devices, so arcade games are something I’ve always been woefully ignorant of. Still, my failed attempts at winning a plushie for Oguri Cap, combined with TokyoCatch giving Anime Corner free gems, motivated me to give it a try. Here’s what I think and how I did…

The Good About TokyoCatch

Once you set up your account, you can filter prizes by franchises—a helpful feature considering how extensive their prize list is. However, “extensive” refers more to quantity than variety. While many franchises are represented, they tend to be big-name titles. There was a lot of Pokémon, Dragon Ball, and Demon Slayer merchandise. If, like me, you’re hoping for something more niche—like a Non Non Biyori Nendoroid, the power of friendship is not on your side.

Since it’s a crane game, you’re paying primarily for entertainment. The chances of winning are slim. Even with the free gems, all I managed to do was to bring shame to the Anime Corner name. I finally understand Lily’s struggles in Cultural Exchange With a Game Center Girl.

That said, it’s not without its charm. After about four or five tries, you start to see the appeal. When that box or plushie rises with the crane and drops just millimeters away from the prize, adrenaline kicks in. It becomes a fun little challenge to test your problem-solving skills. If you’re feeling down, the game will make you forget what’s bothering you.

The Bad

Unlike the two clawed games that let you change your viewing angle, the three clawed crane games do not. I’m unsure if this is the standard for every three clawed crane game. But I can tell that for Nino Nakano’s nurse acrylic, you can’t change your viewing angle.

If, like me, you have mobility issues with your dominant hand, I hope you have the power of God and anime at your side, because TokyoCatch isn’t. The crane game’s buttons release at the slightest provocation. And if, like me, you have any medical issue that affects your dexterity, it quickly breeds frustration.

If you’re playing on a smartphone, the display screen is quite small. Even on a large phone, it never fully fills the screen. While this wasn’t an issue for me, people with visual impairments may struggle to see the game properly on smaller devices. You can play TokyoCatch’s crane games on your browser, which I assume resolves many of those issues (I didn’t realize that until after I used up all my gems). But, I suppose that’s an analogy for life for something along those lines.

If you dislike pop-ups, TokyoCatch’s home screen will drive you crazy. Every few seconds, someone wins a prize, and the app bombards you with notifications. I thought those “hot singles in your area” pop-ups were bad; I was wrong. Constant reminders of my failures—while others were winning prizes like new seasons of Attack on Titan—were downright demoralizing.

The Kawaii

Much like in Cultural Exchange With a Game Center Girl, losing is part of the experience. Weebs know that Japan has the biggest arcade culture in the world. But even normal arcade culture is something that many fans live without. While TokyoCatch’s mobile crane games can’t replicate the overwhelming atmosphere of walking into a game center in Akihabara, they do their best to share a taste of that revered Japanese experience.

When you try a new game the app (or browser) gives you a quick tutorial. You’ll get hint videos if you keep messing up and they’re somewhat helpful.

Would I recommend TokyoCatch? It depends. Overall, yes—it’s an entertaining way to pass the time. I avoided queues, so I can’t comment on that aspect. However, for someone with an addictive personality, it could become a spiral, so caution is advised.

TokyoCatch is a subsidiary of TokyoTreat. Anime Corner was given with free gems in exchange for this review.