Raamen/Ramen
ラーメン
N.
Ramen is a Chinese noodle dish. College students, especially in the west, love ramen because it's cheap and easy to make. However, I am referring to the instant kind, which I don't like now these days. I prefer the ones at Japanese eatery places. "Naruto" is definitely one series you'd think of when you hear the word "ramen".
Ren'ai game
恋愛ゲーム
れんあいゲーム
N.
A ren'ai game is a romance game. In ren'ai games, you try to polish yourself up somehow and you go on dates. Now, because you go on dates, people that don't play games or do play games, but not games that stayed in Japan generally call them dating simulation games which of course is not the right term. Also, these kind of people think that ren'ai games and visual novels are the same, but though both types games show affection in one way or another, both types of games work differently. Very popular ren'ai game series include "Sentimental", "First Kiss Story" and of course, "Tokimemo".
Role playing game/RPG
アルピージー
N.
A type of game in which you work with a character or group of characters. A non-action role playing game has you giving commands to characters such as using magic and using the ability to mimic an action. They have a level system. Action role playing games have you take total control of a character. Role playing games are known for having compelling stories. Some of the most popular non-action role playing game series are "Final Fantasy", "Dragon Quest", and "Megami Tensei". "Zelda" is the most popular action role playing game series out there. "Popful Mail" is another popular action role playing game series.
Rounin (roh-oo-nee-n)
浪人
ろうにん
N.
A student who failed an entrance exam at a high school or college. Back then, this was a term for someone without a master like samurai or someone who wondered off across the world. The latter makes sense because that's the literal definition of rounin. Hideki in "Chobits" becomes a rounin early on.
Last update - 2006/11/23