We take a look at a couple of Japanese import sim games for the Dreamcast.

Ever wanted to drive a bus down the busy streets of Tokyo? Or screw with the head of a young Japanese male in his studio apartment? Hey, who hasn't? Now you can do both with "Tokyo Bus Guide" and "Roommania 203."

"Tokyo Bus Guide" is a driving sim that's as realistic as you can get without actually getting behind the wheel of a bus. You'll have to obey all the rules of the road as well as standard Tokyo bus driving procedure. This includes accelerating or decelerating correctly, announcing the next stop, and stopping at all lights. Violate any of these or a dozen other rules, and it'll cost you major points and possibly bring you to early retirement.

Completing the routes requires a keen eye for traffic signals, a knack for navigating tight roads, and Zen-like patience. Patience? Yes, this isn't the bizarre "Crazy Taxi."

If you're more of a homebody, you should hang out with Neji Taihei in "Roommania 203." This apartment-sim puts you in the role of an observer/poltergeist in Neji's modest studio apartment.

Your job is to complete various tasks that inspire Neji's actions. Tossing invisible Ping-Pong balls at specific objects does this. Want Neji to chat online? Hit the mouse with a Ping-Pong ball. Set the alarm? Hit the alarm clock. Go to the bathroom? Get him to drink something.

You can keep track of Neji's movements and moods with Chibi Neji, a cute little guy who hangs out in the upper-right corner of the screen. There's added fun when Neji is off to class. While he's away, you can play hide-and-seek with Chibi Neji, or better yet, play with Neji's stuff, such as his computer or journal.

To freak him out, lock the door so he'll have to break into his own apartment. Or better yet, move his stuff like his kotatsu table. But don't get too distracted. If you fail, Neji will end up a lonely apartment schmo 'til he's old and gray.

So if the Tokyo transit authority is calling out to you, or if you've always wanted to know how Patrick Swayze felt in "Ghost," you'll want to hunt down these games at either your local game importer or eBay.