Benchmark Otaku

Final Fantasy XIV Official Benchmark

2010-07-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Name: Final Fantasy XIV Official Benchmark
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: Square Enix, 2010
Website: http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com
Download Link: Page, File - FFXIVBenchmark.zip (176MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 1528 (Low)
Notes: In English.
Buy Final Fantasy games from Play-Asia!

Final Fantasy XIV, also known as Final Fantasy XIV Online, is the fourteenth installment in the Final Fantasy series, due for release in 2010 for PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows. Like Final Fantasy XI, Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. The game takes place in a land called Hydaelyn, mainly in a region named Eorzea, which will have an aesthetic blend of sci-fi and classic fantasy elements. (Wikipedia)

The benchmark shows a battle on the high seas. Great graphics and sound. Long running time but entertaining throughout. The user can select different characters to "star" in the benchmark which doesn't make much of a difference, but is a welcome option. Nice graphic meter showing real-time benchmark performance, but couldn't find a way to hide it.

Recommended

Video:

Gundam Network Operation 3 Trial

2010-07-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

Name: Gundam Network Operation 3 Trial
Name (Original): GNO3体験版もっと教えてハマーン様
Publisher: Bandai Namco, 2010
Website: http://www.gno3.ne.jp/
Download Link: Page, File - GNO3Trial.zip (75MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 69 FPS (3D High)
Notes: No install required - unzip and run.
Buy Gundam games from Play-Asia!

Gundam Network Operation 3 is a strategic MMORPG based on the ever-popular Mobile Suit Gundam anime universe. The benchmark is 60 seconds of a battle between various Gundam characters in space. Start the benchmark by selecting the second option on the menu, and then which test you want to run (2D, 3D Low, 3D Mid, 3D High). Press the button in the middle to start - note that you may have to do all of this twice as the game may turn on anti-aliasing for you). Benchmark gives the result as frame rate only. Nice graphics, though small, and appropriate music.

Recommended

Video (not the benchmark, but very similar):

A-Train 9 Viewer

2010-06-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Name: A-Train 9 Viewer
Name (Original): A列車で行こう9 ビュアー
Publisher: ARTDINK, 2010
Website: http://www.a-train9.jp/
Download Link: Page, File - SetupA9Viewer.exe (413MB)
Interactive: Yes
My Benchmark Result: 28.6 FPS (OpeningA), 24.4 (DemoA), 25.4 (DemoB), 25.2 (OpeningB)
Notes: Run program using the green icon. Run config with orange icon.
Buy A-Train from Play-Asia!

A-Train 9 is the latest in the railroad management series. Similar to their previous benchmarks, this one shows off the world with various camera flybys highlighting the trains, terrain, buildings and more. When the program starts, press the mouse button to reveal the menu. Click on the top right button of the menu to display the frame rate. The top left button will start/restart the benchmark loop, which consists of 4 different sequences (named OpeningA, DemoA, DemoB, OpeningB in the frame rate panel). In addition to the benchmark, you can load load levels where you have a free camera to move around (using mouse). Benchmark only scores in FPS. Gentle music, and nice graphics showing off a lot of different visuals.

Recommended

Video (OpeningA):

Street Fighter IV & Resident Evil 5 Benchmarks

2010-02-25T19:44:00.000-08:00

These are available widely, so I'll just briefly mention them.

Street Fighter IV Benchmark
Publisher: Capcom
Download: StreetFighterIV_Benchmark.zip (396MB)

Resident Evil 5 Benchmark
Publisher: Capcom
Download: nzd_ResidentEvil5_Benchmark.exe (595MB)

Winning Post World Benchmark

2009-03-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

Name: Winning Post World Benchmark
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: Koei, 2009
Website: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/keiba/wpw/
Download Link: Page, File - WinningPostWorldChecker.exe (?MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 31FPS
Notes: Installer won't run unless your system is set to Japanese or use Applocale. The leftmost button on the menu will start the benchmark. Appears to be framerate locked at 30FPS. Also known as "G1 Jockey".
Buy Winning Post World from Play-Asia!

Winning Post World is the online version of the long-running horse racing simulator series, stretching back to the Super Famicom. Buy, train, breed and race horses. Let the computer simulate the race or saddle-up and be the jockey. Test your stable online against other trainers, managers, and jockeys.

Recommended, if you can easily change your XP to Japanese

The Last Remnant Benchmark

2009-02-09T02:17:00.000-08:00

Name: The Last Remnant Benchmark
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: Square Enix, 2009
Website: http://www.square-enix.co.jp/remnant/
Download Link: Page, File - TheLastRemnantBenchmark.zip (274MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 25FPS
Notes: On EULA screen, confirm using left button.
Buy The Last Remnant from Play-Asia!

The Last Remnant is a role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. The story of the game revolves around "remnants", mysterious and coveted ancient artifacts of varying shapes and sizes which possess magic powers and which have been the cause of several wars throughout the game's history. As Remnants come in varying forms, all cities throughout the world have one that their ruler is bound to that assist to govern and bring peace the their assigned realm. (Source: Wikipedia)

Recommended

Kimi ga Yobu Megiddo no Oka de Benchmark Test

2009-02-04T22:44:00.000-08:00

Name: Kimi ga Yobu Megiddo no Oka de Benchmark Test
Name (Original): 君が呼ぶ、メギドの丘でベンチマークテスト
Publisher: Leaf/AQUAPLUS, 2008
Website: http://leaf.aquaplus.co.jp/product/megiddo/
Download Link: Page, File - megiddobench101.zip (63MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 7705
Notes: No installer - unzip and run. Menu options are Low, Medium, High, and Start

Kimi ga Yobu Megiddo no Oka de is an adult adventure RPG. With the advancement of human civilization came the dramatic expansion of necessary living space. However, those who traveled East discovered what was known as “the ends of the earth”. It was a massive sandstorm that reached far and wide, up to the heavens itself, forming a barrier. None could pass, as those who tried to enter never returned. One day, our hero Beigel comes across a girl collapsed in the Eastern deserts. Her name is Rinon, and she has traveled from the ends of the earth to stop a god who would destroy this world. (Source: Zakarius-no-Zetsubou)

Recommended

Nurien Tech Demo

2009-02-04T22:28:00.000-08:00

Name: Nurien Tech Demo
Name (Original): 누리엔
Publisher: Nurien Software, 2008
Website: http://www.nurien.com/
Download Link: Page, File - nzd_Nurien_Alpha_v0.7.exe (477MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 17FPS
Notes: A Korean benchmark (for a change). Text in English. Will install PhysX drivers - may not work without them.

Nurien is a new category of social networking service where we can give our users more powerful ways to express their identities by enabling them to create their own unique avatars, fashions, 3D objects, legacy media (such as photo, video, and text) and share them with the world via their own 3D rooms that are accessible from a web-browser as well as our software clients. Users will use their own unique avatars to play various fun games and also partake on social applications like fashion shows, and music video contests.

Nurien's first three offerings include MStar, Runway, and QuizStar. MStar is an online music dance game similar to game interface such as Guitar Hero or Dance-Dance-Revolution. Runway is an innovative fashion show application, players will follow certain rules and various themes to create their own clothing line and compete on a virtual fashion show - where other users within the community will watch and vote online. QuizStar is a casual online game and it is a great way to have fun with friends and meet new people (Source: nZone)

Recommended

Ginga Eiyu Densetsu Benchmark Trial

2009-02-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

Name: Ginga Eiyu Densetsu Benchmark Trial
Name (Original): 銀河英雄伝説ベンチマーク・体験版
Publisher: Bandai Namco, 2008
Website: http://gineiden-game.jp/
Download Link: Page, File - SetupGineiTrial.zip (163MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 3084
Notes: Also known as "Legend of the Galactic Heroes". Benchmark is top option on main menu.
Buy Ginga Eiyu Densetsu goods from Play-Asia!

A tactical RTS game based on Ginga Eiyu Densetsu, a series of science fiction novels by Yoshiki Tanaka. Set somewhere in distant space around the 35th century (the late eighth century of the story's "Space Era"), Ginga Eiyu Densetsu is a story of the epic struggle between the monarchic Galactic Empire and the democratic Free Planets Alliance. (Source: Wikipedia)

Recommended

Toushin Toshi 3 Benchmark

2009-02-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

Name: Toushin Toshi 3 Benchmark
Name (Original): 闘神都市III ベンチマーク
Publisher: Alice Soft, 2008
Website: http://www.alicesoft.com/toushin3/index.html
Download Link: Page, File - toushin3bench.zip (20MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 87FPS
Notes: No installer - unzip and run. Use mouse to skip through dialogue, then select the top option on the menu to start benchmark.

Toushin Tournament -- an annual event held in the Toushin Toushi. All contestants are required to register with a beautiful female partner, and the winner of each battle gains the privilege of doing anything they want with the loser's partner (except harming them). The final winner of the tournament earns the title of Toushin, and gets to live freely in the Toushin District of the city with his partner.

Five years ago, Nakuto's father participated in the Toushin Tournament, saying he'll be back when he wins. That was the last Nakuto ever heard of him. Now, having grown up and hoping to discover the fate of his father, Nakuto sets out to enter the tournament his father disappeared in. (Source: AliceSoftWiki)

Not Recommended

D.C. Girl's Symphony Benchmark

2009-01-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

Name: D.C. Girl's Symphony Benchmark
Name (Original): D.C. Girl’s Symphony ～ダ・カーポ～ガールズシンフォニーベンチマークソフト
Publisher: Sanctuary/CIRCUS, 2008
Website: http://sanctuary.nandemo.gr.jp/work/dcgs/index.html
Download Link: Page, File - DCGS_Checker.zip (25MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: Passed
Notes: No installer - unzip and run. No sound.

Shio is a high school student. Her parents are abroad on business, so she lives with her older brother, Takaaki. They live a peaceful life, but Shio has a secret.... One day, twin brothers, Ryouhei and Kouhei, and their older brother, Aoi, transfer to her school. All girl students are excited to see their handsome faces. So is Shio, but her first impression towards Ryouhei is very bad. Their school life starts like this.... A while later, Shio decides to hire a home tutor. However, the home tutor is Kei, an older brother of Ryouhei, Kouhei, and Aoi.... (Source: Himeya Shop)

Not Recommended

Devil May Cry 4 Benchmark

2009-01-19T20:01:00.000-08:00

Name: Devil May Cry 4 Benchmark
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: Capcom, 2008
Website: http://www.capcom.co.jp/devil4/
Download Link: Page, File - nzd_DevilMayCry4_Benchmark.exe (495MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: C
Notes: Everything in English. Available as a standalone benchmark, or with the demo.
Buy Devil May Cry 4 goods from Play-Asia, including the PC version!

Devil May Cry 4 is the fourth installment of the Devil May Cry series. In the game, the player controls both Nero, and Dante, the game's protagonist and the series' title character respectively and fights enemies in close combat using firearms, swords, and other weapons. The characters Lady and Trish from previous games in the series make appearances, along with new characters Nero, Kyrie, Credo, Gloria, and Agnus. The game is set after Devil May Cry and before Devil May Cry 2. (Source: Wikipedia)

Recommended

3D Custom Girl Benchmark

2008-08-23T04:17:00.000-07:00

Name: 3D Custom Girl Benchmark
Name (Original): ３Ｄカスタム少女　ベンチマーク
Publisher: Tech Arts 3D, 2007-2008
Website: http://tech3d.sakura.ne.jp/3dcustom/top.html
Download Link: Page, File - 3DCG_Bench100.zip (32MB)
Interactive: Yes
My Benchmark Result: 21 Girls
Notes: Left mouse button will rotate camera. Right mouse button will zoom camera. Middle mouse button will pan camera. "R" key resets camera to default position. "Esc" to exit.

3D Custom Girl allows users to fully customize a 3D-modeled female character, and if so desired, they can then use the girl in various adult situations. The customization is very extensive, with classic anime girls (such as Evangelion's Asuka and Rei, and the Ikki Tousen girls) having been recreated with ease. The benchmark shows off a character model, and then continues to add more and more characters on screen until the framerate drops to the teens, at which point nothing else happens. The mouse can be used to move the camera around for a better look. Simple music. Over very quickly. Not recommended.

Video (40 seconds):

Shin Sangokumusou 5 Benchmark

2008-08-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

Name: Shin Sangokumusou 5 Benchmark
Name (Original): 真・三國無双５ベンチマーク
Publisher: Koei, 2007-2008
Website: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/smusou5/
Download Link: Page, File - ShinSangokumusou5Checker.exe (266MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 50FPS
Notes: On the game menu, the leftmost button will run the benchmark in High. The next button will run the benchmark in Low. The rightmost button will quit. My test was run using a Geforce 8600GT. Also known as "Dynasty Warriors 6"
Buy Shin Sangokumusou games from Play-Asia

Another benchmark from the Shin Sangokumusou series. The benchmark is gameplay, with a character running around fighting his way through waves of enemies. This repeats three times, each time with a different character, before the test ends with a framerate score. Music and sound effects accompany the action, but the graphics are a little to be desired, especially compared to other Shin Sangokumusou benchmarks (see Shin Sangokumusou Online). Not recommended.

Video (first 60 seconds):

Monster Hunter Frontier Benchmark

2008-06-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

Name: Monster Hunter Frontier Benchmark
Name (Original): モンスターハンターフロンティアベンチマーク
Publisher: Capcom, 2008
Website: http://www.mh-frontier.jp/
Download Link: Page, File - mhf_bench_setup101.msi (45MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 1367 (1680x1050)
Notes: Tested using a Geforce 8600GT
Buy Monster Hunter games from Play-Asia

Monster Hunter Frontier is the online version of Capcom's very-popular-on-PSP series of adventure/RPG games. Find, hunt or capture monsters, buy equipment, repeat. The benchmark shows off the world, creatures and monsters, and characters from the game. Lovely to look at, though mostly green forests. Good music and sound effects. Running time is about 4 minutes. Not many options to tweak. Game menus are all in English. Recommended.

Video (first 120 seconds):

Sengoku Musou 2 Bench Mark

2008-06-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

Name: Sengoku Musou 2 Bench Mark
Name (Original): 戦国無双２ベンチマーク
Publisher: Koei, 2006-2008
Website: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/sengoku2/
Download Link: Page, File - SMUSOU2_Checker.exe (263MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 60FPS
Notes: On the game menu, the leftmost button will run the benchmark in High. The next button will run the benchmark in Low. The rightmost button will quit. My test was run using a Geforce 8600GT. Also known as "Samurai Warriors 2"
Buy Sengoku Musou games from Play-Asia

Sengoku Musou is basically the same as Koei's other hack-and-slash Shinsangoku Musou series, except that it is set in feudal Japan. The benchmark is gameplay, with a main character running around fighting his way through waves of enemies. There is no music or sound effects. Benchmark will run three times before ending and giving you the result in FPS. Quite tedious. Not recommended.

Video (first 60 seconds - no sound, see above):

A-Train8 Bench

2008-05-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

Name: A-Train8 Bench
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: Artdink, 2008
Website: http://www.artdink.co.jp/japanese/title/a8/index.html
Download Link: SetupA8Bench.exe (66MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 60FPS
Notes: n/a
Buy A-Train games from Play-Asia

A-Train 8 is the latest in the railroad management series, now proudly proclaiming that it's "fullspec hi-vision (high definition)". The benchmark is various flybys of the game world, showing off terrain, buildings, weather and time effects. The flyby lasts for about 45 seconds, at which time a menu is displayed with two options: Again or Quit. However, leave it alone, and it will automatically loop. Test score shown as framerate. Straight-forward, inoffensive and pleasant. Recommended.

Video (first 45 seconds):

Musou Orochi Dousa Check

2008-03-10T00:33:00.000-07:00

Name: Musou Orochi Dousa Check
Name (Original): 無双OROCHI 動作チェック
Publisher: Koei, 2008
Website: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/orochi/
Download Link: Orochi_bench.zip (84MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 58.9FPS
Notes: Open Orochi_bench.zip in Winzip (or your preferred program), navigate to the "Ver1_1" folder and just extract OROCHI_Checker.exe (the install file). The install wizard gave me an error while installing, but continued anyway. The left-most button on the menu is "Benchmark." Also known as "Orochi Warriors."
Buy Musou Orochi games from Play-Asia

Musou Orochi is a hack-and-slash crossover between Koei's Shin Sangokumusou and Sengoku Musou series. The benchmark shows three different characters running through a level (one after another) attacking various enemy opponents. No music or sound effects, and when coupled with the long running time, makes it tedious to watch. Annoying "Musuo Orochi Benchmark" text blinks constantly in the middle of the screen. Test score shown as framerate. No options to tweak. Not recommended.

Video (first 60 seconds):

Gundam Tactics Online Benchmark

2008-01-26T00:24:00.000-08:00

Name: Gundam Tactics Online Benchmark
Name (Original): ガンダムタクティクスオンライン・ベンチマークソフト
Publisher: Bandai Namco, 2008
Website: http://www.gundam-gto.jp/
Direct Link: GundamTacticsOnlineBenchmark.zip (135MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 15FPS
Notes: No installer - just unzip and run.
Buy Gundam games from Play-Asia

Gundam Tactics Online is another online game set in the Gundam universe. The benchmark shows Federation and Zeon units shooting and attacking each other in an open landscape. Short running time. Music and sound effects are nothing special. Camera awkward at times. Menu and options in English. Runs in a window only. Test score shown as framerate. A "2D" option available, which reduces the benchmark's visuals to a map and icons. Not recommended.

Video:

PostPetMark

2008-01-22T03:15:00.000-08:00

Name: PostPetMark
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: Sony Communication Network Corp., 2002
Website: http://www.postpet.so-net.ne.jp/
Direct Link: PPMarkDX113.exe (3MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 2909
Notes: No installer - just unzip and run. There is a DirectX version and an OpenGL version. Both have same content.

PostPetMark is the benchmark for PostPet, an graphical email program that's part Thunderbird, part Nintendogs. The benchmark shows one character on rollerblades skating around another character. Very short running time. Music is forgettable happy-go-lucky melody. No settings to tweak. Runs in a small window (400x300). Only tests your video card, if I'm reading the results correctly. Not recommended.

Video:

H@twune Bench

2008-01-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

Name: H@twune Bench
Name (Original): はとぅねベンチ
Publisher: Fake Far, 2007
Website: http://fakefar.jp/hatwunebench.html
Notes: Also known as "Hatwune Bench," "Hatsune Bench."

H@twune Bench is paid software with no free demo, so this post will only be a preview. This doujin benchmark is a song-and-dance based on Hatsune Miku, the virtual singer character from the Vocaloid singing synthesizer software. Only shows framerate. Interactive, with a free camera and the ability to add more Miku models into the scene with the associated FPS drop. Can be modded via scripts should you want to choreograph your own song routine.

Video:

Oppai Slider

2008-01-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

Name: Oppai Slider
Name (Original): おっぱいスライダー
Publisher: Illusion, 2005
Website: http://www.illusion.jp/oppai/index.html
Download Link: oppai_d.exe (42MB) - Go to the page, then click on the download link next to the image.
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 58
Notes: NSFW. Inital menu options are (from top-left, clockwise) Demo, Benchmark, Exit. After selecting Benchmark, the next menu's options are (from top) High, Normal, Back.

Oppai Slider is a 18+ sex simulator; its main feature being that you can customize the character's breasts in a variety of ways ("oppai" is Japanese for breast.) The benchmark shows a girl doing various activities around a pool (hula-hoop, relaxing, etc.) Before the benchmark starts, you can select how big her breasts are (use the mouse wheel.) The program also includes a demo of the game. Only measures framerate. Recommended, if only for the sheer audacity of it.

Video:

STUDiO B-ROOM BENCHMARK

2008-01-06T19:52:00.001-08:00

Name: STUDiO B-ROOM BENCHMARK
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: Studio B-Room, 2001
Website: http://www2.raidway.ne.jp/~b_room/main.html
Download Link: bbench.zip (51MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 5682
Notes: No installer - just unzip and run.

The Studio B-Room Benchmark is a standalone program that runs three separate tests for CPU, 2D and 3D performance using (I think) games that the publisher has made. The CPU test is slightly-NSFW camera shots of a lingerie-clad woman. The 2D test is a horizontal shoot'em up set in space, and the 3D test follows a girl running through a forest. The 3D test is silent, while the others have sound. Each test must be manually started from the menu. Recommended.

Video (Note: 2D & 3D Tests didn't capture properly, so are only briefly shown in video):

Sexy Beach

2008-01-06T19:17:00.000-08:00

Name: Sexy Beach
Name (Original): Sexyビーチ
Publisher: Illusion, 2003
Website: http://www.illusion.jp/
Download Link: sexybeach.exe (35MB) - Go to the page, then click on the second "Download" link from the bottom of the list.
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 260
Notes: Slightly NSFW. Had to use AppLocale to install without error. Benchmark is top-right option on initial menu.

Sexy Beach is a 18+ sex simulator, which has since spawned 2 sequels and a few expansion packs. The benchmark is a camera flyaround of a girl on the beach. She moves a bit and speaks occasionally. No music, and just the sound effects of ocean waves. The program also includes a demo of the game. Not recommended.

Video:

Love Mate

2008-01-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

Name: Love Mate
Name (Original): LoveMate～恋のリハーサル～
Publisher: Mink, 2000
Website: http://www.mink.co.jp/lineup/lovemate/index.html
Direct Link: lm_demo.exe (8MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 501
Notes: No installer - just unzip and run.

Love Mate is a visual novel game. The extremely-short benchmark shows 2D character art sliding across the screen. That's it. After the test, the demo of the game starts, with slightly-NSFW artwork. The game may start in full-screen mode, so ALT-Enter to toggle to a window or ALT-F4 to quit. Not recommended.

Video (Benchmark and first 30 seconds of Demo):

Link Updates

2008-01-03T05:37:00.001-08:00

Firstly, thanks for visiting! Some of you have pointed out some broken links and such. I've updated the following:

Rapelay - You can't directly download it from here anymore. Follow the new instructions.
Jinkou Shoujo - Like Rapelay, follow the new DL instructions.
Kishinhisho Demonbane Benchmark - Changed the DL link to a more reliable(?) site.
Shin Sangokumusou Online Benchmark - Koei officially changed its name (from "BB" to "Online"), so I've updated the text plus the download link too.

Please leave a comment on the respective page if you find anything else broken. Thanks!

Overclock.net has Overzealous Forum Moderators

2007-12-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

I posted a message about this website to Overclock.net's "Benchmark Software and Discussion" forum on the assumption that people who read a benchmark forum would be interested in a benchmark site such as this. How wrong I was. I was banned immediately and without warning with only a one-word reason: "spam." I don't know how one on-topic message about benchmark software on a benchmark software forum can be considered equal to a flood of pump-and-dump emails, but whatever. Overclock.net is not recommended.

Benchmark Otaku - still the only site on the Internet listing and reviewing Japanese benchmarking software from an English user perspective.

Shin Sangokumusou 3 Benchmark

2007-12-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

Name: Shin Sangokumusou 3 Benchmark
Name (Original): 真・三國無双3 ベンチマーク
Publisher: Koei, 2003-2005
Website: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/products/products/ee/new/smusou3/index.htm
Direct Link: SM3Benchmark.exe (60MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 5474
Notes: Also known as "Dynasty Warriors 3." (actually "4" - see comment)
Buy Shin Sangokumusou games from Play-Asia

Shin Sangokumusou 3 is the third of Koei's long-running series of hack'n slash games set in China's "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" era. The benchmark shows a level from the game three times; each with a different character. Music and sound effects are nothing special. No config options. Good running time; any longer and it would have been tedious. Not recommended.

Video:

Shin Sangokumusou 4 Special Benchmark

2007-12-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

Name: Shin Sangokumusou 4 Special Benchmark
Name (Original): 真・三國無双４ Special ベンチマーク
Publisher: Koei, 2005-2006
Website: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/smusou4sp/win/
Direct Link: SM4Checker.exe (109MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 60fps
Notes: Refused to install unless I changed my XP language to Japanese: Control Panel->Regional and Lanaguage Options->Advanced->Language for non-Unicode programs=Japanese. Refused to start using Desktop/Start Menu shortcut: had to run C:\Program Files\Koei\Shin Sangokumusou 4 Checker\SM4PC.exe. Also known as "Dynasty Warriors 4 Special."
Buy Shin Sangokumusou games from Play-Asia

Shin Sangokumusou 4 Special is another installment of Koei's Chinese-historical one-versus-an-army hack'n slash games. The benchmark shows a level from the game three times; each with a different character. Not particularly short, but feels longer. Music and sound effects are nothing special. No overall score, but just a FPS counter on-screen that looks like it caps at 60fps. No config options. Not recommended.

Video:

Nenga Mark 06

2007-12-13T19:09:00.001-08:00

Name: Nenga Mark 06
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: Qute Corporation, 2006
Website: http://clip.qute.jp/nengamark.html
Direct Link: NengaMark06_101.lzh (8MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 9906 (1440x900, 4xAA)
Notes: n/a

Nenga Mark 06 is a standalone benchmark that runs three tests: clouds, a spaceship in a city, and a lot of rotating dogs. Easy to tweak benchmark options. Short running time, and nice but unremarkable music. Loops until you quit (use ESC.) Recommended.

Video:

Dragon Knight 4 Benchmark

2007-11-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

Name: Dragon Knight 4 Benchmark
Name (Original): DragonKnight4 ベンチマーク
Publisher: ELF, 2007
Website: http://www.elf-game.co.jp/net_shop/soft/special/dra4/dk4_top.html
Direct Link: D4Bench.exe (192MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 233.39
Notes: Benchmark is left button on menu (right button is quit.)

Dragon Knight 4 is a strategy RPG with hentai overtones, the fourth in the long-running series that also has an anime. The benchmark is gameplay of a battle sequence, where a number of different characters move, attack and level up. Good graphics and sound, and looks like fun. Long running time. A number of settings to tweak on the initial menu, but performance didn't really seem to change much. Recommended.

Video:

Omaho Bench

2007-11-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

Name: Omaho Bench

Name (Original): おまほベンチ

Publisher: C:Drive, 2007

Website: http://cdrive-soft.com/howtomagic_top.html

Direct Link: omhbench100.zip (25MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 54123

Notes: NSFW. No installer - just unzip and run. Had to rename folder to something non-jibberish and also use AppLocale to get to start without crashing. No video capture possible - probably not using DirectX...?

Omaho Bench is a benchmark for Oishii Mahou no Tonaekata, a 18+ visual novel game. The benchmark shows off some of the game's explicit 2D artwork, with explicit sound effects to match. Visuals, sound and fast editing make for sensory overload, even if you know what to expect. Short running time. Some may find this benchmark offensive and/or perverted. Not recommended.

No video (see note above.)

GalMark2002

2007-11-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

Name: GalMark2002

Name (Original): n/a

Publisher: Team Ago, 2002

Website: http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~agokichi/

Direct Link: galmark2002_11.lzh (12MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 150.20

Notes: No installer - just unzip and run. Benchmark is second button from the bottom on menu. No video capture possible - probably not using DirectX...?

GalMark2002 is a standalone 2D benchmark program that runs four tests and adds them up for a final score. It is presented in visual novel style, with 2D characters and 2D backgrounds, which look like they were photos given a Photoshop-filter treatment. No sound during benchmark. Tests aren't particularly interesting. Short running time, but feels longer. Not recommended.

No video (see note above.)

Kasuga Ayumu no Tsuhan Ondo

2007-11-26T22:49:00.001-08:00

Name: Kasuga Ayumu no Tsuhan Ondo
Name (Original): 春日歩の通販音頭
Publisher: Hirahira.net, 2003-2004
Website: http://www.hirahira.net/products/tsu_hanOndo/index.html
Direct Link: ondo101.zip (23MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result*: 913
Notes: No installer - just unzip and run.

This Christmas-themed standalone benchmark sees a girl character dancing to a Japanese obon-odori style song. Unfortunately, the program didn't run properly on my computer. The graphics were completely corrupted, making it impossible to watch. Thus, I tested it on a Toshiba Dynabook TX/860LS (Celeron 1.5GHz, 448MB RAM, ATI Radeon Xpress 200M) where it ran correctly. Short running time. Catchy song and cute visuals. Recommended.

Video:

YS-11 Pride of Japan Benchmark

2007-11-26T22:19:00.001-08:00

Name: YS-11 Pride of Japan Benchmark

Name (Original): YS-11 プライドオブジャパンベンチマークソフト

Publisher: TechnoBrain, 2007

Website: http://www.technobrain.com/

Direct Link: ys11bench.exe (48MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 1399

Notes: n/a

YS-11 Pride of Japan is a flight simulator recreating the NAMC YS-11, the only commercially successful aircraft made by a Japanese company. The benchmark shows a YS-11 take-off, fly around a bay, and return for landing. Four tests are run: the same sequence but at different resolutions and anti-alias settings. Plane is well modelled and background visuals are nice. Long running time. Becomes a little tedious seeing the same thing over and over. Recommended.

Video:

Moefura Mark 2003

2007-11-26T22:16:00.001-08:00

Name: Moefura Mark 2003
Name (Original): 萌えふらマーク 2003
Publisher: Uselesscat.com, 2003
Website: http://uselesscat.com/flash/moeflamark.html
Direct Link: http://uselesscat.com/flash/benchmark.html (1MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 6376
Notes: NSFW-ish. Runs online. Tested in Internet Explorer 7.

Moefura Mark 2003 is a a Flash benchmark program, the first I've ever seen. The benchmark runs ten 2D effects tests (rotating, cross-fade, etc.) and adds up the results for the overall score. No music. Being Flash, the size of your browser window will have an impact on the score. Recommended.

Sangokushi Online Benchmark

2007-11-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

Name: Sangokushi Online Benchmark

Name (Original): 三國志 Online ベンチマーク

Publisher: Koei, 2007

Website: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/sol/

Direct Link: RTKOnline_BMInstaller_.exe (90MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 2735 (Normal)

Notes: Program gave me an error during installation, yet continued to install anyway. The benchmark main menu has three tests: Normal, Max and Min. Also known as "Romance of the Three Kingdoms Online."

Buy Sangokushi games from Play-Asia

Sangokushi is the long-running turn-based strategy game series, first released in 1985. Sangokushi Online adds MMO and RTS elements to the gameplay. The benchmark sees various scenes of battle between two forces. Impressive character models considering the number of them onscreen. Sound volume is quite soft. Long running time. Recommended.

Video:

Aian Maid Yakimochi Bench

2007-11-26T21:41:00.000-08:00

Name: Aian Maid Yakimochi Bench
Name (Original): あいあんめいど　やきもちベンチ
Publisher: TOUCHABLE, 2003
Website: http://www.touchable.jp/products/aian_maid/index.html
Direct Link: yakiben.lzh (3MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 632
Notes: No installer - just unzip and run. The benchmark doesn't use DirectX 3D, so no video capture was possible (the readme.txt states that it tests Win32API StretchBlt.)

Aian Meido is an 18+ hentai game, where you can have sex with various maid characters if you "rub" them the right way. The benchmark is some 2D artwork of the main character, animating through different emotions. Extremely short running time. Some sound effects but no music. Not recommended.

No video (see note above.)

Natsumi Bench

2007-11-26T21:22:00.001-08:00

Name: Natsumi Bench

Name (Original): 夏海ベンチ

Publisher: YO1 KOMORI, 2004

Website: http://www.heloli.com/NatsumiBench.htm

Direct Link: natsumi_bench_1_3b.lzh (8MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 15135 (1440x900, 4xAA)

Notes: No installer - just unzip and run. "Benchmark" is top option on left column of menu.

Natsumi Bench is a standalone program, consisting of a benchmark, real-time music video and character model viewer. The benchmark is extremely short, with a single shot of the character walking along the beach. No sound during benchmark. Configuration options easy to tweak. Music video is fun, but unfortunately not benchmarked (though it uses the same config settings.) Recommended.

Video (no sound):

Happiness! Hachi Bench

2007-11-23T23:29:00.000-08:00

Name: Happiness! Hachi Bench

Name (Original): 『はぴねす！』ハチべんち

Publisher: Windmill, 2005

Website: http://windmill.suki.gr.jp/product/6th/index.htm

Direct Link: 8bench.exe (13MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 10427

Notes: No installer - just unzip and run. On first run, a dialog box will appear with two buttons; Fullscreen (left), Windowed (right.)

Happiness! is a visual novel game. The benchmark is a trailer of good 2D artwork and graphic effects. Fast editing and action. Loops until you quit. In fullscreen mode, I had to use ALT-F4 to exit. Runs at 800x600 only. Very short running time, which is a little disappointing. Volume balance between sound effects and music is uneven. Recommended.

Video:

Ayakashi Doubutsu Kenshoban

2007-11-23T22:53:00.000-08:00

Name: Ayakashi Doubutsu Kenshoban
Name (Original): アヤカシ動作検証版
Publisher: Crossnet/Apricot, 2005
Website: http://www.cross-net.co.jp/2005/ayakashi/index01.htm
Direct Link: ayakashi_tester.exe (19MB)
Interactive: Yes
My Benchmark Result: 1294, 1233, 0654, 1565, 1662 (Five tests)
Notes: No installer - just unzip and run.

Ayakashi is a visual novel game, later turned into an anime. The benchmark has you conversing with two characters who will take you through each of the five tests (press mouse button to skip through the dialogue.) Most tests are 2D graphic effects, such as tiling and waves, and the last is some 3D particles. No music, but voice acting in Japanese. Benchmark feels limited - the test scores don't seem to go much higher. Runs at 640x480 only. Not recommended.

Video:

Jinkou Shoujo (Adult)

2007-11-23T22:27:00.000-08:00

Name: Jinkou Shoujo (Adult)

Name (Original): 人工少女 (アダルト)

Publisher: Illusion, 2004

Website: http://www.illusion.co.jp/jinkousyoujyo/index.html

Direct Link: ai.exe (33MB) - Update: No direct download anymore. Go to this page and click on the download link (next to the screenshot, under "30MB")
Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 30

Notes: Had to install with my XP language to Japanese: Control Panel->Regional and Lanaguage Options->Advanced->Language for non-Unicode programs=Japanese. Benchmark is second button on menu. Also known as "Artificial Girl."

Jinkou Shoujo is a 18+ hentai game where you can interact with a girl (mostly involving sex.) The benchmark (which is a demo of the game as well) is the camera flying around a small island. A bikini-clad girl is added every few seconds. Characters have a variety of animations, but no collision, so will walk through each other at times. No music - just the sounds of the beach. Not recommended.

Video:

Rental Kanojo Benchmark Ver A

2007-11-22T01:09:00.001-08:00

Name: Rental Kanojo Benchmark Ver A

Name (Original): レンタル彼女ベンチマークVer A

Publisher: Distortion Interactive, 2007

Website: http://distortion-soft.jp/

Direct Link: BenchA.zip (71MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 31082

Notes: NSFW-ish. No installer - just unzip and run. Also known as "Rental Girlfriend."

Rental Kanojo is a 18+ hentai game where you rent a girl and do what you want with her. The benchmark shows off one of the characters in two different outfits, with the camera moving around and focusing on her assets. Short running time, unmemorable music, but nice character model. Nothing particularly interesting. 60MB of the download is actually a DirectX installer, which is a big waste of space. Not recommended.

Video:

Shin Sangokumusou Online Benchmark

2007-11-20T20:33:00.001-08:00

Name: Shin Sangokumusou Online Benchmark
Name (Original): 真・三國無双Onlineベンチマーク
Publisher: Koei, 2006-2007
Website: http://www.musou-bb.jp/
Direct Link: SMBB_BMStarter.exe (397KB, 446MB*)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 4493 (Normal)
Notes: SMBB_BMStarter.exe is a download manager. Run it to download the actual benchmark program (press the second button from the right in the download manager menus.) The benchmark main menu has three tests: Normal, Max and Min. Also known as "Dynasty Warriors Online." UPDATE: 2007/11 Game was renamed "Shin Sangokumusou Online." UPDATE: 2008/04 Official download no longer available. See below for my mirror.
Buy Shin Sangokumusou games from Play-Asia

Shin Sangokumusou Online is the online version of the popular game series where it's you versus an army in beat 'em up action. The series is loosely-based upon the Chinese novel, "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." The benchmark sees the hero and his allies leave the town to battle attacking enemy forces, and return in victory. Long running time, story progression, good mix of gameplay and action. The program wouldn't let me try the Max test for some reason. Recommended.

UPDATE 2008/04 - Koei have taken the benchmark offline, so I've uploaded it to Hyperfileshare... and it took a week... but it's there now: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5.

Video:

Nobunaga no Yabou Online Benchmark

2007-11-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

Name: Nobunaga no Yabou Online Benchmark

Name (Original): 信長の野望 Online ベンチマーク

Publisher: Koei, 2004

Website: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/nol/

Direct Link: nbobenchinst.exe (22MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 259

Notes: Refused to install unless I changed my XP language to Japanese: Control Panel->Regional and Lanaguage Options->Advanced->Language for non-Unicode programs=Japanese. Also known as "Nobunaga's Ambition Online."

Buy Nobunaga no Yabou games from Play-Asia

The long-running Nobunaga no Yabou series of strategy games has players trying to unify feudal Japan, but now you can do it in an MMO. The benchmark follows a group of women running through a town. No action to speak of, and nothing really interesting to look at. Interesting music but annoying footsteps-on-dirt sound effect which runs through the entire test. Short running time (no pun intended.) Not recommended.

Video:

Tenerezza Bench

2007-11-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

Name: Tenerezza Bench
Name (Original): テネ・ベンチ
Publisher: Aquaplus, 2003
Website: http://www.aquaplus.co.jp/tene/index.html
Direct Link: tene_bnc_arc.exe (12MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 4210
Notes: No installer - just unzip and run.

Tenerezza is a 3D Action RPG for PC and Xbox. The benchmark sees the game characters parading through a village. Cute music and graphics. On start, a config screen allows to play the benchmark window/full screen, and loop no/yes. Runs only in 640x480. The short running time makes this almost bearable, as the characters are doing nothing except walking. Not recommended.

Video:

Kishinhisho Demonbane Benchmark

2007-11-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

Name: Kishinhisho Demonbane Benchmark

Name (Original): 機神飛翔デモンベインベンチマーク

Publisher: Nitroplus, 2006

Website: http://www.demonbane.com/special/

Direct Link: hisyou_bench2.exe (30MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 16344

Notes: No installer - just unzip and run.

Buy Kishinhisho Demonbane goods from Play-Asia

Kishinhisho Demonbane is a self-described "Novel/3D Robot Action Game," part of a series that started in 2003 and later adapted into an anime. The benchmark sees two big robots battle it out one-on-one in a city at night. Lots of weapon effects, smoke and dust, and destructible buildings. J-rock music and sound effects compliment the action well. Camera in too close at times. Short running time. Benchmark score may be displayed wrong (unreadable) unless using AppLocale. Recommended.

Video:

Daikoukai Jidai Online Benchmark

2007-11-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

Name: Daikoukai Jidai Online Benchmark
Name (Original): 大航海時代 Online ベンチマーク
Publisher: Koei, 2005-2007
Website: http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/dol/
Direct Link: GVBenchInstaller.exe (54MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 1244 (Normal Test, 1024x768)
Notes: Menu buttons from left to right: Normal Test, Custom Test, Exit. After selecting test, click the leftmost button on the new window to start benchmark. Also known as "Uncharted Waters Online."
Buy Daikoukai Jidai games from Play-Asia

Daikoukai Jidai Online is a maritime MMO, where the player explores the vast seas for treasure, profit or piracy. The original in the Daikoukai Jidai series was published in 1991. The benchmark runs three scenes: Land (buildings), Sea (ships) and Character. Most interesting is Sea, with nice water, a sunset and a ship battle, but even that is boring. Sleep-inducing music. Camera work dull. Long running time. Not recommended.

Video:

Gurumin Benchmark

2007-11-20T19:06:00.000-08:00

Name: Gurumin Benchmark

Name (Original): ぐるみんベンチマークソフト

Publisher: Falcom, 2004

Website: http://www.falcom.co.jp/gurumin/index.html

Direct Link: grmbench.exe (62MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 69437

Notes: No installer - just unzip and run. On intial screen, third button from right will start benchmark.

Buy Gurumin games from Play-Asia

Gurumin is a third-person action adventure starring Parin, a girl who must rid an alternate world of its monsters. Originally for Windows, but ported to PSP in 2006. The benchmark is a level of the game, played by the computer. Everything is in-game: music, sound effects, voice acting, graphics. Nice art direction with cute characters. Runs at 640x480 only. Will loop until you quit. Long running time. Recommended.

Video:

DERBY OWNERS CLUB ONLINE BENCHMARK

2007-11-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

Name: DERBY OWNERS CLUB ONLINE BENCHMARK

Name (Original): n/a

Publisher: Sega, 2004

Website: http://www.sega.co.jp/pc/doco/

Direct Link: docobenchsetup.exe (53MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 13120

Notes: n/a

Buy Derby Owners games from Play-Asia

Derby Owners Club Online is a horse racing simulation game where the player breeds, trains and races their horse against others online. Originally an arcade game, using pre-purchased trading cards to increase horse stats. The benchmark offers a flythrough of Owner's Island, and a race at Nakayama Race Course. Boring music. Short running time. Nothing particularly interesting, but definitely unique subject matter. Not recommended.

Video:

Bright Kingdom Bench

2007-11-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

Name: Bright Kingdom Bench
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: High Five Entertainment, 2006
Website: http://www.brking.jp/
Direct Link: BrightKingdomBench.exe (79MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 6402 (1028x768)
Notes: Installer in English.

Bright Kingdom Online is a MMO. The benchmark is a flythrough of three of the game's worlds (green land, spooky dungeon, scray forest), populated with cel-shaded-looking characters. Test results per scene are added up for final benchmark score. Each scene has different music, keeping things aurally interesting. Program will loop until you quit. Long running time, which may test your patience due to uneventful camera work. Not recommended.

Video:

TimeLeap Boot Bench

2007-11-20T18:18:00.001-08:00

Name: TimeLeap Boot Bench

Name (Original): タイムリープぶーとべんち

Publisher: Front Wing, 2007

Website: http://xoops.frontwing.jp/product/timeleap/index.html

Direct Link: TimeLeap_Bench_web.zip (64MB)

Interactive: Yes

My Benchmark Result: 30 FPS (1028x768, all graphic effects on)

Notes: No installer - just unzip and run. On exit, the program will ask if you want to submit your benchmark result online (left button = yes.)

Time Leap is a visual novel game with nicely modeled and animated 3D characters. Upon loading, an inital config screen will be shown. Default options are fine, but trial-and-error on this screen will toggle graphic effects (HDR, self-shadowing, etc.), time of day etc. The benchmark starts with a conversation with one of the characters (press mouse button to continue), then the actual test: a music video. Song is of the anime-Jpop variety. Numpad can change camera angles and zoom. Benchmark result shown in FPS. Recommended.

Config screen translation (thanks Quick Shot II Turbo!):

Video:

Yumeria Benchmark

2007-11-20T18:10:00.000-08:00

Name: Yumeria Benchmark

Name (Original): ゆめりあベンチマーク

Publisher: Namco, 2003

Website: http://www.yumeria.com/

Direct Link: yumebench.lzh (30MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 65213

Notes: No installer - just unzip and run.

Yumeria is a visual novel game with 3D characters on 2D backgrounds. Originally on PS2, but ported to Windows. An anime series is also available. The benchmark is very short, showing four of the game's characters posing for the camera. Along with the benchmark, a demo of the game is included. Only runs at 640x480 and didn't obey my Control Panel AA settings. Music is a short loop and nothing special. Not recommended.

Video:

A-Train7 Bench Mark Test

2007-11-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

Name: A-Train7 Bench Mark Test

Name (Original): Ａ列車で行こう７ベンチマークテスト

Publisher: ARTDINK, 2005

Website: http://www.a-7.jp/

Direct Link: A7 Bench Ver1.0.0.lzh (44MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: n/a

Notes: n/a

Buy A-Train games from Play-Asia

A-Train7 is the 2005 iteration of the railway company simulation series; the original dating back to 1992. The benchmark uses a cut-down version of the game, complete with non-interactve menu and HUD; suggesting a greater degree of testing accuracy. Feels more like a gameplay video than a benchmark, though real-time system stats update in the bottom corner. Runs in a window, which when resized affects framerate. Subsequent runs show different terrains of the game. No overall benchmark score; just FPS stats. Not recommended.

Video:

FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows - Official Benchmark Program 3

2007-11-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

Name: FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows - Official Benchmark Program 3

Name (Original): n/a

Publisher: Square Enix, 2002-2004

Website: http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/

Direct Link: FFXiB3Setup.exe (76MB)

Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 7500 (High)

Notes: English version. Also known as "Vana'diel Bench 3."

Buy Final Fantasy games from Play-Asia

The popular long-running RPG series steps away from its single-player console roots with Final Fantasy XI, an MMO set in the world of Vana'diel. The benchmark shows off the lush world with nice dissolve transitions and typical FF-style music. Running time was probably a bit too long for what is basically a series of moving postcards. A separate "Demonstration" mode acts as a real-time trailer, packed with action shots, but sadly not benchmarked. Good framerate throughout. Recommended.

Video:

UniversalCentury.net BENCHMARK

2007-11-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

Name: UniversalCentury.net BENCHMARK

Name (Original): n/a

Publisher: Bandai, 2005

Website: http://www.universalcentury.net/

Direct Link: UCBENCHMARK.zip (99MB), Alternate DL
Interactive: No

My Benchmark Result: 4974

Notes: No installer - just unzip and run.

Buy Gundam games from Play-Asia

Universal Century Gundam Online is a MMO based on the long-running anime series. The benchmark shows a battle between Earth Federation and Zeon mobile units in amongst a city. Big robot action, but of the stand-and-fire variety. Good music and sound effects. Not many graphic effects, considering the subject matter. Framerate drops a little during wide landscape shots. Short running time. Recommended.

Video:

EVA Bench

2007-11-20T16:38:00.000-08:00

Name: EVA Bench
Name (Original): n/a
Publisher: Media JuGGLer, 2001
Website: http://www.media-juggler.co.jp/, http://softplaza.biglobe.ne.jp/shop/mediajug/evabench/
Direct Link: EVA01_Setup.exe (26MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result*: 551 (Water Town Low), 2937 (Original Fighter)
Notes: Requires paid registration for full functionality.
Buy Neon Genesis Evangelion games from Play-Asia

EVA Bench is based on the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. The benchmark sees Sachiel, the third Angel, come into the city, and Shinji's EVA-01 dispatched to fight it. Unfortunately, the program didn't run properly on my computer, with missing textures and effects, making it unbearable to watch. Thus, I tested it on a Toshiba Dynabook TX/860LS (Celeron 1.5GHz, 448MB RAM, ATI Radeon Xpress 200M) where it ran correctly. Only 2 of the 8 tests are available without registration, which makes for a very short benchmark. Not recommended.

Video:

Rapelay Bench

2007-11-20T03:46:00.000-08:00

Name: Rapelay Bench
Name (Original): 乳揺れ全裸電車～レイプレイベンチ～
Publisher: Illusion, 2006
Website: http://www.illusion.jp/rapelay/index.html
Direct Link: rapelay_benchmark.exe (6MB) - UPDATE: Hotlinking seems to have been disabled. Go to this page, then click on the the second "Download" button from the bottom
Interactive: Yes
My Benchmark Result: たいへんよくできました。
Notes: NSFW. Use mouse + mouse buttons to move camera, ALT-F4 to quit, "R" to reset camera.

Rapelay is a 3D hentai game. I won't bother debating whether such a game should exist or not. The benchmark is set in a train where every few seconds a female character model is added (see the counter at the bottom of the screen.) Models have no animation except for breast jiggle. No music; just the monotonous sound of the train. Camera control is available. Framerate dropped regularly as each model was added. Benchmark result will only tell you if your system can handle, just handle or not handle the game. Not recommended.

Video:

Front Mission Online Official Benchmark

2007-11-19T03:49:00.000-08:00

Name: Front Mission Online Official Benchmark
Name (Original): フロントミッションオンラインオフィシャルベンチマークソフト
Publisher: Square Enix, 2006
Website: http://www.playonline.com/fmo/index.shtml
Direct Link: FMOBSetup.exe (46MB)
Interactive: No
My Benchmark Result: 15882 (1024x768)
Notes: On start, click the right button to accept the warning(?), then select your resolution with the left button (the right button here will exit.)
Buy Front Mission games from Play-Asia

Front Mission Online is the MMO chapter in the long-running series, which started on the SNES in 1995. The benchmark sees two groups of mechs battling it out in a war-torn city. Lots of big robot action with story progression. No sound effects sadly, and the music loops repeatedly until the end. Framerate was consistent. Long running time. The highest resolution I could run it at was 1024x768 - the program crashed at anything higher. Recommended.

Video:

Introduction and FAQ

2007-11-19T02:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Benchmark Otaku!

I'm an English Windows XP user who can't read Japanese, but like using Japanese benchmark programs.

Why an interest in benchmarking?
I've always owned PCs, but my current machine is what I consider the best computer I've ever had in terms of performance for its time. So, obviously I had to benchmark it for comparison. Of course, the first taste is always free...

Why Japanese benchmarks?
Typical game benchmarking (such as DOOM, Half-Life, Far Cry, etc.) tend to need the full game from which you run a specific level/script/console command to start measurement. I don't want to pay for the full game, and I want a simple "Start Benchmark" button. As a generalization, Japanese benchmarks are usually standalone programs, free, and do nothing but test. Besides, there isn't anyone else on the net covering this topic, AFAIK.

What's your criteria for recommendation?
If I download it, find it entertaining enough to sit through, and don't feel like I've wasted my time doing so, then I'll recommend it. That said, as these benchmarks are usually designed for a specific game, if you're interested in said game, by all means download the benchmark. Also, I tend to prefer benchmarks that give you a simple score at the end, rather than a list of stats or FPS counts.

Will Japanese software work on English PCs?
Yes, mostly. The text will be unreadable or character garbage, but unless it's really picky, it'll still let you install/run it.

How do I install these things?
If you've ever installed any Windows program before, you'll have a "feeling" as to what to do. Trial and error is the best way, as nothing can really go wrong (the worse thing that'll happen is you'll cancel/exit by mistake.) Tip: the rightmost button in any install window is usually "Cancel" or "Exit", while the second button from the right is usually "Accept" or "Next." Anyway, if you're lucky, you won't need to install, as some just need to be unzipped.

The benchmark's full of Japanese! How do I navigate the menus?
So you can't read Japanese or the program's text is displayed incorrectly. Usually the top or leftmost button in a menu is "start", while the bottom or rightmost button is "quit." Again, like installing, trial and error is the way to go.

I hate seeing jumbled text. Can I display proper Japanese characters?
Yes, but your Windows XP needs to install East Asian languages (Control Panel->Regional and Lanaguage Options->Languages->Supplemental language support.) After that, you can use Microsoft AppLocale to "trick" the program to run in its proper language.

A second way to do it, but also a bit more drastic, is to set XP to Japanese for non-unicode programs: Control Panel->Regional and Lanaguage Options->Advanced->Language for non-Unicode programs = Japanese. This will NOT change XP into Japanese (everything is still in English), but it will allow Japanese programs to display text properly. It also changes any backslashes to yen characters (probably more changes, but I haven't seen them.)

How do I use AppLocale?
Start it up, browse for the program, then select the appropriate language (Japanese, written in kanji, is the last option in the list.) You can then just run it or create a shortcut.

Sounds like a lot of work to get it working...?
You only need to take these extra steps if you care about presentation or looks. The program will run regardless of whether the text is screwed or not.

Your videos look crap...?
They're only to give you an idea of what to expect, and possibly save you downloading time should it not appeal to you. Want better quality? Download the benchmark.

Broken links...?
Some of the programs and websites listed are quite old, and thus links are subject to change. If you find a broken or non-working link:

Try going to the top-level website and searching for the download from there. Look for a Download page (ダウンロード) and then look for the benchmark (ベンチ - bench, ベンチマーク - benchmark.)
Put the benchmark original name or filename into Google and see what shows up.

What score does your computer get on "normal" benchmarks?
PCMark05 (Futuremark) 5907
PerformanceTest 6.1 (Passmark) 717.8