Famitsu
Famitsu, formerly called Famicom Tsuushin, is a video game news magazine in Japan. The name Famitsu is an abbreviation of its original name.
History
Famitsu started as the Famicom column in LOGiN magazine.
The first instance of Famicom Tsuushin in the 3rd issue of LOGiN magazine.
Segments
Famitsu has a variety of re-occurring segments in their magazines. Many were not present in the first issue and have been added over time. Many segments and the general layout of earlier issues is based on LOGiN magazine.
Famitsu Top 30
Every regular issue of Famitsu begins with an overview of the 30 best selling games over the past week. The top 5 (sometimes 10) of those get a paragraph of commentary about the game and its sales performance. There is also a paragraph of commentary about the top 30 as a whole. This is usually followed by the "Reader Selection" Top 20, the 20 most popular games over the past week as voted by Famitsu readers. This is accompanied by reader submitted opinions. Following that is the top 20 most anticipated games, again from reader surveys. Below that are the top 15 most popular arcade games over the past week.
Foreign Correspondent Report
Each regular issue has information on gaming in the US from a foreign correspondent, as well as the Top 15 best selling games in America over the past week. Coverage was initially from a New York based correspondent (the same correspondent for LOGiN magazine before Famitsu split off), then switched to a San Fransisco based correspondent.
Famitsu Express
Starting from the 52nd issue, each regular issue has a news column. This column began as only about 2 pages, but grew in size afterwards. Famitsu Express expanded in scope over time, with later issues having coverage of general technology and pop culture, though the focus was still on games. Starting in the July 26th, 1991 issue, interviews with creative figures such as musicians, actors, and game developers were added to Famitsu Express as a "Faces" section. Some issues had a "Famitsu Espresso" column that replaced the usual Express column. These had a broader range of coverage.
