Hottest game in Japan? According to Amazon, it's SNK's witch toucher Doki Doki Majo Shinpan. The game was previously known as Doki Doki Majo Saiban ("Throbbing Witch Trial"). A quick summary: Search for witches lurking in a junior high school. When the search is narrowed down, the suspected junior high school witch is examined with the touch pen. Usually, there's a "witch's crest" hidden somewhere on her body which can appear in "Witch Check Mode."

The DS game isn't out until July, but it's already topping Amazon Japan's "Best Seller" list. It's more popular than Final Fantasy Tactics and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. No, really! Over on the Doki Majo blog, the game's producer writes that he can't believe this has happened and gives out a big thank you. This crazy little game could be SNK's biggest hit in like forever. Brian Ashcraft

Popular List [Amazon Japan via Insert Credit]

Plot elements for SNK's witch-toucher Doki Doki Majo Saiban have surfaced over at Famitsu. The game stars naughty Akuji Nishimura, who is commanded by an Angel Lulu to search for witches lurking in his junior high school. When the search is narrowed down, the suspected junior high school witch is examined with the touch pen.

How do you know if the little girl is a witch? Usually, there's a "witch's crest" hidden somewhere on her body which can appear in "Witch Check Mode." The goal: Make her heart beat quickly. Players use the stylus to touch the girl, whose expression will change depending on how her heart beats. The background with change as well. However! Rush things, and the girl does not respond. Players must take it slow with the touching — These witches are flowers, or something.

Suspects include cheerleader Akai, who has apparently has a "50 percent chance" of being a witch, and 14-year-old Maria Abe (pictured), who belongs to the school's occult society and enjoys talking about UFOs and, well, the occult. Chances of being a witch? "80 percent." Durr.

Hit the jump for screenshots of "Witch Check Mode." Brian Ashcraft

In another new screenshot published on Famitsu, that buxom character above seems to be inviting our hero to bed.

Doki Doki Info [Famitsu]

It's the most infamous DS game we've never played. And we know surprisingly little about Doki Doki Majo Saiban. Intertube reaction has run the gamut of amused (us) to critical (others) and in denial (others). Some are claiming the title is flat out porn, while some state that there's no way Nintendo would let that happen. We doubt that the game is at either end of the pole and still giggle at the newly minted touch-a-girl-to-see-if-she's-a-witch sub-genre.

Earlier today, I contacted SNK Playmore Japan to see if we could find out more regarding the title, such as whether or not it was an adult title and what it's CERO (Japan's ESRB) rating would be. The response? Some of the screenshots on the internet are not official, which common sense tells us is easy to separate. And regarding the rating, it hasn't been announced. As an official statement, we were sent a short description of the game's story that has been circulating since TGS. Here's a quick and dirty translation:

Story: Previously, there were a few witches in the world. Current day. People don't know it, but the number of witches have grown. So God has chosen two mischievous middle school students, Akuji and Tenshi ("Angel") Ruru, to search for witches. Using the touch pen, players engage in a witch hunt adventure.

SNK didn't provide any more information beyond that. This description along with some screens shots of girls in short skirts and cleavage. So, is it porn? Doubt it, and always have. A quick look at the actual SNK images show that the game probably isn't intended for children. Still, we are delighted about this touch-a-girl-to-see-if-she's-a-witch sub-genre. Sounds wicked! Brian Ashcraft

For latecomers: Next year, SNK is going to release a witch-hunt-touch game (just named a new sub-genre!) called Doki Doki Majo Saiban. Can't wait? Well, game site Insert Credit directs our attention to a sexed up, fan-made flash *rimshot* version. Doubt the SNK game will be this saucy, but this imagined version shows "Witch Check Mode." Click on the character's slash, but just know, that as hard as you try, you cannot take off the lady's underpants. Proving? She's a witch. Obviously. Brian Ashcraft

Not Safe For Work Witch Hunt [Lionz Blog, NSFW via Insert Credit]

TGS was a bit of a blur, and we unfortunately missed SNK's upcoming ero DS game. Called Doki Doki Majo Saiban, this adventure title has players search for witches hiding on earth. They may look human, but these sorceresses ain't. How do you find out if they are? You touch them. Duh. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Blog-chan]