>>11943832
>That image is from the disk system version's manual.

Oh, I didn't realize but dude, that's like 1/4th or 1/5th the size of the map that came with the cartridge versions (US and JP), which also added hints with the map

>Comparing people who play action games to people who play non-action games is entirely pointless.

I don't think seperating target audiances per genre is such a good idea. I don't know anyone who only plays a single genre, but everyone has one or two genres they specialize in. I'm sure most RPG players in Japan also played action games, and a lot of action game players in the west also played RPGs; but there naturally would be more RPG "specialists" in Japan and more action game "specialists" in the west.
Also, while some games definitely only try to appeal to a target core audiance, a lot of games also try to appeal to everyone and reach beyond the dedicated core audiance to sell more. "Contra doesn't sell in Japan compared to the west? Then how about we add a life bar to give those who specialize in RPG and adventure games a fighting chance?", is how I think things went.