An Intro to Classic Japanese Computer Games
While Japan's biggest wings in the gaming industry are, without a doubt, game centers and home consoles, the home computer scene has a dedicated following of its own, with plenty of cult-classic titles and a lot more creative freedom without publishers or hardware manufacturers controlling their content (for better or for worse).
For English-speaking ludophiles, Japan's classic computer gaming scene is something of a final frontier of obscurity, a wild west that's difficult to parse due to aging hardware never being exported over here, and many titles obviously remaining exclusive to the East, complete with the expected language barrier. This list aims to provide resources to better explore these uncharted waters, along with a sampling menu of quality and historically significant titles. As always, suggestions are welcome.
Project EGG - Japan's equivalent of GOG, with a massive library of classic titles, many of which are available for free -- the pricing model's a bit strange, but you can keep any games you added to your library, even after unsubscribing. Now available on Switch, even in North America!
HG101 - Retro Japanese Computers - An in-depth article explaining the history and hardware of the various systems.
Mindware on Steam - The rad folks at Mindware, led by Micky Albert, have been rereleasing many classic JP computer titles on Steam, often with updated modes that borrow heavily from Namco's masterpiece Pac-Man CE. Give them a look and grab one of their titles if they interest you, they put a lot of love into them and deserve more support for preserving history!
Sharp X68000 Mini by ZUIKI, coming soon - For those that would like to get as close to the original hardware as possible, manufacturer ZUIKI is currently in the process of making a dedicated mini version of Sharp's classic powerhouse, the X68k. It's possible they'll drop more mini systems after, so stay tuned!
Kou Shibusawa Archives: All-in-One - Koei have let the floodgates loose, going all the way back to their original, independent titles that Kou Shibusawa built his empire on. Don't let that price tag intimidate you, you can obviously buy the games separately and there are smaller bundles as well. No English support sadly!
For English-speaking ludophiles, Japan's classic computer gaming scene is something of a final frontier of obscurity, a wild west that's difficult to parse due to aging hardware never being exported over here, and many titles obviously remaining exclusive to the East, complete with the expected language barrier. This list aims to provide resources to better explore these uncharted waters, along with a sampling menu of quality and historically significant titles. As always, suggestions are welcome.
Project EGG - Japan's equivalent of GOG, with a massive library of classic titles, many of which are available for free -- the pricing model's a bit strange, but you can keep any games you added to your library, even after unsubscribing. Now available on Switch, even in North America!
HG101 - Retro Japanese Computers - An in-depth article explaining the history and hardware of the various systems.
Mindware on Steam - The rad folks at Mindware, led by Micky Albert, have been rereleasing many classic JP computer titles on Steam, often with updated modes that borrow heavily from Namco's masterpiece Pac-Man CE. Give them a look and grab one of their titles if they interest you, they put a lot of love into them and deserve more support for preserving history!
Sharp X68000 Mini by ZUIKI, coming soon - For those that would like to get as close to the original hardware as possible, manufacturer ZUIKI is currently in the process of making a dedicated mini version of Sharp's classic powerhouse, the X68k. It's possible they'll drop more mini systems after, so stay tuned!
Kou Shibusawa Archives: All-in-One - Koei have let the floodgates loose, going all the way back to their original, independent titles that Kou Shibusawa built his empire on. Don't let that price tag intimidate you, you can obviously buy the games separately and there are smaller bundles as well. No English support sadly!
39 Games
One of the most historically significant titles in Japan's history, originally made at the University of Tokyo before being given a commercial release, sort of like Tetris. Predates Pac-Man as the first ever maze chase title, and directly inspired Space Panic, the first 2D platformer.
Easily available on Steam, which includes an arranged version similar to Pac-Man Championship Edition.
Easily available on Steam, which includes an arranged version similar to Pac-Man Championship Edition.
Predating Dig-Dug by two years, this more methodical and strategic digging game challenges you to drop the aliens from dizzying heights to stun and defeat them, before they can raid your base.
A port is available on Steam, thanks to Mindware, and contains a supergroup-esque arranged mode with visuals by legendary Namco pixel artist Hiroshi Ono, and music by Yuzo Koshiro.
A port is available on Steam, thanks to Mindware, and contains a supergroup-esque arranged mode with visuals by legendary Namco pixel artist Hiroshi Ono, and music by Yuzo Koshiro.
The first-ever title by Koei, hand sold on the street by Kou Shibusawa off a trolley. Its age is evident, only being one level, and incredibly short, but it laid the groundwork for the mechanically dense strategy games Koei is known for.
Available on Steam, containing both the original and an updated mode for modern sensibilities. Japanese-language only.
Available on Steam, containing both the original and an updated mode for modern sensibilities. Japanese-language only.
A multi-directional shooting sidescroller, with some impressive visual effects for the time. If you enjoyed Treasure's Bangai-O, give this a shot, as it's the title that directly inspired it.
Available on Steam, thanks to Mindware; contains an arranged mode that fixes the choppy movement from the original and some other QOL improvements.
Available on Steam, thanks to Mindware; contains an arranged mode that fixes the choppy movement from the original and some other QOL improvements.
One of the most important games of all time, moreso the Famicom release which proved the viability of mature, narrative-driven games and pioneered the RPG menu system.
The PC-6001 release is tough to track down, but the Famicom release can be easily found and is available in English, thanks to DvD Translations.
The PC-6001 release is tough to track down, but the Famicom release can be easily found and is available in English, thanks to DvD Translations.
Released for FM-7 and PC-88 in 1983 as Hoi Hoi, by Koei. A unique strategy title ahead of its time, almost a precursor to the tower defense genre.
Was later remade for the Game Boy in '94 and brought to the West, making it more easily accessible for those who want to try it.
Was later remade for the Game Boy in '94 and brought to the West, making it more easily accessible for those who want to try it.
A classic action puzzler, similar to Adventures of Lolo or Sokoban.
Available on Project EGG, also has ports for both Famicom and Game Boy.
Available on Project EGG, also has ports for both Famicom and Game Boy.
A complete reworking of the original arcade title from Hudson; instead of hitting enemies from the underside, throw balls in their faces to stun them, then scramble to scoop your weapon back up. Not as intuitive as the original, but still a fascinating piece of Mario and Nintendo history.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for a .zip, containing both emulators and ROMs of all three Hudson-developed Mario titles..
Scroll to the bottom of this page for a .zip, containing both emulators and ROMs of all three Hudson-developed Mario titles..
An innovator of an RPG, which had the misfortune of coming to the U.S. way after the games it inspired, leaving it feeling outdated on launch.
Available in English on the NES, and its various sequels are also available on Western consoles. But if you really want to dig deep and try the original, it's on Project EGG, along with later some later ports.
Available in English on the NES, and its various sequels are also available on Western consoles. But if you really want to dig deep and try the original, it's on Project EGG, along with later some later ports.
Another very early RPG, unique for its sci-fi setting and light influences of cyberpunk, which set it apart from the more fantasy-themed titles of the time, especially with the eventual release of Dragon Warrior. Was eventually remade into the notorious Hoshi wo Miru Hito, though the original title has far more respectable quality.
Available on Project EGG.
Available on Project EGG.
A port of Nintendo's masterpiece, for non-Famicom owning computer players. While the core mechanics are the same, the level design is completely different, and demonically difficult, not helped by the choppy movement of the PC-88 version (Stick to the X1 port). Worth a look for Mario fanatics and historians.
Likely never going to be rereleased by Nintendo, so here's an article from HG101, containing an all-in-one .zip with both emulators and ROMs.
Likely never going to be rereleased by Nintendo, so here's an article from HG101, containing an all-in-one .zip with both emulators and ROMs.
A garish, yet beautiful dungeon crawler with some truly unique action-RPG combat.
Available on Project EGG, along with an English fantranslation by Helly.
Available on Project EGG, along with an English fantranslation by Helly.
Cute puzzle platformer, with some devious later levels.
Remastered version available on Steam, courtesy of Mindware with a ton of new bonus levels and content.
Remastered version available on Steam, courtesy of Mindware with a ton of new bonus levels and content.
A 2D shooter developed by Game Arts and ported to some platforms by Square, in their early years. A technical marvel for the time boasting impressive visuals and fast, transforming mecha action. Actually got a western release back in the day from Sierra of all companies, as well as a clunky Famicom port.
Available on Project EGG, and now on Switch!
Available on Project EGG, and now on Switch!
Another technical marvel from Game Arts, featuring polygonal graphics on the 8-Bit PC-88, and a pretty fun, well-designed shmup as well. Was also exported to the West by Sierra, much like with Thexder. Later received a remake for the Sega CD, which could be considered a sequel with how different it was.
Both the PC-88 and FM-7 versions are available on Project EGG, with the PC-88 version also being available on Switch.
Both the PC-88 and FM-7 versions are available on Project EGG, with the PC-88 version also being available on Switch.
Before Mario Odyssey or even Avenging Spirit, the original body-possessing title was this Giger-esque action game from Bothtec, which later got a sequel for Famicom Disk System.
Both the PC-88 and MSX2 versions are available on Project EGG for free, along with the superior PC-98 version which does need to be paid for. The PC-88 version is also now available on Switch, in all territories!
Both the PC-88 and MSX2 versions are available on Project EGG for free, along with the superior PC-98 version which does need to be paid for. The PC-88 version is also now available on Switch, in all territories!
Before Symphony of the Night, Konami took the original Castlevania and retooled it into a Metroidvania, which was actually a common genre for the MSX. Get a map ready, because it's a tough one!
Available on Project EGG. No knowledge of Japanese required, especially if you're familiar with the original.
Available on Project EGG. No knowledge of Japanese required, especially if you're familiar with the original.
A high-quality action platformer from Konami with some light puzzle elements.
Available on Project EGG. No Japanese knowledge required, though a FAQ is recommended to help you understand your goal and what you're looking for.
Available on Project EGG. No Japanese knowledge required, though a FAQ is recommended to help you understand your goal and what you're looking for.
A metroidvania with some dastardly puzzles and a massive labyrinth to explore. A huge influence on La-Mulana, so it's recommended you give Galious a try if you enjoyed that title.
Available on Project EGG, though it also received a freeware remake and an official remake is currently in development by Nigoro.
Available on Project EGG, though it also received a freeware remake and an official remake is currently in development by Nigoro.
A classic series of strategy / simulation titles spanning seven games, each showing the same event from a different character's point of view. Pretty mechanically deep, and with fun side-scrolling action sections to switch things up.
The entire series is available in one convenient bundle, and the sixth entry, which came out for the Famicom, rather than home computers, has a fan translation courtesy of MrRichard999. Said Famicom release is also available on the Switch's NES online service, even in NA!
The entire series is available in one convenient bundle, and the sixth entry, which came out for the Famicom, rather than home computers, has a fan translation courtesy of MrRichard999. Said Famicom release is also available on the Switch's NES online service, even in NA!
An insanely inventive and ambitious title, almost a reverse-dungeon crawler where you attempt to scare teenagers away from the exit and instead direct them next floor by summoning eldritch monsters.
Sadly, doesn't seem to be on EGG, though it can be found online pretty easily. Most of the menus seem to be in English, though it's not the most self-explanatory title.
Sadly, doesn't seem to be on EGG, though it can be found online pretty easily. Most of the menus seem to be in English, though it's not the most self-explanatory title.
A solid metroidvania with an absolutely banging soundtrack from Yuzo Koshiro.
Available on Project EGG.
Available on Project EGG.
A combination of board game and RPG, years before Culdcept or Dokapon tried the same concept.
Available on Project EGG, and also has a translation patch by Oasis.
Available on Project EGG, and also has a translation patch by Oasis.
A Wizardry-esque dungeon crawler, with the unique setup of playing as a party of ghost hunters. You can even take pictures of the ghosts and sell them!
Available on Project EGG, and was later remade for Super Nintendo, which has a translation courtesy of Aeon Genesis, thought it plays quite different.
Available on Project EGG, and was later remade for Super Nintendo, which has a translation courtesy of Aeon Genesis, thought it plays quite different.
A railshooter in vein of Sega AM2's Super Scaler arcade titles. Boasts some absolutely gorgeous colors and spritework.
Sadly not available on Project EGG, but that technically makes it abandonware and it can be found easily online. No knowledge of Japanese necessary.
Sadly not available on Project EGG, but that technically makes it abandonware and it can be found easily online. No knowledge of Japanese necessary.
(18+) A rather controversial series of RPG's that ran for 28 years, though not without its dedicated fans. Not going to be everyone's thing as it's both eroge and extremely problematic, featuring a rapist protagonist, though the mechanics in some titles are legitimately great and later entries explore the moral relation between the player and the protagonist in interesting ways; fan favorites in the series are Kichikuou Rance, Sengoku Rance and Rance X: Showdown.
Links for fan-translated versions can be found on the AliceSoft wiki. Several of the games, including remakes of the first two titles, can be found on GOG.
Links for fan-translated versions can be found on the AliceSoft wiki. Several of the games, including remakes of the first two titles, can be found on GOG.
An incredibly ambitious title that's parts space sim, part dungeon crawler and part RPG. Also a favorite of Hideki Kamiya.
Available on Project EGG, also a received a Mega Drive port, fantranslated by Nebulous.
Available on Project EGG, also a received a Mega Drive port, fantranslated by Nebulous.
A chilling, atmospheric adventure game from Soft Studio Wing, with an immersive presentation and engaging story, complete with multiple endings.
English fantranslation available, for the PC-88 version, thanks to Nebulous Translations.
English fantranslation available, for the PC-88 version, thanks to Nebulous Translations.
An absolutely hilarious strategy game in the vein of Koei titles, where the whole joke is that it was purportedly made by an American studying Japanese history, thus the game is riddled with ridiculous inaccuracies.
Available on Project EGG.
Available on Project EGG.
A cyberpunk RPG set in Hong Kong, with no overworld and over-the-shoulder battles similar to Phantasy Star. Really cool setting and style for the time!
Available on Project EGG, and later received a Sega CD port. The original MSX version has been fantranslated, though only the first six discs out of eight.
Available on Project EGG, and later received a Sega CD port. The original MSX version has been fantranslated, though only the first six discs out of eight.
An Arkanoid clone with some gorgeous visuals and an absolute banger soundtrack, plus lots of anime cheesecake, if you're into that.
Sadly not available on EGG, but it can be found pretty easily online, and doesn't require any knowledge of the Japanese language.
Sadly not available on EGG, but it can be found pretty easily online, and doesn't require any knowledge of the Japanese language.
A very classic-oriented RPG from ArtDink, which later received upscaled versions for Windows.
Available on Project EGG. Translations for both games were in progress, thanks to Helly, but remain unfinished. Later titles in the series are available on Steam, and have some translation patches available.
Available on Project EGG. Translations for both games were in progress, thanks to Helly, but remain unfinished. Later titles in the series are available on Steam, and have some translation patches available.
A highly influential shmup, and a dazzling showcase for the technical prowress of the Sharp X68000.
Available as a free download on the developer's website, which can run on modern machines without a hitch.
Available as a free download on the developer's website, which can run on modern machines without a hitch.
A gorgeous real-time RPG with survival and adventure game elements, from Tales series developers Wolf Team. Later got an updated and more accessible port for the DS, courtesy of Starfish.
Available on Project EGG. Knowledge of Japanese heavily recommended.
Available on Project EGG. Knowledge of Japanese heavily recommended.
A gorgeous remake of the original with a more streamlined and reasonable challenge. A more comfortable way to experience one of Falcom's first titles.
Available on Project EGG.
Available on Project EGG.
(18+) A surprisingly engaging card title, though obviously not going to be everyone's thing since it's eroge. Can't deny the visuals are amazing.
Obviously not available on Project EGG or any other distribution services, and has also yet to be fantranslated.
Obviously not available on Project EGG or any other distribution services, and has also yet to be fantranslated.
(18+) Possibly one of the most polarizing games out there, and with good reason; the contributions it had to storytelling in gaming is undeniable, really elevating the concept of branching paths in game narratives, but the plot violently whiplashes back and forth between brilliant and pandering, not to mention its innovative ideas for the time may feel more like tropes now. Still, the presentation is amazing and it's nice to see an eroge title attempt to be more than just plain smut.
The Windows port was fantranslated by Phar, and was eventually applied back to the original PC-98 release. If you have a cracked PS Vita, you can also load the translated port onto there, as well. Had a remake for Steam, PS4 and Switch, courtesy of Mages, but it's agreed to be inferior to the original, as the artstyle is far more generic and one of the cleverest puzzles from the original title is completely botched.
The Windows port was fantranslated by Phar, and was eventually applied back to the original PC-98 release. If you have a cracked PS Vita, you can also load the translated port onto there, as well. Had a remake for Steam, PS4 and Switch, courtesy of Mages, but it's agreed to be inferior to the original, as the artstyle is far more generic and one of the cleverest puzzles from the original title is completely botched.
Of course, what would a JP retro computer game overview be without Touhou? While the series didn't come entirely into its own until the turn of the millennium when it made the move to Windows, the earlier titles are still charming little bullet hells with character and lore (Except the first title, which was a brickbreaking game)
All the early Touhou titles are freeware and have also been fantranslated, such as this particular title being translated by xJeePx.
All the early Touhou titles are freeware and have also been fantranslated, such as this particular title being translated by xJeePx.
An incredibly unique RPG, inspired by Corpse Party and similarly being made in RPG Maker, as well as rather gory. Has more of an emphasis on puzzles, and death is permanent!
Freeware, and fantranslated by Memories of Fear. Also in the process of being remade, using a newer version of RPG Maker.
Freeware, and fantranslated by Memories of Fear. Also in the process of being remade, using a newer version of RPG Maker.
4 Comments
This comment was deleted
This list got me looking into how many J-PC games are even cataloged on IGDB. Definitely not enough! So I'll be adding as many relevant ones as I can find media for, stuff like Bouken Roman (Dota) and Sword of Kumdor. I also hadn't really tried Uootoy until now, so thank you for highlighting it. The Mindware release looks very exciting!
Couple corrections for the list:
-Square only published Thexder on MSX and Famicom, the platforms they made ports for. Game Arts developer and self-published the other J-PC versions, so I feel leading that blurb with them, then Square & Sierra (DOS), would work best.
-"Bose Tech" doesn't fit the company's own logo, even if that's the kana. I'd change that to Bothtec so it matches the company profile.
Couple corrections for the list:
-Square only published Thexder on MSX and Famicom, the platforms they made ports for. Game Arts developer and self-published the other J-PC versions, so I feel leading that blurb with them, then Square & Sierra (DOS), would work best.
-"Bose Tech" doesn't fit the company's own logo, even if that's the kana. I'd change that to Bothtec so it matches the company profile.
Thank you for the corrections! Revised the blurbs for Thexder and Relics
PasokonDeacon
1 year ago