Masaya Games - LaunchBox Games Database

Advanced Busterhawk Gley Lancer

Sega Genesis - Released - July 17, 1992

Advanced Busterhawk Gley Lancer is a scrolling shooter which has its story narrated through manga-style panel illustrations, similar to Phantasy Star IV or Gaiares. The story follows Lucia, a 16 year old star fighter pilot in the Earth Federation. A war breaks out between humans and an unknown alien race in the year 2025. Lucia's father, Ken, a high-ranking admiral in the Federation Navy, is captured after his ship is warped out of the combat zone with 4 alien modules which have the ability of teleportation. Lucia, heart-broken after hearing her father's disappearance, decides to hijack the prototype fighter CSH-01-XA "Gleylancer" with the help of her friend Teim and go after her father.

After Burst

Nintendo Game Boy - Released - October 26, 1990

In After Burst, the player takes the role of a fighting robot who has to destroy a orb in each one-screen level. But before this can happen, a series of obstacles have to be cleared, e.g. wandering robots, platforming challenges or small puzzles (when not destroyable blocks are placed directly above destroyable ones, they fall down when their support is gone). Besides walking and jumping, the robot also has a gun to his disposal. The angle can be changed and by holding the fire button longer, the flying distance of the shot can be set. Each level has a time limit and sometimes there is a boss to defeat. Additionally there is a duel mode, also in levels shown from the side, in which two opponents (the second either controlled by a human or the AI) try to kill each other.

Ai Chou Aniki

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - February 24, 1995

The Cho Aniki series returns with their first sequel, the one that would cement the series humorous fetish with bodybuilders and other assorted stuff. As in the original Cho Aniki: Super Big Brothers, Ai Cho Aniki is a side-scrolling shooter in which you have to clear several stages of enemies with your flying avatar. Said avatar this time can be either of the two "option" bodybuilders that were supporting characters in the original while the original's main cast plays only small cameo roles as they appear every now and then to drop power-ups. Our two beloved speedo-wearing beefcakes also incorporate different play mechanics, as their attacks are often determined by button combinations (as in fighting games) which put a spin on the gameplay. Otherwise, the game's graphics and design are practically identical to the first game.

Albaria no Otome: Uruwashi no Seikishitachi

Sony Playstation - Released - October 8, 1998

In Albaria no Otome, you play one of the three girls who were summoned to the castle of the Queen of Albaria to study fighting and magical arts (you can name your heroine as you like, but the default name is Ashanty). As an additional reward - beside the graduation - you can try to impress and ultimately to win the heart of one of the five great knights of the kingdom. Your goal in the game is to make sure you become stronger and more charming than your two rivals, and to make a good impression on the Queen and the knights. You must plan a schedule for your studies in castle. You can choose which classes to visit and which not. Learning increases your abilities (for example, attending magic class will make your spells more powerful). Once in a while you'll have to help one of the knights to fight monsters. The battles take place on an isometric battle field, on which you can freely move your characters and attack or use spells when there are enemies in range. Your goal in battles is not only to win, but to make sure the heroine does some attacking instead of letting the powerful knights do the job.

Araiguma Rascal: Raccoon Rascal

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - March 25, 1994

The 11 year old Robby North and his friend Oscar live in Wisconsin. During fishing they hear a shoot. A racoon-mother was shot. Robby takes the baby of this racoon with him and cares for it. The boy names the racoon Rascal. Guide Rascal through puzzles and trouble and find Robby!

Assault Suit Leynos 2

Sega Saturn - Released - February 21, 1997

Japan-only sequel to Target Earth, Leynos 2 puts you in the cockpit of a giant mecha robot as you scroll and shoot your way through a series of 7 individual missions tied loosely together by a generic sci-fi plot. The game itself plays as a side-scrolling shooter set in different planets as well as outer space (where you can fly anywhere with your jump-jets). You have a variety of upgradeable weaponry which allow you to shoot anywhere on-screen as well as auto-lock individual enemies, and depending on how well you do on each stage you get a specific rating score that allows you to upgrade and customize your mech.

Bike Daisuki! Hashiriya Tamashii: Rider's Spirits

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - September 30, 1994

Bike Daisuki! Hashiriya Tamashii: Rider's Spirits is an arcade minibike racer very alike to Super Mario Kart, that uses the same game engine and utilizes similar gameplay. There are five courses and four modes to race in: Grand Prix, Chicken Run, Time Trial, Endurance. Player can choose from 8 playable characters, each with their own statistics and appearance. Many various obstacles, acceleration-pads, jump-pads, zones with power-ups are presented on tracks. Two-player split-screen mode is also available. One of the screens serves a rear-view mirror purpose in the single-player mode.

Chou Aniki

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - December 25, 1992

The odd world in this shooter made for quite the conversation piece in its day. Players control either Idaten or Benten, celestial warriors out to bring an end to the tyrannical rule of the emperor of Planet Builder, who holds muscular prowess to be the supreme virtue of the universe. Aided by able-bodied muscle-head options Adon and Samson, they must battle to defeat the emperors army across five stages. Use the buttons to fire away and lay into the Builder forces! Power up your character and options with protein from defeated enemies to have them "bulk up" with a yell, and take their macho battle to the next level!

Chou Aniki: Bakuretsu Rantou Hen

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - September 22, 1995

Botei has returned for the 11th Galaxy Bodybuilding Competition after his defeat to Idaten, Samson and Adon, and is aiming for victory to become the greatest bodybuilder in the Galaxy. Idaten must train his body and mind, to get chiseled, oiled and muscular to prove he is the true king of protein and the Galaxy's greatest body. The Chō Aniki series makes its debut on the SNES with all of its homo-erotic, pseudo-humorous, bizarre, sweaty bodybuilding charm, but with one major gameplay change. Instead of being another side-scrolling shooter, Bakuretsu Rantouden is actually a one-on-one 2D fighter a la Street Fighter in which the most recognizable characters from the Chō Aniki series fight each other for ultimate supremacy using special attacks and moves. An interesting feature is that the game honors its shooter roots, therefore instead of being restricted to walking backwards and forwards in the 2D plane and jumping around as in other fighting games, in this game all the characters can fly, meaning the fights actually occur in mid-air, allowing the players to dash all over the screen. Includes single player and 2-player vs modes.

Chou Aniki: Kyuukyoku... Otoko no Gyakushuu

Sega Saturn - Released - March 29, 1996

Quick to jump into the 32-bit bandwagon, Masaya developed their next Cho Aniki game for the PSOne and Saturn. The game is a 2d shooter which plays like a sequel to the first game, as you once again take control of either Idaten or Benten (the heroes of the original game) with the semi-nude bodybuilders Adon and Samsom returning to their role of option characters that hover around the player. The game plays almost exactly like the original TurboCD games, except the graphics have been completely revamped to make full use of digitized photographs. "Chou Aniki: Kyuukyoku... Otoko no Gyakushuu" on the Saturn is largely the same as the Playstation version which is entitled "Cho Aniki: Kyuukyoku Muteki Ginga Saikyou Otoko", except the Saturn version has increased difficulty.

Choujikuu Yousai Macross 2036

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - April 3, 1992

Choosing to move on with a new story rather than that of the Macross anime, the creators of Macross 2036 brought in the original character designer, Haruhiko Mikimoto, for this horizontal shoot 'em up. The game features extensive anime sequences between levels to recreate the feeling of the show, and these are well drawn although quite heavy in dialogue. The gameplay itself is nothing new - you have a primary weapon and optional secondary weapon that is extra powerful, and you have to mow down the Zentradi forces in your Valkyrie (which only gets to transform at specific points). Power-up pods increase your firepower a little each time, while hidden Minmay heads give extra lives.

Choujikuu Yousai Macross: Eien No Love Song

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - December 4, 1992

A fairly straightforward strategy game that was similar to the Nectaris games on the platform. The story was based after the events in "Macross: Do You Remember Love", featuring original characters. The appeal of the game was largely the cinematics and the Macross license, since there were no shortage of generic turn based strategy games at the time.

Der Langrisser

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - June 30, 1995

Der Langrisser is an enhanced version of Langrisser II. Beside slightly improved graphical quality and a significant reduction of difficulty level, the main difference in this version is the player's ability to make moral decisions for the protagonist, which will subsequently influence the events of the narrative. In the original version, Elwin was only able to fight on the side of the Descendants of Light. In this release, Elwin also starts on this path; but as the game progresses, the player will be able to choose whether he should stay on it or side with the antagonists, the Rayguard Empire. Later, Elwin will be able to betray the Empire (in case he has chosen to help it) and support the Demon Tribe. It is also possible for Elwin to fight on neither side, and create his own faction instead.

Double Moon Densetsu

Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - October 30, 1992

The world of sword and magic, Double Moon, with its two continents - Northern and Southern - was created by the benevolent deity Fatima. However, the evil demon Samoirenko plans to destroy this world by summoning the mysterious dark Dragon. You take control of a young boy named Yuuru, whose father was abducted by Samoirenko long time ago. You discover that you also had a twin sister who has disappeared. Now you feel ready to find your father and to confront Samoirenko - you leave your home village and begin a dangerous journey, during which you'll meet many friends and many foes. This game is a traditional Japanese-style RPG. Yuuru and his friends travel on the continents of Double Moon, visiting towns, castles, and dungeons, and fighting monsters in turn-based battles viewed from first person perspective.

Dream Generation: Koi ka Shigoto ka!...

Sony Playstation - Released - August 13, 1998

Dream Generation - Koi Ka? Shigoto Ka!? is a dating simulation game. STORY: A graduate student from Shiomidai Highschool, Toranosuke-kun, came back to the town a year later. After attending the class reunion with his old friends, he decided that he has to do something about his future... What he really wanted to do? After a year later, what he wanted to be...? Based on the path that he will choose from now on, his life is probably going to change. At the end, he will probably find his dream and his life partner, right...? The 2 main female characters are Serina-chan and Kyouko-chan. WEEKLY GAMEPLAY: - On Saturday or Holiday, you will be able to travel around the maps to meet the girls, get part-time, fulfil the main three jobs requirements, buy items, meet people and ask girls for dates (call them). There are time limit and stamina limit, so please plan carefully and watch your stamina carefully during that day. - On Sunday, you can either rest (+100 Health) or have a date if you have make an earlier arrangement with the girl on a Saturday or on a holiday. At night, you will be able to make your schedule during the working week. (Remember, that how long you rest also determine when you are going to start up on Saturday and Holiday.) - From Monday to Friday (with exception of holidays), depending on what kind of schedule you made on Sunday, you will either work, rest, jogging, walk in the park, watch TV, go to University, and go to classes that will increase your parameters.

Dream Generation: Koi ka? Shigoto ka!?...

Sega Saturn - Released - July 30, 1998

Dream Generation: Koi ka? Shigoto ka!?... is a dating simulation game for the Sega Saturn.

Energy

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - April 19, 1989

Energy is a side scrolling platform game by NCS/Masaya. It is based on Ashe, an obscure PC-8801 Japanese game originally released by Quasar Soft in 1988. A powerful earthquake has released an army of mutant monsters all over the city of Tokyo. A small group of humans survived and from their underground hideout they decide to send a team to investigate and fight the threat. The player takes control of a young fighter with psionic powers (called 'ESP'), the only known of his kind. He can use these unique phsychic powers to also fire balls of energy, his only means of defense against the various mutants and monsters that crawl around the levels. The player also meets many supportive characters throughout the game that offer clues about the overall story.

Gai Flame

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - January 26, 1990

Gai Flame (or Gaiflame) is sci-fi, turn-based strategy, with giant, heavy armed humanoid robots. The player controls an army of giant robots and try to destroy enemies. The game starts with macro-level view of the world (player can move units from battlefield to battlefield - each battlefield has 6 slot for troops), and battle mode - player commands several robots on a "fake-hexes" based map (squares with 6 neighbors) and tries to defeat the enemy's army. Fight between robots are animated on special, small screen - like in Advance War.

Ganbare! Golf Boys

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - March 28, 1989

Ganbare! Golf Boys ("Do Your Best! Golf Boys") is a PC Engine exclusive golf game that allows for up to four players to compete is a round of golf via the console's multi-tap peripheral. It did not receive a US localization. The game has a permanent top-down view of each hole, zooming in whenever the player is on the green, and has the "hit the sweet spot" power gauge system standard to most golf simulators. It features a total of two courses, with eighteen holes apiece. Ganbare! Golf Boys is notable for being the first project that prominent game musician Atsuhiro Motoyama ever worked on.

Head Buster

Sega Game Gear - Released - March 15, 1991

Head Buster (ヘッドバスター?, Headbuster) is a Game Gear video game that involves robots fighting in combat sequences. The object is to earn more gold by winning matches and spending that money on better weapons like rifles, missile launchers, and flamethrowers. Robots can be traded in for money (gold) if updating them is impossible. At the center of each starting point is a base (circle). Either the base must be destroyed or all the opponent's robots must be destroyed in order to clear the battlefield. There is a certain range to each weapon; opponents cannot be attacked if they are too close or too far away from the weapon's firing range. There are ten different maps in the game. Each level has its own password. Players must deliver newspapers for a tiny stipend in order to resume competing after a loss.

Hisou Kihei X-Serd

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - February 23, 1990

Hisou Kihei X-Serd ("Flying Mounted Cavalry X-Serd") is a strategy game where the majority of the units are mecha, or robot suits. The game was exclusive to the PC Engine and was released soon after another mecha strategy game from Masaya: Gaiflame. In each scenario, the Serds - a league of specialized attack mecha - are deployed from their HQ ship Altea. The Serds all have single-letter code-names and different specializations: for example, the G-Serd wields a laser sword for devastating melee attacks and can move quickly, while the B-Serd is capable of long-range mortar attacks but has limited movement. The eponymous X-Serd is the most powerful of the team.

History of Elthlead

Sharp X68000 - Released - March 30, 1989

History of Elthlead is a Strategy game, developed and published by NCS, which was released in Japan in 1989.

Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - March 18, 1989

The evil robot Dark Skull has escaped Doc's control and now threatens to destroy the city with his army of evil robots, now only Doc's newest creations: the cyborgs Tasuke and Kyapiko can put an end to his plans. Shubibinman is a 2D side-scrolling action platformer, in which you play as either of the Shubibinmen (or both in the cooperative 2-player mode) and try to defeat Dark Skull's forces using your blade and your cyborg-powers. The game starts in a city-map from which you select which stage to tackle next, each stage features a hostage and a boss cyborg that must be defeated. Successful completion of these objectives rewards you with money that you can take back to "Doc" for upgrades that augment your existing powers or add new ones, which you'll surely need for the final battle.

KickBall

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - November 23, 1990

Kickball is a comedic sports game exclusively for the Japanese PC Engine. It resembles baseball, complete with a diamond of bases to around, but the "batting" player is actually kicking the ball. The rest of the game plays like a normal round of baseball. It features seven characters - each of which represents a team of identical athletes - each with their own special pitch/kick move. These characters also include the two protagonists from the Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman series: Tasuke and Kyapiko (or Arnold and Sonia, as they're known in Shockman). Each team also has an assigned stadium that fits their theme: the seal team, for instance, have a stadium with an ice-like floor.

Langrisser I & II

Sony Playstation - Released - July 31, 1997

This is a remake of two games: Langrisser (known as Warsong in USA) and its sequel, Langrisser II – or, better to say, the enhanced version of this sequel, known as Der Langrisser. The remake features the Ultima-style character creation (you choose between various answers to morally provoking questions) introduced in Der Langrisser, and also offers branching storyline (you can be good or side with the evil forces, if you wish).

Langrisser III

Sega Saturn - Released - October 18, 1996

This is a prequel to the two Langrisser games (the first one is known in the US as Warsong). The events of the third game occur thousand years before those described in the first "Langrisser". The story centers around the creation of a holy sword named Langrisser, and the first Descendants of Light, the only people who can wield it. The main character is the knight Diharuto, the ancestor of Leon (Elwin's rival in "Langrisser II"). He must defeat the evil Boser, who is bound to the evil sword Alhazzard. In Langrisser III, you don't control whole armies, but only their generals, whom you move around the battle field. Once two enemy generals meet each other, a 3D battle sequence occurs, during which the two armies fight; the outcome of the battle is decided only by the victory or defeat of the general. The game also features love simulation elements: depending on the main hero's responses to various female characters, you can raise their "love level".

Langrisser IV

Sega Saturn - Released - August 1, 1997

Langrisser IV is the fourth in the long-running Japanese strategy RPG series. Cleons, the king of the country Regenburg, offers his general Gizarov a reward for his achievements on the battle field. For a mysterious reason, Gizarov chooses only one small town, called Gotaal. Immediately after having the town in his possession, Gizarov presses the population with heavy taxes. Landius, the son of Gotaal's mayor, fails to convince Gizarov to stop raising the taxes, and as a result, he has no other choice but to support the people in rebellion... The game returns to the traditional gameplay style of the first two Langrisser games. You create your character and choose his class by answering questions in the beginning of the game (similar to Ultima games). Before the battles, you should recruit mercenaries, buy weapons and items, etc. Once in battle mode, you command several units led by stronger generals. Each unit has its own "judgment" ability"; units with high judgment ability will perform more moves during a turn.

Langrisser Millennium

Sega Dreamcast - Released - November 3, 1999

Langrisser Millennium is yet another installment of the long-running Japanese strategy RPG series. You control five main characters: Taji, a young boy whom was chosen as the ruler of the country Salem; Nei Lee Sun, the ruler of Chin, who helps Taji when he gets involved in a war; Masariva, a half-beast and a former slave who became a queen, but preferred the life of a wanderer; Rumaty Marf, the queen of the country Misla, on a quest for an angel who appeared in her dream; and Saryune, the ruler of Vidern, whose only desire is power. Those five rulers meet each other, when they get involved in a war with hostile countries. However, soon they learn a greater evil has appeared in the world - they must reach a faraway island to prevent the reincarnation of an evil god... The gameplay of Langrisser Millennium is divided into "Map Mode" and "Battle Mode". In map mode, you move your characters over a map, trying to reach enemy fortresses and to prevent the enemy to reach yours. Everything happens in real time: if you do nothing, the enemy will come and conquer your country. Once in battle mode, you control several teams. You only assign actions to the team leaders, while others fight automatically in round-based strategy combat.

Langrisser V: The End of Legend

Sega Saturn - Released - June 18, 1998

The story of Langrisser V is closely connected to the one told in Langrisser IV - the two games form a kind of a sub-series within the Langrisser universe. The game's plot revolves around Sigma, an artificial human created by the great warlock and scientist Gizarov. One say, Sigma is awakened from his sleep inside a storage crystal in one of Gizarov's labs by Lambda, a girl who was also created by the scientist. Apparently, a powerful lord named Rainforce has invaded Gizarov's laboratory with the intention of destroying it. Meanwhile, a powerful artificial human called Omega, another "child" of Gizarov, distracts Rainforce. The two heroes flee to Regenburg, a country under Gizarov's rule, only to find out that they will soon have to stop a greater evil endangering the world - a new leader of darkness, who is after the powerful evil sword Alhazard... Langrisser V features classical Langrisser-style gameplay: you prepare your units before a battle, buy items etc., and in battle control various types of army units (archers, pikemen, etc.), together with the generals. The "Judgment System" from the previous game is back: your units can perform several moves per turn depending on their "judgment level". Like in Langrisser III, there is an element of "love simulation" in the game - at certain points you'll have to choose between various answers that will determine the further development of your relationship with the female party members.

Lightning Vaccus: The Knight of Iron

Sharp X68000 - Released - March 30, 1989

Lightning Vaccus is a futuristic turn-based war strategy game. The plot is advanced through cutscenes and involves a struggle for dominance between two fictional countries, each in possession of powerful mecha units called "AD". The first scenario follows a battle on the Vaccus peninsula; subsequent scenarios can be chosen by the player. The story also reflects the experiences of an officer who has lost his teammates and longs to end the war and return home. The battles take place on a grid with hexagonal fields. Before each battle the player selects a number of units, ranging from simple AD to tanks, mobile rocket launchers, etc. Then the player positions the units tactically on the map. When two units belonging to opposing sides meet on adjacent hex fields, an automatic battle ensues, which is displayed on a separate screen.

Mamono Hunter Youko: Dai 7 no Keishou

Sega Genesis - Released - March 22, 1991

Mamono Hunter Youko: Dai 7 no Keishou is based on the anime series Devil Hunter Yohko. The anime tells the story of Yōko Mano, who was a regular girl making her way through high school--until she learned that she is the 108th successor to a line of warriors charged with defending the earth against demons. Every woman born into the Mano family has taken up the role of the legendary Devil Hunters, warriors who battle demons and other forces of darkness who threaten Earth. The realm of the demons (which is parallel to our world) is in cross-dimensional alignment with our own, which could cause a portal to open, allowing the demons to cross over, and launch an all-out attack. The demons are trying to destroy Yōko before she can take her rightful place as the 108th generation Devil Hunter. She must stop the demons before they can perform the ritual that will mean the end of the human race. Mamono Hunter Youko: Dai 7 no Keishou is a side-scrolling action game with platform elements along the lines of Valis series. The player controls Yōko who is equipped with a sword, which she uses to slash enemies. If the player holds the attack button a shield is created, which will block weak attacks. The shield can also be thrown to attack enemies. The heroine travels through various worlds with different themes (plant-covered surface, water, cave systems, snow landscape, etc.).

Mamono Hunter Youko: Makai Kara no Tenkousei

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - March 13, 1992

Makai kara no Tenkōsei is based on the anime series Devil Hunter Yohko. The anime focuses on Yohko Mano, a Japanese high school student who discovers that she is the 108th Devil Hunter, destined to fight supernatural evil beings in accordance with her legacy. The game puts the player in the role of Shoma, a new exchange student who meets Yohko and her best friend Chikako at his new school. Miraculously, the three are teleported into a parallel dimension, and the reluctant hero discovers, to his amazement, that its inhabitants seem to be familiar with him. The game plays like a typical Japanese-style adventure, with a menu of verb commands (Look, Talk, Think, and Move) at nearly every screen, some leading to object lists. It is often necessary to go through the commands several times to unlock a new one or trigger events. Limited menu-based navigation is also present.

Mamono Hunter Youko: Tooki Yobigoe

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - January 8, 1993

Tooki Yobigoe is a direct sequel to Mamono Hunter Yōko: Makai kara no Tenkōsei, continuing where the story of the previous game left off. Yohko, Shoma and Setsuna are attacked by demons on the flying ship, and have to use their recently found powers to fend them off. As opposed to the previous game, where Shoma was the protagonist, Yohko is the player character in the sequel. Gameplay-wise, the puzzle-less Japanese adventure format is further utilized. Verb commands must be selected from a menu and sometimes combined with objects or character names for interaction. It is often necessary to repeat commands several times to trigger the next event.

Moto Roader II

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - March 29, 1991

Moto Roader II is a racing game shown in a top-down perspective. Five vehicles compete on a course with the goal to finish first. However, the screen always follows the leading vehicle and if a vehicle is left behind, it gets replaced on the current screen. Every vehicle has a fuel counter which gets a penalty if the vehicle is hit or needs to be replaced. Reaching zero ends the race. Players can choose between three vehicles which drive differently (car, tank or hovercraft) and, if they have gathered enough prize money, can upgrade it between races (including weapons). In contrast to the predecessor, the game has a futuristic look.

Nazo No Masquerade

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - March 2, 1990

Nazo no Masquerade ("Mystery of the Masquerade") is a menu-driven adventure game for the PC Engine. It was developed by Riverhillsoft, a company best known for the JB Harold series of murder mystery adventure games. The player is a detective staying in a mansion while investigating a crime on the premises in the early 20th century. They can move around the mansion via a map that can be pulled up at any time, and talk to various NPCs staying in the mansion's many rooms.

Power of the Hired

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - December 22, 1994

Power of the Hired is a strategy RPG for the Super Famicom developed and published by NCS's video game division Masaya. It was released exclusively in Japan in late 1994. The game features four player-named heroes that the player must use to fight off overwhelming waves of enemies. The primary character of the group is able to summon creatures to defend herself and the other party members, and through these creatures the player is able to tactically conquer each of the game's scenarios. Depending on the creatures summoned, the player characters' magic can change their elemental composition. Several scenarios requires that the player act quickly to avoid catastrophe, such as a burning bridge the player characters are stuck on that they need to quickly vacate.

Ranma ½

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - December 7, 1990

The first Ranma 1/2 game based on Rumiko Takahashi’s popular manga. You play Ranma, a boy who after falling in a magical hot spring, changes into a girl if he gets wet. The only way to change back is to come into contact with hot water. The large cast of supporting characters includes many shape changing people, including a panda, cat and goose! The game itself is a scrolling beat ‘em up (with some one-on-one stages) with a major focus on the visual scenes between levels that tell the story from the manga.

Ranma ½: Datou, Ganso Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu!

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - October 2, 1992

The title translates to "Overthrow of the Indiscriminate Fighting Style." This is a side-scrolling fighting game similar to Final Fight and is similar to the first PC Engine game. The storyline goes up to the Hiryu Shoten Ha storyline where Ranma must battle against many of his arch rivals. After each stage you can see one of two cut scenes depending on the sex Ranma is when he beats the stage.

Ranma ½: Toraware no Hanayome

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - December 6, 1991

Based on the Ranma 1/2 manga and anime series, Toraware no Hanayome consists of several chapters, which are similar to episodes of a TV show: each one has its own story and theme, but all the chapters have recurrent characters from the Ranma 1/2 universe. As in the original manga and anime, the story focuses on the young martial artist and high school student Ranma, who was cursed after bathing in a sacred Chinese spring: contact with cold water turns him into a woman, while hot water restores him to his original masculine form. Most of the story in the game is dedicated to Ranma's relationships with his schoolmates and other characters, often involving comic and/or romantic situations, as well as Ranma's attempts to get rid of the curse: in the first chapter, he tries to win a contest that would allow him to travel to China and find a way to turn him into a man permanently. Unlike most other Ranma 1/2 iterations, this game is a so-called "digital comic", which is the same as Japanese-style adventure. Controlling Ranma, the player interacts with the environment by selecting verb commands ("Look", "Talk", etc.) and objects from sub-menus. The navigation is also menu-based. Animated cut scenes appear frequently to advance the story.

Ranma 1/2: Chougi Ranbu Hen

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - April 28, 1994

Ranma gets a letter explaining that they just received the recipe to the most valuable of all treasures, the Maneki Neko, which has the ability to grant any wish. Ranma must then set out to find the 12 ingredients of the Maneki Neko, located all over the world, before one of their rivals does the same.

Ranma Nibun no Ichi 1-2: Byakuran Aika

Sega CD - Released - April 23, 1993

This is the only Ranma game on this platform and was only released in Japan. It features an original story centering on a new character, Arisa Nanjo. After Ranma Saotome's friends go missing, it is up to him to track them down. The game is a video novel which involves the player, acting as Ranma, selecting from a series of choices, such as what to do or say to someone. The results are then played out in an animated sequence. It uses a Rock-Paper-Scissors-style battle system. The characters are voiced by the original cast from the Anime series.

Ring Ni Kakero

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - June 1, 1998

Ring ni Kakero ("Put It All in the Ring") is a Super Famicom boxing game developed by Earthly Soft and published by NCS. It was released exclusively through the Nintendo Power service in 1998, late in the Super Famicom's lifespan. The game follows the plot of the manga of the same name, following the champion-boxer-in-the-making Ryuuji Takane and his analytical sister Kiku Takane, who acts as his ringside coach offering advice. The game includes many characters from the manga, including Ryuuji's friendly rival Jun Kenzaki, the comic relief Ishimatsu Katori, the prim Takeshi Kawai, and the former Kendo expert Kazuki Shinatora. The gameplay uses an isometric perspective reminiscent of Human's Fire Pro Wrestling series, where players can use the space to get around their opponent and flank them. Occasionally, an opponent can launch a special attack and the player must hammer the buttons to counter in time.

Rom Rom Stadium

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - December 22, 1989

Rom Rom Stadium is a baseball game with fictional teams and players. Players can compete against each other or computer AI. In the Open mode players can select opponents and stadiums, while the Pennant mode is shaped like a tournament; standings can be saved with a password system. The game uses third-person view for pitching and batting; isometric view is used for gameplay on the field. Also included is a simple team creation tool, which allows naming the team and the players and choosing the color of the uniform.

Sol Bianca

NEC TurboGrafx-CD - Released - June 29, 1990

The game is based on the anime movie of the same name. In 24th century, piracy is still an issue, but no more in seas and oceans, sailing ordinary ships - the pirates are in space! The most dangerous pirate crew is the one of Sol Bianca - April, Janny, May, June, and Feb. No, those are not names of months, but five beautiful ladies, who can handle some high-tech weaponry and who think only about treasure. But the five lovely pirates are not evil - whenever some tyrant threatens a planet, they are there to help. The gameplay of Sol Bianca is that of a traditional Japanese-style RPG. The player controls the five girls as a party, each one having individual statistics. The party of heroines visits planets, travels on the world map, and engages randomly appearing enemies in first-person perspective, turn-based combat.

Star Cruiser

Sega Genesis - Released - December 21, 1990

In the 25th century, a new age of space exploration has taken humanity throughout the galaxy. In that expansion, by random chance humanity encountered an alien kingdom, the Galaxy Alliance. The human Federation wished to develop peaceful relations, but there were those who did not trust the Galaxy Alliance, and mounted a fierce rebellion. The rebellion was quickly put down, but its leader, Geist Needman, went missing. Having expanded too quickly, the Federation was unable to maintain control over its territories, and more remote regions quickly soon to rebel in great numbers. In the middle of this, an unknown group called VOID began to amass power at a frightening rate, and unafraid of involving civilians, they became known as the "dark destroyers". It appears that a dark age in space is about to begin. However, there were those brave few still willing to stand up against such evil: Hunters. This is the story of Brian Light, one of those hunters. Star Cruiser is a 3D action game with light RPG elements from the creators of Wibarm. The player explores various labyrinthine locations on foot, interacting with NPCs and shops and fighting various alien and robotic enemies. Combat takes place in real-time, consisting of basic first-person shooting. Additionally, there are also space-flight battle and exploration segments where the player controls Brian's ship.

Vixen 357

Sega Genesis - Released - October 23, 1992

In 2384 AD, a great interstellar war took place. The Earth emerged victorious, thanks to a secretly developed robot weapon called "Serd". After the war, the usage of Serds was not a secret any more, and various nations started using them for military purposes. Several years, a more powerful weapon named Vector was developed. The usage of such highly destructive weapons led to wars between the nations of the world. You control Takuya Murasawa and his comrades, member of a special military force called Slash. Everything begins with an attack of unidentified Vectors on their base... Vixen 357 is an anime-style tactical role-playing game with mecha combat. The player controls mechas by moving them over the battle map, and fighting enemies with long-ranged or melee attacks. An animated battle sequence is shown when the mechas attack each other. It is possible to switch pilots in the mechas and repair them during battles. The pilots level up by gaining experience points, and the player gradually gains access to new robots and weapons during the game.

Wallaby!! Usagi no Kuni no Kangaroo Race

NEC TurboGrafx-16 - Released - December 14, 1990

Wallaby!! is a racing simulation game from Tenky and Masaya. It plays similarly to a number of horse racing simulators for Japanese systems, but switches the horses for kangaroos and wallabies and human riders for rabbits. The player selects a rabbit as their protagonist and can either raise marsupials for racing or simply bet on those belonging to other rabbits.

Zen-Nihon Pro Wres

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - July 16, 1993

Step into the ring! Choose from 16 of All Japan Pro Wrestling's wrestlers and bring it on! Wield the massive power of Hansen, the lightning-fast strikes of Kawada, the underhanded attacks of ACE, and many more mad men of the ring! With its robust grappling system and over 50 moves to master, All Japan Pro Wrestling delivers the deepest and most realistic wrestling action of the 16-bit era! Test your might against the crafty AI, or up to 4 players can compete in exhibition, tag team, and round robin matches!

Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2: 3-4 Budokan

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - April 7, 1995

This game is the finale of the All Japan Pro Wrestling series for Super Famicom. It all started 1993 with the smooth but simple Zen Nihon Pro Wrestling. Then the updated version "Dash" was released with new performers, tag team wrestling moves, and the 4 way elimination match. 'Budoukan has the same basic look as the first 2 but everything has been re-drawn. The roster is bigger with 19 wrestlers! And the gameplay is deeper with more moves and a submission system. The music which was excellent in the previous games has been improved further. This is real wrestling, it's All Japan Pro Wrestling!

Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling: Fight da Pon!

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Released - June 25, 1994

Unlike the other games in the series, Fight da Pon is a comedic/parodic take on the circuit, and features various AJPW wrestlers in a super deformed chibi style that exaggerates their personalities. The game features multiple modes, but the core battle system requires using cards at opportune moments. Each card depicts a type of wrestling move, such as a suplex or clothesline, and the player can use them to counter and overpower their opponent. The game's story mode(s) plays out like a board game with occasional bouts.