Games published by Kuma Computers Ltd.
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Argo Navis
Argo Navis is a space-themed video game that was released in 1985 for the Amstrad CPC computer. Developed and published by Imagine Software, this game follows a similar concept to other popular sci-fi games of the time, such as Elite and Mercenary. However, Argo Navis sets itself apart with its unique gameplay and stunning graphics, making it a standout title in the world of Amstrad CPC gaming.
The game takes place in a distant future, where humanity has successfully colonized the galaxy. Players take on the role of a spaceship pilot, navigating through the vast expanse of space to complete various missions. The goal of the game is to collect valuable resources, avoid enemy fire and obstacles, and ultimately, reach the final destination of the Argo Navis space station.
What sets Argo Navis apart from other space-themed games of its time was its impressive graphics. Utilizing the capabilities of the Amstrad CPC computer, the game features vibrant and detailed graphics that fully immerse players in the sci-fi world. The spaceships are intricately designed, and the different planets and galaxies are beautifully rendered, making the gameplay visually engaging.
The gameplay of Argo Navis is challenging and requires players to strategize and plan their moves carefully. The game features multiple levels, each with its own set of challenges and enemies. Players must navigate through asteroid fields, evade enemy fire, and collect resources to power their ship. The difficulty level increases as players progress through the game, keeping them on their toes and providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon completion.
Another standout feature of Argo Navis is its dynamic soundtrack. The game's soundtrack was composed by the renowned industry veteran, Rob Hubbard, and perfectly captures the essence of space travel through its futuristic and upbeat tunes. The music adds an additional layer of immersion to the gameplay and makes the overall experience more enjoyable.
Despite its release over three decades ago, Argo Navis remains a beloved game among Amstrad CPC players. Its unique gameplay, stunning graphics, and dynamic soundtrack continue to entertain and engage players to this day. The game's success also led to ports on other popular platforms, including the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Buster Block
Buster Block is a classic MSX game that was released in 1986. Developed by the renowned Japanese game developer, Hudson Soft, this game quickly became a fan favorite due to its unique gameplay and challenging levels. It was one of the first MSX games to use a unique controller, the Hudson Soft Joycard, which allowed players to have more precise control over their character, Buster.
The premise of Buster Block is simple yet addicting. Players take on the role of Buster, a brave adventurer who must make his way through a series of mazes filled with obstacles and enemies. The goal is to collect all the treasure in each level while avoiding or defeating enemies. Sounds easy, right? Think again.
Each level of Buster Block is designed to test players' patience, skills, and strategy. The enemies come in various forms, such as ghosts, bats, and spiked blocks, each with its own set of movements and attack patterns. In addition, the mazes are filled with traps and hidden walls, making it challenging to navigate through them. Players must use their wits and observation skills to progress through each stage.
One of the standout features of Buster Block is its unique power-up system. Players can find power-ups throughout the levels, such as bombs to defeat enemies, invincibility shields, and extra lives. These power-ups add an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must decide when and where to use them to their advantage. The game also allows players to add their customized power-up codes, adding a creative aspect to the gameplay.
Buster Block's graphics may seem basic by today's standards, but back in 1986, they were top of the line. The game features vibrant colors and detailed sprites, making the characters and mazes come to life. The sound effects and music also add to the overall nostalgic feel of the game. With each level, players can hear the sound of their footsteps and the soundtrack changes to match the intensity of the gameplay.
One of the reasons why Buster Block was such a success is its replay value. With over 50 levels, each with its own unique layout and challenges, players can spend hours trying to complete the game. The difficulty also increases as players progress through the levels, making it a game that can be enjoyed by both novices and experts. Even after completing the game, players can try to beat their best scores or challenge friends to see who can complete the game the fastest.
Coco Castle
In the mid-1980s, the world of video games was dominated by the release of the iconic MSX gaming console. Among the many games that captured the hearts of gamers was the fantasy platformer Coco Castle, released in 1984. Developed by Japanese company, T&E Soft, this game took players on an adventure through a mystical castle filled with challenging obstacles, magical powers, and colorful graphics.
The premise of Coco Castle is simple, yet intriguing. The player takes on the role of Coco, a young knight in search of the legendary treasure hidden within the castle walls. However, Coco soon realizes that this is no ordinary castle, as it is guarded by an array of mythical creatures and powerful sorcerers. To make matters worse, the castle is filled with traps and puzzles that must be solved in order to progress to the next level.
One of the most appealing aspects of Coco Castle is its unique gameplay. Unlike traditional platformers, the game allows players to switch between different characters, each with their own special abilities. For example, Coco can jump higher and wield a sword, while the wizard character can fly and cast spells. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully select which character to use in each situation.
The graphics of Coco Castle were ahead of their time, especially considering the limitations of the MSX console. The game utilizes a vibrant color palette and detailed sprites that bring the mystical world of the castle to life. The background music and sound effects also add to the immersive experience, creating an atmosphere of mystery and adventure.
One of the standout features of Coco Castle is its level design. Each level is carefully crafted to provide a challenging yet enjoyable experience for the player. The puzzles are cleverly designed and often require a combination of skill and intellect to solve. The boss battles, in particular, are a highlight, as they require quick reflexes and a deep understanding of each character's abilities.
Coco Castle received positive reviews from both critics and gamers upon its release. Its engaging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and challenging levels made it a must-have for any MSX owner. The success of this game also led to the development of two sequels, further cementing its place in gaming history.
Darkwood Manor
Darkwood Manor is a classic MSX game released in 1985. Developed by Firebird Software, this game is a unique combination of adventure, horror, and puzzle-solving elements. It is set in a spooky manor filled with secrets and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
The game follows the story of Professor Hugo Darkwood, a renowned archaeologist who receives a mysterious invitation to the Darkwood Manor. Curiosity gets the better of him and he decides to accept the invitation, only to find himself trapped in the manor. As players take on the role of Professor Darkwood, they must navigate through the manor and find a way to escape while uncovering the secrets and dangers that lurk within.
Darkwood Manor's graphics are simple yet effective. The monochromatic color scheme gives the game a dark and eerie feel, adding to the overall atmosphere of suspense and mystery. The game's soundtrack also adds to the tension, with creepy sound effects and haunting melodies that change according to the player's actions.
The gameplay is a mix of point-and-click adventure and puzzle-solving. Players must use their wits and problem-solving skills to progress through the game. From finding hidden objects to solving intricate puzzles, Darkwood Manor keeps players on their toes with its challenging gameplay. The game also features multiple endings, depending on the choices players make throughout the game, adding to its replay value.
One of the standout features of Darkwood Manor is its interactive environment. As players explore the manor, they will come across various objects and items that can be interacted with. Some of these objects hold clues or keys to progress in the game, while others may trigger unexpected events. This interactive element keeps players engaged and on the lookout for anything that might aid their escape.
Despite its age, Darkwood Manor's gameplay still holds up to this day. It challenges players' critical thinking skills and keeps them engrossed in the game's intriguing storyline. The difficulty level is also well-balanced, making it accessible for both novice and experienced gamers.
Fruity Frank
Fruity Frank, released in 1984, stands out as one of the most charming titles for the MSX home computer system. This platform game enchanted players with its whimsical graphics and engaging gameplay mechanics, all while providing a delightful diversion from the more action-centric titles of its era. The game's developers created an experience that combined elements of puzzle-solving and platforming, showcasing the technical capabilities of the MSX while maintaining an approachable and enjoyable interface for gamers of all skill levels.
At the heart of Fruity Frank is its protagonist, a lovable character whose goal is to gather an assortment of colorful fruits scattered throughout the game’s vibrant landscapes. Each level presents unique challenges, such as navigating through intricate mazes, evading whimsical enemies, and overcoming various obstacles that test a player's dexterity and strategy. The design emphasizes exploration and rewards players who take the time to collect every piece of fruit. With a charming narrative woven throughout the gameplay, players are motivated to improve their skills in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
The aesthetics of Fruity Frank are a visual treat, brimming with cheerful animations and an array of vibrant colors. The art style contributes to the game’s lighthearted tone, inviting players into a cartoonish world where the challenges are daunting yet approached with a sense of fun. The spirited melodies and sound effects further enhance the enchanting atmosphere, creating an immersive experience that captivates players from the outset. This unique combination of visuals and audio elevates the game beyond simple mechanics, turning it into a delightful adventure.
Fruity Frank’s influence reverberated through the gaming community, establishing it as a classic title within the MSX library. While its pixelated graphics may seem dated by today’s standards, the core elements of creativity and engaging gameplay continue to resonate with retro enthusiasts. Players often find nostalgia in the simple yet effective design, reminding them of an era when gaming focused more on fun than overwhelming complexity.
Fruity Frank is more than just a game; it represents a snapshot of a pivotal time in gaming history. While it may not have achieved the mainstream recognition of some contemporaries, its enduring charm and inventive design solidify its position as a beloved gem. For those willing to delve into the whimsical world of Fruity Frank, it provides an endearing and nostalgic experience that stands the test of time. This gem from the 1980s still captures the imagination, inviting new players to uncover its joyful secrets.
Galaxia
Galaxia, a captivating arcade-style game released in 1984 for the Amstrad CPC, is a notable entry in the realm of classic video gaming. This title captivated players with its innovative combination of action and strategy, engaging them in a frantic battle against waves of alien invaders. Developed by a talented team at Amstrad, it stood out during an era when home computing was rapidly gaining traction, and competition from various platforms was fierce.
In Galaxia, players took on the role of a spaceship pilot tasked with defending Earth from an incessant onslaught of hostile extraterrestrial forces. The gameplay mechanics were deceptively simple yet offered depth through increasing difficulty levels and a variety of enemy types. Each alien craft possessed unique behaviors, challenging players to devise specific tactics to overcome them. This clever design kept players on their toes, ensuring that each gaming session was both exhilarating and unpredictable.
The graphics of Galaxia were quite impressive for the time, employing vibrant colors and charming pixel art to create an engrossing visual experience. The spacecraft and aliens were beautifully rendered, and the backgrounds added depth to the action without distracting from the core gameplay. Players were not only engaged by the challenging enemies but also enchanted by the aesthetics of the game, which brought the outer space setting to life in an impressive fashion for early 80s hardware.
The sound design added another layer of immersion. The engaging soundtrack accompanied the frantic action, while sound effects enhanced moments of tension, such as near misses or successful enemy destructions. Music played a crucial role in establishing the game's atmosphere, elevating the overall gaming experience and pulling players deeper into the interstellar conflict. Each audio cue contributed to the feeling of being in the midst of a galactic battlefield.
Moreover, Galaxia played a significant role in shaping future titles within the shoot-'em-up genre. Its ability to merge engaging gameplay with strategic depth inspired numerous developers in the late 80s and early 90s. Players looking back at Galaxia often recall the nostalgia associated with it, highlighting how it paved the way for more complex and refined space shooters that followed in the years to come.
Hold Fast
Hold Fast is a classic Amstrad CPC game released in 1984 that still holds a special place in the hearts of many retro gaming enthusiasts. Developed by Novagen Software, Hold Fast puts players in the role of a space pilot on a mission to retrieve vital intelligence from a hostile alien planet. What makes this game stand out from other space-themed games of that era is its unique gameplay and challenging tasks.
Players begin their journey in a spacecraft, and from there, the game offers a vast array of missions that need to be completed in order to progress. These missions include navigating through treacherous asteroid fields, avoiding enemy attacks, and ultimately, landing on the alien planet and retrieving the intelligence. The complexity of these missions, combined with the limited tools and resources at the player's disposal, make for an engaging and immersive gaming experience.
One of the standout features of Hold Fast is its graphics, which were quite impressive for its time. The game uses a combination of 8-bit graphics and 3D vector graphics, creating a visually stunning and realistic space environment. From the detailed spacecraft to the colorful planets and galaxies, the game's graphics were well ahead of its time and still hold up well today.
The gameplay in Hold Fast demands precision and quick reflexes from players, as one small mistake can result in a catastrophic outcome. The spacecraft's controls are also quite unique, adding to the game's difficulty. But with each successful mission completed, players are rewarded with upgrades and new tools to make their journeys through space a little bit easier.
In addition to its challenging gameplay and impressive graphics, Hold Fast also stands out for its immersive sound effects and music. The game's soundtrack, composed by industry veteran Rob Hubbard, adds another layer of depth to the overall gaming experience. The sound effects, from the hum of the spacecraft engine to the explosions and alien noises, all contribute to creating a sense of realism and intensity.
One of the reasons Hold Fast was so popular during its time was its replay value. The game's open-world concept allows players to explore and tackle missions in different ways, making each playthrough unique and unpredictable. This, along with the game's difficulty, kept players coming back for more, making it a cult classic among Amstrad CPC users.
Kubus
Kubus is a classic MSX game that was released in 1985. Developed by the Japanese company Compile, Kubus is a puzzle game that challenges players to solve increasingly difficult cube arrangements through strategic movements and critical thinking. It quickly became a popular title for MSX gamers and is still well-regarded by retro gaming enthusiasts today.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Kubus is the simplicity of its gameplay. The objective is to maneuver a multicolored cube onto a designated goal square within a fixed number of moves. At first glance, this may seem like a straightforward task, but as the levels progress, the puzzles become more complex and require careful planning and precise movements to solve. This balance of simplicity and difficulty is what makes Kubus so addictive and appealing to players of all ages.
Aside from its gameplay, Kubus is also known for its bright and colorful graphics. The game's pixelated visuals are a nod to the 8-bit era of gaming and add to its retro charm. The cube itself and the various obstacles and background elements are all well-designed, making for a visually pleasing experience. Furthermore, the game's soundtrack, composed by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro, is a catchy and upbeat chiptune that adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.
Another interesting aspect of Kubus is the inclusion of a level editor. This feature allows players to create and share their own puzzles with others, adding to the game's replay value and community aspect. Additionally, different versions of the game were released for different countries, each with its own level editor and pre-made levels, providing even more content for players to enjoy.
The overall reception of Kubus was positive, with critics praising its addictive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and level of challenge. Its popularity also led to the development of several sequels and spin-offs, including a Game Boy version and a 3D remake for the PlayStation. For MSX gamers, Kubus remains a beloved classic and a must-have title for any retro gaming collection.
Ninja
In the realm of classic video games, one title that stands out for its unique gameplay and captivating storyline is Ninja for the MSX, released in 1984. This platformer game, developed and published by Konami, took players on a thrilling adventure as they stepped into the role of a skilled ninja.
Set in feudal Japan, Ninja follows the journey of a young ninja on a quest to rescue his girlfriend who has been kidnapped by an evil samurai leader. The game is divided into seven levels, each one presenting increasingly challenging obstacles for the ninja to overcome. From navigating through treacherous forests to infiltrating a castle, players must utilize their ninja skills to progress through the game.
One of the most impressive aspects of Ninja is its gameplay mechanics. Unlike other platformers of the time, this game allows players to control not only the ninja's movements but also his weapons. From throwing shurikens to using a sword, players can strategically use these weapons to defeat enemies and clear obstacles. Additionally, the game also features a unique grappling hook mechanic, adding an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay.
The graphics of Ninja were also top-notch for its time. The game utilized the full potential of the MSX's powerful graphics capabilities, bringing to life vibrant and detailed environments that truly immersed players in the feudal Japanese setting. The iconic sound effects and music also added to the overall gaming experience, making it a truly enjoyable and memorable one.
One element that sets Ninja apart from other platformers is its emphasis on stealth and strategy. As a ninja, players must use their wits and skills to sneak past enemies and avoid detection. The game rewards players for their stealth and cleverness, making it a unique and original concept for its time.
Ninja was met with critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its innovative gameplay, engaging storyline, and impressive graphics. It quickly became a fan-favorite, paving the way for future ninja-based games and solidifying its place as a classic in the video game world.
Decades later, Ninja continues to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers and remains a popular choice for retro game collectors. Its timeless gameplay and engaging storyline have stood the test of time, making it a must-play for any fan of classic platformers. It's no surprise that Ninja is still remembered and revered by many as one of the best MSX games ever released.
