Games published by Square Co., Ltd.
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Aliens: Alien 2
Aliens: Alien 2, released in 1987, was a highly anticipated game for the MSX system. Developed by Square and published by Konami, the game was based on the popular movie franchise Alien and its sequel Aliens. This game was a side-scrolling action-adventure game that captured the intense and terrifying atmosphere of the movies, and quickly became a hit among gamers.
The game follows the story of Lieutenant Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo spaceship from the first Alien movie. Ripley, now a space marine, is tasked with investigating a distress signal on the planet LV-426. The gameplay involves navigating through dark and eerie levels, facing terrifying Xenomorphs, and solving puzzles to progress through the game. The levels were designed to replicate the dark and claustrophobic settings of the movies, adding to the overall tension and fear.
One of the most praised aspects of Aliens: Alien 2 was its graphics and sound. The MSX system was known for its limited capabilities, but the developers managed to create detailed and atmospheric graphics that truly captured the essence of the Alien franchise. The game also featured hauntingly realistic sound effects, from the iconic beeping of the motion tracker to the hissing of the Xenomorphs. These elements combined to create an extremely immersive experience, making players feel like they were truly part of the intense and dangerous world of Aliens.
One unique aspect of the game was its inclusion of RPG elements. Players were able to collect and use various weapons and equipment, including the iconic pulse rifle, as they progressed through the game. Additionally, they could upgrade their weapons and choose different paths to explore, giving the game a sense of customization and replay value. This added layer to the gameplay was well-received by fans and added depth to the overall experience.
The game's difficulty was also praised, as it required players to strategize and use their resources wisely in order to survive. The Xenomorphs were formidable enemies, with their unpredictable movements and ability to surprise the player at any moment. This, coupled with the limited amount of ammunition and health, made the game challenging and engaging.
Furthermore, Aliens: Alien 2 was well-received for its attention to detail and faithful adaptation of the source material. Players could find familiar locations and references to the movies, adding to the overall immersive experience. The game also featured cutscenes with dialogue and sound samples from the films, adding to the authenticity.
Alpha
Alpha, a remarkable title that graced the PC-88 platform in 1986, is often hailed as a pioneering piece in the genre of interactive fiction and adventure gaming. Developed by the innovative Japanese company, Taito, this game was designed to push the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay during a time when the industry was rapidly evolving. The 8-bit graphics showcased a vibrant aesthetic that captivated players’ imaginations, while the detailed sound design enhanced the overall experience, immersing gamers in a rich narrative world that was relatively novel for its time.
In Alpha, players assume the role of a courageous protagonist who navigates through a meticulously crafted universe filled with puzzles, challenges, and an overarching story that unfolds based on player choices. The narrative follows a compelling sci-fi theme, focusing on themes of exploration, conflict, and self-discovery. The player’s decisions greatly impact not only their progression but also the fate of the game world, making each playthrough distinct. This interactive approach laid the groundwork for future titles that would take narrative-driven adventures to even greater heights.
The gameplay mechanics are both intuitive and demanding, striking a delicate balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for seasoned players. Players are tasked with solving intricate puzzles that require keen observation and critical thinking skills. The interface, though limited by the technical constraints of the time, remains user-friendly, allowing gamers to immerse themselves fully in the story without being bogged down by complicated controls. Despite the graphical limitations common in the era, Alpha's art style was distinctive and effectively conveyed mood and atmosphere, drawing players into its compelling narrative.
Moreover, Alpha's contribution to the gaming landscape extends beyond its gameplay and graphics. It introduced a level of character development and emotional engagement that resonated with players, emphasizing the importance of narrative in video games. As a result, it left an indelible mark on subsequent titles in the genre, inspiring developers to explore more profound storytelling techniques. Its legacy is evident in the way modern games intertwine gameplay and narrative, building deeper connections with their audience.
The cultural impact of Alpha cannot be overstated. It helped establish a precedent for many iconic games that followed, positioning narrative as a central pillar of game design. For enthusiasts of retro gaming and those interested in the evolution of video game storytelling, Alpha remains an essential title worth exploring. It encapsulates a unique moment in gaming history when innovation and creativity flourished, setting the stage for future advancements in technology and design. The legacy of Alpha endures, reminding players of the power of storytelling through interactive entertainment.
Blue Wing Blitz
Blue Wing Blitz is a vertical-scrolling shooter for the WonderSwan Color, released in 2001 by Bandai. Players pilot the all-weather intercept craft Blue Wing through a besieged frontier world, defending against an advancing armada of mechanized fighters, drone swarms, and alien warships. The mission threads through sunlit coastlines, orbital habitats, and rain-slashed cities, each stage presenting its own pattern of threats and hazards. On the WonderSwan Color’s vivid palettes, the action reads clearly: crisp sprite work, parallax skies, and layered backdrops that convey a sense of rapid ascent and descent as battles unfold.
Control is direct and responsive. The D-pad guides Blue Wing in eight directions while primary fire rakes across foes. A secondary weapon, activated by the shield/weapon button, shifts between options such as a wide spread, focused laser, or rapid ion stream as power capsules are collected. A limited-use bomb clears a sector of bullets and enemy units for tighter escapes. An energy meter fuels a Score Multiplier that climbs with consecutive hits, enhancing point returns for careful weaving through hostile formations. Boss encounters punctuate each stage with distinctive attack rhythms.
Visual design stays within a restrained yet striking color scheme. Blues and cyans dominate the skyline, with amber detonations and purple glints marking key actions. Characters and ships are rendered with solid silhouettes and readable scale, ensuring clarity during frenetic moments. The backgrounds employ multiple parallax layers—distant cities, drifting satellites, and cloud-tinted horizons—to convey depth within the vertical scrolling frame. Heads-up indicators run along the screen edge, showing remaining lives, current power level, bomb stock, and the score tally, all designed for quick glance recognition during the heat of battle.
Audio design pairs brisk chiptune melodies with punchy sound effects that emphasize timing and spatial cues. Each level opens with a distinctive, looping theme that intensifies as the action escalates, then shifts into a heavier motif for boss phases. Laser shots, shell impacts, and explosions are crisp and satisfyingly responsive, while engine roars and wind sibilance provide a sense of speed as the craft dodges through bullets. The overall soundscape supports precision play without overwhelming the player, allowing bullets and boss patterns to remain legible.
Blue Wing Blitz delivers a focused arcade experience on the Wonderswan Color. The game rewards discipline, practice, and route optimization, inviting players to master short, intense sessions or long scorings in pursuit of high ranks. Its compact stage count, rapid tempo, and clear feedback loops create an accessible yet deeply satisfying challenge. As a portable shooter from Bandai’s early-2000s lineup, it exemplifies the era’s emphasis on precise controls, legible visuals, and a brisk, rewarding sense of progression through each successive encounter.
Cruise Chaser Blassty
Cruise Chaser Blassty, launched in 1986 for the NEC PC-8801, stands as a noteworthy example of the innovative spirit that characterized Japan's late 1980s gaming scene. Developed by Nippon Sunrise, now known as Bandai Namco Filmworks, in conjunction with Square, the game merged the mecha subculture with role-playing elements to mesmerize a niche audience. It was a time when home computers began showcasing their potential for intricate storytelling, and Blassty was no exception, providing an engaging narrative that deftly intertwined majestic mechanical battles with a richly woven tapestry of interstellar intrigue.
The game thrusts players into the midst of an ambitious and dystopian future, one that pits three factions against one another in a cosmic power struggle. The main allure of Cruise Chaser Blassty lies in its intricate turn-based combat system, offering a unique blend of strategy and customization. Players assume control of powerful mecha units, called Blassty, which can be outfitted with several distinct weapons and systems. This flexibility grants a degree of personalization that was avant-garde for its time, enabling players to adapt their machines to diverse combat situations they encounter throughout their journey.
What captures the player's imagination, alongside the engaging combat, is the game’s elaborate narrative. Each faction in the game is meticulously fleshed out, providing rich lore and complex motivations that encourage players to critically think about their actions and alliances. These elements are woven together through detailed graphics and impressive (for their era) sound design, immersing players into a world that is at once alien and familiar. Blassty's aesthetic noticeably draws inspiration from the anime genre, which was popular in Japan during the time of its release, resulting in a visually appealing presentation that visually captured the zeitgeist of the era.
The influence of Cruise Chaser Blassty extends beyond the confines of the game itself, having been an early example of collaboration between animation and software development studios. It exemplifies a nascent period where gaming began to assert itself as a multifaceted medium capable of telling stories that rivaled, in complexity, those seen in other forms of entertainment. Its blending of RPG elements with action-oriented mecha combat foreshadowed future genre hybrids that would become more prominent in later years.
Though it might not have achieved widespread acclaim outside of Japan, Cruise Chaser Blassty remains a cherished title for fans of retro gaming. Its significance is marked not only by its gameplay and narrative but also by its contribution to the broader development of role-playing games and mech franchises in the gaming industry. The legacy of Blassty is reflected in the continued interest from dedicated fan circles who cherish it as a pioneering title within the sphere of computer gaming archeology.
Final Fantasy II
Final Fantasy II, released for the WonderSwan Color in 2001, brings the famed Square role-playing epic to a compact portable format with updated color presentation. The game preserves the core cast of four adventurers and the grand conflict that threads through a world of kingdoms under threat, but it adapts the experience to the handheld screen with streamlined menus and a refreshed user interface. Players guide a party through a world map filled with towns, caves, and fortresses, balancing exploration with the demands of turn-based combat.
Gameplay centers on turn-based battles where the four-person party takes action in sequence. Each character can Fight, use Magic, employ Items, or attempt to Run. Magic consumes spell points and is delivered through a scroll-like menu, with White and Black Magic, along with supportive and destructive effects. Equipment—swords, rods, armor, and accessories—modulates stats, defense, and spell success. Experience and gil are earned from foes, raising levels and enabling access to stronger gear and more powerful magic, while character growth is tied to usage and encounters rather than fixed class progression.
The setting presents a world stitched from kingdoms, deserts, forests, and ruins, where rebellion against an oppressive empire unfolds across a linear yet open-ended journey. The WonderSwan Color version emphasizes a clearer sense of place through vivid tilework and character sprites, while preserving the atmospheric, somber tone of the original. Encounters unfold on gridded battlefields within fields and dungeons, and the narrative unfolds through dialogue and event scenes that punctuate exploration with plot-driven objectives. The tone remains earnest and hopeful as alliances form.
Visual style and audio align with handheld RPG conventions of the era. Colorful 2D sprites populate roomy battle screens and overworld maps, with a distinct, legible font for dialogue and menus. The audio channel uses a compact synth palette that preserves familiar melodies from the Final Fantasy II score, reinterpreted for the WonderSwan Color hardware. Sound effects are crisp and purposeful, signaling action, spellcasting, and item usage, while music shifts to tempo-appropriate cues to underscore exploration, danger, and triumph across continents and caverns.
Player experience on the WonderSwan Color emphasizes portability and steady progression. Quick battles and frequent saves at checkpoints keep sessions manageable in short bursts, while longer quests reward careful planning, equipment upgrades, and spell management. The interface is responsive to the handheld's controls, with menus that scroll and confirm with concise prompts. Overall, the edition offers a faithful, approachable entry to Final Fantasy II for fans of portable RPGs, delivering depth of story, strategic combat, and a satisfying sense of world-walking adventure.
Final Fantasy II
Final Fantasy II for the WonderSwan Color, released in 2002, stands as a captivating gem in the expansive universe of role-playing games. Originally launched in Japan, this title encapsulates the essence of the beloved franchise while harnessing the unique capabilities of the handheld console. This adaptation of the classic game showcases the developers' dedication to preserving the rich narrative and engaging gameplay that fans had come to know and love.
The visual presentation of Final Fantasy II on the WonderSwan Color is a delightful revelation. With enhanced graphics that utilize the device’s vibrant color palette, players are treated to a refreshing reinterpretation of the landscapes and characters. The charming pixel art captures the emotional depth of the story, drawing players into the rich world of adventure and intrigue. Each location, from bustling towns to treacherous dungeons, is rendered with attention to detail, making exploration an immersive experience.
Moreover, the gameplay mechanics have been thoughtfully preserved while introducing some elements that make full use of the handheld format. Players can experience the innovative leveling system that allows characters to develop skills in response to their actions, rather than through traditional experience points. This unique approach keeps the gameplay fresh, ensuring that every encounter feels significant and rewarding. The combat system remains engaging, striking a balance between strategy and accessibility, allowing both veterans and newcomers to enjoy the intricate battles that define the franchise.
The storyline of Final Fantasy II remains one of its most compelling aspects. This tale of resilience, friendship, and the struggle against tyranny resonates with players long after they put down their handhelds. Following the journey of the protagonist Firion and his allies as they fight against the oppressive Palamecian Empire introduces players to a host of well-developed characters. Each ally boasts their own motivations and backstories, which are artfully woven into the overarching plot, leading to moments of genuine emotional resonance.
Final Fantasy II’s legacy is further enriched by its memorable soundtrack, which captivates with breathtaking melodies that enhance the narrative's emotional landscape. The music captures the essence of each scenario, from triumphant victories to poignant farewells, creating a holistic gaming experience that lingers in the minds of players.
Front Mission
Front Mission for the WonderSwan Color, released in 2002, is a tactical role-playing game that transports players into a futuristic world where mechs, known as Wanzers, dominate the battlefield. Developed by Square Co., this installment is part of the larger Front Mission franchise that has captivated fans since its inception. With its intricate storyline and strategic gameplay, the game offers a rich experience for enthusiasts of the genre.
Set in the midst of a conflict between two rival factions, the story begins in the fictitious country of Huffman Island. Players take on the role of a mercenary named Royd Clive, who becomes embroiled in a war where political machinations and personal motivations intersect. The narrative not only unfolds through captivating dialogue but also through various missions that shed light on the complexities of warfare. This particular installment delves deeper into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of combat, making it a compelling experience for players seeking a narrative-driven adventure.
Gameplay in Front Mission emphasizes tactical decision-making and resource management. Players customize their Wanzers with a variety of weapons, armor, and gadgets, allowing for a broad range of strategies to tackle challenges. The grid-based battle system requires thoughtful positioning and the clever use of terrain to outmaneuver opponents. Each mission presents unique objectives, often demanding players to adapt their tactics based on the enemy’s capabilities. The combination of strategic elements and customization options fosters a gameplay experience that rewards both careful planning and quick thinking.
The visual presentation of Front Mission on the WonderSwan Color is impressive for a handheld console of its time. While the pixel art may not rival contemporary titles, it effectively conveys the diverse environments and the intricate designs of the Wanzers. The game features a vibrant color palette that enhances the overall aesthetic, bringing life to the various battlefields and character designs. Additionally, the music and sound effects contribute to the immersive atmosphere, helping to draw players further into its richly crafted universe.
Despite being released on a relatively less powerful platform, Front Mission showcases the potential of handheld gaming to deliver deep and engaging experiences. The combination of a strong narrative, complex tactical gameplay, and appealing visuals solidifies its place in the annals of tactical RPGs. For fans of the genre, this title on the WonderSwan Color remains a testament to the enduring allure of mecha-inspired narratives and strategic gameplay, inviting players to lose themselves in a world where every decision counts.
Genesis: Beyond the Revelation
A series of devastating wars and economic disasters influenced the Earth's atmosphere. Various types of energy were released and, as a result, the planet's continents began to change shape. The ensuing cataclysm deformed the Earth's surface, which changed beyond recognition. Most of the planet became a desert. But humanity survived. Humans built new cities in the desert and new organizations emerged. Surviving in this world will be anything but easy...
Genesis is one of Square's earliest RPGs, which is much more influenced by the Ultima template of the time than its famous later work, Final Fantasy. With the exception of the original post-apocalyptic theme and some original gameplay elements, the game looks, feels and plays very similar to early Ultima.
At the beginning of the game, the player has to create and name the protagonist. Four classes are available: Soldier, an all-purpose fighter type; Karateka, a specialist in unarmed combat; Esper, who relies on psychic forces; and Doctor, who focuses on healing. The player can freely assign points to the four available character attributes: Strength, Stamina (Endurance), Dexterity and IQ.
The player then enters the game world. The gameplay process is non-linear; instead of following a narrative with guided events, the player explores the world and travels to its locations in any order. Interaction with the world is done with menu commands such as 'Attack', 'Enter' (a location represented on the map as an icon), 'Transaction', etc. Enemies visibly roam the world map; contact with any of them leads to a separate small isometric battle screen, where the playable character can move freely, attack physically, or use turn-based psychic powers.
Hanjuku Eiyū: Aa Sekai Yo Hanjuku Nare
Hanjuku Eiyū: Aa Sekai Yo Hanjuku Nare is a curious gem released in 2002 for the WonderSwan Color, a handheld console that made its mark in the world of portable gaming. Developed by Bandai, this role-playing game invokes an engaging blend of charm, humor, and unique gameplay mechanics that set it apart from its contemporaries. The title directly translates to "Half-Baked Hero: Oh World, Be Half-Baked," capturing the essence of its whimsical narrative and lighthearted approach to the traditional RPG genre.
At its core, Hanjuku Eiyū invites players into a fantastical realm filled with quirky characters and ludicrous quests. Players control a hero whose attributes are whimsically inadequate, reflecting the game’s self-aware humor and satirical take on the classic hero's journey. The game tasks players with navigating a colorful world, filled with bizarre enemies and amusing hazards, all while striving to become a hero in an unconventional way. Gamers are often thrown into uproariously absurd situations that challenge their preconceptions of what it means to be a hero.
One notable aspect of Hanjuku Eiyū is its innovative gameplay mechanics. The game introduces a unique “egg” system where characters can be raised and trained to develop their skills. This mechanic allows for deep customization and strategizing, as players nurture their in-game avatars to evolve into stronger iterations. The lighthearted nature of the game combined with the egg system creates a captivating blend of fun and engagement, encouraging experimentation and exploration in a world that celebrates its own silliness.
Visually, Hanjuku Eiyū boasts a distinctive art style characterized by bright colors and quirky creature designs that perfectly encapsulate its absurdity. The charm of the graphics is further enhanced by delightful animations that breathe life into the bizarre characters. The overall aesthetic appeals to players who appreciate a more cartoonish and whimsical interpretation of fantasy environments, standing in stark contrast to the often gritty visuals of mainstream RPGs available at the time.
Musically, the game is equally engaging, offering an upbeat and catchy soundtrack that complements the comedic tones of its narrative. Each theme and jingle adds to the immersive experience, creating a joyful atmosphere that invites players to lose themselves in the ludicrous adventures that await. The sound design embraces the lighthearted spirit of the game, effectively enhancing the overall experience with entertaining audio cues.
In essence, Hanjuku Eiyū: Aa Sekai Yo Hanjuku Nare is not just a game but a playful exploration of the RPG genre through a lens of humor and creativity. Its unique blend of whimsical narratives, engaging mechanics, and delightful aesthetics create a lasting impression in the hearts of those who ventured through its vibrant landscapes. This title remains a poignant reminder of the charm and character that can emerge from a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, inviting players to embark on a journey where the quest for heroism is as amusing as it is unconventional.
King's Knight
King's Knight is a classic video game that was released for the MSX computer in 1986 by the renowned game developer Square. It is a side-scrolling shooter with elements of fantasy and adventure, making it a unique and captivating game for the time. The game is set in the kingdom of Izander and follows the story of four heroes on a quest to defeat the evil dragon Tolfida and restore peace to the land.
The game features four playable characters, each with their own unique abilities, weapons, and magic spells. Players can choose to control either the noble knight Ray Jack, the powerful wizard Kaliva, the swift and agile elf Barusa, or the cunning dragon Melvis. This adds an exciting level of strategy and replayability to the game, as players can experiment with different characters and their abilities.
The gameplay of King's Knight is fast-paced and challenging, as players must navigate through different levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and bosses. The goal of each level is to reach the end and defeat the boss, all while avoiding hazards and using the characters' abilities to their advantage. The game also has a limited number of lives, adding an extra layer of difficulty, but there are hidden power-ups and extra lives scattered throughout the levels, providing some relief for players.
One of the most notable aspects of King's Knight is its stunning graphics and unique soundtrack. The game's visuals are a perfect combination of vibrant colors and detailed pixel art, making it visually appealing and adding to the overall immersive experience. The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is a masterpiece in its own right, with a mix of epic and melodic tunes that perfectly complement the game's fantasy theme.
In addition to its single-player mode, King's Knight also has a multiplayer mode where two players can cooperate and work together to complete levels. This was a groundbreaking feature at the time and added a whole new dimension to the game. It also encouraged players to team up and share strategies, making it a fun and engaging experience for friends.
Despite being released over three decades ago, King's Knight remains a beloved and iconic game among fans and retro gamers. Its contribution to the gaming industry is significant, as it paved the way for future action-adventure games and influenced many developers in the years to come. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, action, or just looking for a challenging and entertaining game, King's Knight is a title that should not be missed. Its popularity and enduring appeal are a testament to its quality and innovation, making it a true gem in the MSX game library.
