D4 Enterprise
{{Short description|Japanese video game publisher}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox company
| name = D4 Enterprise Co., Ltd.
| logo = D4 Enterprise logo.png
| logo_alt = Logo for D4 Enterprise: D4E, written above the full name English of the company in Latin script, all above three isosceles triangles in varying shades of blue that aren't quite touching, that together form a downwards pointing equilateral triangle.
| native_name = 株式会社D4エンタープライズ
| native_name_lang = ja
| romanized_name = Kabushiki-gaisha D4 Entāpuraizu
| location = 5-14-1 Ginza, Chūō-ku
| hq_location_city = Tokyo, Japan
| key_people = Naoto Suzuki (CEO)
Ken Sugawara (Director)
Ryouzou Yamashita (Director)
| type = Kabushiki gaisha
| industry = Video games
| homepage = [http://www.d4e.co.jp/ D4 Enterprise]
}}
{{nihongo|D4 Enterprise Co., Ltd.|株式会社D4エンタープライズ|Kabushiki-gaisha D4 Entāpuraizu|often shortened to D4E}} is a Japanese video game publisher currently specializing in content delivery services like Project EGG,{{#invoke:Cite web||url=http://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/|title=プロジェクトEGG – レトロゲーム配信サイト|publisher=D4 Enterprise|access-date=2018-10-22}}{{#invoke:Cite web||url=http://www.amusement-center.com/en/project/egg/index.shtml|title=ProjectEGG / Amusement-Center.com|publisher=D4 Enterprise|access-date=2018-10-22}} EGGY and PicoPico over the Internet. The company has also collaborated with Nintendo to re-release Neo Geo,{{Cite web |title=ネオジオ バーチャルコンソール ラインナップ / NEOGEO Virtual Console Lineup |url=http://www.vc-neogeo.d4e.co.jp/index.php |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=www.vc-neogeo.d4e.co.jp}} MSX{{Cite web |title=MSX Wiiバーチャルコンソール ラインナップ / MSX Wii Virtual Console Lineup |url=http://www.vc-msx.d4e.co.jp/index.php |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=www.vc-msx.d4e.co.jp}} and arcade{{Cite web |title=Arcade Wiiバーチャルコンソール ラインナップ / Arcade Wii Virtual Console Lineup |url=http://www.vc-arcade.d4e.co.jp/index.php |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=www.vc-arcade.d4e.co.jp}} titles for the Wii, and MSX{{Cite web |title=Wii Uバーチャルコンソール MSX ラインナップ ／ Wii U Virtual Console MSX Lineup |url=http://www.wiiuvc-msx.d4e.co.jp/index.php |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=www.wiiuvc-msx.d4e.co.jp}} titles for the Wii U, as part of the Virtual Console services on both consoles.
Other products and services from D4 Enterprise include EGG Music, a digital music service, focused around soundtracks for older Japanese home computer games; AC-MALL, an online store selling reprints of older video games, soundtracks and other forms of merchandise; and 1chipMSX, a special updated model of the MSX home computer.{{Cite web |title=1chip MSX紹介ページ |url=http://www.msx.d4e.co.jp/1chipmsx.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=www.msx.d4e.co.jp}} D4 Enterprise also holds the copyright and trademarks to the game libraries of several defunct Japanese video game companies, including Compile, T&E Soft and Xtalsoft.{{Cite web |title=株式会社Ｄ４エンタープライズ » 権利物一覧 |url=http://www.d4e.co.jp/license |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=www.d4e.co.jp}}
History
D4 Enterprise was founded on March 3, 2004, by former Bothtec Inc. employee, Naoto Suzuki.{{Cite web |title=株式会社Ｄ４エンタープライズ » 会社概要 |url=http://www.d4e.co.jp/company |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=www.d4e.co.jp}} Suzuki had previously been involved with the creation and management of Project EGG - and D4 Enterprise was created in part due to declining interest in the running of that service on the part of Bothtec. D4 Enterprise and Bothtec then entered into an agreement to jointly manage and operate Project EGG, as well as Soft-City.com - the website that hosted Project EGG.
Later on, in September 2004, D4E would start its own game distribution service and entertainment website called "Amusement Center" (often shortened to AC), as a separate entity from its collaboration with Bothtec on Soft-City.com and Project EGG, although Project EGG would later be mirrored on the AC website. As part of the Amusement Center, AC-MALL was also created as a digital storefront for game reprints, books and other merchandise.{{Cite web |title=AC-MALL {{!}} レトロゲーム関連書籍、ゲームパッケージ、音楽CD通販サイト |url=https://ac-mall.jp/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |language=ja}} In November 2004, D4E would launch a sub-section of Amusement Center called the "iTa-Choco Shop".{{Cite web |title=レトロゲームサイト「アミューズメントセンター」に「DSコレクション4」追加＆「iTa-Choco Shop」オープン |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/018/G001841/20041112154259/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} The iTa-Choco Shop was a store focused around games by iTa-Choco Systems - the personal company of Kōji Sumii (also known by the pseudonym, Rasho), the creator of Bokosuka Wars. The iTa-Choco Shop was terminated on May 10, 2022.{{Cite web |title=サービスを終了しました {{!}} イタチョコショップ |url=http://www.amusement-center.com/project/ita/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=www.amusement-center.com}} D4E would also launch another sub-section of Amusement Center called "Compile Station", dedicated to the works of former game publisher Compile. A selection of 40 freeOriginally free to all AC members, this functionality was removed on June 30, 2022 - now only paying Project EGG members can access these titles (although they are not part of Project EGG itself, and technical support has been discontinued due to being designed for older, no longer supported versions of Windows) Compile games and a Madō Monogatari 4-koma webcomic drawn by Compile illustrator "Ichi" are available via Compile Station.{{Cite web |title=「コンパイル・ステーション」ブラスターバーン＃0面を無料配信 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/018/G001841/20070215132416/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}}{{Cite web |title=「コンパイル・ステーション」リニューアル。2作を無料配信中 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/018/G001841/20061227190752/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}}
D4 Enterprise continued to jointly operate Soft-City.com, even after Bothtec divested their stake in the service to Gaiax Co. Ltd in early 2005. In August 2005, D4 Enterprise would establish EGG Music as a sub-service of Amusement Center, for the purpose of digitally distributing older video game soundtracks. EGG Music would go on to contain over 200 soundtracks,{{Cite web |title=配信ミュージック {{!}} プロジェクトEGG |url=https://www.amusement-center.com/project/emusic/index.cgi |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=www.amusement-center.com}} from over 100 different composers - including works by Ryu Umemoto and Yuzo Koshiro. In early 2006, D4E would collaborate with Internet Revolution Co. Ltd (a joint venture between Konami and Internet Initiative Japan) to provide the emulation service "i-revo games";{{Cite web |title=株式会社Ｄ４エンタープライズ » 沿革 |url=http://www.d4e.co.jp/history |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=www.d4e.co.jp}} 150 titles were released on the service, with games from the Famicom, Super Famicom, PC Engine and MSX available.{{Cite web |title=i-revo March 14, 2006 Grand Opening! |url=http://help.i-revo.jp/info/info_20060314.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309231459/http://help.i-revo.jp/info/info_20060314.html |archive-date=March 9, 2007 |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=i-revo}} i-revo games was discontinued on March 31, 2011.{{Cite web |date=February 25, 2011 |title=Important: Termination of i-revo game service |url=http://help.i-revo.jp/info/info_20110225.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415084413/http://help.i-revo.jp/info/info_20110225.html |archive-date=April 15, 2011 |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=i-revo}}
In August 2006,{{Cite web |last=純一（jdash2000） |first=笹川 |date=2006-08-13 |title=1チップMSX（MSX2相当）が2006年内に19,800円で発売ですよ。 |url=https://jdash.info/archives/50673282.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=jdash2000 site |language=ja}} D4 Enterprise would announce their involvement with creating and distributing the 1chipMSX - a special miniature recreation of the MSX2, first shown off in October 2004{{Cite web |last=ASCII |title=アスキーとMSXアソシエーション共同開発チーム、FPGAで作った"1チップMSX"を公開――製品化は来年3月を目標 (1/2) |url=https://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/344/344921/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=ASCII.jp |language=ja}} and originally created as a collaboration between ASCII Corporation and the MSX Association.The Managing Director of the MSX Association, Hidekatsu Yokoi, was also a director at D4 Enterprise. The 1chipMSX would later be exhibited by D4E at Tokyo Game Show 2006,{{Cite web |title=［TGS 2006＃10］「1チップMSX」が登場したD4エンタープライズのブースを訪問 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20060923030224/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} and pre-orders were opened on October 12, 2006.{{Cite web |date=2006-09-28 |title=よみがえるMSX--「1チップMSX」5000台限定の予約販売を開始 |url=https://japan.cnet.com/article/20251227/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=CNET Japan |language=ja}} 1chipMSX finally released on December 11, 2006.{{Cite web |last=ASCII |title=D4エンタープライズ、『1チップMSX』を11日に一般向けに発売 |url=https://ascii.jp/elem/000/000/356/356757/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=ASCII.jp |language=ja}} Only 5000 units of the device were produced, with the last units being sold in a special campaign celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original MSX - in 2008.{{Cite web |title=往年の名機MSXを我が手に，「1Chip MSX」が250台限定25％Off |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20080624037/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} There were originally plans for Dutch manufacturer Bazix to distribute the 1chipMSX in the West, as the representative of the MSX Association outside of Japan;{{Cite web |last=toimitus |first=Muropaketin |date=2006-09-20 |title=MSX:n paluu? One Chip MSX on vapaasti ohjelmoitava retromikro |url=https://muropaketti.com/pelit/peliartikkelit/msxn-paluu-one-chip-msx-on-vapaasti-ohjelmoitava-retromikro/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Muropaketti.com |language=fi}} however licensing difficulties, disagreements between the involved parties and the transfer of the MSX trademark from MSX Association to MSX Licensing Corporation resulted in Bazix terminating their working relationship with MSX Association and 1chipMSX was never released outside of Japan.{{Cite web |title=Announcement regarding 1chipMSX |url=http://www.bazix.nl/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080715062854/http://www.bazix.nl/ |archive-date=July 15, 2008 |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=Bazix VOF}}{{Cite web |title=Bazix breaks relationship with MSX Association |url=http://www.msx.org/Bazix-breaks-relationship-with-MSX-Association.newspost4799.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629031429/http://www.msx.org/Bazix-breaks-relationship-with-MSX-Association.newspost4799.html |archive-date=June 29, 2008 |access-date=July 9, 2008 |website=MSX Resource Center}}
On December 29, 2006, another sub-section of the Amusement Center site was opened - Falcom Museum, a service for distributing older Nihon Falcom titles and for compiling information related to all Falcom titles at the time.{{Cite web |title=ファルコムの旧作を楽しめる「ファルコム・ミュージアム」が開設に |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/036/G003656/20061226215844/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} These older Falcom titles also became available on Project EGG at the same time. In 2007, D4E would establish a record label called EGG Music Records, to distribute physical editions of EGG Music albums.{{Cite web |title=EGG MUSIC RECORDS - VGMdb |url=https://vgmdb.net/org/328 |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=vgmdb.net |language=en}} To date, over 30 physical albums have been released under the EGG Music Records imprint.{{Cite web |title=EGG MUSIC RECORDS {{!}} プロジェクトEGG |url=https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/product/music.php |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=www.amusement-center.com}}
On September 18, 2007, Neo Geo titles started to become available on the Wii's Virtual Console service in Japan - provided by D4 Enterprise, distributing titles under licence from SNK Playmore.{{Cite web |last=Sheffield |first=Brandon |date=2007-11-14 |title=Q&A: D4's Shimizu On How Neo Geo Got To Wii |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/q-a-d4-s-shimizu-on-how-neo-geo-got-to-wii |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Game Developer (formerly Gamastura) |language=en}} Neo Geo Virtual Console titles would later launch on October 5, 2007, in PAL regions and on October 8, 2007, in North America. Neo Geo games would not be added to the South Korean Virtual Console service. In 2008, D4 Enterprise brought the MSX versions of Aleste and Eggy to the Japanese Wii Virtual Console{{Cite web |date=2008-05-28 |title=MSX Hits Japanese VC, Includes Special Options |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2008/05/msx_hits_japanese_vc_includes_special_options |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}} – although both would later be delisted in 2012. D4E would also distribute 13 Konami MSX titles for Wii Virtual Console in late 2009 and early 2010. Later on in 2012, D4E would also bring the arcade versions of Technōs Japan's Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun and Sunsoft's Ikki and Shanghai to Virtual Console Arcade on Wii – in Japan only. From 2013 onwards, D4E would also provide the MSX emulator for Virtual Console on Wii U- which was once again Japan-only. The Wii Virtual Console service was discontinued in all regions on January 30, 2019,{{cite web |author=Ryan Whitwam |date=January 30, 2019 |title=Nintendo Begins Phasing Out Wii Virtual Console, Making Classic Games Inaccessible |url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/284753-nintendo-begins-phasing-out-wii-virtual-console-classic-games |access-date=August 20, 2020 |publisher=Extremetech |language=en}} and the Wii U Virtual Console was discontinued on March 27, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Cameron |date=July 19, 2022 |title=Nintendo will close the Wii U and 3DS eShops on March 27th, 2023 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/19/23269792/nintendo-wii-u-3ds-eshop-closing-date-2023 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |work=The Verge}}
D4E started releasing apps for iOS in December 2008,{{Cite web |title=D4エンタープライズ，MSX版「アレスタ」をiPhone/iPodTouch用配信 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/081/G008120/20081222028/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} starting with ports of old MSX games (including Aleste, Zanac and Nyanpi) but eventually also including original titles such as Jellyfish ip{{Cite web |title="超"癒されアプリ登場。無数のクラゲと優雅なひと時を……。iPhoneアプリ『jellyfish ip』本日より配信開始！ 【D4エンタープライズ】 |url=https://www.value-press.com/pressrelease/44679 |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=valuepress}} and Hachiko Guru Logi Coupon{{Cite web |title=iOS向けパズルゲーム「はちこのぐるロジクーポン」が10月31日に配信 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/190/G019057/20121026081/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} - the latter of which also receiving an Android port in 2013.{{Cite web |title=パズルゲーム「はちこのぐるロジクーポン」Android版の配信が7月19日に開始 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/226/G022640/20130722065/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} On December 2, 2009, Snapdots (a reimagining of the 2001 Game Boy Advance title Guru Logi Champ by Compile) was released for DSiWare.{{Cite web |title=回転イラストパズル ぐるぐるロジック |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsiware/ktyj/index.html |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=www.nintendo.co.jp}} In 2017, D4E would announce and release EGGY, a special version of Project EGG for the Yahoo! Games Game Plus service. Yahoo! Games Game Plus and EGGY were both discontinued in 2020. PicoPico, another emulation service for mobile devices, was first announced by D4E in 2018, before releasing for iOS in 2020 and Android in 2021. The upcoming EGG Console service was announced for Nintendo Switch on March 24, 2023, under the provisional name "Project EGG for Nintendo Switch". This service launched on September 28, 2023, with Relics being the first title.{{Cite web |title=EGGコンソール レリクス PC-8801 ダウンロード版 |url=https://store-jp.nintendo.com/list/software/70010000071707.html |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=My Nintendo Store（マイニンテンドーストア） |language=ja}}
= IP Acquisition =
D4 Enterprise has acquired the rights to the intellectual property (IP) of several Japanese games companies including from several that have gone out of business, with the intent to preserve their libraries and ensure that people can still enjoy their works. Their first acquisition came in November 2005, when it acquired the rights to Compile's game library from Aiky.{{Cite web |title=株式会社Ｄ４エンタープライズ » Blog Archive » 株式会社D4エンタープライズ、地位継承済ゲームソフトウェア・コンテンツのご案内 |url=http://www.d4e.co.jp/20190304/2946 |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=www.d4e.co.jp}} D4E would later enter a licensing agreement with Compile Heart in 2010, allowing the latter company to use Compile's IP to create new titles.{{cite web |date=2010-10-28 |title=Compile Hearts Acquires Rights to Compile Properties |url=http://andriasang.com/comqru/compile_hearts_compile/ |access-date=2014-05-08 |publisher=Andriasang |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413125905/http://andriasang.com/comqru/compile_hearts_compile/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://www.d4e.co.jp/info/media/1/20101028_d4e_newsrelease.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620194513/http://www.d4e.co.jp/info/media/1/20101028_d4e_newsrelease.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2012 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=www.d4e.co.jp}} However, neither of these two agreements involved the Puyo Puyo franchise, as Compile had sold the rights for Puyo Puyo to Sega in 1998.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023|reason=Unable to find reports on when this acquisition occurred}}
In October 2006, D4 Enterprise announced that it had negotiated a transfer of rights from BBMF Group Inc. for the library of Bothtec, Inc - the company that originally started Project EGG, and where D4E CEO Naoto Suzuki worked before he founded D4E. In 2010, D4E acquired the rights to the 1988 Data East game RoboCop - based on the movie of the same name. The IP rights to the library of HummingBirdSoft (including Laplace no Ma and the Deep Dungeon series) were acquired by D4 Enterprise in March 2013.
D4 Enterprise filed trademark applications for the logos of both T&E Soft (creators of the Hydlide series) and Xtalsoft (makers of Kalin no Tsurugi and the Phantom Heart series) in 2018,{{Cite web |title=ティーアンドイーソフトとクリスタルソフトのロゴをD4エンタープライズが商標出願。新たな動きの前兆か |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20180528017/ |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} and later acquired the rights to the entire game libraries of both companies on March 4, 2019.{{Cite web |title=D4エンタープライズ，ティーアンドイーソフトやクリスタルソフトなどが持つコンテンツの地位継承や譲渡契約を締結 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20190304028/ |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} By this time, D4E had also acquired the rights to the libraries of Cosmos Computer, System Sacom, Carry Lab and Winkysoft. On May 11, 2022, D4 Enterprise announced that it had signed an agreement with Laox to transfer the rights for the "Brain Media" brand name, and all video game IPs associated with the brand.{{Cite web |title=D4エンタープライズ，「ブレーンメディア」ブランドの著作物譲渡契約をラオックスと締結。"当時の資料"提供の協力を呼びかけ |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999901/20220511054/ |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} However, D4E did not have access to the games and promotional materials to start distributing the titles on any of their services; so D4E also announced a crowdsourcing campaign to help preserve the game materials.{{Cite web |title=ブレーンメディアのゲーム資料ご提供願い {{!}} D4エンタープライズ |url=http://www.d4e.co.jp/support/laox/ |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=www.d4e.co.jp}}
Games and products
= Physical compilations and reprints =
| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" width="auto"
!Title !Release Date !Original Platform(s)All compilations and reprints have been released for the same platform, Windows. !Original rightsholder(s) !Titles included !{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| Madō Monogatari 1-2-3
|{{dts|2008|9|1}} |MSX2 |
| Xmas Special Box
|{{dts|2008|11|21}} |MSX, MSX2, PlayStation |Zanac X Zanac, Madō Monogatari 1-2-3, 1chipMSX |
| Nichibutsu Early Collection
|{{dts|2008|11|21}} | |MagMax, Seicross, Terra Cresta, Crazy Climber, Booby Kids, Cosmo Police Galivan |
| rowspan="3" |Sorcerian Complete
|{{dts|2010|8|30}} | rowspan="3" |PC-9801, Mega Drive | rowspan="3" |Nihon Falcom | rowspan="3" |Sorcerian, Sorcerian Utility Disk, all 10 Additional Scenario packs for Sorcerian |
| {{dts|2014|3|31}}Reprinted version |
| {{dts|2019|2|22}}Updated version for Windows 10, the latest version of windows at this time. |
| Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Complete Plus
| rowspan="2" |{{dts|2011|11|24}} | |Valis: The Fantasm Soldier, Valis II, Valis III, Valis IV, Super Valis, SD Valis |
| All About BothtecNever available for purchase - was only distributed as a complementary reward for buying products from AC-Mall during Project EGG's 10th anniversary.
|Bothtec |Yokai Detective Chima Chima, Eggy, Hot Dog, Paladin, Topple Zip, The Scheme, Relics, CrEastar: Planets in Legend, Relics: Ankoku Yousai |
| rowspan="3" |Dragon Slayer Chronicle
|{{dts|2012|6|15}} | rowspan="3" |PC-8801, MSX, MSX2, PC-9801, PC Engine | rowspan="3" |Nihon Falcom | rowspan="3" |Dragon Slayer, Xanadu, Xanadu Scenario II, Romancia, Dragon Slayer IV: Drasle Family, Sorcerian, Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes, Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes II, Lord Monarch, Advanced Lord Monarch, The Legend of Xanadu, The Legend of Xanadu II |
| {{dts|2014|8|31}} |
| Summer 2023Updated version for Windows 11, the latest version of Windows at this time. |
| Classic PC-Game Collection - The Death Trap • Will • Alpha • Blassty • Genesis -
|{{dts|2013|9|8}} |The Death Trap, Will: The Death Trap II, Alpha, Cruise Chaser Blassty, Genesis: Beyond the Revolution |
| Madō Monogatari Kyūkyoku Taizen: 1-2-3 & A•R•S
|{{dts|2015|3|31}} | rowspan="4" |Compile |Madō Monogatari 1-2-3, Madō Monogatari A•R•S, Madō Monogatari Episode II Carbuncle |
| Disc Station Re:1
|{{dts|2015|8|19}} |Madoshi Raruba, Broadway Legend Elena, Geo-Conflict, Rune Master, Nyanpi |
| Disc Station Re:2
|{{dts|2016|2|5}} |Apple Sauce: Unexplored Region, Hustle! Chumy, Maou Golvellius, Sword of Destruction, Usagi Gaiden: I am the Trump Card!, Melpool Land Stories |
| Madō Monogatari Kyūkyoku Taizen: MD & DS
|{{dts|2016|5|20}} |Madō Monogatari I, Madō Monogatari: Michikusa Ibun, Rākyo Eating Carbuncle, Great Madō Strategic Monogatari, Great Madō Strategic Monogatari '95, Madō 456, Potato Digging |
| Silent Möbius Case: Titanic Reproduction
|{{dts|2016|9|23}} |
| Madō Monogatari Kyūkyoku Taizen Sun: SFC & DS, with Lady Bono!
|{{dts|2017|8|10}} |Madō Monogatari: Hanamaru Daiyōchienji, 16 Disk Station titles featuring Madō Monogatari characters,The Disk Station'' titles included in this collection are:
all four parts of Lady Bono'' |
| Madō Monogatari Kyūkyoku Taizen Yōn: GG I-II-III & A
|{{dts|2018|9|28}} |Madō Monogatari I: Mittsu no Madō-kyū, Madō Monogatari II: Arle 16-Sai, Madō Monogatari III: Kyūkyoku Joō-sama, Madō Monogatari A: Dokidoki Vacation |
| Daiva Chronicle Re:
|{{dts|2019|9|22}} |PC-8801mkIISR, FM77AV, X1, MSX, MSX2, Famicom, PC-9801 |Daiva Story 1 through to Daiva Story 7 |
| The Trilogy - T&E Soft / Xtal Soft Collection
|{{dts|2022|4|8}} |FM-7, PC-6001mkII PC-8801, PC-8801mkII. Famicom, PC-9801, X1 Bonus disc: MSX, MSX2, MSX2+, Game Boy |The Legend of Star Arthur trilogy, Hydlide trilogy Hydlide 3 S.V., Hydlide Special, Hydlide Different Dimension Version, Phantom Heart trilogy, Crimson trilogy, Rune Worth trilogy Initial run included a bonus disc containing: Apermia Dock, Battleship Clapton 2, Laydock, Super Laydock: Mission Striker, Laydock 2: Last Attack, Earth Liberation Army ZAS |
| Record of Lodoss War Chronicle
|{{dts|2022|8|31}} |PC-9801, MSX2, X68000, Super Famicom |Record of Lodoss War: Gray Witch, Record of Lodoss War II: Five Coloured Magical Dragon, Record of Lodoss War Fukujinzuke, Record of Lodoss War Fukujinzuke 2, Record of Lodoss War Fukujinzuke 3, Record of Lodoss War, Sword World PC, Sword World SFC, Sword World SFC 2 |
| Madō Monogatari Super Kyūkyoku Taizen: Puyo Puyo Enters!
|{{dts|2023|4|7}} |Super Famicom, PC-9801, Mega Drive, MSX, MSX2, Game Gear, Famicom |All titles from the previous four Madō Monogatari Kyūkyoku Taizen releases, Puyo Puyo, Nazo Puyo |
| Sorcerian Complete Plus
|Summer 2023 |All titles from Sorcerian Complete, PC-88 versions of Sorcerian titles |
| Exact Perfect Collection: 1990-1994
|{{dts|2023}} |Exact |Naious, Aquales, Étoile Princesse, Geograph Seal |
{{Reflist|group="lower-greek"}}
Project EGG
{{See also|List of Project EGG games}}
{{nihongo|Project EGG|プロジェクトEGG|Purojekuto EGG|EGG stands for "Engrossing Game Gallery"}} is an emulation-based games content delivery service for Windows operating systems, focused around titles originally released for older Japanese home computers - such as NEC's PC-9801 or Fujitsu's FM-7 systems. Since 2010, the service has also included titles from home consoles (like the Famicom or Sega Mega Drive), as well as arcade games.
Users need to have an account registered with D4 Enterprise's "Amusement Center" website and pay a monthly fee to make use of the service - which is accessed via a desktop client called "EGG Launcher". New titles are added to the service every week, and paying subscribers automatically gain access to over 200 free titles, with more titles available for individual purchase. Some of the titles that have been re-released include: many of Compile's titles like the Zanac and Aleste games; SystemSoft games such as the Daisenryaku games; and Nihon Falcom titles, including multiple entries in the Dragon Slayer and Ys series. In total, over 1000 titles are currently available to play through Project EGG - with an additional 109 titles that were formerly on the service that have since been delisted.Delisted titles are still available to be re-downloaded and played by Project EGG subscribers who had purchased the titles before they were delisted.
While the name EGG is an acronym for "Engrossing Game Gallery", it also alludes to the mascot of the service, Eggy - originally from the 1985 Bothtec game of the same name.
= History =
The impetus behind the creation of the service was a concern about future generations losing access to older and less popular titles (which Project EGG describes as "cultural heritage"), as the original platforms and media that these titles were played on continued to age and eventually stop working entirely. Naoto Suzuki, an employee at Bothtec, Inc. at the time, along with some of his co-workers felt that there should be legal routes to allow easy access to these older titles, without having to resort to piracy or complicated setting-up of emulators.{{Cite web |title=A Little Good Story of Games Handbook, 2004 |script-title=ja:ゲームのちょっといいおはなし |url=https://www.cesa.or.jp/uploads/efforts/handbook2004.pdf#page=8 |access-date=April 26, 2023 |publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association |pages=9–14 |language=ja}} Therefore, Project EGG was designed to be "pick-up-and-play" and the subscription and client-based systems were implemented to assuage fears of the service promoting piracy.
Suzuki approached the Japan Computer Game Association (JCGA) and asked the game companies that make up the organisation for permission to re-issue titles from their back catalogues. The permission was granted and work began on creating the service. The initial line-up of titles was chosen from the libraries of the members of the JCGA, and the platforms were chosen based on how functional the emulators were; with PC-8801 having the most stable emulator and thus the most starting titles.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-17 |title=D4エンタープライズ15周年記念インタビュー 「プロジェクトEGGとゲーム保存について」前編 |url=https://igcc.jp/d4%e3%82%a8%e3%83%b3%e3%82%bf%e3%83%bc%e3%83%97%e3%83%a9%e3%82%a4%e3%82%ba1/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=ゲーム文化保存研究所}} Project EGG was first launched on November 24, 2001{{Cite web |title=SBG Hot News: Masterpieces of PC-98 and FM-7 are revived beyond the ages! |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0111/23/news10.html |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=nlab.itmedia.co.jp}}{{Cite web |title='80年代のPC-8801、FM-7、X1、X68000などでリリースされたあの名作が蘇る「Project EGG」 |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20011122/egg.htm |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=game.watch.impress.co.jp}} by Bothtec as part of their Soft-City gaming website.
Suzuki would leave Bothtec in 2004 to found D4 Enterprise, which then entered into an agreement to jointly operate Soft-City and Project EGG with Bothtec. Later that year, D4 Enterprise would start its own game website, Amusement Center (shortened to AC), and a similar service to Project EGG, called "AC PLUS" (or just PLUS) was also made available.{{Cite web |title=旧コンパイル作品を手広く揃えた，レトロ作品ダウンロード販売サイト「アミューズメントセンター」が営業開始 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/018/G001841/20040910210905/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} AC PLUS handled titles that were more difficult to manage with Project EGG's system - like titles from certain publishers, or game with prices above ¥1000.{{Cite web |title=レトロゲーム業界再編か？ EGGがボーステックからガイアックスに |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/013/G001377/20050404235143/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} AC users later gained the ability to use an AC account to register for Project EGG instead of needing a Soft-City account.{{Cite web |title=プロジェクトEGG，9月タイトルに「斬～夜叉円舞曲～」と「ディフレクター」を追加 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20040906234739/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} In early 2005, Bothtec transferred its stake in Soft-City.com and Project EGG to Gaiax Co. Ltd.
In August 2005, Project EGG expanded beyond only re-releasing games, with the introduction of EGG Music - a service for re-releasing game soundtracks for older Japanese video games.{{Cite web |title=アミューズメントセンターでゲーム音楽配信サービスがスタート |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/018/G001841/20050825140846/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} D4 Enterprise later became the sole operator of Soft-City.com and Project EGG, acquiring the rights from Gaiax on April 11, 2007;{{Cite web |title=【リリース】D4エンタープライズが「Soft-City.com」事業を譲受 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20070411143841/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2007 |title=D4 Enterprise Co., Ltd. acquired "Soft-City.com" from Gaiax Co., Ltd. |script-title=ja:株式会社D4 エンタープライズ、株式会社ガイアックスから「Soft-City.com」を事業譲受 |url=http://www.d4e.co.jp/info/media//20070411_d4e_newsrelease.pdf |access-date=April 27, 2023 |publisher=D4 Enterprise }} and soon thereafter combined Project EGG and AC PLUS - which at this point had been renamed to EGG Plus - into a single, unified subscription service.{{Cite web |title=【リリース】D4エンタープライズ，「EGG」と「EGG Plus」を6月1日に統合 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20070528203745/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} Soft-City and Amusement Center were also merged into one website later in the year, in September - with all Soft-City user accounts being migrated over to AC.{{Cite web |title=D4E，「ソフトシティ」と「アミューズメントセンター」を統合へ |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/018/G001841/20070615152317/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}}{{Cite web |title=「ソフトシティ」と「アミューズメントセンター」が統合 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20070831184451/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} On May 14, 2017, EGG: Music Direct was added to the service, which allowed Project EGG subscribers to use the EGG Launcher client to listen to the soundtracks of supported titles at any time, if the user had purchased said titles.{{Cite web |title=まったく新しい音楽サービス『EGG: MUSIC DIRECT』がスタート! – プロジェクトEGG |url=https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/2007/05/14/%e3%81%be%e3%81%a3%e3%81%9f%e3%81%8f%e6%96%b0%e3%81%97%e3%81%84%e9%9f%b3%e6%a5%bd%e3%82%b5%e3%83%bc%e3%83%93%e3%82%b9%e3%80%8eegg-music-direct%e3%80%8f%e3%81%8c%e3%82%b9%e3%82%bf%e3%83%bc%e3%83%88/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |language=ja}}
For the first 8 years, Project EGG was focused almost exclusively on titles from older Japanese home computers.With one notable exception of Relics: Ankoku Yousai for Famicom{{Cite web |title=「EGG」，12月11日より「レリクス暗黒要塞」を販売開始 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20071207042/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} However in 2010, D4E announced that console games and arcade games would be joining the service - starting in March of that year.{{Cite web |title=「EGG」，コンシューマ機＆アーケード向け作品の配信が決定 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20100317039/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} Since then, a dozen arcade titles have been released - and games from 7 different home consoles have been made available.Two of these home console platforms - Neo Geo and SG-1000 - had their Project EGG libraries delisted later
As part of Project EGG's extended 21st anniversary celebrations, multiple new initiatives have been announced.{{Cite web |title=プロジェクトEGG 21周年 {{!}} プロジェクトEGG |url=https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/landing/egg21st.php |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=www.amusement-center.com}} Guidelines on allowing the creation and monetization of secondary game content on YouTube (such as let's plays) were announced on November 24, 2022 - as part of a collaborative endeavour with Kadokawa Corporation. Announced on March 3, 2023, Project EGG Creators is a special service created to allow for the distribution of newly created games and homebrew titles for retro consoles and computers on Project EGG.{{Cite web |title=プロジェクトEGGクリエイターズ開設のご報告 ｜プロジェクトEGG |url=https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/creators/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=www.amusement-center.com}}
= EGG Console =
On March 24, 2023 - as part of Project EGG's aforementioned 21st anniversary celebrations - a special version of Project EGG for the Nintendo Switch was announced - under the provisional name "Project EGG for Nintendo Switch".{{#invoke:Cite web||url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000195.000069696.html|title=＜News＞任天堂SwitchにMSXなどのゲームが続々と登場！『プロジェクトEGG for Switch（仮）』始動！｜株式会社D4エンタープライズのプレスリリース|date=March 24, 2023 |publisher=PRTIMES|access-date=2023-03-24}} The name for this console version was later officially confirmed as EGG Console for Switch (EGGCONSOLE in International markets), and features MSX, MSX2, PC-8801 and PC-8801mkIISR games,{{cite web | url=https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/landing/egg21st.php | title=【終了】プロジェクトEgg 21周年 | プロジェクトEgg }}{{Cite web |title=レリクス（PC-8801）配信中 |url=https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/console/ |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=EGGコンソール |language=ja}} with Relics for the PC-88 being the first title released on September 28, 2023, in Japan only. While Project EGG on PC requires both a subscription and a standalone payment to allow access to paid titles, EGG Console utilizes entirely standalone purchases from the Nintendo eShop. EGG Console was released in international markets starting on October 12, 2023, also featuring Relics as the label's debut title.{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/eggconsole-relics-pc-8801-switch/ | title=EGGCONSOLE RELICS PC-8801 for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Official Site }}{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/EGGCONSOLE-RELICS-PC-8801-2463653.html | title=Eggconsole Relics Pc-8801 }}
== List of EGG Console releases ==
There have been 51 titles released as part of the EGG Console lineup:
| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" width="auto"
! rowspan="2" |Title ! colspan="3" |Release date ! rowspan="2" |Original platform ! rowspan="2" |Original rightsholder ! rowspan="2" |{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} | |
| Japan
!North America From April 2024 onwards, release dates in Oceania line up with those in the rest of the world. | |
|---|---|
| Relics
|{{dts|2023|9|28}} | colspan="2" |{{dts|2023|10|12}} |Bothtec, Inc. | |
| Thexder
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2023|10|26}} | rowspan="3" |PC-8801mkIISR | |
| Xanadu
| colspan="2" |{{dts|2023|12|14}} |{{dts|2023|12|28}} | |
| Silpheed
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" |{{dts|2023|12|21}} |{{dts|2024|1|11}} | |
| Hydlide
|{{dts|2024|1|4}} | |
| Märchen Veil
| colspan="2" |{{dts|2024|1|11}} |{{dts|2024|1|18}} | |
| Yokai Tantei: Chima Chima
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|1|25}} |Bothtec, Inc. | |
| Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|2|15}} | rowspan="4" |PC-8801mkIISR | |
| Hydlide 3: The Space Memories
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|2|22}} | |
| Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|3|14}} | |
| Xak: The Art of Visual Stage
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|3|28}} | |
| Dragon Slayer IV: Drasle Family
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|4|11}} |MSX2 | |
| Hydlide II: Shine of Darkness
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|4|18}} | rowspan="2" |PC-8801 | |
| Ys III: Wanderers from Ys
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|5|9}} | |
| Shin Maou Golvellius
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|5|23}} |MSX2 | |
| Sorcerian
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|6|13}} | |
| Tritorn
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|6|20}} | rowspan="2" |PC-8801 |Creative Brain | |
| Topple Zip
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|6|27}} |Bothtec, Inc. | |
| Popful Mail
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|7|11}} | rowspan="5" |PC-8801mkIISR | |
| Seilane
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|7|18}} | |
| Arguice no Tsubasa
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|8|8}} | |
| Star Trader
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|8|22}} | rowspan="2" |Nihon Falcom | |
| Xanadu Scenario II
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|8|29}} | |
| Hydlide
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|9|5}} |MSX | |
| Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|9|12}} | rowspan="3" |PC-8801mkIISR | |
| Star Cruiser
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|9|19}} | |
| Silver Ghost
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|10|3}} | |
| Templo del Sol: Asteka II
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|10|10}} | |
| Undeadline
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|10|17}} |MSX2 | |
| Murder Club
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|10|24}} | |
| Xak II: Rising of the Redmoon
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|11|7}} | |
| Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|11|14}} |MSX2 | |
| Guardic
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|11|21}} |MSX | |
| {{sort|Scheme|The Scheme}}
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|11|28}} |Bothtec, Inc. | |
| Riglas: Return of the Soul
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|12|5}} |Random House | |
| Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes II
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|12|12}} | |
| Aquapolis SOS
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|12|19}} |MSX | |
| Babylon
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2024|12|26}} | |
| Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|01|09}} |MSX2 | |
| Crimson
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|01|16}} | |
| Zanac
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|01|23}} |MSX | |
| Carmine 88
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|02|06}} | rowspan="3"|PC-8801mkIISR | |
| Arctic
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|02|13}} | |
| Burai: Jōkan
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|02|20}} | |
| {{sort|Legend of Heroes Saga|The Legend of Heroes Saga}}
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|03|06}} | |
| Super Zenon Gamma 5
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|03|13}} | |
| Gulkave
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|03|20}} |MSX | |
| Ys III: Wanderers from Ys
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|03|27}} |MSX2 | |
| How Many Robot
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|04|03}} | |
| Pyramid Warp
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|04|10}} |MSX | |
| Dinosaur
| colspan="3" |{{dts|2025|04|17}} | PC-8801mkIISR |
EGGY
EGGY was an emulation-based games distribution service for the Yahoo! Games Game Plus platform - an initiative for promoting HTML5 games and Cloud gaming; which was compatible with Web browsers, iOS and Android.{{Cite web |title=次世代型ブラウザゲームプラットフォーム「Yahoo!ゲーム ゲームプラス」が本日オープン。HTML5ゲームとクラウドゲームがPCとスマホで遊べる |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/388/G038807/20170718061/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} EGGY had a wide range of MSX, MSX2 and PC-9801 titles available, including HummingBirdSoft's Deep Dungeon and Microcabin's Xak: The Art of Visual Stage; and game save data could be transferred between different platforms freely. Like Project EGG, users needed to pay a monthly subscription fee to play these titles, but no further purchases were necessary for any individual titles afterwards. Also similarly to Project EGG, the service was named after the mascot "Eggy" from the Bothtec title of the same name.
It was originally announced and launched alongside the Yahoo! Games Game Plus platform, on July 18, 2017, with a library of 20 MSX titles.{{Cite web |title=MSX「ザナック」やMSX2「イース」などのレトロゲームが遊び放題。"Yahoo!ゲーム ゲームプラス"で「EGGY」サービスが開始 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/388/G038807/20170718074/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} The subscription fee would later be lowered in December 2017.{{Cite web |title=レトロゲーム配信サービス「EGGY」，月額プラン料金を税込み398円へと改定 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/389/G038965/20171201020/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} Yahoo! Games Game Plus - along with all content hosted on it, including EGGY - was discontinued on September 23, 2020.{{Cite web |title=「Yahoo!ゲーム ゲームプラス」のサービスが9月23日に終了 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/388/G038807/20200623102/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}}
= List of EGGY games =
There were 49 games on EGGY, which all became unavailable upon the termination of the service in 2020:
| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" width="auto" |
| Title
!Release date !Original platform !Original rightsholder !{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| Anty
| rowspan="20" |{{dts|2017|7|18}} | rowspan="8" |MSX | rowspan="4" |Bothtec, Inc. |
| Eggy |
| Topple Zip |
| Yokai Detective Chima Chima |
| Guardic
| rowspan="3" |Compile |
| Hustle! Chumy |
| Maou Golvellius |
| Deep Dungeon: Madō Senki |
| Ninja
| rowspan="14" |MSX2 | rowspan="2" |Bothtec, Inc. |
| Relics |
| Final Jaboon
| rowspan="8" |Compile |
| Green Crystal |
| Jaboon Runner |
| Jump Hero II: Jinsei wa Jaboon |
| Kerosuke no Gokkan Jigoku |
| Rune Master |
| Zanac |
| Zanac EX |
| Xak: The Art of Visual Stage |
| Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished
| rowspan="2" |Nihon Falcom |
| Romancia
|{{dts|2017|8|2}} |
| Fray in Magical Adventure
|{{dts|2017|8|9}} |
| Deep Dungeon II: Yūshi no Monshō
|{{dts|2017|8|16}} |MSX |
| Rude Breaker
|{{dts|2017|8|23}} | rowspan="3" |PC-9801 | rowspan="2" |Compile |
| Kote de Mekuru
|{{dts|2017|8|30}} |
| Star Trader
|{{dts|2017|9|6}} |
| Seilane
|{{dts|2017|9|13}} |MSX2 |
| Maboroshi Fukyoden
|{{dts|2017|9|20}} | rowspan="4" |PC-9801 | rowspan="4" |Compile |
| Sword of the Goddess - Chapter of Peruna
|{{dts|2017|9|27}} |
| Disc Saga: Immoral Dragon
|{{dts|2017|10|4}} |
| Transborder
|{{dts|2017|10|18}} |
| Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter
|{{dts|2017|11|1}} |MSX2 |
| Phantom City
|{{dts|2017|11|15}} | rowspan="4" |PC-9801 |
| Jump Hero
|{{dts|2017|11|29}} |
| Popful Mail
|{{dts|2017|12|13}} |
| Rusty #1
|{{dts|2017|12|27}} |
| Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes
|{{dts|2018|1|10}} |MSX2 |
| Devil Force Part 1
|{{dts|2018|1|24}} |
| Ys III: Wanderers from Ys
|{{dts|2018|2|7}} |MSX2 |
| Runner's High
|{{dts|2018|2|21}} | rowspan="4" |PC-9801 |
| Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished
|{{dts|2018|3|7}} |
| Usazaku Gaiden: I'm the Trump Card
|{{dts|2018|3|22}} |
| Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter
|{{dts|2018|4|4}} |
| Nyanpi
|{{dts|2018|4|18}} |MSX2 |
| Pico Pico
|{{dts|2018|5|9}} |MSX |
| Ys III: Wanderers from Ys
|{{dts|2018|6|13}} | rowspan="4" |PC-9801 |
| Xak III: The Eternal Recurrence
|{{dts|2018|7|11}} |
| Addmath
|{{dts|2018|8|8}} | rowspan="2" |Compile |
| Broadway Legend Elena
|{{dts|2018|9|12}} |
PicoPico
{{See also|List of PicoPico games}}
PicoPico (sometimes stylised as pico2) is an emulation-based games distribution service for iOS, iPadOS and Android mobile operating systems, released in 2020 and initially focused on Famicom titles - with Game Gear and MSX titles added to the service later in 2021.{{Cite web |title=iOS向けレトロゲーム遊び放題サービス「PicoPico」がゲームギアとMSXに対応。魔導物語IやRELICSなど5タイトルが新登場 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/438/G043871/20210215019/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} A paid monthly subscription (called Pico Plan) is required to access the full content of the appThe price of the subscription differs between the iOS/iPadOS and Android versions. - although the app itself can be downloaded for free, and select titles are available without the subscription as part of the "Free Plan".{{Cite web |title=月額550円でレトロゲームが遊び放題になる「PicoPico」がiOS向けに提供開始。パックマンや忍者じゃじゃ丸くんなど複数タイトルをラインナップ |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/438/G043871/20201016024/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} Titles available include Data East's BurgerTime, T&E Soft's Hydlide and several titles from the Madō Monogatari series. It also features title music composed by Yuzo Koshiro.
Originally announced in 2018 for a 2019 release, PicoPico started out as a collaboration between D4 Enterprise and Dwango as part of Dwango's "experimental broadcast" functionality for its video sharing and livestreaming service Niconico.{{Cite web |title=ニコニコ生放送の「実験放送」に自作ゲームを投稿できる新機能が追加。レトロゲームが遊べるスマホアプリ「PicoPico」が2019年初旬に配信 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/438/G043871/20181026017/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} However, the release was delayed into 2020 and D4 Enterprise eventually acquired sole rights to the service in April 2020.{{Cite web |title=レトロゲームをプレイ･シェアできるスマホアプリ「PicoPico」の配信予定に関するお知らせ |url=https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/209357 |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=www.atpress.ne.jp |date=April 2020 |language=ja}} In July 2020, D4 Enterprise entered into a partnership with canow Co. Ltd, to help assist with "live gameplay" on PicoPico.{{Cite web |title=過去の名作をスマホで。エモいアプリ「PicoPico」にcanowが出資、初の資本業務提携 |url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000005.000057290.html |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=プレスリリース・ニュースリリース配信シェアNo.1｜PR TIMES|date=July 16, 2020 }}
PicoPico was first launched on October 16, 2020, with a starting library of 30 Famicom titles, and was initially only available for iOS and iPadOS devices. Features available at launch included game manuals, quick save functionality, video recording, online multiplayer for supported titles, Bluetooth controller support and an offline mode where paid subscribers can continue using the app for 24 hours even without being connected to the internet. Select MSX and Sega Game Gear titles started being added to the service from February 15, 2021, onwards. An update on April 29, 2021, added the ability for free users to access all paid titles, by watching advertisements in the app.{{Cite web |title=「PicoPico」に4タイトルが追加。新機能"CMを観て無料プレイ"も実装 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/438/G043871/20210430126/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}}
The Android version of PicoPico was released on July 27, 2021{{Cite web |title=レトロゲーム遊び放題アプリ「PicoPico」のAndroid版が配信スタート。MSXやゲームギアなどのタイトル計70以上を遊べる |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/438/G043871/20210727018/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=4Gamer.net |language=ja}} - with a slimmed down feature set compared to its App Store counterparts.The Android version lacks support for video recording, live broadcast to Niconico, offline mode, score attack/time attack and online multiplayer. Save data and video sharing functionality was added to all versions of the app via an update on November 2, 2021,{{Cite web |title=レトロゲーム遊び放題アプリ「PicoPico」セーブデータ共有機能を追加 |url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000083.000069696.html |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=プレスリリース・ニュースリリース配信シェアNo.1｜PR TIMES|date=November 2, 2021 }} with the ability view and search through other players shared save data and videos in-app added later in November.{{Cite web |title=PicoPico tweet showing "Posted Save Data Search" |url=https://twitter.com/pico2egg/status/1464152987668942852 |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
See also
Notes
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References
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External links
- [http://www.d4e.co.jp/ D4 Enterprise official website]
- [https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/ Project EGG official website (in Japanese)]
- [https://www.amusement-center.com/en/project/egg/index.shtml Project EGG official website (in English)]
- [https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectEGG Project EGG official YouTube channel]
- [https://twitter.com/project_egg Project EGG official Twitter account]
- [https://www.pico2.net/ PicoPico official website]
- [https://twitter.com/pico2egg PicoPico official Twitter account]
- [https://www.amusement-center.com/project/compile/ Compile Station website]
- [https://www.amusement-center.com/project/falcom/ Falcom Museum website]
- [https://igcc.jp/d4%E3%82%A8%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%82%BA1/ D4 Enterprise 15th Anniversary IGCC interview with Naoto Suzuki (in Japanese)]
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Category:Amusement companies of Japan
Category:Video game companies of Japan
Category:Video game publishers