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dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Dungeonbuster
@dungeonbuster.bsky.social
4.7K followers 44 following 4.7K posts
Seeking adventures from the archives of the past, one story at a time. I love taking a look at the history of RPGs, the tales they spin, and in shining a light on these from time to time in my threads. Let's explore together!
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dungeonbuster.bsky.social
That's not a giant, toothy hand puppet - that's one of many hungry monsters awaiting you in War of the Dead, an action RPG for the PC Engine

This 1989 ad from Japan touts the game as the system's "first" action horror RPG as S-SWAT specialist, Lyla, faces a monstrous invasion of Chaney's Hills!
An invasion from the underworld bubbles to the surface on a wave of monsters around the town of Chaney's Hills devouring even the army's psychic corps. Now, S-SWAT is called into action and Lyla must find a way to survive the horror and save who she can! The game had a unique combat system. Exploration was via a top-down view commonly found with many RPGs at the time (especially with consoles), but the action shifted to a side-scrolling view where you did battle with everything from knives to modern weapons and even psychic powers!
November 30, 2025 at 8:56 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
The ambiance of the Ghost Market in Where Winds Meet easily made it one of my favorite spots. Just a fun, peculiar place for humans, cats, and other visitors where it feels anything can happen.
A mysterious cave at the end of an even stranger journey. Beyond this bridge lies a few more sights nestled in the shadows along the edge of the market. A giant mask sits along the side of road, carved from the rock and watching all the shoppers go by in silence. Trust me. Cats hold the real power in this game.
November 30, 2025 at 1:36 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Satoshi Urushihara's distinctive style fills this 1996 ad from Japan for Langrisser III, a tactical RPG for the Sega Saturn by Career Soft

The third entry in Masaya's series acted as a prequel setting the stage with a vast character roster, new mechanics, and even the potential for romance!
The page also advertised a special, limited edition release that came with a 3D holographic illustration, art book, poster, and even a phone card that you could win. Langrisser III was also the series' first foray into the 32-bit arena (via the Saturn). A special program (noted in the lower right yellow box) was also advertised along with a showing at the Tokyo Game Show. Releasing on September 13th for the price of ¥6,200!
November 29, 2025 at 5:56 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
A fierce dragon and screenshots showing off a 3D fantasy world feature in this two-page 1996 ad from Japan for Vandal Hearts, a tactical RPG for the PlayStation by Konami

A republic forged from revolution finds itself with enemies from within while you, and a few brave friends, fight to save it!
That's a big dragon and an ancient, legendary sword may be the power you need to stand against it and many other challenges ahead in Konami's tactical RPG. The legend says that whoever takes up the ancient sword with sow the flames of war. This side of the ad shows off its 3D graphics and the ability to use its environmental dangers as useful obstacles against your foes. It also boasts 30 types of magic alongside camera controls, eying a release date of October 25th for the price of ¥5,800.
November 28, 2025 at 9:15 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
For anyone going out to do a bit of shopping on Black Friday today, take care.

Thinking of getting a healing potion or two!
November 28, 2025 at 4:13 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
An old favorite for this time of year when a few adventurous souls versed in the cooking arts come together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Jack Crane illustrated the cover for Dragon's November '82 issue showing what happens when a poor turkey (and the table) experiences the majesty of a critical hit!
Dragon Magazine #67 | November | 1982 Artist: Jack Crane
November 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
This one really surprised me in a lot of ways, too, from its character creation to taking place in a land where magic was driven underground. It was an exciting journey for me from start to finish. I just had to find out how this story would go!

Good luck and enjoy the quest!
A page from the original Dragon Wars manual (which also included the paragraphs that the game would call out for reference at certain points) showing the world to be explored. Enjoy your holiday in this magical place!
November 27, 2025 at 2:23 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
RPG mechanics and simulated pachinko blend together in Pachi Pachi Saga, a comedy adventure for the PlayStation by TEN Institute

This 1996 ad from Japan shows off a roster of characters living in a fantasy world where a mysterious wish has somehow summoned you, a pachinko player, to save it!
Screenshots of the game are found near the bottom of the page with a notice that it will be out in April for the price of ¥5,800. A variety of characters fill the page with some claiming to be the true star of the adventure (the actual star is in the center, our black-haired protagonist and the princess next to him in a small blue bubble!).
November 26, 2025 at 8:23 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
The secrets of an ancient civilization may lie with two, mysterious girls pursued by an empire in Kisou Louga, a turn-based strategy game with light RPG aesthetics by Kogado Studio for the PC Engine CD

This 1993 ad from Japan shows off the box art and screenshots of its anime inspired cut scenes!
The game made heavy use of anime cutscenes to tell its story in between major battles which the ad promotes while sharing the backstory of its storied fantasy scenario. Slated for release on December 3rd on the Super CD for the PC Engine at ¥8,800.
November 25, 2025 at 7:45 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Hillsfar (1989) | RPG | PC platforms | Westwood Associates

A series of character building minigames awaited in this off-campaign entry in SSI's AD&D adaptations. Players could even transfer characters from Pool of Radiance or Curse of the Azure Bonds (and then back to Curse) to train them up!
November 24, 2025 at 7:29 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
This two-page ad from 1987 celebrates a grand adventure ahead in showing off an included map and metal figurine for the Famicom port of Haja no Fuin, an RPG by Kogado Software Products

It also became Miracle Warriors: Seal of the Dark Lord on the Sega Master System for an international audience!
This page relates the story of the Seal of Evil placed on a gate to another world filled with evil by an ancient hero, Jason. But not the seal has been broken and monsters are pouring out, invading the land and requiring a new hero to emerge and save it! The page also shows off a few screenshots of the Famicom iteration of the game. It first debuted on PCs in Japan, but the Famicom version closely hews to the original design seen here with the screens. Also advertised is the "2 megabit capacity" ROM cart and a retail price of ¥5,800. This side of the ad shows off some of the same art that would also be used on the cover for Miracle Warriors when it was ported (with significant differences!) to the Sega Master System. This page puts in the work on promoting the map and figurine included with the Famicom release!
November 23, 2025 at 9:46 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Super Hydlide did have its share of fans and overcoming that first leveling hurdle as your backpack expanded was a moment to remember. An RPG whose features pushed for a deeper experience on consoles as it took players on a journey mixing swords, sorcery, and space suit armor!
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Super Hydlide's Genesis iteration in North America received a range of reactions. GamePro's June 1990 review by The Mongoose ultimately praised it as a "lively cart that draws you into an epic adventure". EGM's review crew in their May '90 issue weren't huge fans, especially of its "slow" pace.
For centuries the good folk of Fairyland have lived in peace and harmony, all memory of evil wiped from their consciousness. Suddenly, one dark and stormy evening, a mysterious column of fire exploded from deep beneath the ground. Overnight peaceful Fairyland changed into a nightmare world. Massive cracks scarred the earth, floods destroyed villages, and famine devastated the countryside. Soon strange doors appeared in the ground-those who entered were never seen again. Even worse, hideous monsters emerged from below the earth to terrorize the innocent inhabitants of Fairyland as these evil forces invaded the land. The people looked to a wise old oracle for advice on how to stop the madness. The oracle predicted that a young man would come forward to search out the evil powers and destroy them. Now, you, Fairyland's only hope, must step forward and save the day. Super Hydlide, a role play title, is Seismic's first game for the Genesis. To find the source of the evil that has be- fallen Fairyland, you'll have to search far and wide for information and clues to the mystery, battle monsters, build up your experience and strength, and even travel to far off lands. Pick A Character, Any Character To begin the game you select your character and pick one of four careers- Warrior, Thief, Priest, or Monk. Each of the characters has different strengths and weaknesses. PROTIP: For example, the Uniel is very strong but not trusted by the towns people. When you go into the stores as the Thiet, you'll find the prices are higher. Once you step into the shoes of your chosen character you're ready to set off on your adventure. But first you'll have to absorb a few of the realities of life in Fairyland. For instance, just as in real life, Fairyland's days are 24 hours long. This means you'll have to remember to eat at least two meals a day and get a good night's sleep. Use your many abilities to battle the fierce population of monsters that roam the land. Remember, however, that no all of the monsters are bad - some ate good. If you destroy the good monsters, you'll lose Morality Points! You'll also have to keep an eye out for the many dangerous traps set to catch the unwary traveler. Ranging from Electric Shock to Bomb to Hunger, these traps can really put a damper on your quest. Fortunately, you can use the battery backup to save your game and character and continue wheenver you like. In fact, you can save up to four different games at once, so try different strategies with different characters for an entirely different adventure. Altogether Super Hydlide is a lively cart that draws you into an epic adventure. You'll spend long hours unraveling the mystery of Fairyland's plight, but you must! Fairyland needs you - you've got to change those evil ways! EGM's review crew weren't too impressed by Super Hydlide, noting its slow pace but still finding some fun in the title as a "serious" RPG on the Sega Genesis.
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
In Super Hydlide's case, though, having high "moral fiber" (by not killing 'good' rated monsters) would actually reward the player in small ways while being a steamroller of death would bring bad fortune to you in the form of random traps appearing to mess your day up. Brutal.
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
A morality system, which the series dabbled with in 1985's Hydlide II, had also made a return adding another layer of intriguing complexity. CRPGs had dabbled with morality systems, too, such as Origin's Moebius (also in '85) in which being shady could result in villagers being reluctant to aid you.
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
In Super Hydlide, you move slower if over your limit. Depending on your perspective, T&E's implementation was either part of the challenge or the catalyst for periodic, and tedious, sessions where new equipment meant grinding just to wear it. Fortunately, you could throw out stuff on the fly!
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
The concept of weighted equipment had seen occasional use in CRPGs such as 1979's Temple of Apshai. In that game, carry too much weight and your character's stamina would suffer, possibly causing them tire out (becoming a tempting beastie snack) until they rest up.
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
The quest incorporated a number of ideas that CRPGs had been using for years helping it to stand out on consoles for its level of detail. It included a day & night cycle and schedules, banks, needing to stay fed or grow weak from hunger, and encumbrance from carrying too much loot.
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Renowned not so much for its visuals but for a challenging quest thrifty on clues and heavy on the exploration, Super Hydlide was a challenging adventure. Players could pick from one of four starting classes and then were off to try and survive long enough to level up and carry more than a twig.
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
This adventure was the third game in the Hydlide series. Called "Hydlide 3: The Space Memories" in Japan when it debuted on PC platforms there, it was also one of the early RPG releases for the Sega Mega Drive console with revamped visuals while holding fast to the original's core gameplay.
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Super Hydlide (1987) is an action RPG by T&E Soft that initially debuted on Japanese PCs like the MSX later coming to the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Chosen to investigate a new evil plaguing the land following a fiery omen, you head out on a quest to discover the truth! (a monsters and robots thread)
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Kenshiro is ready to mete out vein busting justice in this 1989 ad from Japan for Hokuto No Ken 3: Shinseiki Souzou Seiken Retsuden for the Famicom

Kenshiro's first two outings on the Famicom were action-powered adventures, but Shouei System decided to make the third entry a turn-based RPG!
This ad celebrates the series "rebirth" as an RPG with the third entry published by Toei, retailing for ¥6,200. The game adapts the start of the series on through the Asura arc from the manga. In 2024, an unofficial English translation patch was released by BlackPaladin and their team.
November 22, 2025 at 5:52 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Been spending quite a bit of time with Where Winds Meet lately!

* feels like a "AAA" open world RPG but free
* enjoying beat 'em up wuxia with my umbrella
* tons of activities from bounty hunts to mahjong
* can pet cats
* optional co-op activities
* interface is a menu demon slowly devouring sanity
November 21, 2025 at 11:20 PM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
If you see this, post your getaway vehicle.
November 21, 2025 at 6:28 AM
dungeonbuster.bsky.social
Battling for robot ascendancy in the 80s, Tomy's Zoids flex for the Famicom in 1987 as Zoids: Chuo Tairiku no Tatakai, an action RPG by Micronics

Based on the creature-shaped mecha series that began as model kits, the game mixes first-person battles and RPG elements in a war against an empire!
Like a number of Japanese ads at the time, this ad uses physical models to help show itself off. In this case, Zoids inspired by dinosaurs! This 1987 ad features a release date for the game (September 9th) at a retail price of ¥5,300 along with a few testimonials from Zoids fans praising the huge map, the ability to change between different Zoids, and the fun battles. The ad shows off a batch of screens showing off its first-person battle screen and the top-down exploration as players battle with the Republic against the forces of a powerful empire. A music cassette and telephone cards focused on Zoids are also featured at the bottom of the page for super fans to get excited over.
November 20, 2025 at 5:19 PM