Exploring the Best PC 98 Games for Retro Enthusiasts

For those of us who love old-school computer games, the NEC PC-98 series holds a special spot. It was a big deal in Japan back in the day, pumping out a ton of unique titles. If you’re looking to explore some classic Japanese PC 98 games, you’re in for a treat. This article will walk you through some of the best games to check out, from deep role-playing games to fast-paced action. Get ready to discover some hidden gems from the past!

Key Takeaways

• The PC-98 platform was a big part of Japanese computer gaming history.
• Many PC 98 games had unique styles, mixing different genres.
• Some games on the PC-98 were known for their mature content.
• The console had a strong following despite its high price.
• Finding original PC-98 hardware and games can be tough now.

1. King’s Quest V

And finally, King’s Quest V takes a spot as one of the best PC 98 games ever made. It’s a stunning retro game from the 90s and a true graphic adventure for players to enjoy. Plus, ‘Absence Makes The Heart Go Yonder’ is a great sub-title. Instead of using a word typing mechanic, King’s Quest V uses a point-and-click mechanic similar to other games. The backgrounds are vibrant and exciting, and there are mysteries hidden away on each level.

After a shady character puts a spell on Castle Daventry, the castle and the entire kingdom shoot up into the sky. The King returns to find his house has disappeared along with his family. Then, a talking owl manages to give him some information. Expect evil warlocks, wise wizards, magical artifacts, and a white snake. With well over 500,000 copies sold and many awards, King’s Quest V was a natural choice. It’s a dignified end to a pretty great list. If you’re interested in the possibility of cross-platform GTA 5 Online, check out Tech News Online for more information.

2. King’s Bounty

King’s Bounty on the PC-98 is a real treat for RPG fans. It’s like stepping into a classic D&D campaign, but on your computer. You play as King Maximus’s champion, tasked with finding a stolen sceptre from the evil Arech Dragonbreath. Seriously, that’s one awesome villain name!

What makes this game stand out is its unpredictability. The sceptre’s location changes every time you start a new game, and the King’s lifespan varies depending on the difficulty. This means you can’t just memorize a walkthrough; you have to use your wits and a bit of luck to succeed. Do you tackle all the map pieces, or do you guess the location early? It’s all up to you.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Turn-based combat with armies.
• Exploration to find map pieces.
• A race against time to save the King.

It’s a fun, challenging RPG that’ll keep you hooked. If you’re looking for a fantasy adventure with a twist, definitely give King’s Bounty a try. It’s a classic for a reason!

3. Policenauts

Konami throws its hat in the ring with Policenauts, a standout adventure game. You play as Jonathan Ingram, an ex-astronaut turned detective. He’s pulled out of cryogenic sleep after 24 years to solve a mystery involving an illegal trafficking ring and the murder of his ex-wife. Talk about a wake-up call!

It’s like a sci-fi spy movie, but on the PC 98. The game tackles some heavy stuff, like the black market for organs. Plus, it’s set in space, which is always a win. The character designs are great, and the gameplay is immersive. It’s a classic NEC experience, though maybe a bit less… explicit than some of the other titles on the system. If you’re looking for a gripping story and a cool detective vibe, this game is worth checking out.

4. Rusty

Imagine Castlevania, but the main character is a leather-clad lady. That’s pretty much Rusty! It brings a dominatrix vibe to a spooky world.

It might seem like a copy of Richter’s adventures, but Rusty has some cool mechanics that make it stand out. It’s a fast-paced game with a lot more going on than you’d expect from a Castlevania clone. The levels have different areas to explore, and there are springboards to help you navigate some crazy gaps. Most characters would be too scared to even look at those gaps!

The game also has cut scenes with the main character in some, uh, interesting situations, sometimes with other busty ladies. It’s not as wild as Night Slave, but it definitely knows its audience. Finding a copy of this game these days is tough. I couldn’t even find one online anywhere. That’s a first! But I’ll keep looking and update this if I find one. It’s a shame, because with its eagle familiar and whip action, Rusty could have helped the PC 98 become even more popular. If you’re into retro gaming deals, keep an eye out for this one!

5. Thexder

Okay, so Thexder is all about giant robots, and honestly, what’s not to love? You might’ve seen this one on the NES, but trust me, it looks way better on the PC 98. It’s a run ‘n’ gun game where you pilot a transforming robot through 2D levels, blasting everything in sight.

It’s got this auto-aim thing going on that’s super forgiving, kind of like Space Harrier 3D. So, if you just want to chill and blow stuff up without thinking too hard, this is your game. Plus, your mech can turn into a plane whenever you want, which is always a good time. Visually, it’s not the most amazing thing ever, but it’s still a fun, explosive title that won’t make your brain hurt. If you are interested in other titles, you might want to check out cross-platform GTA 5 Online.

6. Power DoLLS: Detachment of Limited Line Service

Okay, so Power DoLLS… it’s a bit of a mouthful, right? This one’s a tactical strategy game with mecha, and it’s got a pretty dedicated following. You command a squad of, well, dolls (they’re mechs, but still), and you’re going through missions. It’s got that classic PC-98 look and feel, which is part of the charm. The gameplay is pretty involved, so if you’re into strategy games that make you think, this could be right up your alley. It’s not the easiest game to get into, but once you do, it’s pretty rewarding. You can find a guide to the Microsoft Store to help you unlock its potential.

The depth of the tactical gameplay is what really makes this game stand out. You have to manage your resources, plan your attacks, and really think about the strengths and weaknesses of your units. It’s not just about brute force; it’s about strategy and planning. It’s a bit like a chess game with giant robots, which is pretty cool if you ask me.

Here’s what makes it interesting:

• The story is actually pretty engaging, even if it’s a bit convoluted at times.
• The mecha designs are cool and varied.
• The tactical gameplay is deep and rewarding.

It’s definitely a game for those who like a challenge and are willing to put in the time to learn the mechanics. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual action games, Power DoLLS might be worth checking out.

7. YU-NO – A Girl Who Chants Love At The Bound Of This World

Okay, things are about to get a little weird again. YU-NO – A Girl Who Chants Love At The Bound Of This World is next up, and it’s… well, it’s something. It’s not just about the, uh, "erotic anime overtones," as some might say. There’s actually a pretty interesting story buried under all that.

Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure novel, but with more… adult situations. There are plenty of scenes that might make you blush, but the plot itself is surprisingly engaging. It’s a mix of philosophy, mystery, and a dash of time travel. Speaking of which, the time travel mechanic is pretty neat. You can literally go back and change decisions you’ve made, and each choice affects not only the current reality but also alternate ones. It’s enough to make you forget about the panty shots… almost.

And it’s not just the story that’s good. The soundtrack is fantastic, and the graphics really show off what the PC 98 could do. It’s a well-rounded package, if you’re into this sort of thing. The protagonist travels between parallel worlds, which is a core element of the gameplay.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Engaging storyline with philosophical elements
• Time travel mechanic that affects multiple realities
• Stunning soundtrack and graphics

8. Bomb Jack

Bomb Jack might not be as famous as Bomberman, but this PC 98 game is a cracking side-scrolling adventure that has feels of Donkey Kong Country and Alex Kidd about it. It’s one of the best looking games on the console and a real winner that should feature in every collection.

The gameplay premise is pretty simple. Bomb Jack has to collect all the bombs on each level while trying to avoid a series of bizarre enemies. Enemies such as Egyptian Mummies fall to the bottom of the screen and turn into flying saucers before heading back up to the top once more. It’s a tough world, but Bomb Jack is up to the challenge.

Like the K.O.N.G letters in Donkey Kong Country, Bomb Jack can collect different letters to turn enemies into collectibles or unlock special abilities for a short period of time. Likewise, collecting all bombs located in the five stages unlocks other secrets and special rewards for players to enjoy. If you are looking for a side-scrolling adventure, this is a great option.

9. Night Slave

Night Slave takes a wild turn, combining giant mech battles with, uh, frequent lesbian bondage scenes. Yeah, you read that right. It’s a bizarre mix, to say the least.

It’s hard to say if the, shall we say, adult content is a reward or just a way to grab attention. But hey, it’s definitely memorable. PC 98 games can be pretty out there, and this one certainly pushes the boundaries.

10. Dragon Knight 4

Dragon Knight 4 is a title that long-time fans of the series will likely know well. It blends turn-based strategy battles reminiscent of Fire Emblem with, shall we say, more adult themes.

From anime characters to warrior classes, this game involves boosting skills, battling armies, and, well, scenes of a more intimate nature. The main character seems to have a way with the ladies, and many of them express their gratitude in a rather… direct manner.

While it’s definitely a game with mature content, the storyline and gameplay are surprisingly engaging. You can even control a dragon or wizard alongside Mail, which is pretty cool. The cutscenes are well-designed with stunning visuals, typical of anime-style storytelling. It’s a safe bet for gamers searching for a PG title on NEC’s console. The PC-9801 version was updated to Classmate 3 due to release order.

Wrapping Things Up

So, there you have it. The PC-98 might seem like a weird old machine, especially with some of its more, uh, ‘adult’ content. But honestly, when you look past all that, there are some truly great games in its library. From deep RPGs to action-packed adventures, this system really did have a little something for everyone. It’s a cool piece of gaming history, and if you ever get the chance to check out some of these titles, you totally should. You might just find your next retro obsession.