【DATAWEST】Reborn in 2020 after a Long Hiatus! Here's the Software Lineup from DATAWEST, Established in 1984!

Datawest Co., Ltd. is a software company headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Founded on May 29, 1984, and established on May 26, 1986, the company is known as a pioneer in game development, having released numerous classic titles from the 1980s to the 1990s.

Datawest provides mobile communication systems targeting buses and produces and sells electronic map data based on car navigation systems. The company has subsidiaries in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Since 2012, Datawest has also entered the domestic PND market, supplying OEM navigation software and developing internet shopping under its own brand.

Until the late 1990s, Datawest developed and sold game software for personal computers and consumer game consoles. They had a notable presence on platforms like FM TOWNS, PC Engine SUPER CD-ROM2, and Mega-CD.

In the 1980s, Datawest launched the pioneering bishoujo game series “The 4th Unit,” which gained attention for its innovation. Additionally, the cyberpunk adventure game “Imitation City,” released in 1987, is known for being developed during the time when Jiro Ishii, creator of “428: Shibuya Scramble,” worked there as a student part-timer.

In the 1990s, Datawest developed a system called DAPS (Datawest Active Picture System), pioneering the use of in-game animations. The “Psychic Detective” series, which utilized this system, is particularly famous and enjoys a cult following. It features the psychoanalyst detective Kazuya Fuwayaki diving into the minds of others in a mystery adventure.

Datawest is also known for the “Ms. Detective” series, such as “Ms. Detective File #1 Iwami Ginzan Murder Case,” which incorporated live-action elements, and the highly challenging shooting game series “Rayxanber.”

At the end of January 2020, Datawest resumed its long-dormant game business. This restart was eagerly awaited news for many fans. Datawest will continue to embrace its spirit of innovation and take on new challenges in the future.

The history and game works of Datawest still remain in the hearts of many fans. Their spirit of innovation and challenge will continue to bring new winds to the game industry.