【Big Club】A Retro Game Developer from the 1990s! What Kind of Company Was Big Club?

When discussing the history of the gaming industry, you might not often hear the name “Big Club.” However, from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, this company left a unique mark. Let’s dive into its hidden charm.

In 1989, Big Club made its debut with a game called Jinmu Denshou. This 3D shooter, based on Wolf Team’s classic YAKSA, was set to bring a fresh breeze to the gaming world via the PC Engine. Big Club not only developed games but also sold original peripherals. They created innovative accessories like the “Battle Tap” and “Battle Pad,” even offering them together as the “Battle Set”.

Enjoying games isn’t just about the games themselves. Big Club focused on this idea and put effort into developing peripherals to enhance the gaming experience. The “Battle Tap” and “Battle Pad” aimed to improve player control, earning strong support from gamers at the time. These accessories weren’t just add-ons; they were tools to help players dive even deeper into the game worlds.

Furthermore, Big Club took on the challenge of developing a PC Engine version of the arcade classic Armed F. Originally slated for a March 1989 release and meant to be Big Club’s debut title, the game was almost completed. However, the company went bankrupt at the last moment, preventing its release under Big Club. The publishing rights were later transferred to Pack-In-Video, and the game was finally released on March 23, 1990.

Big Club’s short history was filled with challenges. They weren’t just a game developer; they constantly pursued new ideas and innovation. From creating original peripherals to taking on arcade game ports, their attitude of pushing the limits leaves behind valuable lessons that resonate with today’s gaming industry.

Big Club could have etched its name into a corner of the gaming industry. Unfortunately, their dreams were cut short by bankruptcy, but their spirit of innovation and challenge lives on in the hearts of many game creators. By retracing their footsteps, we can draw a clearer picture of gaming’s future.

Big Club is a legend for everyone who seeks the joy of gaming.