【Video System】Specializing in Sports and Mahjong Games! What Kind of Game Developer Was the Now-Inactive Video System?

2024-09-13
How many people have heard of the name Video System? In fact, this game developer was responsible for creating many unique games between the 1980s and 1990s. Its history is like a colorful mosaic, filled with various genres and styles.
Video System was a game developer that branched off from “VISCO,” and its start began in 1985 with the release of an arcade strip mahjong game. At the time, “bishoujo mahjong” games were quite popular in arcades, and it was with such “adult fun” games that Video System made its first step.
The 1987 release of the shooting game “Rabio Lepus” became one of Video System's representative works. With its unique design and meticulously balanced gameplay, this game captivated players, offering a simple yet never-boring gaming experience. There was always a passion in their development to create something truly fun.
Additionally, Video System developed “Super Volleyball,” a volleyball game where players time their actions using button controls. This was a unique entry among sports games, and its simple controls and intuitive gameplay made it a favorite among many gamers. By eliminating complexity and aiming to create a game that anyone could enjoy, it gained widespread popularity.
What truly put Video System on the map was the “Sonic Wings (Aero Fighters)” series. The unique character designs created by the husband-and-wife duo, Fumihiko Nantoka and Hiroko Yokoyama, left a lasting impression on players. The series received high praise as a general shooting game and remains a topic of discussion among passionate fans. Its charming characters, storylines, and gameplay have stood the test of time.
Video System also released games like “Final Romance,” which contained slightly more mature elements. They demonstrated their individuality across a wide range of genres. The philosophy of never fitting into just one mold was central to Video System’s game development. Their diversity and spirit of challenge continue to be appealing, both then and now.
Afterward, the development team behind “Sonic Wings” went independent and established “Psikyo,” leading Video System's game development to gradually fade away. Today, the company is no longer active as a game developer, but their brief period of brilliance continues to be remembered by many game fans.
Video System's appeal lies in its diverse game titles and unique ideas. Every game was filled with unconventional concepts, and they dedicated themselves fully to surprising and entertaining players. That spirit remains timeless, even as the years go by. When discussing the history of video games, Video System is an unforgettable name.
Video System released many titles, especially for the Game Boy! Check out their lineup here!
Formula One
Sonic Wings (Aero Fighters)
Volleyball
Mahjong
Kiteretsu Daihyakka
Video System

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