Have you ever heard of the name “Brain Gray”? This company shone briefly in the Japanese gaming industry in the 1980s and was known for its unique name, which was inspired by the famous detective Poirot's “little grey cells.” Brain Gray was founded by Takeo Iijima, who previously worked at Koei, and it captivated gamers with its distinctive and unique works.

One essential part of Brain Gray's history is their debut game “Nukenin Densetsu”. Upon its release, the game became a smash hit, putting the company's name on the map. “Nukenin Densetsu” stood out in the gaming industry at the time, with its innovative ideas and compelling storyline that captured the hearts of many players.

Their next hit was “Last Armageddon”, known for its dark and eerie world. Upon release, the game left a massive impact on gamers. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans have gone extinct, “Last Armageddon” follows monsters fighting for survival on Earth. Its unique setting left an unforgettable experience for many players.

However, Brain Gray's golden era didn’t last long. They were developing a new RPG spin-off of “Last Armageddon”, titled “Yokai Hen Kiko”, but the sudden departure of Takeo Iijima drastically changed the situation. The game was anticipated as a unique RPG featuring Japanese yokai as player characters. However, due to copyright issues and differences in management direction among the creators, development was halted. A major issue arose when they used yokai characters created by Shigeru Mizuki without permission, leading to significant legal trouble.

After Takeo Iijima’s departure, Brain Gray gradually lost its luster. Without another major hit, the company eventually faded into obscurity. As of 2007, ownership of the copyrights remains unclear, making redistribution of the games difficult. Nonetheless, the works they created during their short time remain cherished by many fans to this day.

The charm of Brain Gray lies in its ability to create unique and innovative games despite its short-lived history. Their games were not only fun but also offered players new perspectives and ways of thinking. Games like “Last Armageddon” were more than just entertainment—they carried deeper messages, making them legendary titles still talked about today.

Brain Gray left a significant mark on the gaming industry during its brief history. If you’ve never experienced their games before, you should definitely dive into their world at least once. You’re bound to discover something new, something that will get your “little grey cells” working!