If you're a fan of video games, you may have heard the name before. TOAPLAN was a legendary game company that dominated the shoot 'em up genre from the 1980s to the 1990s. The story of TOAPLAN, from its founding to its bankruptcy and the subsequent successes of its staff, is filled with drama that feels like a movie. Today, let's take a closer look at what makes TOAPLAN so captivating!

The birth of TOAPLAN was, in a way, a “beginning from an end.” It originated from a software team at a company called Orca, which later became Crux. However, Crux also went bankrupt due to financial difficulties. Some staff transitioned to an arcade game distributor called Toa Kikaku, where they established a game software division that marked the start of TOAPLAN. This tumultuous beginning is symbolic of the spirit of challenge that defined TOAPLAN.

At first, TOAPLAN began developing games from a small apartment room. Despite the less-than-ideal environment, they created games as subcontractors, mainly for Taito. Their breakthrough came with “Kyukyoku Tiger” (Tiger-Heli), which catapulted their name into the spotlight. Following this success, they started releasing games under their own brand, accelerating their growth from there.

TOAPLAN is synonymous with legendary vertical-scrolling shoot 'em ups. Their “Flying Tigers Series,” including games like “Tiger-Heli” and “Flying Shark,” laid the foundation for the genre. Moreover, high-difficulty titles like “Truxton” established the culture of “difficulty as charm” in shoot 'em ups. Their games were not just for casual play; they were arenas where players could test and hone their skills.

However, the increasing difficulty of their shoot 'em ups alienated casual players. TOAPLAN responded by developing games accessible to beginners, such as the masterpiece “BATSUGUN.” This game is considered the origin of the “bullet hell” style in shoot 'em ups.

In the 1990s, the gaming market shifted from shoot 'em ups to fighting games. Unable to adapt to this trend, TOAPLAN declared bankruptcy in 1994. However, their staff continued to thrive at companies like CAVE and Takumi Corporation, producing masterpieces like “DoDonPachi.”

Although TOAPLAN no longer exists, their influence remains undiminished. Among shoot 'em up fans, their works continue to receive passionate support. The “high difficulty,” “meticulous game design,” and “unique worlds” they pioneered have inspired countless game developers and live on to this day.

The story of TOAPLAN is one of a tumultuous beginning, reaching the pinnacle of glory, succumbing to the tides of time, and the enduring brilliance of its staff. The passion and spirit of challenge embodied in their games continue to inspire not only players but also developers. If you’ve never played their works, you owe it to yourself to try. Within their games lies the origin and future of shoot 'em ups.