UEP Systems was a game company formerly based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. For some, the name evokes memories of snowboarding games; for others, it brings back days spent captivated by their games’ high degree of freedom.

In 1996, UEP Systems developed “Cool Boarders”, which was released for the PlayStation. Its free and dynamic gameplay delivered a unique presence in the gaming scene. They followed up with sequels like “2 Killing Session” and “ARCADE JAM”, incorporating features that allowed gameplay across various devices. These games teased out the joy of play with refined detail and increasingly exciting experiences.

On the other hand, “Rising Zan: The Samurai Gunman” presented a world that fused cowboy punk with manga aesthetics. It brought to life the outrageous concept of Wild West gunmen wielding Japanese swords. Not only was it fun, but it entertained players with a distinct world filled with clever humor.

“Thrasher SK8” focused on skateboarding and captured the thrill of maneuvering freely on a board. These titles alone reveal just how much UEP Systems valued creative freedom and intuitive control in their games.

UEP Systems didn’t stop at games—they also began producing products for prize machines. However, in 2000, the company filed for civil rehabilitation, and by 2001, they were bankrupt. Despite their wealth of ideas, they had to close the curtain on their history.

They were like a brief shooting star, but the legacy UEP Systems left behind has never truly faded, still shining in the memories of gamers today. A desire for freedom, and a passion to stay cool UEP Systems embodied that wish, like a true spirit of gaming.