Retro Games from Japan

A comprehensive guide to the “developers’ secret messages (Easter eggs)” quietly hidden within the game! From expressions of gratitude to players to complaints about bug fixes, traces of scrapped ideas, and touching tributes—here are 8 behind-the-scenes stories and hidden details. What is this “other story” that will make you love the game even more?

The “Revival Spell” in Dragon Quest, rapidly tapping the Poké Ball in Pokémon, reviving Aerith… Here’s a thorough breakdown of 10 famous game hoaxes and cheats that spread in the 1980s and ’90s! We’ll explain why these myths took hold, reveal the truth behind them, and share authentic word-of-mouth accounts and memories from that era.

[Dark Secrets] A Comprehensive Look at 10 Legendary “Controversial Games” That Were Pulled from Sale or Recalled Overseas! From difficulty levels and bugs to lawsuits and corporate takeovers, we delve into the little-known stories behind these games—which were on the verge of completion yet were ultimately shelved—and explore the hidden side of the industry.

A comprehensive guide to hidden features and secret codes in video games discovered decades after their release! This book covers everything from why these secrets went unnoticed for so long to specific examples of classic games where they were actually found, as well as the impact they had on gaming culture. We delve into the developers’ sense of playfulness and the historical mysteries hidden within retro games.

A Comprehensive Guide to 10 “Post-Game Hidden Elements” Hidden in Classic Games! From Mario’s New Game Plus to Hanada Cave in *Pokémon Red and Green*, the Kanto region in *Pokémon Gold and Silver*, and Ayatori-sama in *Yo-kai Watch*, we’ll introduce the true depth of gameplay and the allure of secret bosses that begin only after the credits roll.

A comprehensive look at “7 Declining Game Genres” that once sparked massive crazes but are rarely seen today. We’ll clearly explain why genres like shooters, fighting games, and RTS games have faded away, covering the reasons behind their decline, the current market situation, and the latest trends showing how they’ve survived by evolving.

What exactly are retro games? We provide a comprehensive breakdown of their definition, characteristics by generation, and the reasons behind their current global resurgence! Plus, we’ll clearly explain four ways to actually enjoy classic retro games in today’s environment, including the Switch subscription service and reissued mini consoles.

Right now, retro video games from Japan are experiencing an unprecedented boom both domestically and internationally. Why are classics like the Famicom, Mega Drive, and PlayStation being rediscovered? We’ll take a detailed look at everything from the reasons behind their global popularity and the factors driving up prices in the market to the appeal that resonates with Gen Z—and even how to play them safely today.