Overview
Five players, one room, endless chaos. Hudson Soft turned Bomberman into a multiplayer phenomenon and partnered with NEC to create the PC Engine—Japan’s alternative to Nintendo and Sega. Their games emphasised accessible fun and social play, from Adventure Island’s platforming to the strategic chaos of Saturn Bomberman’s ten-player battles.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1973.
- Key franchise: Bomberman.
- Hardware: PC Engine (with NEC).
- Fate: Absorbed by Konami (2012).
Key franchises
| Series |
First entry |
| Bomberman |
1983 |
| Adventure Island |
1986 |
| Bonk |
1989 |
| Star Soldier |
1986 |
Bomberman evolution
| Era |
Innovation |
| Early |
Single-player maze game |
| NES |
Two-player battle mode |
| PCE/SNES |
Four-player battles |
| Saturn |
Ten-player chaos |
PC Engine partnership
| Aspect |
Contribution |
| Hardware |
Co-development with NEC |
| Software |
Strong library support |
| CD-ROM |
Early adoption |
| Market |
Strong in Japan |
Adventure Island
| Element |
Origin |
| Character |
Master Higgins |
| Gameplay |
Momentum platformer |
| Connection |
Wonder Boy reskin |
Caravan shooting competition
| Event |
Format |
| Hudson Caravan |
Score attack events |
| Games |
Star Soldier series |
| Duration |
Timed high score |
| Cultural impact |
Gaming competitions |
Company fate
| Year |
Event |
| 2001 |
Konami acquires stake |
| 2005 |
Konami majority |
| 2012 |
Fully absorbed |
| IPs |
Bomberman continues |
See also