Compile (software company)

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Compile was a Japanese video game company founded in 1983. Founded by Masamitsu Niitani (otherwise simply known as 'Moo'), they were responsible for developing some of the most colourful and popular action and puzzle games ever made, including their signature franchise, Puyo Puyo. Some were designed for companies like Sega and Nintendo, though their initial games started on the MSX.

Compile created the Madoh Monogatari franchise, which blossomed into their most famous puzzle game, Puyo Puyo, as well as vertical shooters (such as the Zanac and Aleste series) and countless other less successful games. Although they specialised in shoot 'em up and puzzle games, Compile created games in many genres across many platforms. In 1998, Compile and Sega worked together on the development of Puyo Puyo-n, with the first release being seen on the Dreamcast before porting to the Nintendo 64 and PSX.

Compile filed for bankruptcy and disbanded in 2002, though its spirit lives on in Aiky, founded afterwards by several ex-employees. Another company that spun off from Compile was Milestone Inc., and the company focuses on arcade shoot 'em ups. Yet another company, Compile Heart, hopes to revive the Compile brand name with the assistance of former Compile employees like Puyo Puyo creator "Moo" Niitani. The rights to Puyo Puyo however, were acquired by and remain the property of Sega. New games in the franchise are produced by Sega's subsidiary Sonic Team.

Contents

[edit] Games

[edit] Puyo Puyo

Puyo Puyo, first released for the MSX computer in 1991, is a falling block puzzle game similar to Tetris. The object of the game is to line up a row of "Puyos" of the same color as they fall from the top of the screen. This simple, yet addictive, concept was expanded on in a series of sequels over the course of two decades.

Puyo Puyo reached North America in the form of Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine for the Sega Genesis and Kirby's Avalanche for the Super Nintendo.

After Compile disbanded, the Puyo franchise was passed to Sega's Sonic Team, who created Puyo Pop Fever.

[edit] Shoot 'em Ups

Although Puyo Puyo was Compile's most successful franchise, they also built an impressive body of work in the shoot 'em up genre. After 1993, Compile focused on other genres, and many of the company's designers went on to Raizing to produce games such as Soukyugurentai and Mahou Daisakusen. Some of their most famous games include:

[edit] Zanac

First released on the MSX computer in 1986, Zanac combined fast action with an innovative AI system, which changes based on your style of play. Zanac received a true sequel, Zanac EX and an NES port. In 2001, Compile released an updated version for the PlayStation titled Zanac X Zanac.

[edit] Gun Nac

[edit] Aleste

In many ways, Aleste, released in 1988, was a follow-up to Zanac. It was first released on the MSX and was ported to the Sega Master System. A sequel, Aleste 2, was released for the MSX2. Super Aleste came out in 1992 for the Super Famicom and was retitled Space Megaforce in North America. Aleste is now available on cellular phones, courtesy of Aiky.

[edit] Blazing Lazers

Blazing Lazers for the Turbografx-16 console was released in 1989 and soon became a showpiece for NEC's console. Its fast action and large arsenal of weapons made it a hit and it is still remembered as one of the defining shooters of the era.

[edit] M.U.S.H.A. Aleste

Considered by many to be Compile's finest shooter, M.U.S.H.A Aleste is a very fast shooter, which pushed the Sega Mega Drive to its limits in 1990. The game takes place in a unique Japanese futuristic setting. M.U.S.H.A Aleste is remembered as one of the best shooters on Sega's 16-bit console.

[edit] Other Games

Although they focused on shoot 'em ups and Puyo Puyo games, Compile was quite prolific in other areas as well. Started in 1989, the Madoh Monogatari games are simple Role Playing games featuring characters that would appear in Puyo Puyo games, such as Arle. Golvellius, which was released on the MSX as well as the Master System, is an action/RPG. The Rune Master is a board game style RPG. They also developed a series of influential pinball games, such as Alien Crush on the NEC TurboGrafx 16 system, and Devil's Crush.

[edit] Games by Compile

[edit] External links

  • Compile Heart official home page - The official web site of Compile Heart, a game design firm founded by former Compile employees
  • Kelesis Home Page: COMPILE SHOOTING GAME HISTORY - It's all translated from French so the writing's a little awkward, but there's a complete history of everything Compile, and tons of pictures. All around awesome.
  • SHMUPS! - Has features on Aleste 1 and 2, MUSHA, and others. Best all around shooter site on the Internet too.
  • Complete Aleste Shrine - Mostly devoted to MUSHA.
  • Arcane Lore - Homepage of shooter fan Zach Keene, has an extremely indepth FAQ for Zanac X Zanac.
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