Riverhillsoft
Logo from 1991-2004 | |
Industry | Interactive entertainment |
---|---|
Founded | August 1982 |
Defunct | June 2004 |
Headquarters | Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan |
Products |
J.B. Harold Murder Club Prince of Persia Doctor Hauzer OverBlood |
Website |
web |
Riverhillsoft (リバーヒルソフト Ribāhiru Sofuto) was a Japanese video game manufacturer in operation from 1982 to 2000. They had notable releases for platforms such as the MSX, LaserActive, 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, PlayStation, Dreamcast, Game Gear, and PC-FX.
History
The company was initially known for the successful J.B. Harold Murder Club series of murder mystery adventure games, developed from 1986 onwards. They were initially released as computer games and later ported to the PC Engine CD console, Nintendo DS handheld, and iOS mobile.
Riverhillsoft also published Prince of Persia, which initially failed in North America, in Japan. Their ports to the Japanese NEC PC-9801 and PC Engine CD platforms featured improved graphics (introducing the Prince's classic "turban and vest" appearance) and a new Red Book audio soundtrack. They also ported it to other computers and video game consoles, helping the game become a worldwide success.[1]
Riverhillsoft were later known for several early survival horror games. These include the 1994 game Doctor Hauzer, which helped lay the foundations for the genre, and, from 1996, the OverBlood series of survival horror adventure games set in a science fiction universe. Their final release was the strategy video game World Neverland Plus: Orurudo Oukoku Monogatari for the Dreamcast in 1999.[2][3]
Following layoffs in 2000, the company turned its focus on mobile gaming, which proved unsuccessful. In June 2004, it filed for bankruptcy and the majority of its employees left to form a new company, called Althi, Inc., absorbing Riverhillsoft.
See also
References
- ↑ Kurt Kalata; Derboo (12 August 2011). "Prince of Persia". Hardcore Gaming 101. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
- ↑ "List of Games by Riverhillsoft". GameSpot. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
- ↑ "Home page". Riverhillsoft. March 31, 2003. Archived from the original on 2003-04-14. Retrieved 8 August 2012.