Overview

Released in 1985 by Bullet-Proof Software, Inc., “The Black Onyx” is a pioneering role-playing game (RPG) that made significant contributions to the genre’s development, especially in Japan. Known for its blend of Western RPG elements with a unique flair, it was originally launched for the PC-8801 and became one of the earliest RPGs available in Japan.

Game Mechanics

The game follows a traditional RPG format where players assemble a party of adventurers to explore dungeons and battle monsters. The ultimate goal is to find and retrieve the titular Black Onyx. Players navigate through 3D wireframe corridors, engaging in turn-based combat and solving puzzles along the way. The game features character customization, which lets players choose different classes and attributes, enhancing the strategic depth.

Historical Significance

The game holds a special place in the history of Japanese gaming as it introduced the RPG genre to a market that had not been exposed to such games before. It laid the groundwork for numerous RPGs that would follow, influencing many Japanese developers and paving the way for the flourishing RPG industry in Japan.

Curiosities in Development

Developed by Henk Rogers, an ambitious Dutch entrepreneur, the game initially faced skepticism from publishers unfamiliar with the RPG format. Despite these challenges, Rogers succeeded in releasing the game, which gained a dedicated fanbase and considerable commercial success. This initial success of the game provided Rogers the platform to later introduce another revolutionary game, Tetris, to the global market.

Legacy

While not as internationally recognized as later RPGs, this game remains a significant milestone in video game history. Its influence on the Japanese RPG genre is still acknowledged today, making it a noteworthy entry in the gaming industry of the 1980s.