Last Updated on: 8th January 2024, 12:42 pm
Web site:
Category: Games
Sub-Category: RPG
Platform: Sega-1000, Game Boy Color, MSX, NES, NEC PC-6001/8801/9801
License: Proprietary
Interface: GUI
Wikipedia: The Black Onyx
First release: 1984
Black Onyx – a RPG video game developed by Bullet-Proof Software in Japan in 1984.
The first role-playing game to receive success on the archipelago with 150,000 copies sold, it helped to familiarize the Japanese public with the genre and is generally considered to be the first Japanese RPG (or J-RPG) in history.
The game, designed by Henk Rogers, was first available on the NEC PC-8801 and then ported to many platforms, such as the MSX in 1985, the SG-1000 console in 19871 or Famicom in 1988. This latest version, titled Super Black Onyx features completely changed gameplay, with new cards2,3,4.
Memory limitations dictated that some of the game be released as sequels, particularly The Fire Crystal, which adds a magic system. Two other suites are planned but not marketed, The Moonstone and Arena.