Eiyu Yamato Takeru

Released in 1985 for the PC-8801, *Eiyu Yamato Takeru* is a pioneering action-RPG that adapts the tragic legend of the Japanese folk hero Prince Ousu into an immersive digital epic. Developed as a collaborative effort between the magazine *Login* and Crystal Soft, the game is notable for its innovative use of a pseudo-3D field map and a unique real-time action combat system. Players navigate a perilous world inspired by Japanese mythology, utilizing a "memory save" feature—a rarity at the time—to overcome demanding encounters while uncovering a narrative structured through text-based adventure segments. With its sophisticated atmosphere and artistic contributions from renowned illustrator Jun Suemi, the title remains a significant milestone in early Japanese computer game design.

Born as one of twin princes to the Great King of Yamato, Prince Ousu is branded a cursed child and sentenced to death. Rescued from his fate by his aunt, Yamato-hime, he embarks on a perilous journey wielding the legendary sword, Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi. To break a lethal curse that dictates he will perish at the age of seventeen unless he consumes the flesh of a mermaid, Ousu must navigate a land plagued by malevolent spirits and political intrigue. Confronted by his own tragic destiny, he sets out to face the shadows looming over the Yamato kingdom and forge his legacy as a hero.