Kyukyoku Den

Released by Technosoft in 1987 for the PC-8801, *Kyukyokuden* is a notable action-RPG that distinguishes itself through a rare simultaneous two-player mode. Players control the apprentice monks Chinnen and Sonnen on an epic journey to restore the nine sacred "Kyukyoku" gems and reseal the encroaching forces of the underworld. Set against a vibrant Japanese fantasy backdrop, the game features expansive, multi-layered maps and a challenging combat system that utilizes the PC-88's hardware capabilities for fast-paced scrolling and immersive action. Its unique blend of cooperative gameplay and intense exploration remains a significant entry in the history of 1980s Japanese personal computer gaming.

The story follows two young monks-in-training, Chinnen and Sonnen, who live and study at a local temple. When the protective seal of the "Nine Gems"—the barrier between the human world and the spirit realm—is shattered by the malevolent ruler of the underworld, the world is plunged into chaos. To restore balance and prevent the encroaching darkness, the two brothers embark on an epic quest to confront the powerful yokai and demons threatening the land. Together, they must journey across vast landscapes, collecting the scattered gems to reseal the gateway and save the human world.