Tanteidan X

Released in June 1989 by Heart Denshi, Tanteidan X is an adventure game developed for the PC-8801 series. The story follows four students who form a detective agency, and the game is best known for its numerous parodies of other popular computer games of the time. The opening and various in-game sequences contain playful gimmicks that pay homage to contemporary classics, ensuring players remain constantly engaged. It serves as a valuable historical artifact, capturing the free-spirited and experimental creative nature of late-80s PC gaming culture.

Tanteidan X follows four aspiring detectives—Toshiya Ito, Miki Hayakawa, Shinichi Daimon, and Yasuhiro Yamada—as they take on various cases. Through their investigation, they uncover mysteries and curious events hidden just beneath the surface of everyday life. The narrative is infused with playful parodies and clever references to hit PC games from the era. The focus of the game is seeing how these diverse characters work together to solve mysteries and prove themselves as a professional investigative team.