Soft de Hard na Monogatari

Released in 1988 for the Sharp X68000, *Soft de Hard na Monogatari* is the second entry in System Sacom’s distinctive "Novel Ware" series, which pioneered a shift from traditional verb-based adventure mechanics toward a more narrative-driven, visual novel-style experience. The game offers a humorous, satirical look at the 1980s Japanese software industry, casting the player as a university student filling in as the acting president of the struggling "Moca System" studio. Through its light simulation elements, players must manage staff dynamics, navigate production challenges, and engage with industry figures to successfully ship their game. This title is highly regarded for its meta-commentary, high-quality graphical presentation that showcased the X68000’s technical capabilities, and its rare, authentic portrayal of the frantic development cycles of the era.

In this industry comedy, college student Hiroshi Saijo is thrust into the role of acting president at "Mocha System," a mid-sized software company, after an unexpected turn of events. Tasked with steering the firm away from the brink of bankruptcy, he must lead a team of eccentric staff members to successfully develop and release new software. Throughout the game, players manage the company's operations and navigate the complexities of individual personalities and professional rivalries. As the second entry in System Sacom’s "Novel Ware" series, the narrative offers a satirical look at the realities and mishaps of the Japanese computer game industry in the late 1980s.