Ad published in the May 1989 issue of EGM (no. 1) |
Historical Background & Graphical Analysis
Adverts like this were common in the 80's. Here you have one entire magazine page dedicated to four different games: Star Soldier, Fist of the North Star, Mystery Quest, and Mappy-Land. What's interesting is that Taxan was just a conglomerate for different Japanese brands to enter the US market.
In Japan, Star Soldier was originally published by Hudson en 1986; Mystery Quest was an 1987 effort by Carry Lab for the Family Computer Disk System that played with 3" floppy disks (on a side note (Square published it in Japan and is one of the first games to feature music by Nobuo Uematsu, of Final Fantasy fame); Fist of the North Star is of course a Toei game; and, finally, Mappy-Land belongs to Namco. The text of the print ad emphasises the importance of this Oriental heritage.
Original Copy:
"Brutal."
"Really Rad."
"Outrageous."
Now Japan's hottest games are getting America's highest reviews.
A whole new crop of Japanese Nintendo favourites are getting thumbs-up across the U.S. Intense graphics. Endless action. Blasting sounds. Cool moves. There here now from Taxan.
Star Soldier. The same game used for the Japanese Nintendo game championships. A tough, riveting, fast-moving classic. Master the complex tactics of interstellar warfare as you're warped through 16 increasingly difficult levels. Before you meet the final Starbrainm you'll have to outwit, and outfight a slew of evil warriors, each with their own attack patterns. Only a master will make it to the final showdown, but the nerve-tingling, super galactic action will give you light years of great playing.
Mystery Quest. You are the wizards apprentice, Hao. To prove yourself worthy of becoming a wizard, you must journey to four mystery castles on a quest for the magic talismans. Through endless underground passages and intricate mazes, you will discover the sources of energy to continue your quest. Weird creatures lurk in every corner. Get past them all, find the keys, get to the magic and become a wizard! Get really good and go for 100 million points!
Fist of the North Star. In this thriller, you are Ken, the Fist. You have returned to Central Imperial Capital to free it from the malevolent Emperor Heaven and his battle-hardened troops. With moves you've never seen on the screen before, you must confront and defeat eight opponents, and their martial arts gangs. Even when you get really good, you'll probably never get past Shula. Only the best ever do.
Mappy-Land. Finally, a game that's tough enough to challenge the Nintendo Expert, while still being fun for children of all ages. Mappy, the policeman, takes you on four increasingly difficult adventures through eight lands, each with secret entrances, exits, and complex sub-areas. In your various adventures, you'll be armed with an unusual arsenal of weapons. Toys, pots, fish, pulleys, punching bags, fireworks, horizontal bars, sticks, even bowling balls. And just when you think you've got it down, Mappy-Land will toss you another surprise.
What are you waiting for? Try out these fun, exciting new games today and find out why the most dedicated Nintendo players think Taxan games are so "Rad". Call or write us for further information: Taxan USA, 161 Nortech Parkway, San Jose, CA 95134.