PC Engine CD (TurboGrafx-CD)
The PC Engine CD was the first successful CD-ROM gaming add-on, transforming NEC's PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 into a multimedia powerhouse. Its 650MB storage enabled lavish production values, with CD-quality audio and anime-style cutscenes that defined the 'CD-ROM²' experience. While expensive, it became a cult favorite for its unique Japanese titles and pioneered many CD gaming conventions. The system's iconic 'System Card' requirement and multi-unit design (including the elegant Super CD-ROM²) made it both fascinating and frustrating for collectors.
📊 Market Data
⚙️ Technical Specs
🎮 Usage Characteristics
🔤 Local Terms
✨ Unique Practices
- •Swapping System Cards for different game requirements
- •Listening to hidden audio tracks on game CDs
- •Importing expensive Japanese visual novels
- •Admiring the CD player's animated visualizer
🏆 Popular Games
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The pinnacle of PC Engine CD gaming, this action-platformer follows Richter Belmont's quest to rescue his beloved Annette and Maria Renard from Dracula. Features branching paths, CD-quality audio, and anime cutscenes.
1993
RPGThe first Dragon Ball Z RPG for PC Engine CD, covering the Saiyan and Frieza Sagas through animated cutscenes and turn-based battles. Players experience key moments from the anime while developing Goku's abilities through a unique card-based combat system.
1991
Shoot 'em upThis 1991 PC Engine enhanced port of Capcom's arcade classic improves upon 1943 with refined controls, new power-up systems, and additional stages. Players pilot the P-38 Lightning across the Pacific theater with new charge attacks and bomb mechanics.
1993
Shoot 'em upLords of Thunder is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up with heavy metal soundtrack and RPG elements, developed by Red Company and published by Hudson Soft for PC Engine CD in 1993. Players control Landis, the armored knight, who can switch between four elemental armors (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind) with unique weapons and abilities.
1989
Action RPGThis landmark CD-ROM remake combines the first two Ys games with enhanced graphics, CD-quality audio, and full voice acting. Follow Adol Christin's adventures through the lost kingdom of Ys with its unique 'bump combat' system.