Banpresto Retro Games Collection
14 total gamesBanpresto was a beloved Japanese company famed for its high-quality arcade prizes and for publishing video games that celebrated anime culture, most notably the legendary Super Robot Wars crossover series.
About Banpresto
Banpresto Co., Ltd. was a Japanese video game developer and publisher, as well as a manufacturer of toys and arcade prizes, founded in April 1977. Originally known as Hoei Sangyo, Co. Ltd., it was renamed Banpresto in 1989 after being acquired by Bandai. For decades, Banpresto carved out a unique niche in the entertainment industry, becoming synonymous with two key areas: creating highly sought-after prize items for UFO catchers and other arcade machines, and developing and publishing video games, particularly those based on popular licensed anime and manga properties.
In the realm of video games, Banpresto is most famous for creating and publishing the monumental Super Robot Wars (SRW) series. This franchise became a cornerstone of the tactical RPG genre in Japan, pioneering the concept of a massive crossover event that brought together mecha and pilots from dozens of otherwise unrelated classic and contemporary anime series. The first true entry, Super Robot Wars 2 (1991), established the beloved formula of turn-based strategic combat combined with an overarching original plot that united these disparate worlds. This series allowed fans to live out their ultimate 'what-if' scenarios, making Banpresto a celebrated name among anime and mecha enthusiasts.
Beyond the massive success of Super Robot Wars, Banpresto also developed and published a wide variety of other games, many of which were also licensed tie-ins. Their portfolio included titles based on major franchises like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Ultraman. They were particularly prolific on Nintendo's handheld consoles like the Game Boy and later, home consoles like the Super Famicom and PlayStation. While many of these titles were released exclusively in Japan, they helped solidify Banpresto's reputation as a go-to publisher for games that faithfully and lovingly adapted the spirit of their source material.
The story of Banpresto as an independent video game entity came to an end over time as it was more deeply integrated into its parent company. In 2008, Banpresto's video game division was merged into what is now Bandai Namco Entertainment. The Banpresto name, however, continued to be used as a brand for prize-focused merchandise. Finally, in 2019, the company was fully merged into Bandai Spirits. Despite no longer existing as it once did, the Banpresto legacy endures through its iconic Super Robot Wars franchise and the countless classic anime-based games that brought joy to a generation of players.
All Banpresto Retro Games
14 games available
Super Robot Wars 2
Assemble a dream team of iconic mecha from across anime history in Super Robot Wars 2, the legendary Famicom title that defined the tactical RPG crossover genre by introducing pilots and a deep, overarching storyline.
Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors
Experience the iconic battles of Dragon Ball Z in a unique card-based combat system, allowing players to strategically unleash powerful attacks and transformations on the Game Boy Color.
Super Robot Wars A
In Super Robot Wars A, you'll command a massive roster of iconic mechs from various anime series, strategically deploying them in turn-based combat to overcome overwhelming enemy forces and protect humanity, utilizing unique combination attacks and pilot abilities to achieve victory.
Super Robot Wars D
As a commander in Super Robot Wars D, you'll strategically deploy a diverse cast of iconic mechs to turn-based tactical battles, aiming to protect Earth from alien invaders and uncover the mysteries behind their motives.
Super Robot Wars J
In Super Robot Wars J, you'll command a diverse roster of mechs to engage in tactical, turn-based combat, strategically positioning your units and unleashing powerful attacks to overcome challenging enemy forces and save the universe.
Super Robot Wars R
In Super Robot Wars R, you'll command a legendary lineup of mechs, strategically deploying them on a grid-based battlefield to defeat enemy forces and protect humanity, all while experiencing a captivating story that brings together iconic mecha anime.
Super Robot Wars: Original Generation
In Super Robot Wars: Original Generation, you'll command a diverse roster of iconic mechs from various Banpresto original series, strategically engaging in turn-based tactical combat to defend Earth from alien invaders and rogue robotic factions, utilizing a unique combination of spirit commands and pilot abilities to overcome challenging missions.
Super Robot Wars: Original Generation 2
In Super Robot Wars: Original Generation 2, you'll command a diverse cast of iconic mechs, strategically deploying them in turn-based combat to thwart alien invasions and nefarious plots, unlocking new units and story paths as you progress through challenging missions.
The 3rd Super Robot Wars
In The 3rd Super Robot Wars, you'll command a diverse roster of iconic mechs from various anime series, strategically deploying them on a grid-based battlefield to defeat enemy forces and protect Earth from cosmic threats.
The 4rd Super Robot Wars
In The 4rd Super Robot Wars, you'll command an iconic roster of mechs, strategically deploying them in turn-based combat to defeat enemy forces and protect humanity, mastering unit placement and attack patterns to achieve victory across a vast campaign.
Super Robot Wars EX
In Super Robot Wars EX, you'll command a formidable roster of iconic mechs to strategically battle enemy forces, aiming to protect Earth and its inhabitants from impending doom through turn-based combat and unit customization.
Super Robot Taisen Compact 3
In Super Robot Taisen Compact 3, you'll lead a diverse cast of iconic mechs from various anime to strategic victory on grid-based battlefields, utilizing a deep tactical system to overcome challenging enemy forces and protect your allies.
Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2
Dive into the thrilling world of Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2 on the Nintendo DS, where you'll unleash powerful combos and energy blasts to defeat iconic villains and become the ultimate fighter.
Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon
In Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon, you team up with the Sailor Senshi to battle monsters and save the world, using a combination of basic attacks and powerful special moves unique to each scout.