Banpresto Games Collection
Founded in 1977 as a toy manufacturer, Banpresto evolved into one of Japan's most prolific game developers specializing in crossover titles and licensed adaptations. Now operating as part of Bandai Namco Entertainment, Banpresto is best known for its Super Robot Wars tactical RPG series and numerous anime-based games. The company has built a reputation for delivering fan-service-heavy experiences that faithfully recreate beloved franchises in interactive form.
Origins and Early Arcade Era
Originally established as Coreland, the company rebranded to Banpresto in 1982 and initially focused on arcade machines and prize figures. Their early gaming efforts included:- Arcade classics like Sky Kid (1985) and Dragon Spirit (1987)
- Licensed titles based on Ultraman and Kamen Rider
- Partnership with Namco for distribution networks
Super Robot Wars Revolution
The 1991 release of Super Robot Wars for Game Boy launched Banpresto's signature series:- Innovative crossover gameplay combining mecha from 20+ anime
- Tactical grid-based combat with flashy attack animations
- Branching storylines respecting each series' canon
- Over 90 installments across 30+ years
The series became a cultural phenomenon, credited with reviving interest in classic mecha anime.
Licensed Game Expertise
Banpresto became the go-to developer for anime/manga adaptations:- Dragon Ball Z fighting games (The Legacy of Goku series)
- One Piece RPGs and fighters
- Naruto and Bleach arena battlers
- Disney and Ghibli collaborations
Their games stood out for meticulous attention to source material details.
Modern Era and Legacy
After merging with Bandai Namco in 2008, Banpresto:- Continued Super Robot Wars with HD visuals and voice acting
- Expanded into mobile (Cross Omega, DD)
- Developed Summon Night and Another Century's Episode spinoffs
While no longer an independent label, Banpresto's influence persists through its unique approach to crossover storytelling and licensed game development.
The second Super Robot Wars installment for Bandai's WonderSwan handheld, featuring tactical battles with mecha from multiple anime series. Players command squads of iconic robots in grid-based strategic combat.
The final WonderSwan installment in the SRW series, featuring 22 mecha anime series including Gundam Wing, Mazinger Z, and Evangelion. Strategic turn-based battles with upgradeable units across 50+ stages.
Super Robot Wars F is a tactical RPG featuring crossover battles between iconic mecha anime series. As the 5th mainline entry in the franchise, it combines strategic grid-based combat with dramatic storylines from Gundam, Evangelion, Mazinger, and more.
Super Robot Wars F Final is the climactic conclusion to the F saga, directly continuing the story from the previous installment with enhanced gameplay mechanics. This finale brings together over 70 mecha units from 18 anime series, including new additions from The King of Braves GaoGaiGar and Macross Plus.
Super Robot Wars α is a landmark entry in the long-running crossover tactical RPG series, celebrating the franchise's 10th anniversary with an ambitious storyline and unprecedented roster of mecha anime series. Featuring characters and robots from over 20 different franchises, the game delivers epic strategic battles with deep customization systems and branching narrative paths.
Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden is a pivotal side story in the acclaimed Alpha series, set between the events of Super Robot Wars Alpha and Alpha 2. It bridges the narrative gap with an original plot involving time travel and parallel worlds, featuring iconic mecha from series like Gundam, Mazinger, and Evangelion in strategic turn-based battles.
Fist of the North Star: Century End Holy Emperor Legend is a unique action-fighting game that combines traditional combat with dramatic storytelling. Based on the legendary manga, players control Kenshiro and other Hokuto Shinken masters in their battle against the Holy Emperor across post-apocalyptic wastelands.
This 1995 Game Gear action game adapts the first Power Rangers film, featuring side-scrolling beat 'em up gameplay with all six Rangers. Play as Jason, Zack, Billy, Trini, Kimberly, or Tommy across 8 levels, culminating in battles against Ivan Ooze and his putty army.
Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors is a unique turn-based strategy and card battle game for Game Boy Color that retells the story from the Saiyan Saga to the end of the Cell Games. Players assemble a team of iconic Z-Warriors and engage in tactical battles using a deck of 'Battle Cards' representing ki attacks, physical moves, transformations, and special techniques, faithfully recreating the anime's most iconic moments through strategic card play.