Nihon Falcom classic PC-8801 RPG Dinosaur is ported via EGG Console to Nintendo Switch
D4 Enterprise has released an EGG Console port of Nihon Falcom's classic RPG Dinosaur for Nintendo Switch. The Japanese press release specified that this port can be found not only in the Japanese eShop but also worldwide in the American, European, and Australian eShops. The title has thus joined other classic Falcom titles that have also been ported previously, such as Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished.
As implied by the port's full title, EGG Console Dinosaur PC-8801mkIISR, this port is based on the game's first-ever release for PC-8801 in December 1990. Nihon Falcom later released the game for PC-9801 and FM Towns PC in June 1991. They also later released a remake titled Dinosaur ~Resurrection~ for PC with Windows OS from 98 until Vista in December 2002.
Take note, however, that even though the eShop lists English language support in addition to Japanese, this only applies to the manual and side menus. The main game and gallery entries are still only available in the original Japanese language.
You can find the trailer, screenshots, and descriptions for the new port of Dinosaur right below.
A hardcore story-driven, command-based RPG. Become the Ash and embark on an adventure through the world of Dinosaur alongside your traveling companions.
"Dinosaur" is a role-playing game released in 1990 in Japan, featuring a rare 3D perspective for Nihon Falcom. With its dark and serious storyline, unique world-building—including spell names like "I Witness the Death-Dancing Maiden"—the game captivates players with its distinct atmosphere. But its gameplay mechanics are just as noteworthy.
One of the defining features of this game is the use of "Techniques," which consume TP (Technical Points) to activate various special abilities. These abilities, including sword skills, magic, and songs, are learned through experience in their respective fields. The more they are used, the more they improve—making for a highly immersive and realistic progression system. Additionally, the game includes a "Technique Transmission" event, allowing party members to share skills with each other. How players refine these skills and incorporate them into their adventure is entirely up to their strategy.
Rather than relying on unfair tricks, the game offers carefully designed maps tailored to each scene, creating a serious and immersive RPG experience. For those who enjoy deep, well-structured RPGs, this is a highly recommended title.*The main game and gallery screen (*Gallery) are in Japanese version.
*Other menu screens and "How to play" screens are in English.