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The NEC PC-8801, usually called the PC-88, was one of the most important Japanese computers of the early 80s. It was the birthplace of the action RPG as we know it, and the first home of several series that later became giants. Almost none of this library left Japan, so emulation is the way to experience it. It runs through cores like QUASI88, which is light on any handheld. Many games use the keyboard, so a device with good mapping or a touchscreen helps.
We frame all of this around games you already own and want to preserve.
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Action RPGs
Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished (PC-88) — The original version of the beloved action RPG. Fast bump combat and a gorgeous soundtrack. Where the series began.
Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished (PC-88) — The immediate sequel, and a bigger, richer adventure. A high point of early action RPGs.
Hydlide (PC-88) — An early and hugely influential action RPG. Rough by modern standards, but a genuine landmark.
Xanadu (PC-88) — A sprawling action RPG from Falcom that was a massive hit. Deep, ambitious, and historic.
Romancia (PC-88) — A charming action-adventure from Falcom's Dragon Slayer line. Compact and clever.
Adventure and Story
Snatcher (PC-88) — Hideo Kojima's cyberpunk adventure in its earliest home. A gripping, atmospheric classic.
The Portopia Serial Murder Case (PC-88) — A pioneering detective adventure that influenced a generation of designers. A piece of history.
Mystery House (PC-88) — An early Japanese graphic adventure. A curious and important early title.
Dome (PC-88) — A sci-fi adventure with a strong atmosphere. A cult pick for fans of the era.
Shooters and Action
Thexder (PC-88) — A fast transforming-robot action game that was a huge hit. Slick and fun in short bursts.
Relics (PC-88) — An unusual, moody action game with a haunting tone. A memorable oddity.
Star Cruiser (PC-88) — An early first-person action game with real ambition. Ahead of its time.
Simulation and Deep Cuts
Champion Soccer (PC-88) — An early football game that was popular in its day. Simple, quick fun.
Silpheed (PC-88) — A pioneering 3D-style space shooter from Game Arts. A technical showpiece for the machine.
A Note on PC-88 Emulation and Controls
The PC-88 library is a window into where the JRPG and the action RPG came from. Many of these games are the original versions of series that later exploded in popularity, so they carry real historical weight. Emulation is light and runs anywhere. The main hurdle is the keyboard, so a device with flexible button mapping or a touchscreen makes the RPGs and adventures far more comfortable.
Best Handhelds for PC-88 Games
You want good control mapping, and a touchscreen helps with the keyboard-driven games.
An Android device like the
is the sweet spot, with a touchscreen for key mapping and plenty of power. On a budget, the handles the action games well. For a desktop-style setup with the RPGs, the is a great pick.Related Guides
- Best PC-98 Games for Handhelds — the PC-88's more powerful successor
- Best X68000 Games for Handhelds — Sharp's arcade-perfect rival
- Best JRPGs for Handhelds — where these early RPGs led
- Best MSX Games for Handhelds — another key Japanese platform
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