The MSX computer line, particularly the MSX2, MSX2+, and TurboR models, boasts an incredible library of games, especially from Japanese developers like Konami and Compile. Choosing the “best” is always subjective, but here’s a list of highly acclaimed and influential titles that represent the pinnacle of MSX gaming, spanning different genres and MSX generations.
The Essential MSX Games
These are generally considered must-plays for anyone exploring the MSX library.
- Metal Gear (MSX2)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: This is the game that started it all. Hideo Kojima’s groundbreaking stealth-action title introduced innovative gameplay mechanics where avoiding conflict was often more advantageous than direct combat. Its tension, memorable characters, and innovative design made it a classic.
- Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (MSX2)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: Often considered the pinnacle of the MSX library, Metal Gear 2 refined everything from the original. It featured a more complex story, improved AI, a more expansive map, and deeper gameplay mechanics (like crawling and knocking on walls). It pushed the MSX2 hardware to its limits and is arguably a superior game to its NES counterpart.
- SD Snatcher (MSX2)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: Another Hideo Kojima masterpiece, this is an RPG spin-off of the cyberpunk adventure game Snatcher. It’s renowned for its incredible use of the Konami SCC sound chip, delivering one of the best soundtracks on the platform, combined with a compelling story, strategic turn-based combat, and stunning visuals.
- Gradius 2 (Nemesis 2) (MSX1)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: A fantastic horizontal scrolling shooter that showcases the MSX2’s capabilities. It features Konami’s iconic power-up system, diverse stages, and challenging boss battles. It’s fast, fluid, and visually impressive, often hailed as one of the best shooters on the system. (Note: The original Gradius/Nemesis for MSX1 is also excellent, but 2 is a significant step up.)
- Aleste (MSX2)
- Developer: Compile
- Why it’s great: A vertical scrolling shooter known for its blistering pace, innovative weapon system, and high difficulty. Compile was a master of the shmup genre, and Aleste is a prime example of their talent, delivering intense action and impressive sprites for the MSX2.
- Vampire Killer (MSX2)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: The MSX equivalent of the original Castlevania. While it shares some assets, Vampire Killer has a distinct, more exploration-focused gameplay style where you need to find keys to unlock doors and progress, giving it early “Metroidvania” elements. It’s atmospheric, challenging, and a crucial piece of gaming history.
- Maze of Galious (Knightmare II) (MSX1)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: A brilliant action-adventure game with puzzle and RPG elements. You explore a vast, interconnected castle, switching between two characters (Popolon and Aphrodite) to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and find items. It’s deep, challenging, and incredibly rewarding to explore. (The first Knightmare for MSX1 is also a classic vertical shooter).
- F1 Spirit (MSX1)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: One of the most sophisticated racing games on the MSX. With a top-down perspective, it offered surprisingly realistic physics, a deep championship mode, and the ability to customize and upgrade your car. It’s incredibly addictive and a testament to Konami’s versatility.
- Space Manbow (MSX2/MSX2+)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: A stunning horizontal shooter that pushed the MSX2+ hardware to its absolute limits. Known for its beautiful parallax scrolling, huge and detailed sprites, and incredible boss designs, Space Manbow is a visual feast and a triumph of MSX game development. It’s often cited as one of the best-looking and playing games on the system.
- Penguin Adventure (MSX1)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: An early work by Hideo Kojima, this charming action-adventure game stars Penta, the penguin. It combines platforming, racing, and adventure elements with a surprisingly epic scope for an MSX1 title. It’s celebrated for its diverse levels, hidden secrets, and a memorable, slightly bizarre ending.
- Zanac (MSX1)
- Developer: Compile
- Why it’s great: An incredibly fast and intense vertical shooter from Compile. It’s famous for its pioneering adaptive difficulty system, which adjusts enemy numbers and aggression based on the player’s performance. This kept the game fresh and challenging, making it a classic for shmup fans.
- Goonies (MSX1)
- Developer: Konami
- Why it’s great: Based on the film of the same name, this game is a simple yet profoundly entertaining cave exploration action game with a strong puzzle element. It offers a different kind of fun than the Nintendo Entertainment System game of the same name.
Honorable Mentions
- Salamander / Life Force (MSX1): Another excellent Konami shooter.
- Parodius (MSX1): Konami’s quirky, humorous take on the Gradius formula.
- Xak Series (MSX2): A popular series of action RPGs with engaging stories.
- Dragon Slayer Series (MSX1/MSX2): Falcom’s influential action RPGs, including Xanadu and Romancia.
- King’s Valley / King’s Valley II (MSX1/MSX2): A fantastic puzzle-platformer.
- The Treasure of Usas (MSX2): An early open-world adventure game with platforming elements.
- Road Fighter (MSX1): A simple but addictive top-down racer.
- Eggerland Mystery / Lolo Series (MSX1/MSX2): Challenging and clever puzzle games.
How to Play These Games Today
- Emulators: The most common way. Popular MSX emulators include openMSX (highly accurate, multi-platform), blueMSX (Windows), and fMSX (various platforms).
- Flash Carts: If you own original MSX hardware, a flash cart (like an SD Mapper or MegaFlashROM SCC+) allows you to load ROMs directly onto your console.
- Re-releases/Compilations: Some MSX games have been re-released on modern consoles or included in retro compilations (e.g., Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 are often bundled with Metal Gear Solid collections).
Enjoy exploring the fantastic world of MSX gaming!