Command-input adventure game "Ropoko," created on the MZ-700, is now available today for PC and Switch. Rearranged for modern systems and playable with a gamepad.
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/952/G095202/20251009036/
Editorial Department: Yagishima | 2025/10/09 07:30 (UTC)
Waku Waku Games today (October 9, 2025) launched the release of the adventure game “Ropoko for Steam” and “Ropoko for Nintendo Switch.” The price is 1,500 yen (tax included). On Steam, a special launch sale offering a 10% discount will run until October 23 in celebration of the release.
Steam “Ropoko for Steam”
My Nintendo Store “Ropoko for Nintendo Switch”
“Ropoko for Steam/Nintendo Switch” is a remake of the adventure game “Ropoko,” originally created on Sharp’s 1980s personal computer, the MZ-700. Beyond simple porting, this version includes numerous modern features designed to enhance playability: word selection, software keyboard input, auto-mapping, hint system, tutorial mode, PSG-style background music, and an illustration viewer.
The remake was developed in collaboration with the original game’s creator, Tookato, as well as the group CyberFan.
Image Gallery No.003 thumbnail / Command-input adventure game “Ropoko” originally created on MZ-700, now released for PC/Switch. Modernized for contemporary systems and playable with a gamepad Image Gallery No.004 thumbnail / Command-input adventure game “Ropoko” originally created on MZ-700, now released for PC/Switch. Modernized for contemporary systems and playable with a gamepad
“Ropoko” is a command-input adventure game where players take on the role of robot Ropoko, teaming up with Professor Hakase to escape from a maze-like laboratory. Players interact with characters and retro PCs (MZ series), learning vocabulary that they then use by typing commands via keyboard or selecting them using a gamepad to advance the story.
Along the way, players encounter puzzle-based mini-games and dungeons requiring careful mapping—offering an authentic experience of early 1980s PC gaming.
Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail / Command-input adventure game “Ropoko” originally created on MZ-700, now released for PC/Switch. Modernized for contemporary systems and playable with a gamepad Image Gallery No.005 thumbnail / Command-input adventure game “Ropoko” originally created on MZ-700, now released for PC/Switch. Modernized for contemporary systems and playable with a gamepad
While the story remains unchanged from the original version, numerous puzzles in the game revolve around retro computing themes. To support modern gamers, a new reference guide titled “MZ Encyclopedia,” a dictionary of computer terminology, has been added. This allows players to learn about 8-bit computers, pocket computers (pocket calculators), CPU architecture, cassette tape recording methods—all while enjoying the gameplay.
Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / Command-input adventure game “Ropoko” originally created on MZ-700, now released for PC/Switch. Modernized for contemporary systems and playable with a gamepad Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / Command-input adventure game “Ropoko” originally created on MZ-700, now released for PC/Switch. Modernized for contemporary systems and playable with a gamepad
Official “Ropoko for Steam” Website
Experience the latest adventure game made on an MZ-700, now playable on modern hardware
“Ropoko for Steam / for Nintendo Switch”
Released October 9
・The Nintendo Switch version is available for pre-order starting today (September 25)
・A retro-style adventure game born from Showa-era hardware, crafted in the Reiwa era
・Controller support; the Switch version also supports keyboard input
Waku Waku Games Co., Ltd. (based in Shinagawa, Tokyo; Representative: Ryuji Oyuri) is pleased to announce that today, October 9, marks the official release of “Ropoko for Steam” and “Ropoko for Nintendo Switch,” available on their respective digital storefronts. Additionally, a launch sale offering a 10% discount will run on Steam from today through October 23.
Steam Store page:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/3089960/
Nintendo eShop product page URL:
https://store-jp.nintendo.com/item/software/D70010000100231
This game is an enhanced remake of the original adventure title “Ropoko,” originally developed for Sharp’s MZ-700 in the 1980s. The updated versions for Steam (PC) and Nintendo Switch feature improved accessibility with added functions such as word selection, hint system, auto-mapping, controller support, and keyboard input on the Switch version.
The original “Ropoko” was a command-based adventure game designed for MZ-80K/700/1500 computers. After Tookato, the original developer, released a downloadable version in MZT format (specific to the MZ-700) on BOOTH in 2023, limited cassette tape versions were also sold through select retailers.
The game was fully assembled and originally ran using two cassette tapes. Players interacted with characters and retro PCs (MZ series), directly typing learned vocabulary via keyboard to progress the story. The journey includes puzzle-based mini-games and dungeons requiring map tracking—faithfully preserving the gameplay style of early 1980s PC games.
The remastered versions, “Ropoko for Steam” and “Ropoko for Switch,” were developed with participation from both Tookato (original creator) and CyberFan, who contributed to programming during porting.
This release includes many new features designed to make the game more accessible: word selection, software keyboard, auto-mapping, hint system, tutorial mode, PSG-style background music, and an illustration viewer.
While the story remains identical to the original “Ropoko,” numerous puzzles in-game revolve around retro computing themes. To support modern players, a new reference guide titled “MZ Encyclopedia”—a computer terminology dictionary—has been added. This enables players to learn about 8-bit computers, pocket calculators (pocket computers), CPU architecture, and cassette tape recording methods—all while enjoying the game.
【Game Overview】
“Ropoko for Steam” and “Ropoko for Nintendo Switch” are command-input adventure games. Players take on the role of robot Ropoko, teaming up with Professor Hakase to escape from a labyrinthine research facility. Through conversations with people, learn new words and use them to solve puzzles!
【Specifications】
Title: Ropoko for Steam, Ropoko for Nintendo Switch
Genre: Adventure
Platforms: Steam (PC) & Nintendo Switch series
Release Date: October 9, 2025
Game Price: 1,500 yen (tax included)
【Steam Store Page】
http://store.steampowered.com/app/3089960/
【Nintendo eShop Product Page】
https://store-jp.nintendo.com/item/software/D70010000100231
【Video】(Switch version video)
【Website】
https://www.wakuwakugames.com/ropoko
Copyright:
Produced by Tookato.
Ported by CyberFan.
Published by Waku Waku Games.
In the process of releasing this game, we have obtained prior confirmation and approval from Sharp Corporation regarding the use of their company name and product names such as MZ-700 in the game.
Game screenshots shown are from development stages.