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BanDai

By: Bubblun

BanDai released a bunch of early games for the NES, and also several arcade titles for Namco. Their complete list of NES titles is:

Athletic World

Chubby Cherub

Dick Tracy

Dig Dug 2

Dr. Jeckyl & Mr. Hyde

Dragon Power

Dragon Spirit

Dyno Warz

Frankenstein

Galaga

Gilligans Island

Golf: Challenge Pebble Beach

Legends of the Diamond

Monster Party

Muscle

Ninja Kid

Rocketeer

Shooting Range

Stadium Events

Street Cop

Toxic Crusader

Xevious

Notables: BanDai's titles include a ton of halfassed ports of FamiCom games (see: Ninja Kid, Chubby Cherub, M.U.S.C.L.E. and Dragon Power).  They also released Stadium Events, a Power Pad game which was later released under a different title and is now one of the rarest, most expensive, and sought after NES carts.  BanDai was also a key factor in the Power Pad being brought to the U.S. in the first place. 

Where BanDai made an excellent decision was  when they decided to put out titles for Namco in the U.S. (that had been released under Namco's division Namcot in Japan).  Dig Dug II, Dragon Spirit, Xevious, and Galaga were all originally Namco games and for the most part are all excellent.

Legends of the Diamond is an interesting baseball game that has a lot of the all-time greats in it. Monster Party is a really bizarre game that still manages to be sorta fun.

Status: Alive and kicking.  BanDai's contracts that bring several popular anime TV shows to the U.S. keeps them rich. They really cashed in on their Power Rangers license. BanDai also has a large chunk of the action figure market. Also, BanDai plans to become a major part of the videogame industry once again with the release of their handheld WonderSwan Color.

Best Titles: The Namco games are easily the best. Dig Dug II is a must-own, and Galaga would be too except its not quite arcade-perfect.

Popularity of Games: Low

Rarity of Games: High, with Stadium Events incredibly high. Chubby Cherub and Street Cop are also difficult to get.

Overall Grade: B-

Website: http://www.bandai.com