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Jaleco

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Jaleco Ltd. (株式会社ジャレコ, Kabushiki Kaisha Jareko) was a corporate brand name that was used by two previously connected video game developers and publishers based in Japan. The original Jaleco company was founded in 1974 as Japan Leisure Company, founded by Yoshiaki Kanazawa, before being renamed to simply Jaleco in the early 1980s. This company was later acquired in 2000 by PCCW, who rebranded it as their Japanese game division, PCCW Japan, before reverting it to Jaleco in 2002. In 2006, Jaleco became independent from PCCW and renamed to Jaleco Holding, having their video game operations spun off into a new company, also called Jaleco. This new spin-off company was sold to mobile developer Game Yarou in 2009, with Jaleco Holding renaming itself to Encom Holdings shortly after.

Jaleco
Company typeSubsidiary
ISIN141-0031
IndustryVideo game
FoundedOctober 3, 1974; 50 years ago (1974-10-03)
FounderYoshiaki Kanazawa
DefunctMay 21, 2014 (2014-05-21)
FateDissolved
SuccessorCity Connection Co., Ltd
HeadquartersShinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
ProductsVideo games
Arcade cabinets
Aquarium equipment
Parent
  • PCCW (2000−2005)
  • Game Yarou (2009−2014)
DivisionsJaleco USA
JAQNO
Websitejalecogames.co.jp

Jaleco is known for its arcade and home console video games produced in the 1980s and early 1990s, including City Connection, Bases Loaded, Ninja JaJaMaru-kun, Exerion, Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai and Rushing Beat. Jaleco also produced arcade cabinets for other game developers, alongside redemption arcade games and UFO catcher claw machines. In the past, the company produced amusement park equipment and aquarium parts, under their JAQNO brand name. Their North American division, Jaleco USA, published a number of titles for the NES and SNES, including Maniac Mansion, Pinball Quest and R-Type III.

In 2014, Jaleco's parent company Game Yarou filed for bankruptcy, causing Jaleco to vanish from the video game industry. The company's video game assets would be purchased by City Connection, an indie Japanese studio that continues to use their games for other side projects and licensing deals (the company itself being named after one of Jaleco's games). The original Jaleco company, Encom Holdings, quit the video game business in 2009, citing stiff competition in the industry, instead dealing in real estate. Encom dissolved in 2013, and was delisted from the JASDAQ that same year.

History

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Jaleco was founded by Japanese businessman Yoshiaki Kanazawa on October 3, 1974. They were originally known as the Japan Leisure Co., Ltd. (株式会社ジャパンレジャー, Kabushiki-gaisha Japan Rejā), producing equipment for both amusement parks and arcade centers across Japan. The company was originally based out of Setagaya-ku, Tokyo.

Japan Leisure began production of arcade video games by 1982, and changed their corporate name to Jaleco, taking the first two letters of each word of "Japan Leisure Co.", in March 1983. Jaleco began production of home console video games for the Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan. Towards the mid-1980s, Jaleco would begin production of equipment for aquarium tanks, which were released under their JAQNO brand name. A North American office, Jaleco USA, operated in Northbrook, Illinois.[1] This division sometimes published other third-party video games for both the NES and SNES consoles, notably Maniac Mansion and R-Type III, alongside distribution of Jaleco video games in the United States.[2][3]

By 2000, Jaleco was struggling financially, being unable to produce a hit video game in several years. To keep the company afloat, Jaleco was acquired by Hong Kong-based company PCCW on November 1, 2000, where they became the Japanese division of the company, renamed to PCCW Japan.[4] Heavy company restructuring was performing, with Jaleco's arcade division shuttering in April 2001[5] while retaining their home console video game division. In April 2001, PCCW Japan purchased the VR-1 Group, the holder of North American MMO developer VR-1 Entertainment, in order to have their operations expand globally. In October 2002, PCCW Japan merged Jaleco USA and VR-1 Entertainment into a new company, Jaleco Entertainment, relocating to Buffalo, New York. PCCW Japan was renamed back to Jaleco in 2004. They would continue to operate for several years as a subsidiary of PCCW, producing video games for home consoles and Japanese mobile phones, alongside soundtrack albums and applications for web browsers.

In August 2005, PCCW sold off Jaleco to Sandringham Fund SPC, alongside the subsidiary company Hyperlink Investments Group. On May 31, 2006, Jaleco's board of directors (JASDAQ: 7954) announced that the company would be renamed to Jaleco Holding and become an holding company effective on July 3.[6] On that same date, the video game operations would spun-off into a new company known as Jaleco, which would become a subsidiary of Jaleco Holding.[6] The corporate restructure was done to reflect the company's diversified portfolio which no longer limited to video games and included activities such as real estate and financial services.[7] In October 2007, Hyperlink Investments Group sold its stock in Jaleco Holding to Game Yarou, a Japanese mobile phone developer, and two South Korean corporations, STIC Pioneer Fund and A2i. Jaleco Holdings dissolved two subsidiary companies, FFBC Investment and J Consulting, in early 2008. Jaleco's North American division, Jaleco Entertainment, closed their doors later that year.

On January 15, 2009, Jaleco Holding sold off Jaleco to Game Yarou for a total of ¥1 (US$0.01); however, Game Yarou soon assumed ¥700,000,000 ($7.736 million) of Jaleco Holding's ¥16,000,000,000 ($17.68 million) loan.[8] A spokesperson for Jaleco Holding cited "increasing competition in recent years in the video game market" as the reason for the company's retirement in the industry, which was proving to be difficult for the company to stay afloat.[9] Under ownership from Game Yarou, Jaleco produced video games for Japanese mobile phones and web browsers, alongside licensing many of their older video games to third-party developers for use in other projects. On March 2, 2009, Jaleco announced that it would release a video game for the Wii, Ougon no Kizuna, on May 28 of that year.[10]

By 2012, Game Yarou was in a financial crisis due to high debt and poor sales of their mobile titles – they were officially declared bankrupt by the Tokyo District Court on May 21, 2014. Jaleco would soon vanish from the video game industry, with their video games being acquired later that year by Japanese company City Connection, formerly known as Clarice Disk. The company continues to use Jaleco video games for a number of projects, alongside licensing them out to other developers for use in other products. Jaleco Holding renamed itself to Encom Holdings in April 2009, focusing on real estate and finance business in Japan and no longer being involved with video games. Encom Holdings dissolved on May 13, 2013, and was delisted from the JASDAQ that same day, due to poor reputation and loss of income.

Legacy

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  • BASES LOADED POCKET PLAYER (My Arcade)[11]

Games

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Arcade

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  • Blue Print (1982, Japanese distribution only, developed by Ashby Computers and Graphics)
  • Check Man (1982, released by Zilec-Zenitone in the UK)
  • Naughty Boy (1982, released by Cinematronics in North America)
  • Pop Flamer (1982, released by Stern-Seeburg in North America)
  • Chameleon (1983, developed by Donga-Seiko)
  • Exerion (1983, released in North America by Taito)
  • Grasspin (1983, developed by Ashby Computers and Graphics)
  • Dingo (1983, developed by Ashby Computers and Graphics)
  • Saturn (1983, developed by Ashby Computers and Graphics)
  • Top Roller (1983, topped Japanese arcade chart in October 1983)[12]
  • D-Day (1984)
  • Formation Z (1984, released by Williams in North America as Aeroboto)
  • Gate-In! Wai Wai Jockey (1984, Japan-exclusive, developed by Casio)
  • Parallel Turn (1984)
  • Pinbo (1984)
  • City Connection (1985, developed by Hect, released by Kitkorp in North America as Cruisin')
  • Field Combat (1985)
  • Vs. Ninja JaJaMaru-Kun (1985, Japan-exclusive)
  • Argus (1986, developed by NMK)
  • Momoko 120% (1986, Japan-exclusive)
  • Valtric (1986, developed by NMK)
  • Butasan (1987, Japan-exclusive, developed by NMK)
  • Exerizer (1987, released by Nichibutsu in North America as Sky Fox)
  • Psychic 5 (1987)
  • Ginga NinkyouDen (1987)
  • Arm Champs (1988, Japan-exclusive)
  • Dynamic Shoot Kyousou (1988, Japan-exclusive)
  • Ninja Kazan (1988)
  • Kick Off: Jaleco Cup (1988, Japan-exclusive)
  • Legend of Makai (1988, developed by NMK)
  • Moero!! Pro Yakyuu Homerun Kyousou (1988, Japan-exclusive)
  • NEW Moero!! Pro Yakyuu Homerun Kyousou (1988, Japan-exclusive)
  • P-47: The Phantom Fighter (1988)
  • Shingen: Samurai-Fighter (1988, Japan-exclusive)
  • Big Run: The Supreme 4WD Challenge: 11e Rallye (1989)
  • Hachoo! (1989, Japan-exclusive)
  • Jitsuryoku!! Pro Yakyuu (1989, Japan-exclusive)
  • Mahjong Daireikai (1989, developed by NMK, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Plus Alpha (1989)
  • Saint Dragon (1989, developed by NMK)
  • Alien Command (1990, ticket redemption game)
  • Cisco Heat (1990)
  • Ganbare JaJaMaru Saisho wa Goo (1990, Japan-exclusive)
  • Mahjong Channel Zoom In (1990, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Mahjong Kakumei (1990, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Rod Land (1990)
  • Big III: 3Reel Roulette (1990, Japan-exclusive)
  • 64th Street: A Detective Story (1991, developed by C.P. Brain)
  • Avenging Spirit (1991, developed by C.P. Brain)
  • Earth Defense Force (1991)
  • Grand Prix Star (1991)
  • Joyful Cards: Jaleco 5Reel Poker (1991, Japan-exclusive)
  • Circus Circus (1991, Japan-exclusive)
  • Arabian Nights (1991, Japan-exclusive)
  • Wonder Hunting (1991, Japan-exclusive)
  • Mini Hunting (1991, Japan-exclusive)
  • Gun Baron (1991)[13]
  • Arm Champs II (1992)
  • Big Striker (1992, developed by C.P. Brain)
  • Mahjong Kakumei 2: Princess League (1992, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Soldam (1992)
  • Wild Pilot (1992)
  • B.O.T.S.S.: Battle of the Solar System (1992, North American distribution only, developed by MicroProse)
  • Jokers Wild (1992, Japan-exclusive)
  • Draw Poker (1992, Japan-exclusive)
  • Four Jokers (1992, Japan-exclusive)
  • Raise Bet Poker (1992, Japan-exclusive)
  • Axis Bells (1992, Japan-exclusive, originally released by Wing as Lucky Bells)
  • Slot Match: 3Reel Slot (1992, Japan-exclusive)
  • Wonder Hunting II (1992, Japan-exclusive)
  • Captain Flag (1993, Japan-exclusive)
  • VS Super Captain Flag (1993, Japan-exclusive)
  • Cybattler (1993)
  • F-1 Grand Prix Star II (1993)
  • Hayaoshi Quiz Ouza Ketteisen: The King of Quiz (1993, Japan-exclusive)
  • Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai Special (1993, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Peek-a-Boo! (1993, erotic game)
  • Super Strong Warriors (1993, Japan-exclusive)
  • Rolling Panic (1993, Japan-exclusive, originally released by Excellent System as Dream 9 Final)
  • Basket Bull (1993, North America-exclusive ticket redemption game)
  • Best Bout Boxing (1994)
  • F-1 Super Battle (1994)
  • Hayaoshi Quiz Grand Champion Taikai (1994, Japan-exclusive)
  • Hayaoshi Quiz Nettou Namahousou (1994, Japan-exclusive)
  • Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II (1994, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • World PK Soccer (1994)
  • Scud Hammer (1994, Japan-exclusive)
  • Battle K-Road (1994, North American distribution only, originally released by Psikyo)
  • Gunbird (1994, North American distribution only, originally released by Psikyo)
  • Alley Cats (1994, North America-exclusive ticket redemption game)
  • Spider Stompin' (1994, North American distribution only, originally released by Island Design)
  • Spider Splattin' (1994, North American distribution only, originally released by Island Design)
  • Desert War (1995, developed by NMK)
  • The Game Paradise: Master of Shooting! (1995)
  • Mahjong Angel Kiss (1995, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • P-47 Aces (1995, developed by NMK)
  • Tetris Plus (1995)
  • Super Circuit Red Zone (1995)
  • Gratia: Second Earth (1996)
  • Ryuusei Janshi Kirara Star (1996, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Super GT 24h (1996)
  • World PK Soccer V2 (1996)
  • Skating Shot (1996, Japan-exclusive prize redemption game)
  • Over Rev (1997)
  • Tetris Plus 2 (1997)
  • Vs. Janshi Brandnew Stars (1997, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Puzzle Uo Poko (1997, developed by Cave)
  • Match Three (1997, North America-exclusive ticket redemption game, developed by HanaHo Games)
  • Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai III (1999, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • VJ: Visual & Music Slap (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • VJ: Visual & Music Slap DASH (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Rave Master (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Stepping Stage (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Stepping Stage Special (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Stepping Stage 2 SUPREME (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Stepping 3 SUPERIOR (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Rock'n Tread (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Rock'n Tread 2 (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Rock'n MegaSession (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Rock'n 3 (1999, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Dream Audition (2000, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)

PC

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MSX

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  • Top Roller (1984, released in Europe by Eaglesoft)
  • Exerion II: Zorni (1984, released in Europe by Eaglesoft as Zorni)
  • D-Day (1984, released in Europe by Eaglesoft)
  • Formation Z (1985, released in Europe by Eaglesoft)
  • Snake Runner (1986, released by Eaglesoft)
  • Alien 8 (1986, Japanese distribution only, licensed from Ultimate Play the Game)
  • Gunfright (1986, Japanese distribution only, licensed from Ultimate Play the Game)
  • City Connection (1986, released in Europe by Eaglesoft)
  • Ninja-kun: Majou no Bouken (1986, released in Europe by Eaglesoft as Ninja)
  • Ninja JaJaMaru-kun (1986, released in Europe by Eaglesoft as Ninja II)
  • Mississippi Satsujin Jiken: Murder on the Mississippi (1987, Japan-exclusive)
  • Break In (1987, Japanese distribution only, licensed from Eaglesoft)
  • Moero!! Nettou Yakyuu '88 (1988, Japan-exclusive)

NES/Famicom

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Super NES/Super Famicom

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GameCube

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Wii

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  • Zenkoku Dekotora Matsuri (2008, Japan-exclusive, developed by Suzak)
  • Ougon no Kizuna (2009, Japan-exclusive, developed by TownFactory)

Game Boy

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Game Boy Color

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  • Get Mushi Club: Minna no Konchuu Daizukan (1999, Japan-exclusive)
  • Pocket Bowling (1999, North American distribution only, developed by Athena)

Game Boy Advance

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  • Kawaii Pet Shop Monogatari 3 (2002, Japan-exclusive, released as PCCW Japan)
  • Sea Trader: Rise of Taipan (2002, North America-exclusive)
  • Scan Hunter: Sen Nen Kaiuo wo Oe! (2002, Japan-exclusive, released as PCCW Japan, developed by DA1)
  • Darius R (2002, Japan-exclusive, released as PCCW Japan, developed by RideonJapan)
  • Toukon Heat (2002, Japan-exclusive, released as PCCW Japan)
  • Jazz Jackrabbit (2002, developed by Game Titan)
  • Karnaaj Rally (2002, developed by Paragon 5)
  • Super Bubble Pop (2003, North America-exclusive, developed by Runecraft)
  • JaJa-Kun Jr. Denshouki (2004, Japan-exclusive)
  • Moero!! Jaleco Collection (2004, Japan-exclusive)

Nintendo DS

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  • Brain Buster Puzzle Pak (2006, Japanese distribution only, developed by Suzak)
  • Chuukana Janshi Tenhoo Painyan Remix (2006, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Puchi Puchi Virus (2007, released in North America by NIS America)
  • Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai III Remix (2007, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Nep League DS (2007, Japan-exclusive)
  • Denjirou Sensei no Fushigi na Jikkenshitsu (2008, Japan-exclusive)
  • Chou!! Nep League DS (2008, Japan-exclusive)
  • Imasugu Tsukaeru Mamechishiki: Quiz Zatsugaku-Ou DS (2010, Japan-exclusive quiz game)
  • WiZmans World (2010, Japan-exclusive RPG)

PlayStation

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PlayStation 2

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  • Stepping Selection (2000, Japan-exclusive)
  • Rock'n MegaStage (2000, Japan-exclusive)
  • Dream Audition (2000, Japan-exclusive)
  • Dream Audition 2 (2000, Japan-exclusive)
  • Super Micchan (2001, Japan-exclusive)
  • Dream Audition 3 (2001, Japan-exclusive)
  • Dream Audition Super Hit Disc 1 (2001, Japan-exclusive)
  • Dream Audition Super Hit Disc 2 (2001, Japan-exclusive)
  • Raging Blades (2002, released as PCCW Japan)
  • Hooligan: Kimi no Naka no Yuuki (2002, Japan-exclusive, released as PCCW Japan)
  • Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance (2002, Japanese distribution only, released as PCCW Japan, developed by Snowblind Studios)
  • Toukon Inoki Michi: Puzzle de Daa! (2002, Japan-exclusive, released as PCCW Japan, developed by Matrix Software)
  • Idol Janshi R: Janguru Project (2002, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game, released as PCCW Japan)
  • Lowrider (2002)
  • Sweet Legacy (2002, Japan-exclusive, released as PCCW Japan, developed by Frontwing)
  • Goblin Commander: Unleash the Horde (2003)
  • Otona no Gal Jan: Kimi ni Hane Man (2003, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game, released as PCCW Japan)
  • World Championship Pool 2004 (2004, North America-exclusive, developed by Blade Interactive)
  • Shin Bakusou Dekotora Densetsu Tenka Touitsu Choujou Kessen (2005, developed by Spike)
  • Room Zoom: Race for Impact (2005, Europe-exclusive, developed by Blade Interactive)
  • World Super Police (2005, developed by Suzak)
  • Otona no Gal Jan 2 (2005, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)
  • Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai IV (2007, Japan-exclusive strip mahjong game)

Xbox

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Sega Saturn

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Sega Dreamcast

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WonderSwan

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3DO

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Mobile

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  • Antonio Inoki vs Jaleco (アントニオ猪木VSジャレコ) (2004, Japan-exclusive, developed by Inoki International)
  • Jaleco Reversi Revengers (ジャレコリバーシ・リベンジャーズ) (2004, Japan-exclusive, developed by Inoki International)
  • Real Time Adventure -EOW- (リアルタイムアドベンチャー-EOW-) (2005, Japan-exclusive, developed by Inoki International)
  • Jaleco Super Tennis Heroine Cup (ジャレコスーパーテニス ヒロインカップ) (2007, Japan-exclusive)
  • Tenkuu no Kinki (天空の禁忌) (2007, Japan-exclusive)
  • Mahou ga Ochiru Hi (魔王が墜ちる日) (2007, Japan-exclusive)
  • Mahou ga Ochiru Hi 2 (魔王が墜ちる日II) (2007, Japan-exclusive)
  • Jumping Peng (ペンギンピコの大冒険) (2009, Japan-exclusive, developed by Mobileday)
  • Magic Block Limited Edition (マジックブロック) (2009, Japan-exclusive, developed by Mobileday)

Prototypes/cancelled games

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  • Exerion (NES, 1985, cancelled North American release)
  • Block Buster (Arcade, 1987, also known as Bombs Away)
  • Vs. Great Tennis (Arcade, 1988)
  • Bashi Bazook: Morphoid Master (1988, cancelled North American release of Bio Senshi Dan: Increaser tono Tatakai)
  • Counter Force (Arcade, 1989)
  • R&T (Arcade, 1990, European prototype of Rod Land)
  • Super Dog Booby: Akachan Daibouken no Maki (Famicom, 1990, developed by Taito)
  • Taro's Quest (NES, 1990, cancelled North American release of JaJaMaru Ninpou Chou)
  • In Your Face (Arcade, 1991, developed by Jaleco USA)
  • Squashed (NES, 1991, cancelled North American release of Ninja JaJaMaru: Ginga Daisakusen)
  • War on Wheels (NES, 1991, developed by Sculptured Software)
  • Chimera Beast (Arcade, 1993, developed by C.P. Brain)
  • Kick for the Goal (Arcade, 1994, prototype version of World PK Soccer)
  • Crossroads (1999, PC, developed by VR-1)
  • Navy Force (2000, PS2)
  • Rock'n 4 (2000, Japan-exclusive rhythm game)
  • Carrier 2: The Next Mutation (2001, PS2)
  • Lost Continents (2003, PC, developed by VR-1)
  • World Championship Pool 2004 (2005, GameCube, North American release cancelled)
  • Ninja JaJaMaru-kun: Pen wa Ken Yorimo Kyoushidegozaru (2006, DS)

References

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  1. ^ http://www.nintendoplayer.com/features/protos/neslicenseeaddressbook.txt [bare URL]
  2. ^ "NES Games" (PDF). Nintendo of America. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 11, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  3. ^ "Super NES Games" (PDF). Nintendo of America. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 11, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  4. ^ "PCCW to take 81% stake in Jaleco". The Japan Times. News2u Holdings. August 11, 2000. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  5. ^ "PCCWJ Leaves Coin-Op Biz" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 655. Amusement Press, Inc. 2002-04-01. p. 18.
  6. ^ a b https://web.archive.org/web/20060904001613/http://www.jaleco.co.jp/ir/indeximege/20060531-2.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  7. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20060715205558/http://www.jaleco.co.jp/corporate/about.html [bare URL]
  8. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (March 25, 2009). "Yes, Yes, The Jaleco Name Lives On". Kotaku. G/O Media. Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  9. ^ David Jenkins. "Jaleco Leaves Games Biz Due To 'Increasing Competition'". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on January 24, 2009.
  10. ^ Anderson, John (March 23, 2009). "Exclusive: Jaleco Not Closing, Preps Kizuna For Wii Release". Gamasutra. UBM Technology Group. Archived from the original on September 9, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  11. ^ "JALECO License Catalog". JALECO License Catalog. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
  12. ^ "Best Hit Games 25" (PDF). Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 222. Amusement Press, Inc. 15 October 1983. p. 35.
  13. ^ "Coin Ops". Sinclair User. No. 117 (November 1991). 15 October 1991. pp. 62–63.
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