XANADU (1985): Japan’s Forgotten Pioneer of the Action RPG

Released by Nihon Falcom in 1985 for the PC-8801, Xanadu was a groundbreaking action RPG that predated many genre staples. Combining side-scrolling real-time combat with deep stat-building and sprawling dungeon exploration, it broke away from the turn-based norms of the time.

Unlike traditional RPGs, Xanadu featured skill-based progression (use a sword to raise strength, magic to raise intelligence), a karma system where killing too many enemies could backfire, and a massive 20-floor dungeon spanning multiple floppy disks — a modular design that foreshadowed open-world structures.

Though virtually unknown outside Japan due to hardware and language barriers, Xanadu laid the foundation for Falcom’s later titles like Ys, and anticipated mechanics found in The Elder Scrolls, Dark Souls, and Undertale.

It’s a game far ahead of its time — a hidden gem in the history of RPG design.

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One of the unique aspects of Xanadu is that its in-game narrative is minimal — the worldbuilding and backstory are largely left unexplained within the game itself. However, various interpretations and expansions emerged, including a notable manga adaptation by Tsuzuki Kazuhiko (都築和彦), who was a Falcom employee at the time.

This character is the heroine from that manga version of Xanadu.

rielle_xanadu, 1girl, blue eyes, green hair, long hair, blunt bangs, hair between eyes, long sidelocks, hair tubes, circlet, tiara, forehead jewel, armor, bikini armor, (white shirt:1.2), midriff, navel, cape, white capelet, bracelet, necklace, boots, jewelry