Defunct June 2004 Ceased operations June 2004 | Founded August 1982 | |
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Industry Interactive entertainment Headquarters Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan Products J.B. Harold Murder Club
Prince of Persia
Doctor Hauzer
OverBlood Website web.archive.org/web/20030402064308/http://www.riverhillsoft.co.jp/ | ||
Riverhillsoft (リバーヒルソフト, Ribāhiru Sofuto) was a Japanese video game manufacturer in operation from 1982 to 2000. They had notable releases for platforms such as the MSX, Pioneer LaserActive, 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, PlayStation, Dreamcast, Sega Game Gear, and PC-FX.
History
The company was initially known for the successful J.B. Harold Murder Club series of murder mystery adventure games, developed from 1986 onwards. They were initially released as computer games and later ported to the PC Engine CD console, Nintendo DS handheld, and iOS mobile.
Riverhillsoft also published Prince of Persia, which initially failed in North America, in Japan. Their ports to the Japanese NEC PC-9801 and PC Engine CD platforms featured improved graphics (introducing the Prince's classic "turban and vest" appearance) and a new Red Book audio soundtrack. They also ported it to other computers and video game consoles, helping the game become a worldwide success.
Riverhillsoft were later known for several early survival horror games. These include the 1994 game Doctor Hauzer, which helped lay the foundations for the genre, and, from 1996, the OverBlood series of survival horror adventure games set in a science fiction universe. Their final release was the strategy video game World Neverland Plus: Orurudo Oukoku Monogatari for the Dreamcast in 1999.
Following layoffs in 2000, the company turned its focus on mobile gaming, which proved unsuccessful. In June 2004, it filed for bankruptcy and the majority of its employees left to form a new company, called Althi, Inc., absorbing Riverhillsoft.