Forgotten Worlds

Forgotten Worlds is a classic arcade shoot-’em-up game developed and published by Capcom. Originally released in arcades in 1988, the game is renowned for its unique rotary joystick, cooperative gameplay, and imaginative sci-fi setting. Set in a distant future where an evil entity known as Bios forces players to navigate through various planets and defeat powerful enemies, Forgotten Worlds is celebrated for its challenging gameplay and innovative features.

The development of Forgotten Worlds began in the late 1980s under Capcom’s arcade division. The game was created by a team led by Yoshiki Okamoto, who aimed to bring a fresh and engaging experience to the shoot-’em-up genre. The rotary joystick, a standout feature of the game, allowed players to rotate their characters 360 degrees, providing a dynamic and immersive control mechanism. This, coupled with captivating graphics and a memorable soundtrack, contributed to the game’s success.

Upon its release, Forgotten Worlds received widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and cooperative mode. The rotary joystick garnered particular praise for adding a new layer of strategy to the shooter genre. Critics and players alike appreciated the game’s challenging difficulty and memorable boss battles, solidifying its status as a classic in the arcade gaming community.

Forgotten Worlds was initially an arcade exclusive but later saw ports to various home gaming platforms, including the Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx-CD. The game’s success led to its inclusion in various Capcom compilations and arcade archives. Additionally, it has inspired other shoot-’em-up titles, with its influence evident in subsequent games within the genre.

Due to its age and limited release, original arcade cabinets of Forgotten Worlds have become collectors’ items. The rarity of these cabinets has contributed to their value, with well-preserved units demanding higher prices in the retro gaming market. The exact number of cabinets produced is challenging to determine, adding to the game’s mystique. Collectors often value the game not only for its gameplay but also for its historical significance within Capcom’s arcade legacy.

Forgotten Worlds arcade cabinets feature hardware typical of Capcom’s late-1980s arcade systems. The hardware includes a custom Capcom CPS-1 board, a 16-bit processor, and dedicated sound hardware. For repairs, enthusiasts can refer to documentation provided by the arcade community, which details troubleshooting steps, circuit diagrams, and replacement part information. Common issues may include monitor problems, joystick malfunctions, or deteriorating capacitors, all of which can be addressed through careful restoration and maintenance.

In summary, Forgotten Worlds stands as a testament to Capcom’s innovation in the arcade gaming scene. Its unique gameplay mechanics, engaging storyline, and lasting impact on the shoot-’em-up genre continue to be appreciated by retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.