Pooyan

Pooyan is a classic arcade game developed by Namco, first released in 1982. It is a unique take on the fixed shooter genre, featuring vertical scrolling gameplay and charming visuals. Players control a mother pig named Mama who must defend her piglets from a horde of wolves by shooting them down with arrows while riding a makeshift elevator.

Pooyan was developed by Kazuo Yamamoto and originally released in arcades by Namco. The game’s concept was inspired by the classic fairy tale of “The Three Little Pigs”, with a twist that puts players in the role of the protective mother pig. Its development aimed to create a game with simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics and vibrant, colorful graphics that would appeal to a wide audience.

Upon its release, Pooyan received positive reviews for its addictive gameplay, cute character design, and challenging levels. It quickly became popular in arcades around the world, earning praise for its unique premise and engaging mechanics. The game’s success led to ports on various home gaming platforms, further cementing its status as a beloved classic.

Pooyan saw several ports and adaptations across different gaming platforms, including home consoles and computers. It also inspired sequels and spin-offs, such as “Super Pooyan” and “Pooyan for Prizes”. These variations introduced new gameplay elements while retaining the core mechanics and charm of the original arcade title.

Due to its popularity during the arcade era, Pooyan cabinets are relatively common compared to more obscure titles. However, finding a well-preserved, fully functional cabinet can still be a challenge for collectors. The value of a Pooyan arcade machine varies depending on its condition, rarity, and demand among collectors, with fully restored units fetching higher prices on the market.

Pooyan arcade cabinets typically feature standard arcade hardware components common to games of its era. These include a CRT monitor, joystick controls, buttons, power supply units, and wiring harnesses. Replacement parts for Pooyan cabinets can often be sourced from specialized arcade parts suppliers or salvaged from other arcade machines of similar vintage. Common repairs may involve fixing joystick or button issues, replacing worn-out CRT monitors, or troubleshooting electrical faults in the cabinet’s wiring.