data/claims/terra-cresta-history.yamlTerra Cresta (history and reception)
Game: Terra Cresta.
The arcade Terra Cresta is copyright 1985 Nihon Bussan, whose sheet carries the Nichibutsu name. Its Famicom manual calls it the video game Nichibutsu put out in 1985 and made a big hit. terra-cresta-history/arcade
PDF p. 1, how to play© 1985 Nihon Bussan Co.Ltd.Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1 — the sheet prints the Nichibutsu name over "Nihon Bussan Co.,Ltd." (the OCR runs it together as "Nihon BussanCo.,Ltd.")Nichibutsuテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · scan image 3, introduction — read in the OCR text layer, which has 秘植 for 移植 and だ for た; the page image hasn't been checked1985年にニチブツが発表し、大ヒットさせたビデオゲームのファミコン移植版ですOur translation(Terra Cresta) is the Famicom port of the video game Nichibutsu put out in 1985 and made a big hitテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 9 (scan image 11), プレゼントのお知らせ — the manual's contest address; the same manual calls the company ニチブツ (Nichibutsu)日本物産株式会社企画・開発部Our translationNihon Bussan Co., Ltd., planning and development departmentRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Restated as copyright 1985 Nihon Bussan under the Nichibutsu name, with both quoted.Neither source gives a month. The instruction sheet is the operator's English sheet, with the wiring table and DIP switches. 発表 means announced or put out; it doesn't date a release.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
In the arcade game the player steers the Winger fighter with an 8-way joystick and fires its cannon beam with the A button; when docked with one or more of its parts, the player presses the B button to attack in formation with more fire power. A number at the bottom of the screen shows how many formation attacks are left. terra-cresta-history/arcade-controls
PDF p. 1, how to play — the PDF's OCR layer reads "sContro] your WINGER" and splits the sentence across two columnsyour WINGERTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to playwith 8 Way Joystick.Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to play — the circled letters (Ⓐ for the cannon beam, Ⓑ for the formation) were read on the PDF page image by a scout; the OCR garbles them ("@)", "@ gutton")Button for CannonTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to playWhen you are docked withTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to play — the line continuing "When you are docked with"your Part(s)Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to play — the OCR has "push @ gutton which" before itenables you to attack inTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to play — the OCR sets "Power." on the next lineFormation with more fireTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to playthe screen indicates how many more times you canRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the sheet's joystick and formation-attack lines.The Famicom version swaps the buttons (terra-cresta-history/famicom-controls).
Cited by: Terra Cresta
In the arcade game, destroying the locks of a hangar makes one of the player's parts appear; the sheet's diagram shows hangars with one to four locks, three of them for the 4th component. Four kinds of formation attack widen the ways of attacking. Two ships fire crescent-moon beams side by side, three in a triangle fire in three directions, four in a diamond spin their beams at high speed, and five in a fan spread them. With all five parts docked the player becomes the invincible Fire Bird for 8 seconds. The sheet names the huge final enemy Mandolar. terra-cresta-history/arcade-formations
PDF p. 1, how to play — the OCR reads "Der ®roy the Locks of Hangar"Destroy the Locks of HangarTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to playand your PartsTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to playwill appear.Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 2, how to recapture ally componentsHOW TO RECAPTURE ALLY COMPONENTSTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 2, how to recapture ally componentsDestroy One LockTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 2, how to recapture ally componentsDestroy Three Locks 4th ComponentTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 2, how to recapture ally componentsDestroy Four LocksTerra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1WAYS OF ATTACKING ENEMIES ARE WIDENED BY 4 KINDS OF FORMATION ATTACK.Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1THE DUEL WITH THE HUGE ENEMY 'MANDOLAR' IS AWESOME.Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 3, formation attack — the OCR runs "ParallelandFires" together2 Ships Fly Parallel and Fires Crescent Moon-Like Beams.Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 3, formation attack3 Ships Fly in Triangular Shape Fires in 3 Directions.Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 3, formation attack4 Ships Fly in Diamond Shape Beams Are Shot in Ultra Speed Circular Motion.Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 3, formation attack5 Ships Fly in Fan Shape Beams Are Diffused.Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 3, formation attack — the sheet's spelling; the OCR sets a formation label ("GROSS-FORMATION") between "for" and "8 Seconds."Only When All 5 Component Are Docked, Player Becomes Invinsible FIRE BIRD for 8 Seconds.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Restated from the sheet's hangar-lock diagram and its Fire Bird line, all quoted.The sheet labels the two-ship formation Moon-Formation, the four-ship one Cyclone-Formation and the five-ship one Cross-Formation; the OCR loses the three-ship label. Which hangar takes one lock, and which two, the OCR of the diagram doesn't show.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
In June 1986 Marukatsu Famicom visited Nichibutsu's development room, where the Famicom Terra Cresta was being ported from the arcade version, price undecided, for early July. Its caption names a game designer, 藤原茂樹 (reading unconfirmed), and credits him with a Terra Cresta Part II under a provisional title. The magazine explained that the arcade game had 4,096 colors and the Famicom only 52, so the characters were enlarged and their colors changed bit by bit. terra-cresta-history/famicom-preview
p. 106 (scan image 82) — the OCR breaks the line inside アーケード and reads the rest "移植のまつ最中" (in the middle of porting)アーケード版から移植Our translationporting from the arcade versionMarukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 106 (scan image 82) — read on the page image by a scout (image 82) by a scout; the OCR loses it価格未定 7月上旬 ニチブツ発Our translationprice undecided, early July, from NichibutsuMarukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 106 (scan image 82), caption — read on the page image by a scout (image 82) by a scout; the page gives no furiganaゲームデザイナー藤原茂樹さんOur translationgame designer Mr. 藤原茂樹Marukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 106 (scan image 82), caption — read on the page image by a scout, in the caption naming 藤原茂樹テラクレスタ・パートII(仮名)Our translationTerra Cresta Part II (provisional name)Marukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 106 (scan image 82)ここがニチブツの開発室だOur translationhere is Nichibutsu's development roomMarukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 106 (scan image 82)このマシンでテラクレスタも開発されるんだOur translationTerra Cresta is being developed on this machine tooMarukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 107 (scan image 83)アーケード版では4096色もあった色数が、ファミコンでは52色しか使えないOur translationthe arcade version had as many as 4,096 colors, but the Famicom can use only 52Marukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 107 (scan image 83) — read on the page image by a scout (image 83) by a scoutキャラクターを拡大して、少しずつ色を変えていくのだOur translation(they) enlarge the characters and change the colors little by littleRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the "ported from the arcade version" line and the Part II caption.The scout's summary says the caption also credits him with the arcade game, but gave no transcription of that phrase, so the claim leaves it out. The usual reading of 藤原茂樹 is Fujiwara Shigeki.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Nichibutsu planned the Famicom Terra Cresta for 27 September 1986 at 4,900 yen, on a 1-megabit ROM, as its advertisement and Family Computer Magazine's release calendar in the 19 September 1986 issue both gave. In May and June Marukatsu Famicom had expected it in early July. terra-cresta-history/release-famicom
p. 45 (scan image 45), Nichibutsu advertisement — read on the page image by a scout (image 45); the OCR loses it9月27日 発売予定!Our translationplanned for release 27 SeptemberFamily Computer Magazine, no. 19 (19 September 1986) · p. 45 (scan image 45), Nichibutsu advertisement — read on the page image by a scout1M大容量ROM搭載Our translationcarries a large-capacity 1M ROMFamily Computer Magazine, no. 19 (19 September 1986) · p. 45 (scan image 45), Nichibutsu advertisement — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "\4.d00"希望小売価格 ¥4,900Our translationsuggested retail price ¥4,900Family Computer Magazine, no. 19 (19 September 1986) · p. 134 (scan image 134), 新作カレンダー — read on the page image by a scout, where the row's fields are set off by symbols (●テラクレスタ ★日本物産♥9月27日♣4900円)テラクレスタ 日本物産 9月27日 4900円Our translationTerra Cresta, Nihon Bussan, 27 September, 4,900 yenMarukatsu Famicom no. 1, 23 May 1986 · p. 115 (scan image 111), 新作特Q 発車時刻表 — read on the page image by a scout, in the row for テラクレスタ (ニチブツ), with no price7月上旬Our translationearly JulyMarukatsu Famicom, 13 June 1986 · p. 106 (scan image 82) — read on the page image by a scout価格未定 7月上旬 ニチブツ発Our translationprice undecided, early July, from NichibutsuChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Both September sources date from before the release, so they give a plan, not the day the game reached shops.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
The Famicom manual sets the game in a space century, after the space demon king Mandler and his giant beasts have driven humanity to the bottom of the sea. To win back the sun and the green land, humanity forms the Earth recapture organization Terra Cresta, whose warriors fly out in the interceptor Wing Gallibar to defeat Mandler. The game has over 30 kinds of enemy and ends in a one-on-one duel with Mandler. terra-cresta-history/famicom-premise
printed p. 8 (scan image 10), ストーリー (story) — read on the page image by a scout (image 10) by a scout; the OCR has errors (ぼ下 for 手下, よつて, ご for と)宇宙世紀、宇宙魔王マンドラーとその手下巨獣群によって海底へと追いやられた地球人類は輝く太陽と緑の大地を取り戻すため、地球奪回組織〔テラクレスタ〕を結成した。Our translationIn the space century, humanity, driven to the bottom of the sea by the space demon king Mandler and his horde of giant beasts, formed the Earth recapture organization (Terra Cresta) to win back the shining sun and the green land.テラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 8 (scan image 10), ストーリー宇宙魔王マンドラーを倒すOur translationto defeat the space demon king Mandlerテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 8 (scan image 10), ストーリー — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "戦賠錠撃機ウィングギセヤリバー"戦闘迎撃機ウィングギャリバーOur translationthe combat interceptor Wing Gallibarテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 8 (scan image 10), ストーリー — the clause following the fighter's name, read in the OCR text layerで飛び立つ勇士Our translationthe warriors who fly off in (it)テラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · scan image 3, introduction — read in the OCR text layer ("敵キヤラフター", "ソライマックス")30種以上の敵キャラクターを倒し、クライマックスは宇宙魔王マンドラーとの一騎打ちが展開されますOur translationyou defeat over 30 kinds of enemy characters, and the climax is a one-on-one duel with the space demon king MandlerRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the story box's Mandler and hero lines.The arcade sheet spells the villain Mandolar (terra-cresta-history/arcade-formations) and Nintendo Power's NES notice Mandora (terra-cresta-history/np-shorts); Mandler romanizes the manual's マンドラー, and Wing Gallibar its ウィングギャリバー. The arcade sheet calls the fighter Winger.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
On the Famicom the control pad moves the player in 8 directions. On the title screen SELECT moves an arrow; choosing DESIGN leads to the Formation Design pages. START begins the game, and during play it stops the game and restarts it. The B button fires the cannon beam; pressed while docked with parts, the A button splits the ship for a formation attack. A mark at the bottom center of the screen counts the formation attacks left, which recover up to 3 with each part taken back. The arcade sheet has the buttons the other way round. terra-cresta-history/famicom-controls
printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法 (controls)プレイヤーが8方向に移動しますOur translationthe player moves in 8 directionsテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法 — the SELECT entry; the OCR reads "マイトル画面" for the title screen画面で、このボタンを押すと、矢印が移動しOur translationon the (title) screen, pressing this button moves the arrowテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法 — a ※ note under the SELECT entry, pointing to the Formation Design pages (pp. 4-5)DESIGNを選んだ場合はOur translationif you choose DESIGNテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法 — the START entryゲームが始まりますOur translationthe game beginsテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法またゲーム中に押すとゲームがストップし、もう一度押すと再スタートしますOur translationpressed during the game, it stops the game, and pressed again it restartsテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法 — the entry is headed ④Ⓑボタン (read on the page image by a scout); the OCR reads "キャンン・ピビーム"キャノン・ビームを発射することができます。Our translation(it) fires the cannon beamテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法 — the entry is headed ⑤Ⓐボタン (read on the page image by a scout)味方パーツとの合体時にこのボタンを押すと、分離してのフォーメーション攻撃をすることが出来ます。Our translationpressing this button while docked with friendly parts makes them separate for a formation attackテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法画面中央最下部にOur translationat the bottom center of the screenテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法フォーメーションの使用できる回数を表示していますOur translation(the mark) shows how many times formations can be usedテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法 — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "バーツ答選ごとに"(パーツ奪還ごとに3回まで回復します。)Our translation(it recovers up to 3 times each time a part is taken back.)Terra Cresta instruction sheet (arcade) · PDF p. 1, how to play — the arcade sheet's circled letter there is Ⓐ, and Ⓑ for the formation attack (read on the page image by a scout)Button for CannonRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Restated to the manual's title-screen arrow, DESIGN choice and START lines, quoted.The scout's image read reports 1 PLAYER and 2 PLAYERS as the other title-screen choices; the OCR garbles them and the scout gave no transcription, so the claim leaves them out.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
The Famicom version has a Formation Design mode, chosen as DESIGN on the title screen, in which each player sets where each part sits in the five-ship formation and which of 8 directions its beam fires. Only one player designs at a time. terra-cresta-history/famicom-design
scan image 6, フォーメーション・デザイン (formation design)5機フォーメーション時のそれぞれのパーツの位置、ビームの発射方向を選べるフォーメーション・デザイン機能がついていますOur translation(this game) has a formation design function that lets you choose the position of each part and the firing direction of its beam in the five-ship formationテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 3 (scan image 5), 操作方法 (controls) — in the SELECT entry, whose button moves the arrow on the title screen (terra-cresta-history/famicom-controls)DESIGNを選んだ場合はOur translationif you choose DESIGNテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · scan image 6, フォーメーション・デザイン — the OCR reads "一人ずつしガが行えませ"フォーメーション・デザインは一人ずつしか行えませんOur translationformation design can be done by only one person at a timeテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · scan image 7, SHIP LOCATION and DIRECTION screensの方向(8方向)が変化していきますOur translationthe (beam's) direction (8 directions) changesRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The mode is chosen as DESIGN on the title screen; no longer called an addition.Read in the OCR text layer; the page images of the design pages haven't been checked. The arcade sheet describes no design mode (terra-cresta-history/arcade-formations), which doesn't show the arcade game lacks one.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
On the Famicom, docking with parts from the hangars raises the ship's attack power. With part 2 the ship fires twin rapid shots, with part 3 it fires to the rear, with part 4 it fires invincible shots, and with part 5 it puts up a barrier behind it; right after all five dock the player becomes the invincible Fire Bird for 8 seconds. The formation attacks are named Moon-Formation, Extend-Formation (three ships in a triangle), Cyclon-Formation (four in a diamond spinning their beams at high speed) and Cross-Formation (five scattered in a square). terra-cresta-history/famicom-parts
printed p. 6 (scan image 8), 遊び方 (how to play) — the OCR reads "味記パーツと含体", "攻寺力"格納庫を破壊し味方パーツと合体することにより攻撃力が増していきますOur translationby destroying hangars and docking with friendly parts, (the player's) attack power increasesテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 6 (scan image 8), 遊び方 — the table's column 1+2号機 (player and part 2), read on the page image by a scout2連射になるOur translationbecomes twin rapid fireテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 6 (scan image 8), 遊び方 — column 1+3号機, read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "後方に発馬"後方に発射できるOur translationcan fire to the rearテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 6 (scan image 8), 遊び方 — column 1+4号機, read on the page image by a scout無敵の弾を発射できるOur translationcan fire invincible shotsテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 6 (scan image 8), 遊び方 — column 1+5号機, read on the page image by a scout後方にバリヤーを張れるOur translationcan put up a barrier behindテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 6 (scan image 8), 遊び方 — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR splits the sentence over two lines ("全体直後", "火の島となつて")5機合体時のみ、合体直後に8秒間自動的にプレイヤーは火の鳥となって無敵になる。Our translationonly when all five are docked, right after docking the player automatically becomes the Fire Bird for 8 seconds and is invincibleテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 7 (scan image 9), フォーメーション攻撃 (formation attack) — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR loses the labelMOON-FORMATIONテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 7 (scan image 9), フォーメーション攻撃EXTEND-FORMATIONテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 7 (scan image 9), フォーメーション攻撃 — the Extend entry; the OCR reads "なつて"3機が三角形態になってOur translationthree ships take a triangle shapeテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 7 (scan image 9), フォーメーション攻撃CYCLON-FORMATIONテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 7 (scan image 9), フォーメーション攻撃 — the Cyclon entry; the OCR reads "竣型", "ビーハ"; 菱型 (diamond) agrees with the arcade sheet4機が菱型形態になり、高速でビームを回転発射するOur translationfour ships form a diamond and fire their beams spinning at high speedテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 7 (scan image 9), フォーメーション攻撃 — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR keeps only "FORMATION"CROSS-FORMATIONテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 7 (scan image 9), フォーメーション攻撃 — the Cross entry5機が四角形態に分散してOur translationfive ships scatter into a squareRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the formation names.A Famicom Tsushin reader's tip agrees that part 3 gives rear shots (terra-cresta-history/famitsu-tip). The arcade sheet gives the five-ship formation as a fan (terra-cresta-history/arcade-formations). The Moon entry's text and the beam clauses of the Extend and Cross entries are garbled in the OCR, so the claim leaves them out.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Nichibutsu hid three kinds of English letters among the enemy's fixed objects in the Famicom game, and offered a cassette of the game's theme music to 1,000 people drawn by lot from those who sent in the right answer by 31 October 1986. Every month 500 people drawn by lot from the questionnaire postcards sent back got original Nichibutsu goods. terra-cresta-history/famicom-contest
printed p. 9 (scan image 11), プレゼントのお知らせ (prize notice)には敵の固定物の中に3種類の英文字が隠されていますOur translationthree kinds of English letters are hidden among the enemy's fixed objectsテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 9 (scan image 11), プレゼントのお知らせ — the OCR reads "1OOO"正解者の中から抽選で1000名様にOur translationto 1,000 people drawn by lot from those who answer correctlyテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 9 (scan image 11), プレゼントのお知らせテーマ曲集ミュージックカセットOur translationtheme-music collection music cassetteテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 9 (scan image 11), プレゼントのお知らせ — the OCR sets it in a sentence beginning with the cassette ("カセッツトの中に入つている", garbled)アンケートハガキを送りOur translationsend (back) the questionnaire postcardテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 9 (scan image 11), プレゼントのお知らせ毎月抽選で、500名様にニチブツオリジナルグッズをプレゼントOur translationevery month, 500 people drawn by lot get original Nichibutsu goodsテラクレスタ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Terra Cresta Famicom instruction booklet, NBF-TC) · printed p. 9 (scan image 11), プレゼントのお知らせ — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "昭和 4 年 4 〇月 34 日"しめきり日 昭和61年10月31日(必着)Our translationclosing date 31 October Shōwa 61 (1986), (entries) must arrive by thenFamily Computer Magazine, no. 19 (19 September 1986) · p. 45 (scan image 45), Nichibutsu advertisement — read on the page image by a scout; the ad gives the same closing dateには敵、固定物の中に3種類の英文字が隠されていますOur translationthree kinds of English letters are hidden in the enemy's fixed objectsRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the survey-postcard line; winners are drawn by lot, not readers.Entries went to Nihon Bussan's planning and development department in Osaka.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
A reader's tip in Famicom Tsushin's 6 February 1987 issue, headed "warp the screen and part 4 appears", says that on the Famicom docking with part 3 lets the ship shoot to the rear as well. terra-cresta-history/famitsu-tip
p. 112 (scan image 114), テラクレスタ — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "画面をワープして2号機出現っ"画面をワープして4号機出現っ!!Our translationwarp the screen and part 4 appears!!Famicom Tsushin (Famitsu), 6 February 1987 (no. 3 of the year; archive item 0016) · p. 112 (scan image 114), テラクレスタ3号機と合体すると、弾を後ろにも撃てるOur translationdocking with part 3 lets you shoot to the rear tooChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The tip is from 滝沢敦志 of Nagano Prefecture (read on the page image by a scout).
Beep's October 1986 issue rated the Famicom version 4 of 5 overall, with 3 for characters, 3 for speed, 4 for graphics, 4 for sound and 4 for game design. Its reviewer, たこぴー, picked out the variety of the formation attacks played out by the docked ships as the game's main attraction, and noted that it was a 1-megabit cartridge, the size then in fashion. terra-cresta-history/beep-review
Value
{
"review": "Beep",
"of": 5,
"scores": {
"characters": 3,
"speed": 3,
"graphics": 4,
"sound": 4,
"game design": 4,
"overall": 4
}
}p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報, ratings — rated 3 stars of 5, read on the page image by a scout; the OCR doesn't hold the cardキャラクターOur translationcharactersBeep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報, ratings — rated 3 stars of 5, read on the page image by a scoutスピードOur translationspeedBeep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報, ratings — rated 4 stars of 5, read on the page image by a scoutグラフィックOur translationgraphicsBeep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報, ratings — rated 4 stars of 5, read on the page image by a scoutサウンドOur translationsoundBeep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報, ratings — rated 4 stars of 5, read on the page image by a scoutゲームデザインOur translationgame designBeep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報, ratings — rated 4 stars of 5, read on the page image by a scout総合評価Our translationoverall ratingBeep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報 — read on the page image by a scoutテラクレスタ / 日本物産(4900円)Our translationTerra Cresta / Nihon Bussan (4,900 yen)Beep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報 — read on the page image by a scoutこのゲームの目玉は、パーツを集め、合体機によって演じるフォーメーション攻撃の多彩さだろう。Our translationthis game's main attraction must be the variety of the formation attacks performed by the docked ships, after collecting the partsBeep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報 — read on the page image by a scoutソフトは、今はやりの1メガソフトだしOur translationand the software is a 1-megabit game, all the rage nowBeep, October 1986 · p. 55 (scan image 57), お買い得情報 — read on the page image by a scout評●たこぴーOur translationreview by たこぴーRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted Beep's five rating headings.The same issue's pp. 56-59 carry an 8-area map of the game, its text by たこぴー (文・たこぴー). たこぴー is a pen name, left in kana.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Terra Cresta came out for the NES in North America in March 1990, with Vic Tokai as licensee. terra-cresta-history/release-nes
PDF p. 13 — the row gives title, licensee, and month, not a dayTerra Cresta Vic Tokai March 1990Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Terra Cresta
Vic Tokai, one of the Nintendo licensees just announced at the January 1988 Consumer Electronics Show, announced its NES version of the Nichibutsu arcade game there, not expected before mid-1988. Computer Entertainer's December 1988 schedule still listed it under January, which in that issue means January 1989, more than a year before the March 1990 release. terra-cresta-history/nes-announced
PDF p. 10, CES report, The Licenseeswith eight added at the time of the January CES.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 10 (January 1988) · PDF p. 10, CES report, The LicenseesThe licensees just announcedComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 10 (January 1988) · PDF p. 10, CES report, Vic Tokai — the end of the list of newly announced licenseesTengen, Inc., Trade West, Inc., Ultra Software Corp., and Vic Tokai, Inc.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 10 (January 1988) · PDF p. 10, CES report, Vic TokaiThis company's titles are not likely to appear before mid-year, and there may be some name changes.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 10 (January 1988) · PDF p. 10, CES report, Vic Tokaiplus a version of the Nichibutsu coin-op, TERRA CRESTAComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · image 13, Availability Update, Nintendo — the column header over the NES titles that include Terra CrestaJANUARYComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · image 13, Availability Update, Nintendo, January — the issue is dated December 1988, so its January means January 1989; that year is an inference from the issue date and the column, not printed beside the entryTerra Cresta (VT)NES Games (Nintendo of America release list) · PDF p. 13Terra Cresta Vic Tokai March 1990Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Vic Tokai is one of the licensees announced at the January 1988 CES; the CES and schedule lines quoted.The CES report's issue is dated January 1988, the month of the show.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Vic Tokai's NES advertisement in February 1990 sold Terra Cresta as an arcade favorite with one- and two-player modes, unlimited battle formations and an invincible Firebird, under the line "The battle for planet Earth begins". terra-cresta-history/nes-ad
image 49, Vic Tokai advertisementTERRA CRESTA, THE. BATTLE FOR PLANET EARTH BEGINSGame Player's, vol. 2, no. 2 (issue 8, February 1990) · image 49, Vic Tokai advertisementArcade FavoriteGame Player's, vol. 2, no. 2 (issue 8, February 1990) · image 49, Vic Tokai advertisement1-Player/2-Player ModesGame Player's, vol. 2, no. 2 (issue 8, February 1990) · image 49, Vic Tokai advertisementUnlimited Battle FormationsGame Player's, vol. 2, no. 2 (issue 8, February 1990) · image 49, Vic Tokai advertisementInvincible FirebirdGame Player's, vol. 2, no. 2 (issue 8, February 1990) · image 49, Vic Tokai advertisementTerra Cresta is a trademark of VIC TOKAI INC.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Terra Cresta
Nintendo Power's May/June 1990 issue described the NES game in its Video Shorts. The player flies the Winger star fighter for the space defense force Terra Cresta to defeat Mandora, "the supreme commander of evil". The magazine likened its look and feel to Zanac and Star Soldier, found its enemies and setting unique, and noted the ship design feature that lets players customize, to a certain extent, the extra weapons they get. Two players take turns, and each can customize their own ship. terra-cresta-history/np-shorts
PDF p. 69, Video Shorts — the OCR breaks the sentence over lines ("Winger star / fighter")Take flight in your Winger star fighter over an eerie and deadly alien landscape as a member of the space defense force Terra Cresta.Nintendo Power, issue 12 (1990-05) · PDF p. 69, Video ShortsYour mission is to defeat Mandora, the supreme commander of evil.Nintendo Power, issue 12 (1990-05) · PDF p. 69, Video Shortshas a look and feel similar to other games of the genre, such as Zanac and Star Soldier. However, its enemies and setting are uniqueNintendo Power, issue 12 (1990-05) · PDF p. 69, Video Shortsinteresting ship design featureNintendo Power, issue 12 (1990-05) · PDF p. 69, Video Shorts — the OCR loses the word or two before "you" between linesyou to customize, to a certain extent, the extra weapons you get during the game.Nintendo Power, issue 12 (1990-05) · PDF p. 69, Video ShortsTwo players can take turns attacking the evilNintendo Power, issue 12 (1990-05) · PDF p. 69, Video Shorts — the OCR reads "ship.forces, and each can customize their own"each can customize their ownRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted Nintendo Power's ship-design lines.Video Shorts are short descriptions without scores. The OCR's wording around "interesting ship design feature" runs into a picture caption ("The creatures that look like dinosaurs ... worth 1,000 points").
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Imagine published the ZX Spectrum Terra Cresta at £7.95, for the 48K and 128K machines. Crash credited it to Jonathan Smith; Sinclair User's credit line read "in-house". terra-cresta-history/spectrum-makers
p. 23, Terra CrestaProducer: Imagine Retail Price: £7.95Crash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 23, Terra Cresta — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR has a semicolon for the colonAuthor: Jonathan SmithSinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · image 28, Terra CrestaLabel: Imagine Author: in-house Price: £7.95 Memory: 48K/128KChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Terra Cresta
Crash gave the Spectrum version 81% overall in February 1987, with 88% for presentation, 75% for graphics, 84% for playability, 82% for addictive qualities and 76% for value for money, calling it "a slick, enjoyable shoot 'em up". terra-cresta-history/crash-score
Value
{
"review": "Crash",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 88,
"graphics": 75,
"playability": 84,
"addictive qualities": 82,
"value for money": 76,
"overall": 81
}
}p. 23, Terra Cresta, ratings — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "General rating; A slick, enjoyable shoot em up"General rating: A slick, enjoyable shoot 'em upCrash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 23, Terra Cresta, ratings — the marks were read on the page image by a scout beside their headings: Presentation 88%, Graphics 75%, Playability 84%, Addictive qualities 82%, Value for money 76%, Overall 81%. The OCR reads the first mark as 66%Presentation Graphics Ptayability Addictive qualities Value for money OverallCrash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 23, Terra Cresta, ratings75% 84% 82% 76% 81%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Terra Cresta
Crash's three reviewers, Ben, Paul and Mike, liked the Spectrum game. One found it the most successful of the recent vertically scrolling shoot 'em ups despite its tiny playing area and high difficulty, though its layout was little like the arcade original's. Paul found it close to US Gold's Xevious but much more fun, regretted that one mistake sends the player back to the beginning, and wanted a two-player option. The third found the graphics tiny, the scrolling smooth, and the game slightly unoriginal and expensive but a lot of fun. terra-cresta-history/crash-verdict
p. 23, Terra Cresta, criticism — the OCR reads "this m successful of the many vertf- cally- scrolling shout '9M upS"the most successful of the many vertically scrolling shoot 'em ups that we've seen over the last few monthsCrash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 23, Terra Cresta, criticismThere is little similarity between this and the arcadeCrash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 23, Terra Cresta, criticism — Paul's comment (the comments are signed BEN, PAUL and MIKE, read on the page image by a scout)This game is virtually identical to us gold's Xevious, with the major difference that this is much more tun to ptey.Crash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 23, Terra Cresta, criticismone mistake sends you straight back to the beginningCrash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 23, Terra Cresta, criticismalthough a two-player option would improve itCrash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 23, Terra Cresta, criticismThough the graphics are liny, the scrolling is amazingly smoojh and the whole game is very playable.Crash, issue 37 (February 1987) · p. 23, Terra Cresta, criticismif you fancy a slightly unoriginal and expensive snoot 'em up - that's quite a lot of funChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The page signs the comments BEN, PAUL and MIKE; which of Ben and Mike wrote the first and third comments wasn't recorded in the image check.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Sinclair User's reviewer, Graham Taylor, gave the Spectrum Terra Cresta 3 stars of 5. He found playing it "more or less the same experience as playing Xevious", with few reasons to choose it over that game, and its one strength its extreme difficulty. Building the ship by blasting numbered silos to face the robot that appears after each pass, he wrote, still comes down to blasting. terra-cresta-history/su-review
Value
{
"review": "Sinclair User",
"of": 5,
"scores": {
"overall": 3
}
}image 28, Terra CrestaPlaying Terra Cresta, for example, is more or less the same experience as playing Xevious.Sinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · image 28, Terra Crestathere are few reasons to choose this one overSinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · image 28, Terra CrestaBut the one thing Terra Cresta does have going for it is it's extremely difficult.Sinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · image 29, Terra Crestabuild up your ship by blasting numbered silosSinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · image 29, Terra Crestaa robot which appears after each pass of the planet surfaceSinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · image 29, Terra Crestait still all comes down to blastingSinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · image 29, Terra CrestaI couldn't get very enthusiastic about itSinclair User, issue 59 (February 1987) · image 28, Terra Cresta, rating — the review's signature and its rating of three stars (★★★ of 5) were read on the page image by a scout; the OCR holds neitherGraham TaylorRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the silos and robot lines.The review runs over scan images 28 and 29.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Your Sinclair's reviewer, Marcus, gave the Spectrum game 7 of 10, with 8 for graphics, 5 for playability, 7 for value for money and 7 for addictiveness. He found its graphics in the mould of Uridium and Light Force and its music good, but the game slow: Imagine had chosen graphics over speed, which made it hard to play. With a first wave as hard to get past as any, its slowness made it hard to recommend. terra-cresta-history/ys-review
Value
{
"review": "Your Sinclair",
"of": 10,
"scores": {
"graphics": 8,
"playability": 5,
"value for money": 7,
"addictiveness": 7,
"overall": 7
}
}p. 22 (image 24), Terra Cresta — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "lmagine/£7.95"Imagine/£7.95Your Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 22 (image 24), Terra Cresta, byline — the byline under the price line, read on the page image by a scoutMarcusYour Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 22 (image 24), Terra Cresta, ratings — the marks were read on the page image by a scout, as bars of 10: Graphics 8, Playability 5, Value for Money 7, Addictiveness 7, and 7 overall; the OCR's bars are unreadable as marksPlayabilityYour Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 22 (image 24), Terra CrestaThe graphics are in the now familiar mould of Uridium and Light ForceYour Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 22 (image 24), Terra CrestaThe music's good tooYour Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 22 (image 24), Terra CrestaThere's only one snag — it's all so slow.Your Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 22 (image 24), Terra CrestaImagine has obviously weighed the pros and cons, and gone for the whizzy graphics. This makes the game very hard to play.Your Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 22 (image 24), Terra Crestathe first wave of nasties as difficult to get past as any in the early stagesYour Sinclair, issue 15 (March 1987) · p. 22 (image 24), Terra Crestaits doziness makes Terra Cresta hard to recommendRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the byline, the music line and the first-wave line.The byline prints only "Marcus"; the surname isn't on the page.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Zzap!64 gave the Commodore 64 version, from Imagine at £8.95 on cassette, 56% overall in February 1987, "a mediocre addition" to the vertically scrolling shoot 'em ups, with 66% for presentation, 59% for graphics, 79% for sound, 68% for hookability, 49% for lastability and 53% for value. terra-cresta-history/zzap-score
Value
{
"review": "Zzap!64",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 66,
"graphics": 59,
"sound": 79,
"hookability": 68,
"lastability": 49,
"value": 53,
"overall": 56
}
}p. 121, Terra Cresta, ratingsPRESENTATION 66%Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta, ratingsGRAPHICS 59%Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta, ratingsSOUND 79% Good title screenZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta, ratings — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "H00ICABILITYe8%"HOOKABILITY 68% Straightforward shoot 'em up action, but rather frustrating and not particularly compulsive.Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta, ratings — the OCR reads "hetter" and "upsof"VALUE 53% Cheaper and better than most shoot 'em ups of this typeZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta, ratings — checked on the page image (p. 121, image n120) in the audit; the OCR reads "A niediocr e addition to ihe grow- ing range oi verticalLv scrolling", so verify lists it for a readerOVERALL 56% A mediocre addition to the growing range of vertically scrolling shoot 'em ups.Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta — read on the page image by a scout; the OCR reads "Imagine, £S.95 cass, joystick oniy"Imagine, £8.95 cass, joystick onlyRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The overall line was read by the lead on the page image (p. 121).The OCR reads lastability as "LA&TABILITY49%".
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Zzap!64's reviewers found the Commodore 64 game fast but frustrating. One called it "fast, furious and unfair", with well-defined graphics and smooth movement, a pattern game that soon grows predictable. Another found it "nothing special", not the best vertically scrolling shoot 'em up but not the worst, and its worst fault going back to the start of a stage after dying. terra-cresta-history/zzap-verdict
p. 121, Terra Cresta — the OCR reads "Tfitfa Cres-ta - rt's so frustrating. It'fl fast, furious ai>0 unfair"I like a decent shoot 'em up but I'm not too keen on Terra Cresta - it's so frustrating. It's fast, furious and unfair.Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta — checked on the page image (p. 121, image n120) in the audit, in the comment beside the portrait labelled P.S.; the OCR reads "graphics are vivell deHneti ar^ everything moves vary smoothly", so verify lists it for a readerThe graphics are well defined and everything moves very smoothlyZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra CrestaIt's very much a pattern gameZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta — checked on the page image (p. 121, image n120) in the audit, in the comment beside the portrait labelled J.R.; the OCR has "after a few goes and it all gets" at a line end and garbles the rest, so verify lists it for a readerit all gets very predictableZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta — the OCR reads "But it's alill -nothing apecJoL" (But it's still nothing special)nothing specialZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta — the OCR reads "Not The best vertically scrolling ahoQl 'em up availa- ble, but it'9 certainly not the worst."Not the best vertically scrolling shoot 'em up available, but it's certainly not the worst.Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 121, Terra Cresta — the OCR reads "la hairing to restart at the beginning of a landscape whan you die"The most annoying thing about Terra Cresta though, is having to restart at the beginning of a landscape when you die.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Restated to the reviewers' words; quotes read by the lead on the page image.The OCR gives no reviewers' names, and has a third comment the claim doesn't separate from the second. Which comment the "Not the best" line closes is as the OCR orders it.
Cited by: Terra Cresta
Crash readers' Hotline Top 30 in May 1987 placed the Spectrum Terra Cresta 28th, down from 25th. terra-cresta-history/crash-chart
p. 134, Hotline Top 3028 (25) TERRA CRESTACrash, issue 40 (May 1987) · p. 133, Hotline and Adventure chart — the OCR goes on "comr>ied from I ho votes" (compiled from the votes)The HOTLINE AND ADVENTURE CHARTChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The chart counts readers' votes, not sales.
Cited by: Terra Cresta