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{{good article}} {{Infobox Company |name = ABA Games |logo = Aba games logo.gif |type = |genre = |foundation = |founder = |location_city = [[Tokyo]] |location_country = [[Japan]] |location = |locations = |origins = |key_people = Kenta Cho |area_served = |industry = Video games development |products = |services = |revenue = |operating_income = |net_income = |num_employees = 1 |parent = |subsid = |owner = |slogan = |homepage = http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~cs8k-cyu/index_e.html |divisions |dissolved = |footnotes = |intl = }}'''ABA Games''' is a Japanese [[video game developer]], comprising solely [[game designer]] '''Kenta Cho'''. ABA Games' works, available as [[Open source software|open source]] [[freeware]], are predominantly [[shoot 'em up]] games often inspired by classic games in the genre. Its games feature stylised [[retro]] graphics, innovative [[gameplay]] features and modes and are based around random rather than scripted events. These creations have been acclaimed as some of the best and well-known independent games available, though some commentators, including Cho himself, feel they are too simple for commercial release. Cho began creating computer games as a hobby during his childhood in the 1980s. After leaving university, he pursued a career with [[Toshiba]] in multimedia research and development while continuing to develop games in his spare time. The positive reaction to ABA Games' first shoot 'em up, ''Noiz2sa'' (2002), encouraged him to concentrate on that genre. The developer's games have been [[ported]] from the original [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] versions to [[Mac OS X]] and various [[Handheld game console|handheld devices]]. One of its games, ''Tumiki Fighters'', was remade, built upon and released for the [[Wii]] console as ''[[Blast Works]]''. According to Cho, he occasionally receives interest in further console ports. In addition to ''Tumiki Fighters'', acclaimed ABA Games titles include ''Gunroar'', ''rRootage'' and ''Torus Trooper''. == Overview == [[File:Noiz2sa - bullet every where.png|thumb|200px| ''Noiz2sa'', ABA Games' first shoot 'em up.]] ABA Games' sole developer, Kenta Cho, began writing games as a child during the 1980s using the [[NEC PC-6001]] [[microcomputer]], as there were few commercially available games. After leaving university, Cho contemplated professional games development but ultimately instead joined [[Toshiba]] to work in multimedia research and development. He continues to work full-time for Toshiba while running ABA Games as a hobby, working mainly on weekends.<ref name="ashcraft">Ashcraft, Brian, (2008) ''Arcade Mania! The Turbo-Charged World of Japan's Game Centers'', Kodansha International, p. 71</ref><ref name="roundtable">Sheffield, Brandon, [http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3748/the_indie_shooter_roundtable_mak_.php?page=1 The Indie Shooter Roundtable: Mak, Cho, And Omega Fire At Will], ''GamaSutra'', July 28, 2008, Accessed Mar 15, 2009</ref> Cho is the sole contributor to ABA Games.<ref name="ashcraft70">Ashcraft, p. 70</ref> Lacking musical training, he creates the soundtracks to his games using commercially available, pre-made [[Sampling (music)|samples]].<ref name="roundtable"/> ABA Games releases a game approximately every six months,<ref name="ashcraft"/> with the first three months spent creating prototypes and the latter three spent refining a finished version.<ref name="roundtable"/> ABA Games released its first shoot 'em up game—''Noiz2sa''—in 2002, and the positive feedback Cho received encouraged him to concentrate on the genre.<ref name="robeast">Honkie, Joe, [http://www.giantrobeast.com/strafingrun/kenta_cho.html Kenta Cho (ABA Games) Interview], ''Giant Robeast'', Accessed Mar 17, 2009</ref> ABA Games' creations are "[[avant-garde]]"<ref name="ashcraft70"/> re-imaginings of classic [[Video arcade|arcade]] shoot 'em ups,<ref name="ashcraft70"/><ref name="escapist"/> using modern 3D graphics techniques to emulate older [[vector graphics]] and employing "imaginative, fresh"<ref name="bbc"/> gameplay ideas.<ref name="escapist"/><ref name="bbc"/> According to Cho, his graphical style was inspired by the game ''[[Rez]]'' as well as street billboards, and his attempts at innovative gameplay features have been inspired by games such as ''[[Radiant Silvergun]]'', ''[[Ikaruga]]'' and ''[[Gradius V]]''.<ref name="robeast"/> ABA Games' works also tend to be based around random rather than scripted events.<ref name="roundtable"/> Its games are developed for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], but some have been [[ported]] to other systems including Mac OS X, [[iPhone]], [[iPod touch]],<ref name="cohen"/> and [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]],<ref name="bbc"/> with its game ''Tumiki Fighters'' forming the basis of [[Wii]] game ''[[Blast Works]]'' (which included a selection of his games as bonus content).<ref name ="ugo"/> Cho has also created BulletML, an open source program which can replicate bullet patterns from other shoot 'em up games.<ref name="ashcraft"/> Cho has stated he occasionally receives interest in ports for [[game console]]s, but although he would otherwise be interested in such ports, he feels his games are too simple for commercial release.<ref name="mtv">[http://indygamer.blogspot.com/2006/12/kenta-cho-mtv-interview.html Kenta Cho MTV Interview], ''Indy Gamer'', Dec 18, 2006, Accessed Mar 17, 2009. Transcript of: Totilo, Stephen, [http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/125163/kenta-cho-speaks.jhtml Kenta Cho Speaks], ''MTV'', Dec 18, 2006 (U.S. only)</ref> He has also stated his use of the [[D programming language]] proved problematic when porting ''Tumiki Fighters'' to the Wii.<ref name="roundtable"/> ABA Games' works are open source and free to download;<ref name="ashcraft"/> Cho has stated he creates games of the kind which he desires to play and distributes them (along with the source code) for the enjoyment of others without the intent of monetary profit.<ref name="mtv"/> ''[[Macworld]]'' acclaimed Cho as "spectacularly talented" and "one of today’s best independent game programmers",<ref name="macworld"/> while ''[[GamesRadar]]'' noted him for "creating some of the best freeware shoot ‘em ups out there".<ref name="10best"/> Ashcraft states that in the West, Cho is "hailed as the most famous '[[doujin]] software' shmup maker",<ref name="ashcraft"/> while ''[[The Guardian]]'' claimed Cho's works are among "the best-known examples" of Japan's independent gaming scene.<ref>Stuart, Keith, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/oct/16/videogames-japan Japan can rise again to be the land of the videogame], ''The Guardian'', Oct 16, 2008, Accessed Mar 17, 2009</ref> While out with Japan ABA Games is known as a "doujin" developer, unlike doujin developers Cho does not seek to sell his works, nor are they [[Fangame|fan-created games]]; however, Cho is affable to the term being applied to his work.<ref name="ashcraft"/><ref name="roundtable"/> Jonathan Mak, creator of award-winning game ''[[Everyday Shooter]]'' (published by [[Sony]] on [[PlayStation Network]]) has cited ABA Games' ''Parsec 47'' as the inspiration behind his game's aesthetic.<ref>Bergfield, Carlos, [http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=503 Interview: Everyday Shooter Creator Jonathan Mak], ''Shacknews'', Aug 9, 2007, Accessed Mar 17, 2009</ref> == Games == [[File:Gunroar - end of boss.jpg|thumb|200px| ''Gunroar'' is an abstract, naval themed shoot 'em up game, just as in ''[[Geometry Wars]]''.]] <span id="Gunroar"/>''Gunroar'' is a naval themed shoot 'em up likened to a vertically [[scrolling]] version of ''[[Geometry Wars]]'' (or a cross between ''[[Asteroids (video game)|Asteroids]]'' and ''[[Space Invaders]]'').<ref name="10best">Nagata, Tyler, [http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/f/the-10-best-free-shoot-em-ups/a-200806139592437065/p-3 The 10 best FREE shoot 'em ups], ''GamesRadar'', Accessed Mar 16, 2009</ref><ref name="365days">[http://www.gamesradar.com/f/365-days-of-free-games/a-2008071714293190000 365 days of free games], ''GamesRadar'', Accessed Mar 16, 2009</ref> The player controls a small, abstract gunboat which can be rotated through 360 degrees as in games such as ''Geometry Wars'' and ''[[Robotron 2084|Robotron]]''. The game also features vertical scrolling; however, unlike the standard shoot 'em up in which the propulsion of the craft dictates the pace, players can control the speed at which they proceed through the level. The faster players move through a level, the more [[Score (gaming)|points]] they will score. The game features multiple modes dependent on how the game is controlled: the player can choose to control a single boat by means of the keyboard or mouse or a more complicated "dual" mode allowing the use of two boats using both hands on the keyboard.<ref name="escapist">Miller, Pat, [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_33/204-Retro-Like-Youve-Never-Seen-It-Before Retro Like You've Never Seen It Before], ''The Escapist'', Feb 21, 2006, Accessed Mar 16, 2009</ref> Gunroar was praised for its minimalist design,<ref name="10best"/> impressive [[polygonal]] graphics,<ref name="bbc">Rossignol, Jim, [http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A25960124 games: kenta cho], ''BBC Collective'', Aug 16, 2007, Accessed Mar 16, 2009</ref> and frenetic action.<ref>Rossignol, Jim, [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/a_20bestfreegames Eurogamer's Summer of PC Plenty], ''EuroGamer'', July 18, 2006, Accessed Mar 16, 2009</ref> [[File:TUMIKI Fighters - boss 1.jpg|thumb|200px| ''Tumiki Fighters'', a side-scrolling shooter, was remade as ''Blast Works'' for the Wii console.]] <span id="Tumiki Fighters"/>''Tumiki Fighters'' is a side-scrolling shooter in which the protagonist is a toy aeroplane flying through a cartoon setting. The game employs a device inspired by ''[[Katamari Damacy]]'', allowing the player to attach debris from destroyed enemies to the aircraft, which in turn act as armour and [[power-up]]s.<ref name ="10best"/><ref name="365days"/> Praised for its addictive gameplay,<ref name="10best"/> ''Tumiki Fighters'' formed the base of ''Blast Works'', a game published by [[Majesco]] in 2008 for the [[Wii]].<ref name ="ugo">Rosenberg, Adam, [http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=18713 Blast Works Review], ''UGO'', Accessed Mar 16, 2009</ref> Developer [[Budcat Creations]] remade ABA Games' creation for the console and further added an editor function allowing extensive user-created content. Critics acclaimed ''Blast Works'' for its innovative and entertaining gameplay and has been described by critics variously as an upgraded version or remake—<ref name="ugo"/><ref>Hatfield, Daemon, [http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/879/879925p1.html BlastWorks Review], ''IGN'', June 6, 2008, Accessed Mar 9, 2009</ref><ref>Boyer, Brandon, [http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=14486 Majesco Announces New Wii Exclusive Blast Works], ''GamaSutra'', June 7, 2007, Accessed Mar 16, 2009</ref> or simply a port or re-release—<ref name="ashcraft"/><ref name="bbc"/> of ''Tumiki Fighters''. ''Blast Works'' featured ''Tumiki Fighters'', as well as three other ABA Games titles, as bonus content. [[UGO]] felt that these games' minimalist graphics, while not outstanding, did retain some charm.<ref name="ugo"/> According to Cho, he did not receive money for the port, allowing his game to be used for free.<ref name ="ashcraft"/> <span id="RRootage"/>''rRootage'' is a shoot 'em up viewed from a top-down perspective, comprised solely of [[Boss (video games)|boss]] battles against large abstract spacecraft attacking the player with intricate barrages of projectiles. The game featured multiple modes: "normal", "Psy", "Ika" and "GW"; the latter three inspired by ''[[Psyvariar]]'', ''[[Ikaruga]]'' and ''[[Giga Wing]]'', respectively. The game was ported to the [[iPhone]] and [[iPod touch]] by developer Lahzrog Games and released as a free download on [[iTunes]].<ref name="cohen">Cohen, Peter, [http://www.macworld.co.uk/ipod-itunes/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=2934&pagtype=allchandate&pn=1 rRootage for iPhone 2.0 for iPhone review], ''Macworld'', Accessed Mar 17, 2009</ref><ref>Purchese, Rob, [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/kenta-cho-shmup-free-on-itunes Kenta Cho shmup free on iTunes], ''Eurogamer'', Oct 22, 2008, Accessed Mar 17, 2009</ref> ''GamesRadar'' described the game as "great" and "full of win".<ref name="10best"/> ''Macworld'' acknowledged the game was esoteric but praised its "classic fast paced action", awarding it a maximum five stars. However, the reviewer noted the iPhone version sometimes ran more slowly than intended.<ref name="cohen"/> <span id="Torus Trooper"/>''Torus Trooper'', a reimagining of the game ''[[Tempest (arcade game)|Tempest]]'', features a spacecraft flying through an abstract tunnel, the walls of which twist and change shape. The player competes against the clock, gaining more time by destroying enemies. The game was acclaimed for its stark yet highly attractive graphics.<ref name="macworld">[http://www.macworld.com/article/42207/2005/01/torustrooper.html Torus Trooper], ''Macworld'', Jan 19, 2005, Accessed Mar 17, 2009</ref><ref name="365days"/> ''Titanion'' is a vertical shooter acclaimed for its attractive graphics.<ref name="365days"/> ''Mu-cade'' combines the mechanics of ''[[Centipede (video game)|Centipede]]'' with [[sumo]] wrestling,<ref name="bbc"/> while ''Noiz2sa'' is an abstract "bullet hell" shooter—<ref name="365days"/> also ported by Lahzrog Games to the iPhone.<ref>Snow, Jean, [http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/10/kenta-cho-shoot.html Kenta Cho's Shooters Coming to iPhone], ''Wired'', Oct 8, 2008, Accessed Mar 17, 2009</ref> ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== *[http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~cs8k-cyu/index_e.html ABA Games] *[http://d.hatena.ne.jp/ABA/ ABA Diary] (in Japanese). *[http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fd.hatena.ne.jp%2FABA%2F&sl=ja&tl=en Google translation of ABA Diary] *[http://blogs.ign.com/BlastWorks/2008/01/11/76703/ Blast Works: Build, Trade, & Destroy Developer Diary #1] ''Blast Works''' developers on recreating ABA Games' ''Tumiki Fighters''. [[Category:Japanese video game companies]] [[Category:Video game developers]] [[fr:ABA Games]] [[ja:ABA Games]] {{DEFAULTSORT:Aba Games}}
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