Romstar
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video game distribution |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Torrance, California , United States |
| Products | Arcade and console video games distribution; game development for NES, SNES, Game Boy |
Romstar Inc. was a video game distribution firm headquartered in Torrance, California, launching its activities in 1984. It initially functioned as the primary American distributor for SNK prior to the formation of SNK of America in 1987. Romstar focused on acquiring licenses for arcade titles from leading developers such as Taito, Capcom, SNK, Toaplan, and Seta. Additionally, the company developed games for platforms including the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Game Boy.
The company maintained its operations under the Romstar name through at least 1994, with releases like Goofy Hoops. In 1993, Romstar joined forces with Capcom to create Game Star (GameStar Inc.), an electromechanical manufacturing business based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where Romstar owned a 30% share. Capcom took full ownership of Game Star in 1995 and rebranded it as Capcom Coin-Op, concentrating on pinball machine production.
Prominent Romstar leaders Takahito Yasuki, Ron Czerny, and Darryl Williams went on to establish Atrativa Games and Playphone, companies dedicated to mobile entertainment solutions. In October 2014, Playphone was acquired by GungHo Online Entertainment.
Licensed Titles and Partnerships
Over its operational tenure, Romstar licensed and distributed a wide array of arcade and console titles from renowned developers, significantly expanding its product lineup and market footprint.
- From Toaplan:*
- Tiger Heli
- Twin Cobra
- Sky Shark
- Rally Bike (NES)
- Out Zone
- Snow Bros
- Fire Shark
- From Capcom:*
- 1942 (also distributed by Williams)
- Ghosts 'n Goblins (also distributed by Taito)
- Side Arms: Hyper Dyne
- Trojan
- Black Tiger
- Gun.Smoke
- Tiger Road
- F-1 Dream
- The King of Dragons
- Varth: Operation Thunderstorm
- SonSon
- From SNK and Affiliates:*
- Baseball Stars 2 (NES edition)
- Time Soldiers (Alpha Denshi)
- Sky Soldiers (Alpha Denshi)
- Gold Medalist (Alpha Denshi)
- Neo Geo one-slot conversion kit
- From Seta:*
- Castle of Dragon (Athena)
- DownTown
- Caliber .50
- Thunder & Lightning (Visco, NES)
- Meta Fox (Jorudan)
- Nolan Ryan's Baseball (SNES)
- Other Significant Licensed Titles:*
- Double Dragon II: The Revenge (Technos Japan)
- Bloody Wolf (Data East)
- Flashgal (Kyugo, published by Sega)
- Skeet Shot (Dynamo; reached top position on RePlay arcade charts in December 1991)
- Popshot (prototype, Dynamo)
- Bowling games including World Bowling (Athena, Game Boy) and Championship Bowling (Arcade/NES)
- Various NES and Game Boy titles such as Cowboy Kid (Visco), Magic Darts, and Mr. Chin's Gourmet Paradise
- Redemption game Goofy Hoops, built on Capcom pinball hardware
This broad licensing approach allowed Romstar to diversify its catalog across both arcade and home gaming sectors, utilizing established franchises to enhance its competitive stance.