The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Sunsoft: A Digital Foundry documentary

Sunsoft is making a notable return in the gaming industry, highlighted in a new YouTube documentary by Digital Foundry, hosted by John Linneman. The documentary traces the company’s journey from its inception in 1971 to its early gaming venture with “Ikki” in 1985, regarded as one of the first ‘bad games.‘ Despite this rocky start, Sunsoft gained prominence with hits on the Famicom (NES) like “Blaster Master,” establishing a legacy of quality games.

The documentary covers key milestones, including their influential Batman games across multiple platforms, which showcased their talent in managing licensed properties. Sunsoft also created original cult classics such as “Journey to Silius” and “Gimmick!” that pushed the limits of game design. While the documentary addresses the challenges Sunsoft faced in both the American and Japanese markets, which led to its decline, it ultimately celebrates the company’s resurgence as Sunsoft aims to reclaim its place in the gaming industry.

Thanks for DF Supporter and Digital Foundry Crew For this documentary.