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Deep Dungeon 1

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MSX 1 RPG 1986 Japan 1 Player 5 (0) 2

Deep Dungeon 1

Deep Dungeon 1 Overview

Compiled by the Retro Games Online Editorial Team · Updated June 27, 2026

Deep Dungeon 1 is a dungeon-crawling RPG released for the MSX 1 computer in Japan during the mid-1980s. Part of the early wave of Japanese role-playing games, it draws clear inspiration from Western titles like Wizardry. The game was one of several that helped define the dungeon crawler genre on home computers, though specific developer and publisher details are not widely documented for this particular version.

The player takes on the role of an adventurer exploring a multi-level dungeon presented from a first-person perspective. Movement is grid-based, and the primary activities involve navigating corridors, encountering randomly spawned monsters in turn-based combat, and collecting treasure and equipment. Progression comes through gaining experience points and leveling up, which improves the character's stats and survivability. The goal is to descend deeper into the dungeon and eventually defeat the boss at the lowest level.

For a modern player, Deep Dungeon 1 offers a look at the early design of dungeon crawlers on Japanese computers. Its interface and pacing feel archaic, with minimalist graphics and text-based menus, but it remains a historically interesting title for fans of retro RPGs. Compared to later entries in the series or similar games on other platforms, this MSX version is more rudimentary, yet it holds a small but genuine place in the evolution of the genre.

How to Play Deep Dungeon 1 Online

When you start Deep Dungeon 1, you are likely to see a title screen followed by a menu that is entirely in Japanese. The first step is to create or load a character. Since the game is menu-driven, the arrow keys move the cursor, and the X button confirms your selection. You will typically choose to start a new game, then name your character and possibly assign stat points if a character creation screen appears.

The core loop involves moving through the dungeon using the arrow keys. Each step may trigger a random battle. During combat, the screen displays enemy sprites and a menu of actions such as attack, spell, or run. Use the arrow keys to select an option and X to confirm. Pay attention to your hit points and magic points displayed on the screen; resting or using items may be necessary to survive deeper floors. Because the interface is text-heavy and in Japanese, trial and error is often required to learn which menu options do what. After clearing the dungeon or dying, the game may return you to a main menu where you can save or continue.

Deep Dungeon 1 Keyboard Controls

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: Trigger 1
S: Trigger 2
Enter: Start

Frequently Asked Questions

Who developed Deep Dungeon 1?

Deep Dungeon 1 was developed by Scap Trust, a Japanese software studio that created several early dungeon crawlers for the MSX and Famicom platforms.

Is Deep Dungeon 1 exclusive to MSX 1 or did it appear on other systems?

The original Deep Dungeon 1 was released exclusively for the MSX 1 in Japan. Later, a modified version titled Deep Dungeon III was released for the Famicom, but the first game remained a computer-only title.

Does Deep Dungeon 1 have a multiplayer or co-op mode?

Deep Dungeon 1 is strictly a single-player experience. The game focuses on solo dungeon exploration and turn-based combat, with no support for cooperative or competitive multiplayer.