Play Nazo no Mascarade (Japan) Online in your browser

The game loads when you press Play · press “Play Now” inside the game if it asks.

Nazo no Mascarade (Japan)

44 plays

What is Nazo no Mascarade?

Nazo no Mascarade (Japan) is a puzzle game released exclusively for the NEC TurboGrafx-16 (PC Engine) in 1991. Published by Naxat Soft, it arrived during the system's heyday of falling-block puzzle games. The title translates to "Mystery Masquerade," hinting at its carnival-themed visuals. This is an official retail release, not a hack or homebrew, and was never localized for Western markets. The core gameplay revolves around stacking colorful masks as they descend in a playfield. You must rotate and position each mask to form horizontal lines of matching colors or patterns, which then disappear and earn points. The challenge ramps up as blocks fall faster, requiring quick thinking and precise placement. Unlike some puzzle games, Nazo no Mascarade adds a thematic twist with mask designs, but the mechanics stay true to the genre's classic roots. For retro puzzle fans, Nazo no Mascarade offers a solid, if unremarkable, entry in the TurboGrafx-16 library. It's worth checking out if you enjoy games like Tetris or Puyo Puyo, especially for the unique mask theme and clean presentation. The Japanese menu text can be a hurdle, but the gameplay is intuitive enough to pick up quickly. It's a niche title that rewards patience and pattern recognition, remaining a pleasant discovery for collectors of PC Engine imports.

GAME INFO

Platform: NEC TURBOGRAFX-16
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Naxat Soft
Developer: Naxat Soft
Released: 1991
Players: 1
Region: Japan

How to play Nazo no Mascarade online

Getting Started

When you first launch Nazo no Mascarade, you'll see a title screen in Japanese. Press Enter to start, then use the D-Pad to navigate the menu. The main options are likely "Start Game" and "High Scores." If you see a screen with multiple choices, the top one is usually the single-player mode. The game has no English text, but you can experiment - press Start on the first option to begin.

The core loop is straightforward: colored masks fall from the top of the playfield. Your goal is to arrange them into complete horizontal lines. Use the Arrow Keys to move left/right and X to rotate the falling mask. When a line is filled with no gaps, it clears, and you score points. The game ends when blocks stack to the top. There is no time limit; you play until you lose.

New players should focus on keeping the playfield low and avoiding gaps. If you are unsure about controls, try pressing S to drop the mask instantly. The game speeds up as your score increases, so plan moves ahead. Since menus are in Japanese, remember that the first menu option is almost certainly "Start," and pressing Enter at any time pauses the action.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: I button
S: II button
Enter: Run / Start
V: Select

Nazo no Mascarade FAQ

Who developed Nazo no Mascarade?

Nazo no Mascarade was developed and published by Naxat Soft, a Japanese company known for several puzzle and arcade games on the PC Engine. The same studio also worked on titles like Bomberman: Panic Bomber for the platform.

What makes Nazo no Mascarade stand out among NEC TURBOGRAFX-16 titles of its era?

Its masquerade-ball mask theme is a distinctive twist on the falling-block puzzle formula. While many similar games use geometric shapes, Nazo no Mascarade features colorful masks that add a charming visual identity, setting it apart from more generic puzzle games of the time.

In what year was Nazo no Mascarade originally released?

Nazo no Mascarade was originally released in 1991 exclusively in Japan. It has never received an official Western release, making it a sought-after import for collectors of TurboGrafx-16 puzzle games.

All NEC TURBOGRAFX-16 games