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Neutopia (Japan)

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NEC TURBOGRAFX-16 Adventure Pub Hudson Soft Dev Hudson Soft 1989 Japan 1 Player 5 (0) 14

Neutopia (Japan)

About Neutopia (Japan)

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

Neutopia is an overhead action-adventure game developed by Hudson Soft, first released for the PC Engine in Japan on November 17, 1989. This is the Japanese version, later brought to the TurboGrafx-16 in North America. It is one of the earlier examples of the Zelda-like genre on NEC's hardware, offering a colorful fantasy world and a battery-backed save feature that was a big deal back then.

The story follows a hero who must rescue the captured princess from the demon Dirth. You explore a sprawling overworld, enter dungeons filled with traps and monsters, collect new weapons and items, and solve block-pushing puzzles. Combat is real-time from a top-down perspective, with a sword and other tools like bombs and boomerangs to help you progress. Each dungeon ends with a boss fight that requires a specific strategy.

For fans of classic overhead adventures, Neutopia holds up surprisingly well. It is a straightforward but polished take on the formula made famous by The Legend of Zelda, with its own visual charm and a memorable soundtrack. If you enjoy games like that, this is a must-play for the TurboGrafx-16 library, even if it is not as deep or famous as its Nintendo counterpart.

How to Play Neutopia (Japan) Online

To start playing, select 'New Game' from the title screen using the D-Pad and press the A button (X key). The game opens with a brief intro scene then places you in the overworld. Your first goal is to enter the town to the north and talk to the villagers for hints, then head to the first dungeon to the east. Movement is with the D-Pad, the A button swings your sword, and the B button lets you use items like bombs or the boomerang after you obtain them.

The core loop is exploring the overworld map, finding and clearing dungeons, and collecting new gear that opens up previously blocked paths. Keep an eye on your health meter and collect hearts dropped by enemies. If you get stuck, try bombing suspicious walls or burning bushes with the candle item. Since this is the Japanese version, menus are in Japanese, but the interface is simple enough to navigate by trial and error - the inventory screen shows items as icons and you can equip them with the Select button (V key).

Neutopia (Japan) Keyboard Controls

Controls

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Roughly how long does it take to finish Neutopia?

A first playthrough typically takes between 8 and 12 hours depending on exploration and puzzle-solving. Experienced players might finish closer to 6 hours.

Does Neutopia have a multiplayer or co-op mode?

No, Neutopia is a single-player game only. There is no local or online cooperative or competitive mode.

Is there anything iconic or memorable about Neutopia?

Neutopia is remembered as the TurboGrafx-16's answer to The Legend of Zelda, with vibrant 16-bit style graphics and a catchy soundtrack. It also features a battery save function, which was a welcome convenience for its time and allowed players to continue their adventure without passwords.