Millionaire

Millionaire

Overview & History

Released exclusively for the Famicom in Japan by Use Corporation in 1988, Millionaire is a deeply obscure and fascinating pseudo-sequel/prequel concept to the cultural phenomenon of business simulation games on 8-bit hardware. Unlike traditional action platforms of the era, this title tasks players with rising from destitute poverty to supreme financial dominance through aggressive street-level hustling, stock market speculation, and real estate acquisition within a pixelated, neon-drenched Tokyo bubble. Its rare physical cartridge status makes it a holy grail for collectors, capturing the peak of Japan's late-80s economic boom era directly on the NES architecture.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The gameplay loop is divided into two distinct phases: Day and Night. During the day, players navigate top-down urban maps to buy low and sell high on volatile commodities while dodging loan sharks and hostile corporate rivals. At night, the game shifts into a bizarre side-scrolling brawler where your avatar—armed with a briefcase or rolled-up newspaper—must literally fight off muggers, corrupt politicians, and rival CEOs in alleyways to protect your daily earnings. Character moves include a swift briefcase swing, a high-kick counter-attack, and a defensive dash that consumes stamina based on your current liquid cash reserves. Success requires balancing aggressive physical combat with shrewd financial investment strategies.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Navigate menus and move character
• Action Keys: Attack / Confirm purchase
• Enter: Start / Pause