Disc Station - Compile | MSX Universe

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Compile was a Japanese publisher of particularly prolific video games between 1982 and 2003date of its final closure. In just over two decades, he has marked the history of videogames, especially on MSX, by marketing titles that are today essential classics. These jewels include: Aleste, Aleste 2, Aleste Gaiden, Golvellius, Guardian, Puyo Puyo, Randar, or the legendary series of Zanac. Compile He also revolutionized the MSX ecosystem by launching a unique concept at the time, that of magazine on diskette, a real gold mine for lovers of the Japanese standard.

The Disc Station : A revolution on diskette

The Disc Station were marketed from 1988 to 1992 on MSX, before continuing their adventure on other media such as the PC-98 and PC under Windows until 2000date of their final judgment. In total, Compile produced 33 numbers of the Disc Station for MSX. The very first number, stamped #00, lives the day in July 1988. This digital magazine was presented as two diskettes in format 2DD of 720 KB, compatible with machines MSX2 and MSX2+.

For fans of the time, each release of Disc Station was an event. By inserting the disk into their MSX, they were greeted by animated introduction screens, often accompanied by lively music, marking the beginning of long hours of discovery. It was much more than just a magazine: it was an open door to Exclusive game demos, practical utility, unpublished information on video news, and even amateur creations that demonstrated the incredible inventiveness of the MSX community.

The innovation of audio CD and the evolution of the concept

December 1989, Compile takes another step by delivering for the first time a Disc Station accompanied by 8 cm audio CD, a format then innovative. This record contained music from their games, allowing players to relive the sound atmosphere of their favorite titles outside their screen. It was a small revolution, combining music technology and videoludic passion, and a strategy that further strengthened fan loyalty.

However, after #32published in December 1991, adventure Disc Station on MSX s Compile continued to explore other horizons, but this chapter will forever remain engraved in the history of the MSX.