Aspect

Aspect at a Glance

If you are browsing PlayPile to understand the history of Japanese game development, Aspect is a publisher you should know, though their legacy is defined more by quantity than consistent quality. Based in Japan, the company started in March 1991 and began releasing games in 1993 before closing its doors for good in October 2018 after filing for bankruptcy. Their catalog on PlayPile contains 21 titles, all developed in-house, with only one credited as a publisher role. The average rating across their eleven rated games sits at 65.9 out of 100. This score reflects a mix of strong hits and several forgettable entries, with two great games rated above 80, six good ones between 60 and 79, three mixed titles, and no poor ratings below 40. Aspect focused heavily on platformers, with eleven of their twenty-one games falling into that genre. They also made eight adventure games and four hack and slash or beat em up titles. Their work spanned many platforms, but they were most active on the Sega Game Gear with eight releases, followed by five games for the Sega Master System. Later in their run, they shifted toward Nintendo handhelds like the DS and 3DS. The company worked with major names such as Sega, Disney Interactive Studios, Square, and Samsung to bring these projects to life. The quality of their output changed noticeably over time. During the 1990s, they released fourteen games, including some of their highest-rated work. Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos received an 86.6 score in 1993, while Deep Duck Trouble Starring Donald Duck followed closely with an 82.7. By the 2000s, their output slowed to six titles, and by the 2010s, they released only one game. Their later releases show a drop in reception compared to their early years. ThunderCats from October 2012 received a 47 score, and Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 from July 2007 scored 49.9. Even Meteos: Disney Magic, which appeared in both the 2000s and is listed as a top rated title with 67 points, did not reach the heights of their 1993 classics. Aspect moved its headquarters several times within Tokyo to accommodate growth before eventually shrinking back down. Their history shows a company that found success early on with licensed properties but struggled to maintain that momentum in later decades. While they had a solid run for nearly two decades, their final years suggest a decline in both the volume and quality of their games.

Release Timeline

Rating Distribution