The Mysterious Arcade Game from the MSX Era
Introduction
Among the many retro games lost in time, there are a few that inspire curiosity and respect due to their originality, atmosphere, and mysterious origin. Putup, originally released in 1987 for the Japanese MSX home computer by Yuichi Ago, is one of those games – modest at first glance but surprisingly engaging and challenging, leaving a lasting impression on players, especially across Eastern Europe.
In the following years, the game was unofficially ported to MS-DOS, which is how many players first encountered it during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Today, decades later, we are proud to present an unofficial port of Putup for the 8-bit Oric computer – created with great care to preserve the essence of the original while adapting it to the capabilities of this classic machine.
Origin and Development
Putup is a product of the late 1980s MSX scene, a time when independent programming thrived and many games were created by individual developers. Created by Yuichi Ago, the game reflects the creativity and experimental spirit typical for the platform.
The later DOS version is believed to be an unofficial conversion, which helped the game spread beyond the MSX community and reach a wider audience.
Gameplay
Putup is a puzzle-platform arcade game. The player controls a small character who must traverse abstract levels, collecting objects and avoiding traps.
The game consists of static screens (no scrolling), each presenting a block-based maze. The objective is to gather key items and reach the exit.
The original MSX version features simple, colorful graphics and minimalistic sound. The DOS version typically uses CGA graphics (4 colors) and simple PC speaker sound effects. There are no classic enemies, but a single mistake – such as stepping on a trap – results in losing a life.
Popularity and Cult Status
Although originally developed for MSX and relatively obscure outside Japan, Putup gained wider recognition through its DOS version, which spread across Eastern Europe via pirated floppy disk collections. It was often found in "100 DOS Games" packs, without documentation or context.
As a result, many players remember it as a strange and fascinating experience from their childhood.
New Oric Port
This port was carefully adapted to the Oric’s graphical and memory limitations, while preserving the gameplay and mood of the original MSX version, while also acknowledging the DOS variant familiar to many players. Players can now experience Putup in a new light – with a distinctive Oric aesthetic but the same sense of challenge and mystery.
The project aims to revive a forgotten gem and make it accessible to a new generation of retro computing enthusiasts.
Controls
Arrows - Move
Space - Jump
Forum Link
https://forum.defence-force.org/viewtopic.php?t=2745
Game release date
07.2025
Download Link
Gallery
