About this game
Released in 1987 for the Famicom Disk System, Arumana no Kiseki is a Japan-exclusive Konami action-platformer with a strong Indiana Jones aesthetic. The player uses a rope and grappling hook to swing across chasms, reach high platforms, and interact with the environment — a system that anticipated the vine-swinging mechanics of later action-adventure games. Combined with Kinuyo Yamashita's score, it is considered one of the more underappreciated gems of the FDS library.
Key Features
Rope and grappling hook mechanic — launch the hook upward to catch ledges, swing across gaps, and climb to elevated platforms; Indiana Jones-style visuals with jungle temples, rope bridges, and ancient ruins; Disk System two-sided storage allowing for larger level designs than typical cartridge games; Kinuyo Yamashita's soundtrack featuring her characteristically melodic Konami style.
The Story Behind
Arumana no Kiseki was one of many ambitious Famicom Disk System exclusives that never left Japan, giving the FDS a library of unique experiences invisible to Western audiences. Konami's investment in the platform was significant — the company produced multiple FDS exclusives, from more commercial titles to experimental ones like this. Kinuyo Yamashita, who had composed the memorable Castlevania soundtrack for Famicom cartridge, brought that same sense of memorable melody to this more adventurous setting.
Tricks & Tales
Arumana no Kiseki's rope mechanic predates many more famous implementations of rope-swinging in video games. The game is considered unusually difficult for a Konami title of the era, with precise timing required for the grapple hook and limited continues. Its FDS-exclusive status contributed to near-total obscurity outside Japan until the retro gaming revival of the 2000s brought it back to attention.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Japan exclusive. Never officially released outside Japan. Only available on the Famicom Disk System.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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