Games Released in April 1988

27 new games debuted in April 1988, with Family Computer being the most active platform. April 1 was the busiest day, with 7 releases. Double Dragon was the most popular release of the month.

Which days had the most releases?

April 1 saw the most activity with 7 releases.

7 releases

April 1

3 releases

April 22

3 releases

April 15

3 releases

April 8

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat

Fri, Apr 1

7 releases

Sat, Apr 2

1 release

Sun, Apr 3

No releases

Mon, Apr 4

No releases

Tue, Apr 5

1 release

Wed, Apr 6

No releases

Thu, Apr 7

No releases

Fri, Apr 8

3 releases

Sat, Apr 9

No releases

Sun, Apr 10

No releases

Mon, Apr 11

No releases

Tue, Apr 12

No releases

Wed, Apr 13

1 release

Thu, Apr 14

1 release

Fri, Apr 15

3 releases

Sat, Apr 16

1 release

Sun, Apr 17

2 releases

Mon, Apr 18

No releases

Tue, Apr 19

1 release

Wed, Apr 20

No releases

Thu, Apr 21

1 release

Fri, Apr 22

3 releases

Sat, Apr 23

1 release

Sun, Apr 24

No releases

Mon, Apr 25

No releases

Tue, Apr 26

No releases

Wed, Apr 27

1 release

Thu, Apr 28

2 releases

Fri, Apr 29

1 release

Sat, Apr 30

1 release

How did each week compare?

The first week of April was the busiest with 9 releases.

Week 1 (April 1–7)

9 releases

Week 2 (April 8–14)

5 releases

Most popular release in Week 2

Double Dragon

The NES version of Double Dragon takes a wide range of liberties with the interpretation. The entire graphical style is more in line with Technōs’ Kunio-kun series, with characters that go for exaggerated expression rather than gritty realism. The biggest change, however, was reserved for the moveset. You start the game with only the punch, kick and headbutt available – all the other moves are obtained via an RPG-lite style experience system. Hitting enemies is now rewarded with a certain amount of experience points depending on the attack, and each time the counter goes above 999, you’re awarded an additional heart, which extends the range of possible actions. Two hearts add the uppercut and roundhouse kick combo finishers, and with three Billy can perform the jump kick maneuver. The fourth heart unlocks access to grappling moves.

Week 3 (April 15–21)

8 releases

Week 4 (April 22–28)

7 releases

Most popular release in Week 4

Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter

Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter is a direct sequel to Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished - Omen. The game continues to use the action role-playing combat style of the first installment, which requires the player to have the protagonist run into the enemy to deal damage, without needing to press an attack button. The player should carefully choose the angles and the degree of contact with the enemy; otherwise, the hero will be killed. The player character can (and should) level up, perform quests for village people, gather money, and upgrade weapons and inventory, like in most other RPGs. The sequel offers a longer quest than the first installment and adds a magic arsenal to Adol's abilities. Among the magic spells are a fire attack, a time-stopping spell, and a transformation ability that allows Adol to pass for a monster and converse with enemies. Magic spells deplete Adol's magic points bar.

Week 5 (April 29–30)

2 releases

Which platforms saw the most releases?

Family Computer received 7 new titles in April 1988. The runner up was Family Computer Disk System with 6 new titles.

Family Computer7 releases

Family Computer Disk System6 releases

PC-8800 Series4 releases

Nintendo Entertainment System3 releases

Sega Master System/Mark III3 releases

Arcade2 releases

Sharp X12 releases

Apple II1 release

Apple IIGS1 release

Commodore C64/128/MAX1 release

What genres were most popular?

Adventure was the dominant genre in April 1988 with 7 titles. Arcade followed closely with 6.

Adventure7

Arcade6

Strategy5

Platform4

Puzzle4

Role-playing4

Shooter4

Simulator4

Sport3

Fighting2

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