In many countries, including Japan and the United States, the term retro gaming is usually applied to earlier console games from the 1980s and 1990s. However, in Germany, the gaming revolution was initially built on titles released on mass-adopted home computers, such as the Commodore 64 and Amiga 500.
These systems not only allowed players to enjoy video games, but also inspired Germans to develop their own. The Great Gianna Sisters and Turrican, in particular, are big examples of the homegrown games that went on to become classics both at home and in international gaming markets.
Why West Germany’s Gaming Boom Started on Home Computers
As computers and consoles became affordable options for families, home gaming exploded in West Germany back in the 1980s. Early home computers, such as the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amiga 500 and the Atari ST, were popular choices, as unlike consoles, they could be used for programming, education, and productivity as well as gaming.
While these systems helped breed the first generation of gamers, they also helped inspire people who had an interest in the games that went deeper than just playing. Buoyed by computer magazines, such as 64’er, Power Play, and Happy Computer, coupled with local computer hubs and demo groups, many would move into the newfound world of game development.
Eventually, that would lead to the establishment of top German development companies such as Rainbow Arts, Blue Byte and Time Warp.
Rainbow Arts Became a Launchpad for German Game Talent
Rainbow Arts, which was founded in 1984, became one of the country’s most influential computer publishers and developers of the time. Over the years, the company was responsible for over 70 games across the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST and early DOS-based computers.
Much of Rainbow Arts’ success came from working with smaller independent teams rather than operating as a single fixed studio. This allowed a wide range of talented programmers, including Armin Gessert and Manfred Trenz and composers such as Chris Hülsbeck to work alongside each other on a variety of different projects.
It was this flexible approach which really allowed the German games industry to flourish, as it ensured technical expertise was nurtured on a wider scale.
The Great Giana Sisters – Germany’s Most Famous Mario Challenge
One of the biggest Rainbow Arts success stories, at least at home in Germany, is The Great Gianna Sisters, which released in 1987. It was a platformer that involved completing levels filled with enemies, hidden rooms and power-ups. However, the game is arguably more remembered for the scandal surrounding it.
Developed by Time Warp Productions and published by Rainbow Arts, the game had some rather blatant similarities to a certain Nintendo title called Super Mario Bros. The name and theme alone, which is now of Italian siblings of a different sex, made it clear that a lot had been borrowed from Nintendo’s release. The gameplay, while harder and at a faster pace, was also eerily similar.
How the actual events played out has been a debate ever since, but most accept that Nintendo didn’t react well to these similarities and The Great Gianna Sisters was removed from sale. While legal pressure from Nintendo played a part in that decision, there is no evidence that an actual lawsuit was ever filed, which is the narrative used by some.
Turrican Turned German 8-Bit Craft Into an International Showcase
There were no such claims of unoriginality against another popular German-born video game release. Launched in 1990 on the Commodore 64, Turrican quickly showed that there was life left in what was at this point considered aging hardware. In fact, the title combined platforming with shooting, exploration and massive levels, while also delivering some of the best graphics and animations seen on the system.
As a result of Turrican’s success on the Commodore 64, the series was expanded across other more modern systems, such as the Amiga 500 and Atari ST. However, at this point, it was the German-American Factor 5, formed by former Rainbow Arts employees, that was now responsible for most of the direction.
Beyond Two Classics – The Studios and Games the Scene Produced
The success of Rainbow Arts did not just amount to those two titles, with the studio releasing over 70+ titles before it ceased to exist in 1999. Rendering Ranger, X-Out and Katakis were just some of the other titles that went on to enjoy huge success in both Germany and beyond.
As for other German studios that released notable retro games during the 80s and 90s, the list is long. Blue Byte is one of the most prominent, with it known for The Settlers II and Battle Isle games, but Thalion, Factor 5, Egosoft and Yager Development have also been credited with major releases during that time.
Why Giana Sisters and Turrican Still Matter to Retro Gamers
In Germany, The Great Giana Sisters and Turrican remain two of the most talked-about retro video games of the 1980s. Both showcased the talents of local developers and laid the groundwork for many of the modern titles seen today.
On top of that, they showcased the talent and potential of German developers who have since gone on to play a part in the shaping of the gaming industry as we see it today. Their inspiration has led to many examples of top local software providers being behind modern releases, including Crytek, Ubisoft and Egosoft.
Germany’s Retro Revolution Was Built on People, Machines and Risk
Germany’s retro gaming revolution was not just about the earliest video games locals had access to in the 80s and 90s, but also the early exposure aspiring developers had thanks to affordable home computers. Without the likes of the Commodore 64, Amiga and Atari being a common part of family homes, there’s a good chance the German gaming industry would not have produced some of the classics of old and many of the games we’re playing today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was The Great Giana Sisters banned, or did Nintendo sue?
There is no definitive evidence that shows Nintendo ever sued Rainbow Arts over the creation of The Great Gianna Sisters. Evidence also suggests the game was not banned but instead withdrawn from sale under the potential threat of legal action from Nintendo.
Who created Turrican?
The original Commodore 64 version of Turrican was created by Manfred Trenz, while Chris Hülsbeck composed the game’s music. As for later versions of the game, these were handled by Factor 5 and various other development studios.
Why were the Commodore 64 and Amiga so important in Germany?
The Commodore 64 and Amiga 500 were both hugely popular, affordable home computers in Germany throughout the 80s and 90s. They allowed consumers to enjoy games alongside the capability to learn programming.
What was Rainbow Arts?
Rainbow Arts was a German video game publisher founded in 1984 that was responsible for releasing over 70 titles, including iconic games such as The Great Giana Sisters and the Turrican series.
Are Giana Sisters and Turrican German games?
Giana Sisters and Turrican are just two of many iconic retro games created by German companies. Just note that some of the later ports, remasters and re-releases of the games may have involved companies based in other countries.
Can you legally play Giana Sisters and Turrican today?
Yes, there are several remastered versions for both games on various consoles, handhelds and mobile platforms. Just make sure you stick to licensed versions rather than unauthorized ROM downloads.
