Meikyuu

Meikyuu is a Japanese word that translates to "labyrinth" or "maze." It is most commonly associated with the popular dungeon crawler video game series of the same name. The Meikyuu series, developed by Quest Corporation and later acquired by Nintendo, is known for its challenging gameplay, intricate dungeon designs, and often dark fantasy themes.

The first game in the series, "Meikyuu Densetsu" (Legend of the Labyrinth), was released in 1987 for the Famicom. Subsequent titles like "Meikyuu Gakuen" (Labyrinth Academy) and "Meikyuu Kaijyu" (Labyrinth Monster) further explored the genre. The games typically involve players controlling a party of adventurers who must navigate dangerous, monster-filled labyrinths, solve puzzles, and collect treasure. Combat is usually turn-based, requiring strategic thinking and careful resource management.

While the original Meikyuu games were primarily released in Japan, their influence can be seen in many Western dungeon crawler titles. The term "Meikyuu" itself has become synonymous with the genre for many fans. The series is characterized by its unforgiving difficulty, encouraging players to learn from their mistakes and persevere through arduous challenges. The atmospheric soundtracks and detailed pixel art also contribute to the distinctive identity of the Meikyuu games.