Dillon rolls into the sunset
Vanpool Inc. is closing its doors. The Japanese studio, known for both its support work on Nintendo games as well as its own games, such asDillon’s Rolling Western, has announced it is shutting down.
The news was posted on thestudio’s official site, saying the team has decided to disband. No overt reason was given, but the studio does express gratitude for its fans.
Vanpool was one of the studios started by former Love-de-Lic developers, alongside studios like Punchline (Chulip,Rule of Rose) and Skip Ltd. (Chibi-Robo!, LOL).
Back in 2001, Vanpool released its first game withEndonesiaon the PS2. From there on, it made some fun, unique games;Dillon’s Rolling Western, for one. And there’s also the bizarre, memorableFreshly-Picked Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland.
A slight tingle
Alongside its own games, Vanpool also supported several Nintendo titles. TheKirbyseries (includingForgotten Landand the recently releasedReturn to Dream Land Deluxe) dots Vanpool’s resume. The studio also contributed toPaper Mario: Sticker StarandChibi-Robo! Zip Lash.
It’s a shame to see a studio like this go. It’s hard not to think ofAlphadream, or the curiously quiet Skip Ltd. mentioned before, too. These studios, and their history, represent a different kind of games than we usually see. And it’s a team that played a role inNintendo’s recent success with Kirby, too.
