# The Benza RPG

> 2020 JRPG set in the world of The Benza

**Wikidata**: [Q100323714](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100323714)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Benza_RPG)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-benza-rpg

## Summary
The Benza RPG is a 2020 Japanese role-playing video game (JRPG) set in the world of the television series *The Benza*. Created and written by Christopher Brian McCombs, the game is a single-player experience available across mobile and desktop platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date:** October 1, 2020
- **Genre:** Japanese role-playing video game (JRPG)
- **Creator & Screenwriter:** Christopher Brian McCombs
- **Publisher:** Tokyo Cowboys
- **Software Engine:** RPG Maker MV
- **Platforms:** iOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Android
- **Narrative Location:** Higashi-Nakano
- **Game Mode:** Single-player
- **Language:** English

## FAQs
### Q: What platforms can I play The Benza RPG on?
A: The game is available on mobile devices via Android and iOS, and on desktop computers running Microsoft Windows or macOS. It is distributed through Steam, Google Play, Amazon, and the Apple App Store.

### Q: Who are the voice actors in The Benza RPG?
A: The game features a cast including Christopher Brian McCombs, Kyle Card, Janni Olsson, Haku Inko, Kaori Ikeda, Maria Papadopoulou, Shizuka Anderson, Masahito Kawahata, and Hannah Grace.

### Q: What is the gameplay style of The Benza RPG?
A: It is a retro-style JRPG developed using the RPG Maker MV engine. It supports touchscreen input on mobile devices and video game controllers on Microsoft Windows.

### Q: Is The Benza RPG based on a show?
A: Yes, the game is based on the world and characters of the series *The Benza*. It was designed to allow players to interact with their favorite characters from the show in a digital RPG format.

## Why It Matters
The Benza RPG serves as a significant transmedia extension of *The Benza* television franchise. By transitioning the series' narrative into a JRPG format, it provides an interactive layer to the established world of Higashi-Nakano. The project is notable for its high level of creative continuity, as it was written by the series' creator, Christopher Brian McCombs, and features the original live-action cast providing voiceovers for their respective digital characters. 

Technically, the game demonstrates the versatility of the RPG Maker MV engine in creating cross-platform titles that bridge the gap between mobile and desktop gaming. Its distribution through major storefronts like Steam and Google Play, combined with its status as a free-to-play title at launch, highlights an accessible approach to independent game publishing by Tokyo Cowboys. It remains a rare example of a niche international television property successfully launching a dedicated role-playing game to expand its fictional universe.

## Notable For
- **Original Cast Integration:** Features voice acting from the original series cast, including Christopher Brian McCombs and Kyle Card.
- **Authentic Setting:** The game's narrative is specifically located in the real-world Tokyo neighborhood of Higashi-Nakano.
- **Cross-Platform Accessibility:** Available on four major operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS) with optimized inputs for both touchscreens and controllers.
- **Engine Choice:** Developed using RPG Maker MV, maintaining a retro aesthetic consistent with classic JRPGs.

## Body
### Development and Production
The Benza RPG was released on October 1, 2020. The project was led by Christopher Brian McCombs, who served as both the creator and the screenwriter. The game was published by Tokyo Cowboys and is officially categorized as an instance of a video game and a Japanese role-playing game.

### Technical Specifications
The game was built using the **RPG Maker MV** software engine. It supports multiple input methods depending on the hardware:
- **Mobile (Android/iOS):** Touchscreen controls.
- **Desktop (Windows):** Video game controller support.

### Distribution Channels
The game is available through several digital distribution platforms:
- **Steam:** Services both macOS and Microsoft Windows users.
- **Google Play & Amazon:** Provides the Android version of the game.
- **App Store:** Services iOS users.

### Narrative and Setting
The Benza RPG is set in **Higashi-Nakano**, Japan. The story and world-building are directly based on the television series *The Benza*. The primary language of the work is English, and it is designed strictly as a single-player experience.

### Voice Cast
The game features a comprehensive voice cast consisting of:
- Christopher Brian McCombs
- Kyle Card
- Janni Olsson
- Haku Inko
- Kaori Ikeda
- Maria Papadopoulou
- Shizuka Anderson
- Masahito Kawahata
- Hannah Grace

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "VideoGame",
  "name": "The Benza RPG",
  "description": "A 2020 JRPG set in the world of the television series The Benza.",
  "url": "https://en.tokyo-cowboys.com/thebenzarpg",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12938344/"],
  "gamePlatform": ["iOS", "macOS", "Microsoft Windows", "Android"],
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "Christopher Brian McCombs"
  },
  "publisher": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Tokyo Cowboys"
  },
  "genre": "Japanese role-playing video game",
  "releaseDate": "2020-10-01",
  "gameItem": "RPG Maker MV"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://soranews24.com/2020/10/12/save-your-favorite-characters-and-a-small-part-of-tokyo-in-the-benzas-free-rpg/)
2. [Source](https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2020/10/the-benza-transformed-into-a-free-to-play-retro-rpg/)
3. GameSpot
4. [Source](https://gamerprofiles.com/game/K784J/The-Benza-RPG)
5. Q124398839