Riddle of Pythagoras (Japan)

Riddle of Pythagoras is a two-player ball and paddle game released in Japan in 1987 by Sega, originally developed as a collaboration between Eleca and Aicom. Players control paddles to deflect a bouncing ball, aiming to break formations of blocks arranged across the screen—a familiar setup reminiscent of Breakout. The Sega "System E" hardware powers this arcade title, featuring simple dial controls for each player to maneuver their paddle. The game's visual style is defined by distinctive character designs from Buta-Kun and others, contributing to a playful aesthetic that complements the straightforward gameplay. Original story elements were crafted by Teruo Ohhira, but the core experience revolves around skillfully manipulating the ball’s trajectory to clear each stage. Two buttons provide additional functionality during play. While credited with a 1986 copyright date on its title screen, Riddle of Pythagoras arrived in arcades the following year as part of Sega's lineup, offering a competitive and accessible experience for two players simultaneously.