Gate of Souls Fan Translation Revives Koei's Dante-Inspired PC-98 Classic

Gate of Souls ~ From Dante's Divine Comedy, the atmospheric 1992 sidescrolling adventure by Koei, is finally receiving a long-awaited fan translation, thanks to a dedicated team of retro game enthusiasts.

Originally released for Japan’s PC-98 and FM-Towns computer platforms, Gate of Souls (known locally as Tamashii no Mon ~ Dante no Shinkyoku yori) uniquely blends literary inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy with the action and exploration of a side-scrolling platformer. Developed by industry giant Koei—renowned for historical game series like Nobunaga’s Ambition, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and the globally celebrated Dynasty Warriors franchise—Gate of Souls casts players as Dante himself.

The narrative sees the revered poet descend into hell after losing his beloved Beatrice, embarking on a dangerous journey through infernal landscapes in pursuit of redemption and reunion in heaven. Despite its compelling storyline and distinctive presentation, Gate of Souls never received an official English release on either the PC-98 or FM-Towns platforms.

The title remains a fascinating relic of Koei's experimental catalog, largely unknown outside Japanese retro gaming circles. Reviving Hidden Gems: The Fan Translation Initiative The fan translation project, spearheaded by prominent community member BabaJeanMel, aims to bring Gate of Souls to a broader international audience.

BabaJeanMel, along with frequent collaborators Kirinn B and AlphaRobo, previously worked on patches for lesser-known PC-98 releases such as Jewel BEM Hunter Lime, Cyber Arms Val-Kaizer, and Shrangila 2.

In a recent website update, BabaJeanMel shared new footage highlighting a playable, work-in-progress English version that includes the game's opening and the entirety of the first chapter. Reflecting on progress, BabaJeanMel explained that an earlier attempt at a partial translation was hindered by technical limitations.

"Our initial menu patch had to be put on hold due to obstacles within the game engine and encrypted graphic formats," they recounted.

However, technological breakthroughs by AlphaRobo, who successfully reverse-engineered the engine, and Kirinn B, who deciphered the complex graphics code, have finally enabled the team to resume translation efforts in earnest. While full completion dates remain unannounced, the visible strides made by the team underscore growing momentum in the PC-98 localization scene.

As a testament to the game's enduring appeal, BabaJeanMel remarked that Gate of Souls is an exceptional title that has yet to receive the attention it deserves. This continuing fan translation work highlights persistent interest in Koei’s broader software legacy and the enduring dedication of the retro gaming community.

For those curious to learn more or to follow the progress of Gate of Souls ~ From Dante's Divine Comedy, BabaJeanMel’s website and video updates provide an in-depth look at how one of the PC-98's most intriguing obscurities is finding new life for contemporary audiences.

PC Koei Dante BabaJeanMel AlphaRobo Kirinn B PC-98 FM-Towns Gate of Souls Dante's Divine Comedy