Description

"Angelique Special" is a Japanese visual novel and simulation game developed by Koei, originally released for the Super Famicom in 1995 before being ported to the Sega Saturn in 1996. The game takes place in a fantastical universe and follows the story of Angelique Limoges, a young woman chosen as a prospective candidate to become the next Queen of the Cosmos. The player's task is to cultivate and manage various planets within their cosmic domain and ultimately prove Angelique capable of succeeding the current Queen. Players engage in nurturing different aspects of the planets, such as raising the land's ecosystems and influencing its culture and technology, by employing the help of nine elemental Guardians, each with unique abilities and personalities that affect their strategy.

"Angelique Special" on the Sega Saturn featured enhanced graphics and full voice acting for the characters, making the experience more immersive compared to its previous versions. Unique among games of its time, "Angelique Special" is notable for being one of the first games specifically aimed at a female audience, helping to establish the "otome" (maiden) genre in video gaming. This genre is characterized by romantic plotlines and the opportunity to develop relationships with multiple characters, a hallmark of the game's play style. The involvement in complex, branching storylines where player choices impact the outcome, contributed to its enduring popularity. Over the years, "Angelique Special" has not only spawned several sequels and spin-offs but also adapted into various anime and manga series, underlining its significant influence in Japanese pop culture.