Description

"Kakyuusei" is a Japanese visual novel originally developed by Elf Corporation and tailored for the Sega Saturn, among other platforms. This game, whose title translates to "Underclassmates," invites players into a romantic simulation where they assume the role of a high school boy navigating his final year. The main objective is to develop a relationship with one of the multiple female characters available in the game. The storyline progresses through text-based interactions and decisions which significantly affect the game's outcome, with each choice paving the path to various narrative routes and endings. The game's artwork and character development were designed to appeal to fans of anime-styled visual aesthetics, making it a cherished title among enthusiasts of the genre.

Historically, "Kakyuusei" is significant as it marks an evolution in the dating sim game genre, particularly in how it approaches character interaction and story depth. Released in the mid-1990s, the game was part of the burgeoning wave of dating simulation games in Japan, which later gained immense popularity worldwide. Its implementation of a branched storyline—where a player's decision could lead to multiple endings—was innovative at the time and influenced many subsequent titles in the genre. "Kakyuusei" also spawned several sequels and a manga and anime adaptation, highlighting its cultural impact and enduring popularity within the otaku community. The Sega Saturn version is especially noted for its enhanced graphics and adapted gameplay, which utilized the console's capabilities to enrich the overall player experience.