Description

"Next King: Koi no Sennen Oukoku" is a unique and captivating simulation game developed for the Sega Saturn by ASCII Corporation and released only in Japan in 1996. The game blends elements of strategy, role-playing, and life simulation, creating a rich and diverse gameplay experience. Set in a fantastical kingdom where the player takes on the role of a prince or princess, the game's main objective is to prepare the protagonist for their future role as the monarch. This preparation involves managing various aspects of kingdom governance, engaging in diplomatic relations, and personal development through quests and interactions with other characters.

The gameplay of "Next King: Koi no Sennen Oukoku" is notable for its depth and complexity. Players must navigate their character's daily schedule, deciding when to study statecraft, when to explore the surroundings, and how to interact with subjects and other nobility. Decisions made by the player affect the storyline and the character’s attributes and relationships, leading towards multiple potential endings based on the player's choices and competencies developed throughout the game. Unique for its time, the game incorporates a real-time clock system that influences game events, adding a layer of realism and urgency to the management aspects. Although it remained a Japan-exclusive title, "Next King: Koi no Sennen Oukoku" is remembered for its innovative gameplay and remains a fascinating representation of mid-90s simulation games on the Sega Saturn platform.