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Genpei Kassen (源平合戦, Literally: Genpei War) is a historical simulation game which focuses on the war between the Genji (Minamoto clan) and the Heike (Taira clan) at the end of Japan's Heian period (12th century).

The game is based on Heike Monogatari, featuring folktales, fictional stories, and historical events, but primarily for personal computers, making it less popular.

Gameplay[]

The player can only control figures from the Ise-Heishi, Seiwa-Genji, or Oshu-Fujiwara clans in each scenario, while AI controls other clans and war forces. Although the influence each clan has changes depending on the scenario, each clan has a set of general traits to distinguish themselves:

  • Seiwa-Genji - mighty warriors with strong ties of loyalty; diminutive supplies and no trade threatens domestic security; specialize in archery
  • Ise-Heishi - high political influence and excellent domestic trade; constantly harassed by multiple rivals in most scenarios; excel in naval warfare
  • Oshu-Fujiwara - distant from warfare in most scenarios; rich domestic and economical resources yet lacks capable generals for war

Victory is achieved by either absorbing enemy territory or by eradicating rivals completely from the map. Defeat occurs when the player loses all of their territory.

Genpei Kassen is a monthly turn-based game divided into domestic and combat phases. The domestic phase manages troop supplies, gold, and training in ally provinces. Players must protect their earnings by building public security bases. Political prestige of ally generals is crucial, as appeasing Emperor Go-Shirakawa increases troop capacity and provinces under their command. This also affects noblemen's trust and confidence in conquering provinces beyond the starting point.

The player's character's historical political standing and loyalty to the court can affect their chances of gaining favor. The player's prestige can fluctuate, and neglecting it can lead to decreased immunity and fame. To support their conquests, the player can manipulate rival clans' political standing. Once confident, they can assemble an army to attack a rival general. Battles are turn-based, with the AI determining actions without the player's intervention. Commands can be offensive or defensive, and special abilities can be ordered. Battles must be concluded within ten turns.

If conflicting generals of high acclaim come in close proximity of one another, they might initiate a duel sequence. The power of their strikes is determined by morale and their War stat. Certain generals may even invoke a special technique to deal critical damage to their opponent. Participants in duels risk death in battle or capture if they should fail. A losing general may plead for mercy and their escape, which causes their instant withdraw from battle if it is permitted by their opponent.

Scenarios[]

Similar to other Koei historical simulations, the player begins their game by first selecting a scenario. Scenarios include:

  1. Yoritomo Lays the Foundations of Kamakura (October 1180): Kiyomori's conquests, Yoritomo's exile and rise within the Hōjō
  2. Yoshinaka Seizes The Capital (July 1183): Yoshinaka's insurgent forces collide with Yoritomo, Munemori's succession of the Heike
  3. Heike Restoration at the Western Sea (October 1184): Situation of the war after the Battle of Ichi-no-tani, Heike have lost property and start stranded within the west
  4. Yoshitsune Slays His Brother's Adversaries (October 1185): Battle of Dan-no-ura, contention between Yoritomo and Yoshitsune in Oshu

The Heike and Genji have power in the first two story paths, while the Fujiwara clan remains resourceful and ambivalent. The game allows players to control animations, duels, and historical events, with limitless time spent in each scenario and the option to leave actions to AI.

Related Media[]

Koei released a handbook of the game summarizing the historical setting and figures for players' convenience.

External Links[]

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