Let's make a princess!
The Princess Maker series is perhaps one which could only have come from Japan, but unlike some of the more questionable titles to emerge from that country, such as Do You Like Horny Bunnies?, this is actually quite a charming little franchise. The games are a sort of mix of RPG and parent simulator, with the player taking control of the parent or guardian of a young child and then helping to shape their destiny. This one sees you in control of a father who is blessed with a child from the heavens and the game basically follows the day to day tribulations of raising such a child, and despite how mundane this might sound, the game actually proves to be quite addictive. You'll have to make various decisions involving the young lady's schooling, her job, her financial development and, because this is a game after all, her combat prowess. Various plot points will require you to send her out into the wilderness where she'll come into contact with enemies, which she will have to defeat in turn-based combat, while there are also various relationships to nurture and the decisions you make will eventually lead to one of over 70 different endings. Princess Maker really is quite a refreshing change from the usual RPGs like Final Fantasy or Zelda and while it might not be for everyone, if you're willing to give it a go, there's a lot of fun to be had here. The visuals are typically Japanese, with some great monster designs and great use of color. The game does get a bit repetitive at times but for the most part, this is strangely addictive stuff.
