Guide
'Genpei Senka Sen' is a historical simulation game released by Koei (now Koei Tecmo Games) for the PC-9801 platform. Players take on the roles of legendary figures from the Genpei War—such as Minamoto no Yoritomo, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Taira no Kiyomori, Minamoto no Yoshinaka, and Fujiwara no Hidehira—with the goal of defeating rival factions. The game is set during the turbulent era from 1180 to 1185, a period of intense power shifts between the Genpei forces. Beyond simple combat, the game offers a profound strategic experience incorporating relationships with the Imperial Court, individual warrior attributes, and the unique concept of 'Mujo' (impermanence).
The game is set during the Genpei War (Jisho/Eisho War), a major turning point in Japanese history. The narrative spans from 1180, when Minamoto no Yoritomo established his base in Kamakura after escaping the Battle of Ishibashiyama, to the downfall of the Taira clan following the naval Battle of Dan-no-ura, and the eventual conflict between Yoritomo and Yoshitsune. Numerous historical events are integrated into the gameplay; for instance, pivotal moments like the death of Kiyomori or the entry of Yoshinaka into the capital directly impact the game's progression. Players experience the true struggle of the samurai class: how to expand influence and establish authority amidst the shifting currents of history.
The most striking feature is the detailed attribute system for each warrior, which drives the strategic depth. Parameters go beyond mere combat strength, including 'Intelligence,' 'Military Might,' 'Elegance (Yuga),' 'Renown,' 'Bodhi,' 'Divine Protection,' 'Impermanence (Mujo),' and 'Archery.' For example, a faction with high 'Elegance,' like the Taira clan, can excel at increasing intimacy with the Imperial Court through poetry gatherings, while also stabilizing finances through 'Commercial Encouragement.' The combat system utilizes a 'Point-to-Point' method, where movement between bases and tactical decisions in field battles—such as 'Melee,' 'Special Attacks (Rockfall/Charge),' or 'Avoidance'—determine victory or defeat. The inclusion of the 'Mujo' system, where warriors may leave the game through Buddhist ordination, beautifully captures the ephemeral nature of life in Japanese history.
Time progression is directly linked to your strategic success. Every January, warriors undergo changes in ability based on age (e.g., increases for those under 25, decreases for those over 60). Additionally, managing the 'Public Order' of your territories is crucial during seasonal shifts; low order can lead to population decline and weakened ties with the Imperial Court. Because the political map and historical events (such as the death of Kiyomori or the rise of Yoshitsune) change depending on the specific historical scenario (1180, 1183, 1184, or 1185), your strategic approach will vary significantly depending on the era you choose to play.
Players engage in high-stakes strategic command to achieve unification. Each faction offers unique playstyles: the Seiwa Genji might focus on 'Yabusame' (horseback archery) to enhance combat, the Kanmu Taira might use 'Poetry Gatherings' to approach the Imperial Court, and the Oshu Fujiwara might focus on 'Gold Mine Development' to bolster their economy. Players must master command-based movement and field tactics—including Wait, Approach, Contact, Detour, Avoid, and Withdraw—to control their armies. Success requires high-level political and military judgment, such as deciding whether to exploit or resist the intrigues of the Imperial Court.
The game covers a vast area of the Japanese archipelago, featuring a strategic map where players vie for control from Northern Kyushu to Tohoku. Key locations include Kamakura (the base of Yoritomo), Kyoto (the location of the Imperial Court/Heian-kyo), and Hiraizumi (the stronghold of the Fujiwara clan). Players must build relationships with or suppress local powerful families (such as Takeda Nobuyoshi, Nitta Yoshishige, or Satake Hideyoshi) to ultimately dominate all of Japan.
This is a historical simulation game designed for the PC-9801 series. To play, a compatible PC-9800 series environment is required. To achieve victory, it is essential to understand the specific characteristics of your chosen faction, such as wealth management and commercial policies. Since historical events like the death of Kiyomori are triggered by specific conditions, a good understanding of the historical scenarios is highly recommended for a successful playthrough.