Genpei Kassen

About

Genpei Kassen is a turn-based strategy game set during Japan's 12th century conflict between the Genji and Heike clans. Players pick from four scenarios spanning key moments in the war, each offering distinct starting conditions and objectives. Manage resources, deploy troops, and make political decisions to shift the balance of power. Historical events unfold automatically based on the timeline but can be altered through player actions. For example ending Yoritomo's life early changes how Kiyomori's story plays out. The game lets you control every move or hand command to the AI at any time. The game stands out for its flexible approach to history. With no time limits players can experiment with outcomes like preventing the Battle of Dan-no-ura or shifting alliances to reshape the Heian period's end. The Fujiwara clan's unpredictable neutrality adds strategic layers. Though released in 1994 it shares design DNA with later Koei titles offering deep simulation without modern frills. A niche pick for strategy fans interested in historical mechanics over narrative polish.

Storyline

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 are powerful in the first two story paths, but the Genji will have the clear advantage for the other half. The Fujiwara clan remain resourceful yet ambivalent in every scenario. Like early Nobunaga's Ambition or Romance of the Three Kingdoms, animations and duels can be turned off. Historical events are automatically triggered based on the game's date, yet the player can actively prevent them from occurring. Killing Yoritomo before Kiyomori succumbs to illness, for instance, will never trigger Kiyomori's historical death in the first story path. The time spent in each scenario is limitless, only ending once the player has either lost or claimed victory. At any time, the player may choose to leave their side's actions to the game's AI.