First Queen

First Queen

Introduction Story & Setting Gameplay Platforms Legacy Fun Facts

Introduction

In the late 1980s, the landscape of Japanese role-playing games was largely dominated by turn-based systems and menu-driven combat. However, a developer named Kure Software sought to break these conventions with the release of First Queen. First arriving on the Sharp X68000 and NEC PC-9801 in 1988, this game introduced a frantic, real-time approach to combat that would eventually become a hallmark of the series. Often referred to by its full Japanese title, ファーストクイーンオルニック戦記, or simply First Queen: Ornic Senki, the game represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the real-time strategy (RTS) and action RPG genres. It invited players into a world of massive skirmishes, deep customization, and a narrative scope that was remarkably ambitious for its time.

Story & Setting

The narrative of First Queen takes place on the vast and diverse continent of Logres, a land that has fallen under the shadow of war. The story centers on the aggressive expansionism of the Queen of Ornic, who has begun a campaign to conquer the neighboring kingdoms. Players step into the boots of the Count of Richmond, a noble leader tasked with rallying a resistance against the encroaching Ornic forces. As the protagonist, you must navigate a world filled with political intrigue, forming alliances with various races—including humans, elves, and dwarves—to build a coalition capable of stopping the Queen. This struggle, known as the "Ornic War Chronicles" or First Queen: Ornic Senki, provides a rich backdrop for the tactical gameplay, as every battle won brings the player closer to restoring peace to a fractured land.

Gameplay

The defining feature of First Queen is its "Gochyakara" battle system, a term that translates roughly to "jumbled" or "mixed up." Unlike the orderly lines found in many strategy games of the era, First Queen features large-scale, real-time battles where dozens of units clash simultaneously on screen. The player controls a main character while their subordinates follow and engage enemies autonomously based on general AI behaviors.

This blend of action RPG and strategy requires the player to manage not just their own movements, but the composition and health of their entire troop. You can recruit various units throughout the journey, each with unique statistics and abilities. Managing these groups involves careful consideration of formation and equipment. Between the chaotic battles, players explore a world map, visit towns, and engage in classic RPG progression systems, such as leveling up and discovering magical artifacts. The marriage of tactical unit management and direct combat control made First Queen a unique experience that preceded the RTS boom of the 1990s.

Platforms

This game was released on several platforms, including the Sharp X68000, the NEC PC-9801, and most notably the Super Famicom.

Legacy

The legacy of First Queen is deeply intertwined with the history of Japanese game design. It proved that real-time combat could work on a massive scale, even with the technical limitations of 1980s hardware. Perhaps the most striking aspect of its legacy is its artistic pedigree; the game features character designs and artwork by the legendary Yoshitaka Amano. Known today primarily for his iconic work on the Final Fantasy series, Amano’s ethereal and haunting style gave First Queen a visual identity that set it apart from its contemporaries.

The success of the original led to the creation of three sequels, each expanding on the "Gochyakara" system. The Super Famicom port, released in 1994, brought the series to a wider console audience and remains one of the most beloved versions of the game. Even decades later, First Queen is remembered by retro enthusiasts as a trailblazer that blurred the lines between individual heroism and grand strategy.

Fun Facts

  • The "Gochyakara" system was so central to the developer's identity that they continued to refine it across multiple titles outside of the First Queen franchise.
  • While Yoshitaka Amano is now a household name in gaming, his work on First Queen was some of his earliest contributions to the medium, predating many of his most famous Final Fantasy designs.
  • The Super Famicom version, ファーストクイーンオルニック戦記, features significant graphical and audio overhauls compared to the original PC versions, taking full advantage of the console's custom sound chip.
  • Despite its popularity in Japan, the game never received an official English localization during its initial release cycle, making it a "hidden gem" for Western collectors who rely on fan translations to experience the story.

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