The Princess Guide is a distinctive Action RPG developed by Nippon Ichi Software that merges the traditional beat-em-up combat style with a unique character-raising system. Released on March 26, 2019, for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, the game challenges players to step into the boots of a legendary veteran soldier. Tasked with teaching the ways of life and combat to the next generation, you are presented with a recruitment poster for four distinct kingdoms, each in desperate need of a tutor for their respective princess.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat

At its core, The Princess Guide revolves around molding a future ruler. Players must guide their chosen princess using a dynamic system of "Praise" or "Scold" commands. These interactions directly influence the princess's traits, personality, and behavior, ultimately determining her growth and suitability as a worthy heir to the throne. The combat allows you to switch control between the princess, a knight unit, or random assigned leaders, adding variety to the brawler-style encounters.

While the narrative is driven by the raising aspect, the action gameplay involves managing a roster of minions and utilizing environmental traps. The game features a laid-back tone with fast-paced narration, though the combat system relies on simple command inputs. Players can level up their units, though minion retention varies across campaigns, requiring strategic management during battles.

The Princess Guide: Four Unique Storylines

One of the standout features of the title is the selection of one of four princesses, each with her own kingdom, personality, and ultimate goal. The story expands as you explore the world, but the primary focus remains on your specific protégé's journey. The endings of your campaign are influenced by your "Faith" level with your chosen princess, encouraging multiple playthroughs to witness different outcomes.

  • Liliartie: The Warrior Princess. A spunky, cheerful, and gluttonous character whose boundless energy is infectious. Her quest involves fighting an ancient beast awoken by an evil group, and players can help her end world hunger while uncovering her personal battles.
  • Veronica: The Witch Princess. Described as brash and talented, Veronica aims for world domination. Her storyline appeals to those who enjoy a more prodigal and bossy dynamic.
  • Monomaria: The Rose Princess. Humble and serious, Monomaria seeks to unearth family secrets and end poverty within her realm.
  • Alpana: The Dragon Princess. Gentle and serene, Alpana focuses on spreading words of peace and faith across the world.

Visual Style and Audio

The Princess Guide boasts a vibrant anime visual style that captures the essence of Nippon Ichi Software's aesthetic. The game is presented entirely in Japanese dub, allowing the dialogue and character expressions to drive the personality of each princess. The visual presentation is designed to hook fans of the anime genre, providing a colorful backdrop for the political and personal struggles of the princesses.

Platform Availability

The game is available on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Players can experience the full suite of campaigns across these platforms, with the ability to choose a princess and explore their specific kingdom before deciding who will be the final heir.

Who Should Play The Princess Guide?

This title is best suited for fans of anime aesthetics and those interested in character-raising simulations within an action framework. Players who enjoy the development cycles of Nippon Ichi Software games will find familiar tropes and mechanics. The game appeals to those looking for a lighthearted experience with multiple storylines to uncover. However, due to the raising mechanics requiring "Praise" and "Scold" interactions to shape the princess's path, it offers a different kind of engagement than standard action titles, focusing heavily on the relationship between the tutor and the ruler-in-training.