About this game
Released for the PC Engine Super CD-ROM² on September 30, 1994, Princess Maker 2 is the definitive version of Gainax's influential life simulation game — the work that established the 育成ゲーム (raising simulation) as a genre in Japan. The player adopts a girl named Olive and raises her from age 10 to 18, making daily decisions about education, work, diet, and social activities. The choices determine which of over thirty possible endings she reaches — from becoming an actual princess to a warrior, a witch, a social climber, or a farmhand.
Key Features
Princess Maker 2 simulates eight years of a girl's development through weekly scheduling of lessons, part-time work, festivals, and rest. Stats tracked include magic, art, combat skills, morality, sin, stress, constitution, and social class — an unusually granular model of human development for a 1994 game. The 'work' system allows Olive to earn money at various jobs (farm work, waitressing, adventuring) that affect both her income and her personality growth. Over 30 endings — including secret endings triggered by unusual stat combinations — gave the game enormous replay value and encouraged obsessive optimisation among players.
The Story Behind
Princess Maker 2 arrived at the peak of Gainax's creative period — the same studio that produced Neon Genesis Evangelion just one year later (1995). Director Takami Akai created a game that treated the raising of a daughter as both a logistical challenge and an emotional journey, in a way that no game had attempted before. The game's concept — that a player's care, attention, and decisions over time would shape a character's entire life trajectory — directly influenced the design of Tamagotchi (1996), dating simulations, farming simulations, and virtually every life simulation game that followed. Princess Maker 2 is one of the most influential game designs to emerge from 1990s Japan.
Tricks & Tales
The secret 'Princess Ending' — where Olive actually becomes the princess of the kingdom through exceptional social stat development — is the hardest and most prestigious ending in the game, requiring years of meticulous daily planning. The game's butler character Cube, who assists the player throughout the raising period, became one of the most beloved supporting characters in Japanese gaming culture. Gainax produced the PC Engine version directly, including a specially redrawn opening movie by Takami Akai. The game's concept of 'raising' a character through daily decisions became the foundational template for the entire育成ゲーム genre that remains extremely popular in Japan today.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
No official English localisation was ever produced for any original hardware version. The game remained Japan-only across PC Engine, PC-98, FM Towns, and other original platforms. A fan translation of the PC-98 version exists and is widely used. The PC Engine Super CD-ROM² version is the most sought-after console version due to Gainax's direct involvement and the quality of the CD audio.
Maintenance Tips
Princess Maker 2 on PC Engine Super CD-ROM² requires a CD-ROM² System or compatible drive. Check the disc for scratches using a standard light source — deep radial scratches near the inner ring can cause data read errors in the critical game data area. The jewel case is prone to cracking; many copies are found with damaged cases. The CD hub ring may need gentle cleaning if the disc fails to spin correctly.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
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