First Queen IV brings its chaotic PC-98 battles to Switch

D4 Enterprise has released the 1994 PC-9801 strategy game First Queen IV on the Nintendo Switch through its EGG Console series. The game hit the eShop today.

Developed by Kure Software Koubou (KSK), the First Queen series is known for a very specific approach to combat. Instead of taking turns on a grid, you watch dozens of tiny character sprites mash into each other in real-time. The developer called this the "Gochakyara" (mixed-up or chaotic character) system. It looks a bit like a medieval mosh pit. Characters bump into enemies to deal damage, and the whole thing plays out automatically once the armies clash. It is a strange hybrid of real-time strategy and action RPG mechanics that KSK spent the late 1980s and 1990s refining.

KSK carved out a niche in the crowded Japanese PC market by ignoring standard genre conventions. Other developers were building slower, menu-heavy tactical games. KSK just leaned into the chaos. The 16-bit aesthetic of the PC-9801 version holds up well today. It has detailed pixel art for the environments and distinct, readable sprites for the massive armies.

Managing the chaos

First Queen IV is set on the continent of Gaia, 20 years after the events of the previous game. The nation of Barusia has maintained a tense peace across the land. That changes when King Zenel of Barusia suddenly alters his policies and begins building up his military using a mix of magic and chemistry. This prompts Ares, the prince of neighboring Carion, to plan an assassination before a full invasion kicks off.

The fourth entry expanded the combat mechanics by allowing two units to fight simultaneously. You can execute pincer attacks to trap enemies. You can also call in emergency reinforcements when your frontline starts collapsing. The enemy AI has access to the exact same tools. This can quickly turn a simple skirmish into a massive pile-up.

KSK also added a fatigue system to keep players from steamrolling the map with one overpowered unit. Soldiers get tired and need to rest to maintain their combat effectiveness. If your main army needs a break, you can visit towns to hire mercenaries to fill the gaps in your ranks. Success requires actual army rotation rather than just throwing your strongest fighters at every problem.

Straight from 1994

Like most EGG Console releases, this is a direct emulation of the original PC-9801 Japanese release. There is no English localization. You will need to figure out the menus, unit management, and story text on your own. This is standard practice for D4 Enterprise's retro drops, which prioritize getting the raw games running on modern hardware over translating them.

The Switch port includes basic modern conveniences like save states, though it lacks a scene select function. The emulation wrapper also supports USB keyboards and mice, provided you are using the console in Japanese. You cannot use the Switch 2's Joy-Con as a mouse substitute due to application limitations.

Project EGG has been steadily bringing Japanese microcomputer games to the Switch over the last few years. The service covers platforms like the PC-8801, MSX, and PC-9801. It rescues games that would otherwise be locked to aging floppy disks and hardware.

First Queen IV is available now on the Japanese eShop. It remains one of the weirdest strategy games of the 1990s. Getting it running on a modern handheld without configuring a PC-98 emulator is just convenient.