Princess Crown and the Forgotten Legacy of Vanillaware

Odin Sphere and Muramasa: The Demon Blade, even the prototype of Dragon's Crown, owe their existence to Princess Crown. You know, that George Kamitani game nobody played that functionally kickstarted Vanillaware. Here's the story.
Princess Crown was released for the Sega Saturn in 1997, and that title, while massively destructive for Kamitani's career, was preserved and iterated on with his later games. To maintain narrative flow, I've divided the Vanillaware titles; we're just looking at the sidescrollers today, but don't let that scare you. Romantic and Victorian era art, Aestheticism, Decadence, and the cyclical nature of artistic movements play a large role in the video. In case you thought it was all combat and cleave.
This is the first video in a 2-part series looking back at Vanillaware's origins, aesthetics, game design, influences, etc., all in anticipation of Unicorn Overlord, releasing in early March.
If you'd like to help support these kinds of projects, hit me up over on patreon!
/ kbash
I also have a Ko-Fi page now, as a tip jar...
ko-fi.com/kbashshow
Channel memberships have been made available, as well, if you like the TWEWY pins LOL
Special thanks to my guest readers, who are, in order:
‪@Stumblebee‬
‪@GCVazquez‬
‪@ZacFrazier‬
‪@culIen‬
‪@TheCrawl‬
‪@couchmoba‬
‪@maraganger‬
!The music is simply whichever covered game's OST.
!Sampled footage comes from official trailers.
The Princess Crown series by IPAT (highly recommended if you want to play through)
• IPAT: Princess Crown, ...
The Princess Crown Translation by Anoop:
web.archive.org/web/2008030417...
0:00 The History
4:20 Princess Crown
24:45 Odin Sphere
50:50 Muramasa
1:15:02 Dragon's Crown
#vanillaware #odinsphere #muramasa #dragonscrown #retrospective #videoessay

[@jacobmonks3722]

Princess Crown looks beautiful. How have I never heard of th- "Sega Saturn" That explains it.

[@agent7142]

Also never translated ;_;

[@jacobmonks3722]

@@agent7142 That's also sort of implied. The Sega Saturn American library is small compared to everything Japan got. I don't know the real statistic, but I don't think even half of its games got an NTSC release.

[@mariusamber3237]

Sega Saturn + Japan-exclusive... yeah, you likely wouldn't have heard about it. I believe around 700-800 Saturn games are JP-exclusive, so that's around 75% of the entire library.

[@TenshiCat]

Had to be the Saturn! The PS1 wouldn't be able to handle those huge sprites, and the game would've looked blurry on the N64! Though, KBash was playing the PSP port in this video, and I am so glad the beautiful pixel art wasn't messed up with a smoothing filter or improper aspect ratio in that

[@edgeklinge6975]

exactly my reaction because i would hv immediately played a game this attractive lol

[@noriringtail7428]

I appreciate that thing you said about Sexuality and Reactionary Views near the end there- that they aren't just the purview of right wing thinkers, and can pervade anybody's thoughts if they're not careful. I remember being on the Escapist forum back when the Dragon's Crown controversy happened, and one of my biggest memories was that in the middle of a flamewar thread, a younger guy just asked honestly, "If I like big breasts, is that bad? Am I a bad person?" and the silence was deafening; the people tearing the game apart had no answer for him, and the people blindly reacting to their criticism just wanted to indoctrinate him into their hate. We absolutely owe young girls to be unchained from the cosmetics and clothing industry, from all these invisible pressures that make them miserable and depressed... but we also owe it to young boys not to go so far in the other direction that we make their own sexuality out to be a barely-tolerated crime- there's nuance to be had! We are _so_ messed up about sex and it's a huge struggle right now. All that said! Thanks for another great review, I really loved seeing so many games I'd never seen before; you're right, the aesthetics are immaculate. What amazing works of art.

[@IamLegend32]

Very well said (/written)! That's what's really missing and causing a lot of division, especially these days - nuance/ critical thinking.

[@PersonaSama]

“Princess Crown is the greatest game on the Sega Saturn, and while that may be a lie, I felt joy saying it making it true and beautiful anyway.” A+ line, perfect review

[@worthasandwich]

My favorite thing about this channel is that every six months or so I get to see my new favorite KBash video.

[@reillocb]

How does he never miss

[@crypticscrutiny1153]

​@@reillocbmiss? Heh. The word isn't even in his lexicon.

[@twilightfire93]

Your mentioning of fantasy artists brings to mind of my mom's old fantasy book covers, and one of her favorite pair of artits, Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell. They're a married pair that have made absolutely mesmerizing pieces over the years. They have an annual calendar that my brother and I buy for her every year for her collection, and she has been collecting them for long before we were born. So, I grew up seeing that art, and was always fascinated by how ethereal and gorgeous the figures in the images were. I've always had issues with body image, and still do in rough times, but I've always looked to inspired pieces like their work, and in the stuff you're covering with Vanillaware, and it helps me to get more comfortable with how my body is. Am I as bodacious as some of the women in these art styles? Totally not! But I can still see the beauty in those pieces, and in myself knowing that I'm just as beautiful in my own way. So, thank you for highlighting that with your talk throughout the video, and I'll be looking forward to the second part like I do with each new release!

[@meowmeowmcpurrington2480]

I know this is a weird question but did Conan came from Boris Vallejo or were they inspired by it or is that just a concidence? Because it reminds me of art like Conan and Red Sonja. PS I do like Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell's art it's very cool and the details on these paintings like the backdrops and characters are incredible.

[@twilightfire93]

@meowmeowmcpurrington2480 It looks like it's just a similar style! And shoutout for knowing about those two! Their artwork is something amazing!

[@erikdue4284]

@@meowmeowmcpurrington2480 Conan the Barbarian is from 1932, so a lot older than Vallejo. The style is one that was popular with illustrators of pulp stories like Tarzan, Conan or Doc Savage after world war II, with Frank Frazetta probably being the biggest name in the sort of scantily-clad fantasy art world of the time.

[@zombee627.83]

"This is the first part of a 2-part series covering Vanillaware" YOOOOOOOOOOO instant-subscribe. I'm looking forward to the video and am so happy this showed up on my feed. I adore Vanillaware's titles and exactly as you put it is the perfect way to describe them -- decadent. I'm also going to need to figure out how to get Princess Crown going, because that game looks fantastic.

[@protagkun]

The fact that Princess Crown doesn’t have an english patch to this day is a travesty. We’ve managed to make one for Sakura Wars but not for this?! Come on…

[@Null_Experis]

Of of the reasons is that someone said they were working on one, and in the romhacking community, you don't "one up" someone when they've claimed a project. The problem is that the guy who said he was working on it strung people along for SIX YEARS and then disappeared, killing any potential interest in the game.

[@Mclucasrv]

@@Null_Experis he could at least release the stuff he has ready for people to finish

[@nonamepasserbya6658]

Considering how many censors 13 Sentinels have to go through, I doubt the community wants an "official" translation + AI translators are a thing nowadays

[@chexmixkitty]

@@Null_ExperisThen fuck niceties. We only have a limited amount of time on this planet.

[@Zero_Tester]

​@@Null_Experisyup,that an rule most people on translation community follow,only when the person that claimed the project allowed, or give the project to other that the stuff was allowed

[@Mclucasrv]

Please buy vanillaware games

[@Icynova]

Unicorn Overlord has been a joy to play

[@greatrulo]

Here's hoping they can invest in ports to modern consoles or Steam. :) Fantastic video, hope it reaches much higher numbers.

[@kennethhernandez9243]

Half a million people already are loving unicorn. It’s great to see them finally get the spotlight they deserve.

[@schmecklin377]

Maybe if they were on any platform I own

[@jevanstokely9765]

unicorn overlord is doing much better than most vanilla ware

[@astreakaito5625]

old games really can't betray you. so true. Thanks for this excellent massive video of a studio that's still somehow an absolute gem

[@AT7outof10]

The memes about Vanillaware really do overshadow all the brilliance that they bring to the table. Looking forward to their new game AND the second part of this ;) (Also, when you paused to literally cook, I then had to pause the video and make my own pasta. Bro wasn't lying about eating being one of the 3 needs.)

[@Rick_Rolland]

One of your best videos yet. Having only played Muramasa and 13 Sentinels, the history of vanillaware really fun to learn about. Can't wait for part 2.

[@densetsumedia]

As a lifelong vanillaware fan, this video honestly gave me so much encouragement just in my own art. Knowing Kamitani's journey started with him pouring all his passion into something the world wasn't ready for honestly gives me the energy to keep on keeping on - thanks so much for this man - these videos are more important than you know!

[@Zero_Tester]

Im glad people made this video though,since whenever i talked with other about Princess Crown,they seem to not know Kamitani works before his Vanillaware fame though,i loved PC games despite how short it was and it still in Japanese back then

[@phzuh]

i love how despite me not knowing half of the old JRPGs and obscure franchises, there’s always thousands of comments with crystal clear, intact memories and comprehension of the studios work, or the franchises smallest details. insane how much love there is for everything no matter how small.

[@ilmutus]

wow, the entire closing bit about dragon's crown was fantastic. good work! very refreshing perspective.

[@paulhermann2956]

Always love when Kbash does another deep dive on a series and lays some historical secrets bare. and screams on the top of his loungs....it tingles my brain when he does that

[@Rihcterwilker]

The script for these videos is always so good. Perfect balance between being serious and throwing jokes around.

[@SenkaOfTheFire]

I feel like I instantly understood everything more when my heart skipped a beat at the prospect of a "Princess Crown 4"

[@craigbrub]

Was introduced to Vanillaware with 13 Sentinels, which quickly became one of my favorite games ever. Playing through Odin Sphere Leifthrasir right now. Super stoked for Unicorn Overlord!

[@tyrantravealpha]

Odin's sphere was my first from them, I've been a diehard ever since.

[@thatanonwholurksmoar7386]

Vanillaware it's just great. I almost own all their games and I'm just missing 13 sentinels and impatiently waiting for unicorn overlord

[@Road_to_Dawn]

Odin Sphere was my introduction to VanillaWare, and one of my favorite games of all time. 13 Sentinels was my personal game of the year. Glad to hear someone else experiencing and enjoying these masterpieces!

[@justingraton17]

The passion oozing from this video is palpable and truly a goated love letter to Vanillaware. I might cook some food today

[@akadamaru]

You deserve so many more subs Your ability to analyze games with a subtle eloquence and legitimate humor is top tier. Legit the best in the medium. Your probably everyone's favorite video game KZbinr, favorite video game KZbinr. At least you are in my heart.

[@Pimpgamer101]

A KZbin VG essayist’s favorite KZbin VG essayist is Matthewmatosis. That’s common knowledge.

[@futanahriadventures]

Only Kbash can make me hype and emotional about a game i’ve never played. Princess Crown looks incredible, it’s the type of game i surely would eat it up so much as a kid. Guess i’ll ressurrect my psp and check it out later.

[@downwithfun]

K bash this is an absolute banger of a video. It’s so clear how far you’ve come as a writer, especially in the last year. Your videos are a true treat

[@Ayoken007]

The game industry definitely needs studios like Vanillaware around. I first learned about them from playing the ps2 version of Odin's Sphere. I never got to play Muramasa because I didn't have the system for it. I grew to LOVE Vanillaware and along with my goal of playing every mainline Atelier game, I want to play every Vanillaware game I possibly can. The era you talked about with hand drawn sprites and backgrounds are my absolute favorite. I also dearly love pixel art so the absolute boom its seeing in indie games greatly pleases me. Also interesting look into art and literature and how it can inform a person's style in creating a video game. That's a unique analysis that I don't often get.

[@Negameleon]

It took nearly 10 years but it looks like someone hit the nail on the head on the "Dragon's Crown controversy." This is amazing video, it feels almost validating to have my every thought of Odin Sphere and Dragon's Crown put into a video of such high quality, and it's something I have to thank you for, your videos have been an inspiration, even your older ones you may hate but even so the way you approach art is commendable and I wish more people aimed their looks your way.

[@TheDigitalWatcher]

FINALLY! I've been dying for someone to make an in-depth retrospective on Vanillaware games. I've only played Muramasa, but it's hands down one of my favorite games of all time.

[@AvalancheReviews]

I think Wackenroder on the Saturn was the first time i really took the time to use an online translation guide. I always thought it would ruin the experience, but it was fun as hell. That shit really opened my eyes.

[@chexmixkitty]

We all know that's a lie. You only play RE and RE clones.

[@p00pdragon]

You don’t need a guide to play Japanese og re games if you been playing them for years.

[@Zero_Tester]

Yup,people wondering how lot of older gamer was able to play untranslated Japanese game,i already said there was dozen of english walkthrough/translation guide even in early 2000s around

[@my_neighbour_scottoro]

This video popped up in my recommendations and I had to watch it since Vanillaware are one of my favourites devs. A week later I've binged almost all of your videos. Just wanted to say your stuff is great and I love the longer essay-style videos, you've really evolved over time into your own style and voice, some of the best bits are where the games have sentimental value or speak to you in a personal way - like in the WoW video and Steambot Chronicles. The only video I've not watched yet is Xenogears because I want to play it first, but I'll be back!

[@insertchannelnamehere7154]

This is one of your best videos to date. I have never played any of these games, but I guess I need to find a way to play them now.

[@KhaosElement]

Always love seeing GC get shouted out. That man is criminally undersubbed for the quality he puts out. Also, I really enjoy all the Vanillaware I've ever played, and desperately wish Unicorn Overlord was coming out on something I own.

[@HyenaFox]

I think this video made it clearer to me, I think one of the reasons I love your videos is because you incorporate a deep love for and knowledge of art history and literary history into them. As someone with a similarly strong passion for art history, to see video games analyzed as legitimate pieces of romanticist art in their writing, presentation, and themes, is hugely interesting to me.

[@thedecembomber]

I’m one of the two people interested in trying Princess Crown out. I’m currently playing 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim as of watching this, which is my first Vanillaware game and I am enjoying it thoroughly! Eagerly awaiting your follow up video.

[@Markolore]

Loved the video, really made me want to play Dragon's Crown and try out Odin Sphere again. Top-tier channel and creator, always an instant-click.

[@sukamii]

KBash I just realized I've been watching you for almost half a decade at this point, since I was trying to wheel back to find a department heaven video of yours and in that moment it dawned on me. Always loved the videos, even if I've been too poor to ever be a patron. Maybe after finally graduating and getting this degree, but it's been a very, very long 5 years. Been very glad that throughout this I've been able to watch your videos along the way.

[@Killer66hitman]

This one really hammers home how your style of tackling a franchise or catalogue back to back really can enhance it to high heaven and back. Such informed opinions!

[@zackarygoodenough5781]

Vanillaware is a company that I have nostalgia for from my youth even though I was always too embarrassed by Dragon's Crown to ask for it as a kid lol. Glad to see you covering their great games. Hope my comment helps the video's performance.

[@alexribas1987]

Man just started a new playthrough of Valkyrie Profile (game i discovered because of your video) and now i want to try princess crown and odin sphere, not fair, you cant keep selling me on every niche game out there. Awesome work as always❤

[@Hambs23]

Unless I missed it, you didn't mention Muramasa's Shigurui difficulty. I don't remember whether or not it was called like this in game, but I recall calling it "Impossible difficulty". Your total hp becomes 1 for the entire game, but you gain your other stats normaly. It is indeed a lot more difficult than the other two modes, but if you block you don't take any damage, basically turning your Swords' durabilities into your HP. Surprisingly it works well with the combat, since you are so much more agile than your foes and don't lose a much progress if you die. And in all 3 difficulties it's worth it to grind the centipede boss for a quick max level once you unlock it. Other than that, I don't judge that Oni, I would nom Momohime if I could.

[@Kuuribro]

I've never really touched most of Vanilla Ware's library, but I DID supremely love 13 sentinels. Looking forward to you getting there, and I appreciate the look back to what I have missed!

[@Ghalion666]

The fact that there are no Dragon's-crown likes available on steam still is an effing shame.

[@Blank97531]

👍

[@brotbrotsen1100]

What do you mean with that? What are you looking for? Might "sword of the vagrant" be something you would want?

[@seraaron]

If you're still on a Vanillaware binge, it'd be great to see you cover 'GrimGrimMoire OnceMore' and '13 Sentiels: Ageis Rim' too, 'Unicorn Overlord' when it comes out, and maybe even 'Grand Knight's History' if you can find an english translation ROM. All of them are a more tactical take on gameplay, but with the classic vanillaware art we all know and love. edit: Just got to the end of the video. Glad to hear you're planning to cover these games from the sounds of it.

[@poopoogigolo]

Did he touch on the Muramasa DLC at all? I think he mentioned it, but it would have been nice to seem him dive a little deeper into those

[@tyrantravealpha]

Didn't he say at the beginning of the video that's what he was doing?

[@Hambs23]

I remember trying the Japanese demo of Aegis Rim for a bit and remember the combat looking and feeling absolutely awful. Of course, I didn't read any text nor watched much of the cutscenes. Is it actually good past first impressions? Muramasa is one of my favorite Wii games, not to mention one of my favorite 2D action platformers of all times, so I had higher hopes, even if the game mechanics are different.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

I wish Vanilaware game were available on PC, so that more people could play them!

[@andr0zzsenpai]

​@@Hambs23The combat is basically the same all the game, so if you didn't liked it, you will still not like it. For me, it was "ok". Not bad but not engaging enough.

[@potissimus100]

Hi Kbash, just wanted to say I loved hearing your insights into this series of games. Coming at it from a literary and art analysis standpoint was very interesting. Learning about the different art movements and how they can be interpreted with vanilla ware was a great insight

[@theelren8889]

Wow! Cool video with a lot of fun and interesting information. I really liked it. 30:16 Metal Spoon on a non-stick pan though?

[@maraganger]

The way you approached the topics, especially at the end of the Dragon's Crown segment shows an amount of care on display that's really inspiring. I don't think it's everyone who'd be willing to delve into issues like sexual dimorphism in such a delicate way. Really glad you did this. B)

[@andresurena8495]

Q

[@GigaMan91]

I just noticed your channel wasn't linked in the description. Did he forget or did you not want it linked?

[@maraganger]

@@GigaMan91 Oh I didn't notice but nah i didn't ask to be excluded :0 edit : fixed !

[@DrCaesarMD]

Hey man, great video, I love hearing your thoughts on interesting little games I've never heard of. I just wanna say, I know lots of youtubers say (and I believe them) that their more negative, loud and angry content gets more views, and I don't know if thats the case for you, but I feel like a lot of your more recent content is much more positive and calm, and is more often on games you really enjoy and have lots of great thoughts on. I really like that trend for this channel and I just want to make it known that such content is where I think your creation process shines. Keep up the good work!

[@dskawaii9200]

real, i discovered kbash with his drakengard video (has the funny scream) and stayed for the more positive reviews (Steambot Chronicles, Nioh, NieR duology, this, etc...)

[@Blastman1137]

This might get overlooked or laughed at, but I gotta get this off my chest. For the past decade or so, I had steadily dropped out of gaming, partly due to depression and developing a cynical eye towards the gaming industry. I won’t go into what my issue was or still is, but the result of it was me forgetting what inspired me to take such an interest in games in the first place. When I was growing up, I had always stumbled upon older games that I could never get my hands on, but wound up fascinated by their style and gameplay. Games much like Princess Crown. KBash, for the last few videos, you’ve reminded me of some of the games that inspired me to want to be a game designer, and put into words what I loved about them and what caused me to care so much and want to learn from them, even if I could never play them. It’s a simple, perhaps a little silly and cheesy feeling, but I thought you deserved my thanks for reminding me what it was like to be happy in this medium.

[@Hikariinu124]

i have never once understood the criticisms about kamitani's art, its goregous. i havent played all VW games but the ones i have played, odin sphere, muramasa, 13 sentinels, dragon's crown are all immaculate and deserve attention.

[@chevaliusrex]

Fantastic video man, putting actual words to how ive felt about Vanillaware games for years.

[@DebonairDandy]

Omg, absolutely loving how you're elucidating on all of these games and really appreciate just how deep you dug for interview quotes etc. Really incredible work, thank you so much for doing this

[@NSAspyvans]

I will forever respect George Kamitani for actually pushing back against Jason Schreier and ridiculing him thus giving us the dwarf muscle meme. also, KBash. hope you make a video on Fantasy Earth Zero

[@papa_mario]

This retrospective was very well done. I especially enjoyed how the games esthetics were discussed with nuance, finesse and good references.

[@sukamadik5983]

This video just made February a good month.

[@Aogami20]

How has Princess Crown never gotten an English patch. This is a CRIME. Having finished the video now, I 100% agree with the idea that art should be allowed to art with as little restriction as possible. Some limits are necessary, to criticize is as much of a right as making the art itself, but to demand a work be censored or destroyed because it offends is truly profane.

[@PringleTheOne]

Yeeessss. My man kbash played the good stuff now. I'm glad you touching vanillaware

[@greatnovus]

This might be my favorite video youve done, i cant wait for the part 2

[@orokuro9600]

I am happy to see you finally cover one of my if not my absolute favorite developer in the gaming industry. Kamitani has such an striking artstyle and one I always look to as an artistic inspiration. Also yeah it rocks we had a prototype for both Odin Sphere and Dragon's Crown; not so much that it's locked to Sega Saturn and to this day there is still no english patch. I absolutely agree with Taro; the gaming industry absolutely cannot lose Kamitani.

[@phagesuffersatgaming.3797]

does atlus own the copyright for princess crown? If so I doubt we'll ever get a english patch. god I hate copyright law

[@ricardoslhenriques]

This was a very well crafted approach on Vanillaware's body of work, but mostly, a well done appreciation on where the true value of art resides, or what it stands for. In its "true form", art has not right or wrong.

[@orcuswells649]

I stumbled onto vanillaware with 13 sentinels and was pretty shocked by the beauty of their worlds, look forward to exploring more of them, especially unicorn overlord

[@tamerxero]

This is a great retrospective, I learned so much, and I hope this helps the KZbin algorithm. You do great work bud

[@DaftSheep]

This just inspired/reminded me to get Odin Sphere! Thank you for making this! Edit: Nevermind. Not on PC. Dang.

[@williamalbatross4677]

@@DaftSheepdamn odins sphere is so good too :/ sorry man

[@BuzzingGoober]

Emulation, numbnuts.

[@Pimpgamer101]

If you don’t have a console, just emulate the ps2 version. The art style holds up at lower resolutions and the game deserves your attention, trust me.

[@hplwonder4054]

​@@Pimpgamer101btw the ps3 version runs shockingly well too, but if you have a weak cpu and ram then yeah ps2, go ahead

[@ZatomiAwake]

Princess Crown being a Sega Saturn game that looks like something I want to play on Steam right now feels... I dont have the words. It was clearly before it's time and I can only imagine what the timeline would be like if it was on the PS1 instead of riding the absolute end of a Sega console's days.

[@taikii2676]

My introduction to Vanillaware was 13 sentinels. From jump it felt like the game was built different. The aesthetic was peak, the combat niche, the story split among 13 protagonists and some of the most unique story telling I've ever experienced. The game wasnt out to be a worldwide hit, it was made vision first, executed sublimely and sent out to exist on its own merits. The second I finished 13 sentinels I picked up Odin sphere. Similar energy. The games industry doesn't deserve Vanillaware and I hope they're here for many years to come

[@RoyalCrustle]

Great video. Trying my best to get my friend to play Dragon's Crown with me, since I've wanted to play it with someone for years. After becoming a fan of Vanillaware through 13 Sentinels, I'm so hyped for Unicorn Overlord.

[@richanddarksbane1439]

I love how passionate you are in your work Kbash. I'm a broke college student right now but I want to donate to your patreon someday when I have money!

[@OverratedGames]

I think this is my favorite of all of your videos. Really wonderfully thoughtful analysis

[@okaminodin4321]

Aaaaaaah I love Vanillaware's games so much, the art is awesome. I can't wait for Unicorn Overlord

[@synmad3638]

your videos are so fun, cozy even, also insightful, and also long, but really easy to watch, nobody's doing it like you🗣🗣

[@thatonegeeksite5251]

One of your best videos yet. Expertly presented. Loved it man keep them coming.

[@Miniike]

this is one of your best videos. your ability to engage with things far beyond the scope of typical KZbin Video Game Criticism Men always astounds

[@gabrielvasconcelos5242]

really appreciate these compilation videos, huge fan of your channel man, love from Brazil

[@SuperBuckg]

Thank you this was gorgeous and I actually teared up a bit. I adore Vanillaware as an artist and you captured alot of how I feel about the company and gaming as a whole

[@iSpotJosh]

Clicked into this video *so* d*mn fast! Vanillaware has been one of my faves since GrimGrimoire’s release. Had to hunt down a copy of the game - luckily their subsequent games weren’t so hard to come by! (Surprising, given Odin Sphere released like one month later) Looking forward to watching the rest of your deep dive!

[@sauzeefy]

That whole last segment was really amazing. I don't really agree with a lot of things you say, but I really loved everything you said in your dragon's crown segment. Perfectly said.

[@palladium773]

Never played any of the games, but now I want to play them all

[@MellorineKnight]

These are all games I heavily considered to play when they came out. They all look amazing and amazingly fun. Sadly I ran out of the free time of my youth years. Thank you!

[@LogicProphet]

Took me awhile to get through this because I wanted to give it the full attention it deserved. Brava on the whole thing. Can't wait for part 2.

[@Captainlunchbox]

I love this channel so much. Excellent work, as always

[@gigabreakah]

Bro, you go through such an insane amount of rpgs and I struggle just to get through one. Great video as always!

[@kidneytheft8285]

Man, stylized art is about pushing the limits of everything, not just the "accepted." As a man, I would look at the fighter in Dragon's Crown and think, "Man, I wish my chest was 8 times wider than my head." It's like looking at Bugs Bunny and saying that it's a terrible depiction because children will think all bunnies should talk. That aside, this was a great video, and I enjoyed your coverage of this awesome hidden gem of a developer.

[@Itachigan22]

Video's like these are always a treat. I've learned more about art from this episode than I should of. Aestheticism and decadence are very interesting themes and the length in which you covered them through these games is very impressive and insightful. Liking what you like is great and all, but understanding the why is also important, not for the reason of explaining yourself, but to learn about yourself, and video games are a great medium to explore that artistic viewpoint., especially with the added ability to interact with the work through gameplay on top of sights and sounds. Muramasa is one of my favorite Vita games, and I'd love to see it re-released for modern platforms and the PC at some point. looking forward to Unicorn Overlord as well.

[@Pwrplus5]

Definitely one of your best videos ever, could really tell that your passion for these games and the experience they deliver was shining through(shining force video when)

[@nahthanksno8299]

Another banger of a video my man. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@drakechandler9014]

This is the best KBash video ever. Just seeing how much passion went into the video reflects his love for these games perfectly.

[@Homodemon]

To this day since the first time I played Odin Sphere on my old PS2, something in my chest aches and swells everytime I see the painterly styles of George Kamitani in front of me, once the intro finishes I'm a mess, tears run down my face. Like, say whatever about the man, but this sensation must be what all those people from the 1800's felt when glancing at a Monet painting for the first time. Just, this YEARNING of some day attaining such aesthetic beauty and serenity. And the story...! Fuck, once the credits are rolling, I'm yet again drowning in my own tears. Vanillaware gives something to their works that touches my heart. Of all, in my opinion Odin Sphere is their true masterpiece, hands down. That game simply DESTROYS me upon booting it up.

[@jeffwilkins4236]

Perfect timing. I have been so sick lately of subversion, cynicism, and irony, as the driving forces in what I've been engaging with lately. These games all seem as genuine as any I've seen lately. Great video and thank you for the new options of media where enjoyment is the name of the game.

[@tyrantravealpha]

Your timing couldn't be better with Unicorn Overlord just around the corner as well!

[@Mikae1300]

This is an excellent video and covers so many important points about gaming and art. Thank you!

[@COZYTW]

"Why would a guy who could paint the picture on the left choose to paint the picture on the right?" Why wouldn't he? The one on the right shows me the contours of his heart much more. If I wanted something like a picture on the left, most of the people in first world countries can already do that, it's called taking a photograph with a smartphone camera.

[@SolidLink64]

Demon blade vita was my first vanillaware game. Nice to see it get some recognition. Love that cooking/eating animations so much

[@nelson-haha89]

I never knew the connection to the old DnD beat em ups, but now it makes sense that I liked those so much. Looking forward to part 2.

[@EmeraldKonoha]

some of my best years in college involved me and a couple friends sinking hours after class into playing Dragon' Crown. So much fun.

[@darklygear8509]

Let me say first that I am already subscribed and not the greatest with grammar. But the way that you handled this video, and Dragon's Crown in particular, hit me. Even though I don't always agree with your assessments doesn't mean that I blow you or your videos off. Most of the time, it is a means by which I reevaluate the material at hand or even whatever I am personally indulging in. The depth of your research is always commendable; the way you handle deep and often difficult subject matters is consistent. I was playing FF14 while listening in, but before even an hour had passed, I was thoroughly enraptured and my game was closed. I had only ever played Dragon's Crown and it was somewhat difficult to put into words why I enjoyed it. It might be because it is simply a beautiful work of art. Art is not inherently sexy nor chaste, but always indulgent. Art is a pure means by which the author can express their feelings, either for the world around them or for themselves inwardly. It's not that I keep coming back because sorceress booba; it's because the world has such a melodious and loving feel to its craftsmanship. Your videos help me see things in new light all the time and honestly, genuinely, thank you. I can't wait to see more.

[@kentonroush]

Vanillaware's games have never been my favorites. I've enjoyed them all, but there's always just enough jank, just enough padding, that they don't make it into the highest echelons of gaming for me. ...And yet. Every last one of them is completely unforgettable. They are utterly unrestrained celebrations of art and beauty, turning every aspect of reality up to 11 and distilling that reality down to only its most breath-taking aspects. Not a single concession made to subtlety anywhere. I can understand why that turns some people away, particularly when that same lack of restraint is applied to sexuality, but *man* is the result freaking beautiful.

[@ka_okai9]

Another incredibly well written video. Very inspiring my guy thanks thanks for your contribution, loving vanillaware history

[@WickedThrash]

This is straight up my favorite youtube channel

[@DarkErdrick]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. I've been a Vanillaware fan for close to 20 years, and an ardent supporter/advocate for their games, proselytizing them to all my friends and basically anyone that will listen (whether they want to or not). But, as the sales (and general level of recognition) shows, VW still remains a woefully unknown company, and their game library likewise woefully ignored. To have someone so lovingly go through their catalogue and show exactly why they're so special-why, as Taro put it, the game industry *needs* them to exist-is something we desperately need more of. Because God knows, if VW ever shutters its doors for good, not only will it be an incredibly dark day for the gaming as an art form as a whole, but I personally will be irreconcilable. Looking forward to the next part. And if you happen to need someone to fill a spot in Dragon's Crown, just let me know.

[@otherprisma7354]

The Dragon's Crown controversy was really really really stupid.

[@Maggerama]

That sermon at the end? Man, you're insanely good. And not wrong.

[@rengsorengar318]

I always loved vanillaware but you made appreciate their works in a different way, great video! Looking forward to the next one

[@ezequiel6575]

mr kbash your videos are soo well written, you are so underrated

[@JayOutOfHell]

I will always love KBash's appreciation and love for the medium of games and art as a whole, his insights and spot lighting of what makes these experiences meaningful are what I live for.