Wachenröder

Wachenröder is a simulation role playing game. Most of the game is presented in an isometric perspective, similar to the genrelike games Shining Force, Vandal Hearts, Front Mission or Final Fantasy Tactics, and consists of several turn-based fights separated by cutscenes. Some cutscenes are preceded by the playable character Bellebete narrating the story.

The stages consist of 3D maps, which can be turned in all directions, as well as zoomed in to get a closer look at the gameplay.

Many tactical role playing games were set in medieval settings, while Wachenröder is instead set in the Victorian era. The setting has been described as "steampunk".

The story takes place in a dark future on the island Edward, which is ruled by the noble and magnanimous King Wizar (who is imprisoned by the evil prime minister Vlad at the time which the game begins). In this alternate history, steam power is very sophisticated and the people hold it dear: vehicles, gadgetry or weapons are driven by vapor in place of electricity. This links Wachenröder, based on its contents and its overall design, to the steampunk genre.

Many of the game's artists were recruited from the anime industry. Anime and manga artist Range Murata was an artist for the game. Artist Takeyuki Takeya worked on Iria: Zeiram The Animation. Katsumi Yokota worked on character designs for the game. He also worked on Panzer Dragoon Saga, and Front Mission Alternative.

The game was previewed at the 1998 Tokyo Game Show.

Weekly Famitsu gave the game a score of 29 out of 40. Reviewers compared the presentation and graphics to Final Fantasy Tactics.

The German magazine Video Games praised the quality of the use of the German that exists in the game.