Summary
- Release Year: 2013
- Genres: Card & Board Game, Simulator, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: Web browser
- Developers: Kadokawa Games
- Publishers: DMM.com
Kantai Collection: The Moe Anthropomorphism of World War II
Kantai Collection, also known as KanColle, is a Japanese free-to-play web browser game developed and published by Kadokawa Games. The game was released in Japan in April 2013 and has since become a global phenomenon, with over 4 million registered players worldwide.
Gameplay
KanColle is a card-based strategy game in which players collect and build squadrons of舰娘(Kanmusu), or “Fleet Girls.” These Fleet Girls are moe anthropomorphisms of World War II naval warships, each with her own unique stats and abilities. Players can send their squadrons out on missions to battle enemy fleets, earn experience, and collect new Fleet Girls.
Combat in KanColle is largely automated, but players can still influence the outcome of battles by micromanaging their fleets. Players can choose to focus on building up their Fleet Girls’ stats, or they can focus on repairing and resupplying their ships. Players can also choose to equip their Fleet Girls with different weapons and equipment to give them an advantage in battle.
Story
KanColle is set in an alternate history in which the Imperial Japanese Navy never disbanded after World War II. Instead, the Navy continues to exist in the present day, and its warships have been transformed into moe anthropomorphisms. The player takes on the role of an admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy, and it is their job to build up a powerful fleet of Fleet Girls and defend Japan from its enemies.
Characters
There are over 100 different Fleet Girls in KanColle, each with her own unique personality and backstory. Some of the most popular Fleet Girls include:
- Fubuki: A destroyer who is the flagship of the game. She is known for her cheerful personality and her love of food.
- Shimakaze: A destroyer who is known for her speed and agility. She is also known for her tsundere personality.
- Yamato: A battleship who is the largest and most powerful ship in the game. She is known for her calm and collected personality.
- Akagi: An aircraft carrier who is known for her intelligence and her strategic thinking. She is also known for her tsundere personality.
- Kaga: An aircraft carrier who is known for her cheerful personality and her love of flying. She is also known for her airhead personality.
Reception
KanColle has been a critical and commercial success. The game has won numerous awards, including the Game of the Year award from the Japan Game Awards in 2013. KanColle has also been praised for its unique and innovative gameplay, its charming characters, and its beautiful artwork.
However, KanColle has also been criticized for its heavy reliance on gambling mechanics. Players can spend real money to purchase in-game items that can give them an advantage in the game. This has led to accusations that KanColle is a “pay-to-win” game.
Despite the criticism, KanColle remains one of the most popular games in Japan. The game has spawned a large number of spin-offs, including an anime series, a manga series, and a line of merchandise. KanColle has also been credited with helping to revive interest in World War II naval history.
Conclusion
KanColle is a unique and charming game that has captured the hearts of millions of players around the world. The game’s innovative gameplay, charming characters, and beautiful artwork have made it a global phenomenon. Despite the criticism of its gambling mechanics, KanColle remains one of the most popular games in Japan and shows no signs of slowing down.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
