Kamitani's precursor to Odin Sphere, ported to PSP with detailed sprites and a medieval-fairy-tale atmosphere. For lovers of pre-Vanillaware craft, Princess Crown is a cult gem; a pity the release stayed Japanese.
Your verdict
Category
Action RPG1 player12+
Description
Young Queen Gradriel sets out to reclaim her invaded kingdom in this George Kamitani classic, a predecessor to Odin Sphere, ported to PSP. Published by Atlus, released in Japan in June 2005. Real-time 2D side-scrolling combat, equipment and magic management, highly detailed sprites, original storyline. Japanese edition of this Saturn classic.
Princess Crown review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Hand-painted frescoes of rare finesse, slender heroes and fairytale settings: George Kamitani's game already heralds the entire Vanillaware style. The richness of the colours and the grace of the 2D animation dazzle. This pictorial splendour, refined and polished, stands as an unforgettable visual precursor.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
A PSP port of Princess Crown, a fairy-tale action RPG born on Saturn under George Kamitani, the direct ancestor of the Vanillaware style, kept exclusive to Japan. Its appeal lies in this regional exclusivity and status as the matrix of a cult aesthetic, sought by fans wanting the roots of the studio behind Odin Sphere. An import target for fans of Japanese auteur games.
Is Princess Crown still worth playing in 2026?
Princess Crown on PSP is the port of Odin Sphere's precursor by George Kamitani, with detailed sprites and a medieval-tales atmosphere. For pre-Vanillaware Vanillaware lovers, Princess Crown is a cult gem, and the PSP offers a comfortable version. The painterly art direction prefigures all of Vanillaware's future work. Japan-only. A genuinely excellent discovery to undertake today.
