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Uncharted Waters

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Uncharted Waters, or Daikoukai Jidai, is a strategy simulation game from Koei set during the Age of Discovery (15th-17th century) in which the player is a neophyte ship captain from a disgraced noble family, out to make his fortune and restore the family name to its proper station. The player can...

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Developer
Koei

Released on
1991

Size
1 Player

Version
NES

Requirements
Nintendo Entertainment System

Downloads
Construction and Management Simulation

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

Uncharted Waters, or Daikoukai Jidai, is a strategy simulation game from Koei set during the Age of Discovery (15th-17th century) in which the player is a neophyte ship captain from a disgraced noble family, out to make his fortune and restore the family name to its proper station. The player can sail around and discover ports belonging to either of the game’s three nations – Portugal, Spain and the Ottoman Empire – as well as politically neutral ports. These neutral ports can be invested in to increase the player’s wealth and reputation. The end goal of the game is to build the player character’s fame through discoveries and by winning ship battles with pirates and rival merchants, which eventually allows the player to take on tasks for the King of Portugal who will restore the player’s nobility in gratitude.

Uncharted Waters was released on the NES and MSX originally, though versions for SNES, Genesis and PC followed soon after. The series received a few sequels, though only the first sequel – Uncharted Waters 2: New Horizons – was localized and released in the West.

Uncharted Waters

Released by Koei in 1991 (Japan) and 1992 (North America), Uncharted Waters (originally Daikoukai Jidai) is a groundbreaking historical simulation RPG for the NES. Set in the early 16th century during the golden Age of Discovery, the narrative follows Leon Franco, a young Portuguese captain aiming to restore his family's ruined honor. After his father is lost at sea, Leon must sail the globe, amass a trading empire, battle hostile fleets, and perform daring deeds for the King of Portugal to win the hand of the beautiful Princess Christinna.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The game departs from traditional linear RPGs by offering an expansive, open-world maritime sandbox. Players manage a fleet, hiring specialized mates and purchasing ships with varying cargo capacities, speeds, and armaments. Success requires masterfully balancing trade economics—such as buying spices, porcelain, and gold low and selling them high in foreign ports—with strict survival logistics. Out at sea, players must monitor wind currents, calculate food and water rations, and prevent crew mutiny or deadly scurvy. Combat shifts the view to a tactical, turn-based grid battlefield. Here, players utilize wind direction to maneuver, fire broadside cannons to sink rivals, or board enemy flagships to initiate high-stakes captain duels. Discovering geographical landmarks also awards fame, unlocking royal missions.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move ship at sea, navigate Leon in ports, and browse menus.
Action Keys (Z / X): Confirm menu selections, speak with townspeople, inspect ports, and cancel choices.
Enter: Start / Pause and open the world map.