The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian, is a choice-based game where you have to choose how you lead your character and your people.
While there isn't any epic visual combat or environment, the game is really creative and holds itself up really well.
You are placed in the shoes of a prince named Jerian, who is what I believe is having a "mid-life crisis" and is feeling under pressure as the new future ruler of the Arknian Empire. So, we start a life-long journey from a manipulated child who knows nothing of his fate, and slowly progress to an emperor who's choices are as important for the people of the kingdom as is the ancient orders are to others.
The game is an interactive multi-choice story. You can either be an honorable ruler, who puts his people first over his own wants and comforts, and obeys his own ancient laws, or be an unjust tyrant who cares nothing about his people and their well beings and puts his own wishes first with strict and unjust rules. Either you can actively alter old laws with new ones and push the social boundaries of your or kingdom with progress, or use your own power to rebel against the gods orders and wishes.
But you don't exactly start good or evil, It is entirely up to you how things turn out. That is where the five pillars come in.
Empire Management: You have to make strategic and calculated decisions to improve the state of your empire, like where you spend the savings inside your treasury for example.
The Burden Of The Crown: As a wise man once said, with great power comes great responsibility... and ambition as a bonus. Each time a permanent and big choice is made, like losing a land or molding it into a different state, doubt and fear can take over the ruler.
Interpersonal Bonds: You are surrounded by honest and candid, but also liars and manipulative people. These people can be family, friends, advisors enemies. Tread carefully on who to trust.
The Primat and Divine: You are the bridge between the gods worlds an your own. You are the gods chosen messenger and tool, but it is up to you how to wield that power.
Variability and Choice: Each choice you make shapes the world. Break the laws of the gods and forge a new destiny for your people, or stay blind to justice and uphold these cruel laws and stay in darkness.
Again, aside from the fact that there is no visual combat, world, or 3D people even, the games story, character design, featured systems, rules and emergent narrative deserves a lot of praise and respect.
I personally loved the artwork of the pages and how systems like management, diplomacy and learned knowledge tied together neatly. If you are looking for a choice-based-game that involves leading and character development, this is the game you choose.