"Marriage is perhaps the most important event of our lives. Now with the new game "Marriage", you can experience your future."

Don't blame me. I didn't write that line, thats what the cover to Marriage proclaims. Marriage has been available on the Saturn for a while now and it is an interesting simulation where you meet the girl of your anime dreams, fall in love with her, and of course tie the knot. Its not so simple as this of course and there is a lot of in-between stuff that you must do and fulfill before you settle down in suburbia and have your 2 or 3 kids. There are five eligible brides in this game: a vivacious blue haired tomboy, a bookish brunette who wears glasses and looks like my high school librarian, a tall, lanky model type with brown tresses, a brunette who looks like a down to earth gal and finally a red head who looks like she might belong in a fairy tale with her youngish attire and child-like demeanor. Hm, all women who would make any man proud. The game allows you to participate in many facets of the courting process which range from wooing the girl, going on dates, holding casual conversations (lots of them) and eventually proposing. You can even pick out the ring that you wish to adorn your bride's finger with, from a choice of simple wedding bands at US$500 or multi-carated diamond rings which sell in the Marriage ring store for upwards of US$15,000. Ouch. But she's worth every penny right? Once you do get married, you can choose which honeymoon to go on, I opted for Venice rather than Hawaii since I'm more old world than sand and surf. Marriage should not be taken too seriously (the game, not the real life adventure) and this may be practice for those of you are are engaged and are planning for the big day. In Japan, there are a few manga that focus on marriage and it's preludes and turns. Some are humorous while others are more serious and seem to be aimed at teenage girls. One adult themed manga is Kekkon Shiyo Yo (Translation: Let's Get Married) which looks at the dramas and interactions found in a wedding hall . A wedding hall in Japan is where the reception takes place as well as the weding ceremony. The stories expand beyond the wedding hall and focus on the main characters in the manga with their own dating and marriage prospects. The manga is entertaining and could serve as a companion to the Marriage game. Marriage is an distinctive simulation that should hold your interest and get you married...with none of the negatives (or positives) of a real marriage.

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