Featuring a memorable cast voiced by some of the biggest names in Japan like Chisa Yokoyama and Michie Tomizawa, a compelling story, and of course great game play and visuals, Sakura Wars is a game that should be in anyone's collection. At base, Sakura Wars is a graphic adventure accompanied by turn-based strategic combat and numerous mini-games. But after you have played it for a while, you'll soon release that there is a lot more to this game than meets the eye.
You assume the role of Ohgami Ichiro, a transfer from the Japanese Navy, and Captain of the Imperial Defense Force.The game takes place in an alternate version of the 1920s,where technology is more advanced and sophisticated than anything ever made that time period mainly due to the power of steam. Anyway, the Imperial Defense Force is a secret corps in guise of a theater.The main story revolves around you and the Hanagumi fighting a mysterious band of villains, known as the Kuronosuka(who are trying to destroy Tokyo). The story takes a lot of twists and turns, and without saying too much, the finale is like nothing you would have ever imagined when you started playing this game.
The visuals in Sakura Wars are beautiful. Extremely detailed backdrops for the settings are always present, and each location looks very unique. Of course, the anime character designs are what really make the graphics shine. All of the characters, including villains, look very original and unique. Each one of the Hanagumi has at least a dozen different expressions to their portraits, and thats not even counting the unique pictures which you will see throughout the story.
Like I mentioned before, Sakura Wars features an all star cast of anime voice actors. The game is not fully voice overed, but all of the important dialogue and of course battle dialogue is. Due to the excellent job of the voice actors, the characters truly come to life. The game would not be the same without them, and I dare say that Sakura Wars may not be what it is today had it not been for them. Just wait until you hear the classic laugh of Sumire, created by the one and only Michie Tomizawa.
The music as well is something that is very important to Sakura Wars. From the time you first boot up the game you will realize how amazing it is, as the opening is the main theme of the series which still remains in the sequels. The different themes of the characters are very well composed, and the different tunes of the story bring across the mood very well.The music is simply among the best you will ever hear in an RPG and the voice acting is simply some of the best you will ever hear in a video game! Sakura Wars is a unique RPG essentially three aspects of game play; the main graphic adventure part, the battles, and the mini-games.
Throughout the main part of the game, you interact with the girls of the Hanagumi,and other supporting characters in Free Roam mode. This part of the game is somewhat like a dating simulation.Unlike in other RPGs,Sakura Wars does not have a leveling up nor does it ephasize on grinding to increase your characters' powers.Instead,how you interact with them in Free Roam directly affect their stats.You make a girl like you,and their power in battle significantly increases. Make a girl hate you,and her power in battle will be less than its default status when you began the game. The battles are fought in strategic combat,Final Fantasy Tactics. You control Ohgami and the Hanagumi in their steam-powered mechs called Koubu as they defend the capitol. All of the characters use different weapons unique to their talents, which all have varied reaches and power. Each of them also have special attacks that they can use when their super meter fills up.The battles are very enjoyable, though they are a bit easy.
And finally, the mini-games. Each one of the girls has one, and each one is completely different. . How well you do in these will also affect the Hanagumi's affection level.
Simply,Sakura Wars is the best Japanese RPG ever made!
