Famitsu has gone up with an introduction to the story of Project Sakura Wars, and some of the characters in the current generation Imperial Combat Revue, including the main character Seijuurou Kamiyama, and heroine Sakura Amamiya. Furthermore, some of the main staff gave their thoughts on working on a new game in such a classic franchise.
Story
The curtains on a new chapter rises in the year Taisho 29 in the Imperial Capital!
The new stage is the Imperial Capital, Tokyo, set 12 years after Sakura Wars V: So Long, My Love. 10 years ago, the Imperial Revues of Tokyo, Paris, and New York were annihilated in the Great Kouma War, but new Imperial Revues have been established since, and they are about to hold a competition called the World Combat Revue War.
And now, the player as protagonist Seijuurou Kamiyama, will lead the New Imperial Combat Revue into battle against the Kouma that threatens the city, and the Combat Revues of various countries.
Gameplay
The latest Sakura Wars game retains the series’ formula of Adventure and Battle, and strengthening bonds with the heroines.
In the adventure part, players get to freely explore the Imperial Theatre and the streets of Ginza remade in 3D, and raise the trust between you and the heroines by conversation. This not only affects the story, but also how well you do in battle. Of course, there are anime movies and minigames, and various other features to enjoy as well.
Characters so far:
Seijuurou Kamiyama (CV: Youhei Azakami)
The protagonist of Project Sakura Wars. The captain of the Imperial Combat Revue’s Floral Division, and is 20 years old. He was originally the captain of a special service ship in the Navy, but was transferred to the Imperial Combat Revue as the leader of the Floral Division.
Sakura Amamiya (CV: Ayana Sakura)
A member of the Floral Division, aged 17. A new member of the Floral Division who joined, aspiring after the previous Floral Division’s top star, Sakura Shinguji. She has strong memories of both the Floral Division that protected the capital and the Floral Division that would soothe the hearts of many on stage, and wishes to restore the division to its glory days.
Hatsuho Shinonome (CV: Maaya Uchida)
A Floral Division member who’s 17 years old. She’s the poster girl and shrine maiden for the historical Touno Shrine in the Imperial Capital. Born and raised downtown, and is a pure Edo maiden who loves the festivals and people of downtown. She’s usually uncouth, but is the reliable mediator between Floral Division members.
Azami Mochizuki (CV: Hibiku Yamamura)
A 13-year-old member of the Floral Division, who’s a descendant of the Mochizuki-style ninja clan. She’s young, but has a genius-like talent for combat, strategy, and wielding weapons. She’s been through a strict upbringing, and strongly believes and upholds the 108 laws passed down the generations in her village.
Anastasia Parma (CV: Ayaka Fukuhara)
A 19-year-old Floral Division member hailing from Greece. She’s a star who was active in theatres in Europe. After going through several theatre groups, she ended up transferring to the Imperial Combat Revue. Her skill in acting and singing is top class, and handles a wide range of roles from male roles to sexy female roles with her looks.
Claris (CV: Saori Hayami)
A 16-year-old Floral Division member from Luxembourg. She’s a girl who’s gentle and loves reading. Through her books, she learns various things to satisfy her curiosity. Her full name is Clarissa Snowflake, and is part of the Snowflake noble family from Luxembourg who use the tome-based Juumadou magic.
Comments from the main staff
Tite Kubo, character designer: “The character designs were quite different from my usual work, and were fun to create. For the latest game in a series with such a glorious history and passionate fans, I’m looking forward to seeing just what I am able to do as well.”
Kouhei Tanaka, music: “How long has everyone waited for this news! For all the Sakura Wars fans, and for me, there’s nothing better than this news! Just thinking about being able to make more Sakura Wars music makes me fired up. Without a doubt, “music” is important content for Sakura Wars. Putting my life as a composer on the line, I poured my life and blood into the making of the songs of Sakura Wars. Of course, for this New Chapter of Sakura Wars, I created many songs including the main theme. I firmly believe that it will make people emotional on the same level as other Sakura songs. Cheers to a new beginning!”
Ishii Jirou, story composition: “Would you like to work on a Sakura Wars reboot? That’s how Sega invited me back in 2016. I wandered and worried over whether I was qualified to do so. Sakura Wars was the first winner of the Japan Game Awards, and a pioneer that brought around a new age. And now, three years later, I am here to take upon the challenge. The reason for my decision was because the invitation came from the Sega producer for 428: Shibuya Scramble. 428 challenged itself against Machi, just as Project Sakura Wars challenges itself against Sakura Wars. Now, let the curtains rise.”
Ouji Hiroi, creator: “When I heard that they were making a new Sakura Wars, a twenty-year-old title, with new staff, I got really excited. Alongside the evolution of technology, story directions and the zeitgeist have changed. The challenge is to bring the new “continuation of the dream” to the current audience. I’m looking forward to this myself.”
Satoru Akahori, composition and script for Sakura Wars 1 to V: “I’m looking forward to the new Sakura Wars game. A fantastical game like Sakura Wars needs the power of youth in writing the scenario, and even for the previous game, I felt that it was hard for a middle-aged man to write it. I don’t care if it’s unrefined – I’m looking forward to a story full of youthful vigor! Still, this is the first time I’m looking forward to a Sakura Wars game as just a fan! I’m happy!”
Project Sakura Wars is coming to Japan on PlayStation 4 in Winter 2019, and in NA and EU in Spring 2020.
