Platform: Saturn, Dreamcast, PC, PS2, PSP, i-mode
Release date in Japan: September 27, 1996 (Saturn)
Cover art for the Sega Saturn version of the first Sakura Wars game. “A storm of romance in Taisho cherry blossoms!”
Background
Sakura Wars is a prominent Sega franchise in Japan. It is set in an alternate historical depiction of the world in the 1920s, influenced by steampunk. Its main entries blend tactical RPG, dating simulation, and visual novel elements: a unique hybrid, especially for its time. The franchise revolves around the exploits of teams of pilots imbued with spiritual powers that enable them to operate special steam-powered machines. The pilots use these machines to defend their homelands from demons. Most of these pilots double as a musical theatre troupe, with the regularly scheduled and open to the public performances serving as a cover for their base of operations.
Sakura Wars 1 takes place in Tokyo, Japan, and features the Teikoku Kagekidan : Hanagumi, or the Imperial Assault Force’s Flower Division. The game follows protagonist Ichiro Ogami as he is reassigned from the Japanese navy to the Flower Division, and the player controls him as he endeavors to lead the Assault Force and the colorful personalities he must both fight alongside and work with at the theatre. The game’s development history is colorful, with conceptual poems (a recurring theme reflected in each game’s subtitle), scouting of voice actors and actresses, and creative ambition that might have seemed without reigns. First released on the Sega Saturn, it went on to receive rereleases for the Dreamcast, PC, PSP, and PS2. Upon the original Saturn title’s release, the game quickly sold out, beginning a prolific lifetime of media and popularity. There are arguable parallels between elements of Sakura Wars 3 and Valkyria Chronicles’ battle system; incidentally, these two titles share development staff by way of the Overworks studio!
With your help, Sakura Wars might continue and maintain a foothold throughout the world!
Localization and Franchise Status
The Sakura Wars franchise has only seen its fifth mainline entry released outside of Japan: under the name Sakura Wars – So Long, My Love, for both the PS2 and the Wii. At the time of the fifth title’s development in Japan, the series had already sold 3,000,000 games, including spinoffs. NISAmerica handled publishing and localization work of Sakura Wars V in North America, and the game was released outside of Japan in 2010 in North America, Europe and Australia. In Japan, stage shows featuring the voice actors for characters in the game (who have maintained their roles since their characters’ inception!) continue periodically and a mobile game has been recently announced, though no mainline entries or substantive console or handheld spinoffs have been announced for the franchise. TOMOTOON! is also producing a motion comic of the manga adaptation of the first Sakura Wars title. There are currently no plans for additional localization of any previous Sakura Wars games.
How can you help?
NISAmerica has commented on the underperformance of Sakura Wars V relative to their expectations. To show support for the series and its localization, buy Sakura Wars – So Long, My Love! Consider also purchasing the Sakura Wars: The Movie Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack, newly relicensed by Funimation, with an english dub plus extras. For an organized campaign, join the Sakura Wars Localization Project on Facebook and Twitter.