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Sakura Wars

Platform(s): PlayStation 4
Genre: RPG/Strategy
Publisher: SEGA
Release Date: April 28, 2020

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'Sakura Wars' (PS4) Gives Us A Look At The Over-The-Top Combat Sequences - Screens & Trailer

by Rainier on March 27, 2020 @ 11:38 a.m. PDT

A cultural phenomenon in Japan, the long-running Sakura Wars series defined the JRPG / romance genre with its memorable characters, masterful writing, and sublime music.

The Imperial Combat Revue takes the stage as Tokyo's defense force against a demon threat in this extravagant adventure. Soldiers in wartime, but theater performers in peacetime, the Revue's Flower Division is not living up to their legacy and is at risk of being shut down. As newly appointed captain Seijuro Kamiyama, it's up to you to turn the team around.

During your adventure, you'll interact with a colorful cast of characters via the dynamic LIPS dialogue system (a trademark of the series), where what you say and how you say it makes an impact both on and off the battlefield. This flows into the high-energy combat system, featuring giant steam-powered mechs called the "Spiricle striker" that can only be piloted by those with strong spiritual power. 

All of this is presented in the style of an exciting anime production, complete with gorgeous animated sequences and dramatic character arcs that will leave you eager for what happens next!


When you take the reins as Seijuro Kamiyama in Sakura Wars, your challenges aren't only with your own Imperial Combat Revue, but also with every other combat revue in the world. There's a big battle looming.

Almost immediately after being appointed captain of the Flower Division, your boss, Sumire Kanzaki, announces Tokyo's sworn protectors are at risk of being disbanded. You and your squad have one chance to prove yourselves and save the legacy of the Flower Division - by winning the Combat Revue World Games.

The Games are an intense, dynamic tournament where combat revues from around the world compete in elaborate stage performances and battle with their giant mecha. They were established with the hope it would foster a spirit of unity between the different revues while also enhancing their public profile, allowing these heroes to take the spotlight and display their combat prowess to the populace.

The Flower Division can expect to face particularly fierce opposition from the combat revues of Shanghai, London, and Berlin. The rules are simple, though the path forward is anything but:

  • Every match is a three-on-three team battle spread across three rounds.
  • You'll select two squad members who will fight alongside you.
  • Each team scores points by defeating targets located around the tournament arena.
  • These points contribute to a tug-of-war-like gauge. Win by overpowering your opponent in that gauge or by scoring the most points overall at the end of the match.

Are you ready to fight your way to glory, prestige, and most importantly, government funding to keep the Flower Division operating?

Key Features:

  • Dramatic Character Interplay - Engage with a colorful cast through the dynamic LIPS dialogue system where what you say and how you say it has a profound impact on relationships off and on the battlefield.
  • Exciting Combat Payoffs - Your bonds with team members flow into the high-energy combat finale of each episode, featuring action-packed fights with giant steam-powered mecha.
  • Brilliant Anime Production - Gorgeous animated sequences, a lush soundtrack, and characters designed by anime and JRPG luminaries will transport you into a vibrant 1940s steampunk Tokyo. 
  • Exciting Cast Of Characters & Voiceovers
    • Seijuro Kamiyama (VO: Yohei Azakami): Formerly a captain of an auxiliary ship in the navy, he was reassigned to the Imperial Combat Revue to oversee the reformation of the Flower Division.
    • Sakura Amamiya (VO: Ayane Sakura): A novice stage performer who joined the Flower Division to follow in the footsteps of her idol, onetime mega-star Sakura Shinguji (star of the original trilogy). She believes strongly in defending Tokyo and lifting the spirits of the populace, and fervently prays the theater will eventually be restored to its former glory.
    • Hatsuho Shinonome (VO: Maaya Uchida): A shrine maiden whose beauty draws visitors to her family's historic Shinonome Shrine. Born in the working-class neighborhoods of central Tokyo, she's a true child of the city who loves her people, her festivals, and everyone in the capital. Despite her brash exterior, she's a dependable comrade.
    • Clarissa “Claris” Snowflake (VO: Saori Hayami): A sweet, intellectual girl from Luxembourg who always has her nose in a book. Her ferocious curiosity about the world drives her to read every day and learn about all kinds of topics.
    • Azami Mochizuki (VO: Hibiku Yamamura): A descendant of the Mochizuki clan of ninja, she displayed a tremendous aptitude for martial arts, battle tactics, and weapon-handling from a very young age. Thanks to the strict training she has undergone her entire life, she believes unquestioningly in the 108 Village Rules passed down by her clan, striving to obey them at all times.
    • Anastasia Palma (VO: Ayaka Fukuhara): Star of the European stage who hails from Greece. She recently transferred to the Tokyo revue after spending time in various revues around the globe. A world-class singer and actor, she has the charisma and confidence to play everything from the male lead to the bewitching temptress.

What You Get with the Launch Edition

  • Reversible cover art
  • Sticker set featuring the main cast
  • Theater Costume Add-on Bundle

What You Get with the Digital Deluxe and Digital Standard Editions

  • Imperial Combat Revue PS4 Dynamic Theme
  • Neko Ears Add-on Bundle

By upgrading to the Digital Deluxe Edition, you will receive:

  • Legacy of Love Add-on Bundle: a pack of costumes and background music (BGM) paying tribute to:
    • The Flower Division of the Imperial Combat Revue (Sakura Wars 1, Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die)
    • The Flower Division of the Paris Combat Revue (Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning?)
    • The Star Division of the New York Combat Revue (Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love)
  • Charming Accessories Add-on Bundle, which includes
    • Glasses Bundle
    • Dog Tail Accessory Bundle
    • Angel Accessory Bundle
  • Swimsuit DLC Bundle

Sakura Wars takes center stage on the PS4 starting April 28, 2020, and will feature Japanese voice acting with subtitles in English, German, French, and Spanish.


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