New SAKURA WARS Review - An Unsatisfying Return

[@SnicketySlice]

Sakura Wars releases tomorrow (April 28th) so make sure you buy a copy so we can free Kohran from the upside down everybody!

[@makotoyuki345]

SnicketySlice I will...but I’m just gonna play the original 5 first then fly to Japan and vandalize SEGA head quarters with a photo of best girl Kohran

[@royalkumar795]

There is shin sakura taisen animation airing in the season, Have you watched the Episode

[@MrJonjon636]

@@makotoyuki345 I am joining you home-slice bread-slice! for the best girl Kohran!

[@charlestonho6733]

Hey Erica from Berlin are actually very nice girl and NEVRT asshole AT ALL!!!

[@travismichael3705]

Dont know if you guys gives a shit but if you guys are bored like me during the covid times then you can stream all the latest movies on instaflixxer. Been binge watching with my gf during the lockdown xD

[@JohneAwesome]

How big is that book if the mech is holding it? How many trees would they have to cut down to print something of that size? I am now intrigued but I have the feeling my questions will go unanswered.

[@tanyaharmon6739]

Anime logic

[@SnicketySlice]

It is a magical tome. Perhaps some sorcery is at work to explain its massive size? I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@MrJonjon636]

Who said it was made out of trees? it could be worse and use baby cow leather... this is what spell book flavor text in dnd at one point.

[@Dragonage2ftw]

Fair!

[@hamzadounel3840]

Will you make a walkthrough video on this?

[@wood1066]

I do dislike when games with a harem aspect clearly play favorites with the main female especially if she's the extremely cliche childhood friend. It's like why bother adding this if your going to push one female more then the others.

[@leesama130]

THIS. One of the things that drew me to the games of the series was the balance it had with the main cast. Each girl of the team had a chance to shine in the limelight, with a chapter dedicated to them, the demons they were dealing with, and the character development they received when all was said and done. Even the main heroines from the past games (Sakura, Erica and Gemini), were no exception, and not only is Sakura Shinguji the poster girl of the series, but Gemini had a spinoff game that took place before the events of V (So long my love) solely dedicated to her. Even with that, the balance was still there for the five main games and it's main cast. Not so much with this game. And it's sadly a detriment to not only the Sakura of this game, but the remainder of it's cast. It reminded me of what Falcom did in regards to Alisa in the Trails of Cold Steel series. They shoved her down players throats so hard as their canon choice for Rean, that it not only caused a number of people to dislike her, especially in the West, but made characters like Laura, Sara and Fie much more popular choices for fans to romance Rean with. Ultimately, they literally had to redo the relationship values after II because of this, and give Alisa that character development that she was sorely lacking compared to the rest of Class VII. Bottom line, each character in Sakura Taisen had even playing ground. But sadly, as far as Sakura is concerned in this game, as Benny from Fallout New Vegas once said, the game was rigged from the start.

[@wood1066]

@@leesama130 yes, the cold steel games are the worst offenders of this. The other main female characters are way more interesting and unique compared to Alisa, but since she's the main heroine she gets constantly thrown at you and treated like she's more special then the others. Luckily the 4 game fixes that issue a bit. Anyway, I went ahead and bought Sakura wars I'm not far but it's okay so far. My favorite female is the ninja girl that looks like Rukia from Bleach she actually kind of reminds me of Fie.

[@ThatGuyWhoComments1]

Very true. Harem anime tend to do the same. They should really either just stick to the "special" girl and have her be the only romance girl or have all the girls have an equal chance. But yup, its the cliche in harem so it's what it is.

[@aidilasyraf154]

@@wood1066 hahahaha....don't choose alisa, but they really try hard on cold steel 2, not I hate it though, pretty cute and they should try that on cold steel 1 not the usual cliche tsundere heroine, such a waste, luckily they give a good ending for others girl ,I choose Emma btw

[@aidilasyraf154]

@@ThatGuyWhoComments1 hmm.....I just watch campione and the 2nd last episode is very intense

[@bababobo5067]

Sounds like fans hate it because it doesn’t completely respect the previous games, while newcomers are enjoying it. Honestly, for a series that hasn’t had a game in over a decade? I feel like that’s for the best. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure the series would just die off again, since some of the fans aren’t showing too much enthusiasm for a return.

[@mekatora_]

As a huge fan of the series, I love this game. Definitely weak compared to what came before, but they totally did what they needed to do to be relevant to a new, modern audience while respecting what came before, and I think they did it well. I'm not really sure why fans of the older games feel this one is disrespectful because I actually really like how they handled making way for a new cast while not just like, killing off the old one or something. Perhaps they expected to see their favorite characters in 3D? I'm just really excited about the prospect of building up this new cast from misfits to a team that's worthy to stand beside the older revues and hopefully bring them home.

[@RavensEagle]

@@mekatora_ purists that's why.

[@SakurakoLover]

Sega doesn't even properly promoting it because it wasn't Somic

[@SailorMoonFriends]

The main with Sakura Wars is that it takes to long to get to the action and fighting, all you really do is spend hours and hours talking to people

[@bababobo5067]

@@SailorMoonFriends Uhh, that’s the point. People play games like this for the character interactions.

[@petertilton7004]

Sakura Wars 7, All the girls come back to stop a moon demon, in space!

[@suiken3149]

I don't really mind changing it from turn-based to action mechanics, but streamlining party-members is a big no for me. The main theme of the series is team-work. So how are you gonna utilize all of your team's skills set when you are limited to 2 party members at a time.

[@suiken3149]

With that said, I still look forward to it

[@wolffster25]

Looking back I enjoyed Sakura Wars: So Long My Love it was probably my first experience with the harem anime trope although the final boss left a lot to be desired. That being said I think the main reason I enjoy this series is those catchy main themes.

[@mj_player6440]

So Long My Love wasn't my first harem experience but it was the first time i say a game do it

[@jordanissler9752]

After sumire ova. Sega: so you got sumire back Player: yes Sega: what did it cost Player: everything... "cries"

[@invader218]

As a new comer into the series I enjoyed it very much didn't see the difference in character designs as a big deal.

[@matt-san1711]

Casuals: Is it worthit??? Weebs. If theres WAIFUS, Is Worthit Legends: *NOSTALGIA COME TO ME OLD FRIEND*

[@KaiSaeren]

I get why long time Sakura Wars fans would be upset about the old cast getting shafted like this, but without it being a remake, this is an impossible task. They simply cant have all these characters come back again, there would simply be too much to do. They wanted to have the game in Tokyo, as it is a soft reboot so either the characters would have to be retired, which would still mean they would have to feature somehow or dead, which is far more upsetting. Considering they are freaking legends in the game, ideal to be upheld and measured against, I dont see how its disrespectful at all, they were moving forward, this is an issue that every long running series that has a consistent world faces. Also, its not as tho Ogami would have thought of this as a sacrifice, nobody is dying (except Sakura's mom, which they simply couldnt have known imo) they are chosing to fight the evil in its own realm to save the world, without knowing more, we cant say if this is good or bad, time can flow differently there, it can just be another reality or whatever, we know for a fact that they are alive and for more info we will have to wait for a sequel if and when it comes, maybe bringing back the characters is actually going to be what this is sort of about. I do not dislike this way at all, the old cast are heroes who even now keep the world save. But again, I get why fans of the old games would be upset by this, emotions just do what they want. But you are definitely argumenting for it from a place of passion and concentrate on it so much it colors your impression of the game itself, it makes you overly critical, barely concentrating on anything other than how it is different from the older games. Also, Sumire is likely putting the money out of her own pocket. Its made clear several times that President G is not interested in the Flower division, what they get from the "goverment" is likely next to nothing. Not to mention she keeps the battleship up and running, keeping it hidden, so is the Moon Division and everything. Yea she is rich but she isnt omnipotent, she likely took this long to even be able to become the commander and put the Imperial Revue back on the map because president G was opposing her. I agree it makes little sense that he can do all that he can, he is basically the president of the world in this game which is nonsense, but she had to take her time to put herself together, wait for Tokyo to be put back together, find the funds, the right people while fighting president G and the increasing power of Wlof. But I admit there is a great amount of contrivances for sure. You can headcanon it like I do, but while I do think the writing on characters is solid, the story has issues. I totally agree that the other girls got the short end of the stick, praticularly Hatsuho got shafted for Sakura's drama real hard, which is really sad. With the way Sakura is thrown into our faces so much I started resenting her a bit towards the end. The combat as you say, its servicable, but thats about all it is. It looks nice and it feels good for a the first few times but it is repetitive. Minor issue for me, especially with a game this type but yea... Its clear that this game has high production values but they put it all into few specific places, imo well chosen but its certainly felt in some places, by the end they must have been running out of budget or time. And Berlin are not assholes, Elise is a sweetheart man, wth :O At least the new cast is very good and Kamiyama is a hilarious protagonist :) Its not the Sakura Wars of old for sure but its a great game, hopefully it will do well enough so that we can see a sequel and free our friends.

[@mekatora_]

As a huge and longtime Sakura Wars fan, I'm glad to see someone who feels pretty much exactly as I did with this game. I'm really hoping it does well enough for a sequel. By soft reboot standards, this one was done really well, and I feel, with a lot of love and respect. I feel disrespectful would've been doing something like Star Wars, killing off the old cast and treating them like out of date old people who need to be put down. The old cast were made heroes that even the current cast look up to and respect to the point of getting upset for their sake and the situation they're in. I think that was the best way to have a new cast without the greatness of the old one overshadowing them at every turn, especially with the World Games happening. Could you imagine old Flower, Paris, and New York there in the games, then having to suspend our disbelief that this new cast could trump them and win the whole event. That would've been something to actually be upset about. I really hope we get a sequel and a chance to save them though.

[@clintmckee1751]

Is the New York Revue mentioned at all?

[@KaiSaeren]

@Help Me It wasnt wiped off screen, it wasnt wiped off at all, they are alive. Also, obviously you cant romance Sumire, she can be with Ogami by the end of the four game they can be engaged if I remember right, Sumire wouldnt do that :D But I get you, her design is freaking stunning and she is really likeable here.

[@KaiSaeren]

@@clintmckee1751 Yea, its mentioned that it took all three revues (only three active at the time) The Tokyo combat Revue, Paris combat Revue and New York combat Revue that we know from Sakura Wars 1-5, the og cast + So long My love were all involved and are currently locked in the Shadow Tokyo.

[@Dragonage2ftw]

I agree.

[@royalkumar795]

*SEGA* should remastered and translate old Sakura wars game and release to worldwide... 14:43 I really like your choice , because Her voice features most of anime these days..

[@rurig3608]

I want this so bad. Not even remaster. Just release it as a compilation with in game trophies on the PS4. I'd love it SO much because there were a lot of characters I never really played all their routes in the older games.

[@NotABot55]

Pretty much this, but also on Switch, XB1S, GoG, and Steam.

[@boltronics]

If Square Enix can release Dragon Quest 1+2+3 in a physical triple pack collection for Switch, and then release the Collection of Mana trilogy for Switch, surely Sega can release Sakura Wars 1 through 5 as well. Imagine how killer that would be! Heck, even if Sega sold them separately but included the soundtrack, I'd be down with that. It would still make a ton of sense compared to the Game Gear Micro!

[@abdelali9279]

"Fun but highly flawed", as a Sonic fan if Sega would do otherwise I'd offended.

[@MagillanicaLouM]

Game is pretty, girls are hot, i actually really enjoy musou style games and i have no history with the series aside from watching your first video so if i had a ps4, I'd check this one out. Though i can understand the frustration of it not doing well in respecting the legacy that birthed it and hope they do better to please the long time crowd while moving the franchise itself forward EDIT: Having played, beaten and just started my 2nd playthrough of this game, as well as looking into the rest of the franchise, I can definitely say that I'm a huge Sakura Wars fan. I'm proud of this game. It absolutely does respect the legacy it comes from, in fact it loves it, and that also makes me fall in love with the franchise. This is probably the video game series I know of with the single most consistent amount of passion and joy from the ppl involved that reaches the players heart. Yeah, I think it's an eh way to write the older characters out for moment too (though the reason why they can't go after them yet is at least a fair one) and i can understand the battle gameplay shift being jarring for long timers, though I do think this current system is enjoyable and matches more the vision of the action shown in older intros/cutscenes. But beyond those understandable criticisms, this is a game in love with what came before it, from the Bromides, to the theatre being practically a perfect 3d replica of the original map, as well as the new aspects and characters (except Oboro) being fresh and engaging on their own. I'm happy this game introduced me to a new favorite media franchise and I look forward to more in the future with this cast and hopefully the old alongside them.

[@KingKrouch]

I’d definitely say that expecting the bleach mangaka to make hot female characters is like the least they could do with it.

[@SonicKick]

There are two types of Shin players: New fans: "Sakura-chaaaaan!!" ❤ Old fans: "WHERE'S MY WIIIIIFE?!?!"😡🔪

[@SonicKick]

Note that this is not to dismiss the critisism of the legacy fans. I completely understand and it fucking sucks that your wife is in the shadow realm. I just wanted to make a funny.

[@CrimRui]

New fans are mostly Anastasia! rather then Sakura haha

[@Witheredleaflet]

Always so excited to see a new video up from you. The passion is clear in every little bit of it.

[@rurig3608]

The funny thing is in the games Ohgami always said he never wanted another self sacrifice like Ayame. He wanted everyone to make it out alive. It just felt so out of character. Even the Japanese voice actors of Sakura and Sumire hated coming back to roles in this WAY.

[@Samm815]

@Shaman Xeed Shut the fuck up nerd.

[@Krysnha]

Indeed, but as you see, who cares rigth

[@maxcady360]

I finished the game yesterday. This was my first time playing a game from this franchise, so I don't have the same emotional baggage. I do agree on the weirdness of the premise, either this was a translation error, because are we supposed to beleive that the rest of the previous Flower Division was still fighting the archdemon in that alternate dimension? For 10 years? Was just saying that they had a gigantic battle and after that many of the former members either quit or moved on, that difficult?

[@thatcutegameotaku]

I think a lot of the issues you mentioned were conerns of mine as well after playing. especially since Anastasia is by far the best unit of the game, with much of her moves making the game so much easier that it's foolish not to choose her when given the option. I was pretty mad when they spent much of sakura wars on sakura instead of fleshing out the rest of the cast since its narrative is supposed to be more of an ensemble story. instead, it seems about 70-80% is focused solely on sakura rather than anyone else. it got to the point it was almost insufferable like "oh, what super special thing is sakura going to get this time?" (i chose anastasia btw)

[@MentalOutlvl6]

I personally thought sakura and clarice snowflake was my favorite character

[@KaiserTrigger]

I am American. Can confirm, Americans love this kind of content.

[@MentalOutlvl6]

Facts

[@raikohzx4323]

It's like all the budget went into the VAs, composer and art design, and then everything else fell apart at the seams.

[@goldentiramisu7935]

the difference in artstyle in between characters are actually fine with me, at least we won't get any "same-face syndrome" complaints. though i do agree it's inconsistent.

[@Iitsan12]

I think this game is in a weird and unique spot. Since the series was on hiatus for so long and the genre the franchise invented has become so popular, this new Sakura Wars had the task of finding the balance between what worked in past games and what is expected in a modern game with a similar style. In this game, I think they focused too much in the more modern aspects and ended with a game that satisfies newcomers, but makes old fans upset. I don't really mind the addition of guest artists. I think it brings some variety to the character designs, but I also believe that it would need to have one final artist to make all characters have a consistent artstyle (like, Yukiko Horiguchi designed Xiaolong and Tite Kubo did one final pass so this character could be more consistent with the rest of the main cast).

[@antonioarvelo2339]

I know that this is a little off-topic but the game boy Sakura wars has English translation now

[@Darkrai110]

I've only played a bit of So long my love, so I've been looking forward to this game. It's also been getting pretty good reviews for the most part and yours is the most critical I've seen. I'm planning on getting this game because I'm curious to see how the series has progressed and I'm planning on going back and finishing So long my love.

[@SormonAusPol]

I think as someone who hasn't played all of the games in the series the new game will be quite fun. However I think the fans SnicketySlice is referring to are the ones who have played every game and watched every anime,.

[@genghis9776]

I think during the time Sakura wars 1-3 had the charm and originality to it, hell Sakura wars 5 was also original. The time period where dating sims format was popular but wasn’t as deep which made Sakura wars special. I think Sakura wars was the foundation of some of the harem tropes and stereotypes we know today so everything about the previous Sakura wars games were so impactful. No hate to the new Sakura wars but it does feel kinda stale. And maybe because of the difference in time because back then the girls felt original because there wasn’t a lot to compete with and even if there was competition these girls stood out from the rest of them. But now with absurd amount of dating sim, harem anime and games out there the characters in the new one did feel like trend bait and stale compared to the previous girls. With this game it did feel like they were trying to revive the series putting a modern feeling to it which caused it to loose a lot of the original’s charm. It isn’t a bad game not at all but the previous games did have better characters, world building and overall story.

[@replicant4142]

I miss your videos, where are you?

[@SnicketySlice]

Working on the EP analysis.

[@Hharpuia]

@@SnicketySlice omg yay

[@mysetlist2118]

I’m still disappointed this was my first Sakura wars because I don’t mind tactical games but musou games really lose interest for me quickly

[@gameguyru2467]

What do you think about the new one? Sakura revolution if im correct.

[@IllusionistsBane]

It died 6 months in! What do you think?

[@nr2676]

Bad game, who probably killed franchise (Sega lost 30 000 000 $)

[@arcturus64]

It's a shame for the party limitation, the only Sakura Taisen I've played was 5 and I loved the discussions you could trigger by defeating an enemy next to a party member or using a join attack. Sometimes you'd even get to chose your answer and get extra support points with the girls or improve the girl's relations between each other which would boost the range and damage of the join attacks. Guess that's not happening in this title.

[@blakewalker94]

They should've made it turn-based because that style of gameplay would have been able to utilize the game mechanics like morale significantly better.

[@animedude8712]

While I get eliminating characters from the past game is a bad move, it could be used for a sequel game if it did well. Still, kinda of a bad move.

[@vkak1]

A sequel with new characters don't need to waste old characters though.

[@Landmasters]

One of the main things that got me was Kamiyama honestly, on several occasions. In the interest of keeping spoilers to a minimum, there's a point very early on where you get pulled into a mission and separated from Sakura. She starts holding her own but is struggling, only for two fellow combat robots to jump in and save her from an attack, seems fine ...and then they decide to start attacking her during an active mission, like trying to kill her before Kamiyama and the others arrive to save her. After the mission is wrapped up these two pricks show up to say glad the mission was a success and Kamiyama just responds "Oh yeah we did well". THEY TRIED TO KILL YOUR CHILDHOOD FRIEND, COMMITTED TREASON, AND DID SO BECAUSE OF A COMPETITION, FUCK. Any reasonable person would report them and have them exiled or imprisoned and any good friend would slug the fuck out of them to defend their honor.

[@charlestonho6733]

He just try knock her out only

[@Krysnha]

Indeed, both Ogami and Taiga, were quite well written when you think about it, Kamiyama, for being as old, as Ogami and older than Shingiro taiga, sometimes acts too dumb

[@theweasly]

I loved the original but I dont actually mind the change of cast. If this is the main complaint of the video I honestly dont think that is very valid

[@MagillanicaLouM]

His issue seems to be more the way they explain the old cast's absence rather than the fact its a new cast at all.

[@theweasly]

@@MagillanicaLouM I get that and I get the game has other problems too. But honestly, the way he described is not even that bad. It sounds better than them retiring and now there is a chance that they can come back. It isnt that game breaking.

[@_Shikabane_]

@@theweasly the thing is they technically cant, due to the lore of the game they're all too old to pilot mechs, most of them were in their late teens/early 20s in their og games or atleast by the events of sakura wars V. to the point that if they did come back many of them would be like Sumire and be too low on spirit energy to pilot mechs. Sure a few exceptions like Iris, Coquelicot, or Rosita could be made since they were children and might have some spirit energy left. But realistically this did feel like they just killed off all the previous characters instead of just having them retire, which not only wouldve respected the message of the first 5 games but also wouldnt leave the OG fans wanting closure.

[@theweasly]

@@_Shikabane_ Sumire's spirit energy dwindled a long time ago and she quit before any of this happened due her dwindling powers, which is probably why she didnt get stuck in with the group. She wasnt there (havent actually played the new Sakura Wars yet, so dunno). There is an anime special just for it. Also, I bet they wont grow as old in the other dimension, which is a pretty smart way to actually have a stoty about saving them, keeping them relatively young and thus a chance to have them back. Not to mention that it is stated that this is a soft reboot several times. It is not a direct sequel but meant to be a reboot. So even if changes happen they are expected.

[@natebrown4862]

It appears to be the main complaint, yes. While I admit that I haven’t played any of the older games aside from so long my love I’ve just started this game and so far I’m enjoying it immensely. It’s a soft reboot and doesn’t try to hide it. I guess that’s too much for some nostalgia blinded peeps to handle. It’s a shame

[@bon7029]

My biggest gripe is that there's no difficulty setting. If we're going to go musou style, that opens up the door to crank up the difficulty.

[@thecoolestfool7688]

just asking, when the next persona video coming out

[@ultimatthias]

Alright Snickety, whens the next video coming out?

[@daehan8227]

Honestly if they went back to its SJRPG roots it would've been more successful knowing how Fire Emblem 3 houses and FF Brave Exvius War of the vision which had 5 million downloads, (Damn it square a mobile FF tactics?! Seriously?!) But yeah it could've been more successful but knowing how it was a warriors type of game it would've been better as a spin off, while leaving 1-5 as different continuity or something.

[@CRedd9830]

They definitely should've kept the ARMS system, the new battle system didn't stand out at all. Persona and Fire Emblem are turn based yet both are successful. Also It should've been on Switch, Sega should fucking know that Switch is completely dominating the market in Japan.

[@James-gj8rn]

is this good for new players to get into the series? (because the original game wasn't released in the UK to my understanding)

[@theweasly]

Yeah

[@James-gj8rn]

@@theweasly i'm conflicted though with the loyal fans of the series saying this one isn't as good but i think i'll give it a go since i'm new to it

[@the1stassassin422]

You can play the original game with an english translation, but the illegal way. But then again, we're in the middle of a pandemic, so why would they give a shit about pirating? Hell, with how things are going, they'll probably encourage pirating if it keeps people in their homes.

[@fundude365]

Sakura Shinguji simply found a workaround to have some well-deserved time off with her partner. . . . . SEGATA SANSHIRO!

[@big_met_fan8792]

I know this sounds weird but what I really enjoyed in this game is the Taisho era theme. Growing up with anime like Ruroken, Sakura Wars among others, this game really brought me back to my childhood. There's something magical looking at the characters, background and listening to the background music most specially the track "Imperial Capital City". I really enjoyed my time with the game.

[@JD-dm1uj]

Damn good overview and review!

[@emperorskulls]

They were better off just remaking the first games, like Yakuza did with Kiwami and Kiwami 2. Seriously, why did they get rid of the old characters like that? Let alone NOT save them or give us a way to save them. Or at least let us know they're okay.

[@rick2402]

thanks for the review, guess ill pick it up on sale

[@JadedWarlock]

This looks like it could be good if it was a high graphics remake, rather than a soft reboot/ continuation.

[@purgatoriprytania5382]

Remakes better than original titles? LOL I don't hear this too often.

[@odiwalker3973]

I think I've watched this anime a long ago, maybe. Because I'm sure I never played the games, yet the opening song seems very familliar, and it elicits a somewhat strong nostalgic feeling in me. Wtf, I just dropped here at random

[@pixelatedvoids]

Oooohhh. An under rated channel has appeared... I will be attentively watching this grow 👀

[@N_DAnimationEnthusiast]

6:00 I...thought the art style seemed familiar.

[@crozraven]

So how many % of the actual mecha combat gameplay in this game? I really thought it's as almost/equal portion as games like Trails series & Persona or even the older Sakura Wars games that more like Tactical TBS RPG.

[@GoodRock87]

I've just recently finished playing Sakura Wars, and i think it was a good game, not awesome but not bad either. I've already heard about the Sakura Wars franchise and I've watched the anime adaptation, but this was the first game i ever played. There're a few points that bugged me a little: - They tried to divide the game into 2 parts: the dating sim, slice of life section and the action section. However, it felt like the game was more focused in the first part and the more dramatic parts were more an after thought. IMO, Persona 5 managed to handle this mechanic better, giving you the liberty to build the relationship with the other characters without losing the focus of the main story; - The found the battles a bit too easy, i don't know if there's an option to increase the battle difficulty; SPOILERS: -What was the point of Sakura's mom's sacrifice to forge the imperial key to seal the archdemon if, during the fight against the final boss they managed to create a new sword by lifting those 7 star altars? Couldn't Sakura Shinguji and her friends have done the same thing 10 years prior and made the imperial key INSTEAD of forfeit a human life just like that?

[@nr2676]

Sakura Wars never was a jrpg like Persona, it was always Visual Novel / Dating Sim hybrid with SRPG (precusor to Valkyria Chronicles in older games) or simple musou (PS4), and Visual Novel is never focused on gameplay (if VN had any kind of gameplay, because most of them is just reading, or reading + minigames). If you looking more complex combat with less VN segment, they created a Valkyria Chronicles series who adopted and improved battle system from SW 3-5 and added RPG elements like leveling up system or buying equipment. Both, Sakura Wars (older games, not PS4 game, which was made by Team Sonic and Rya Ga Gotoku Studio) and Valkyria Chronicles were made also by same developers (Overworks / Sega WoW, they made also Phantasy Star 1-4, Shinobi, The House of The Dead, and Skies of Arcadia, after 2005 they are known as Sega GE2, now this is very small team, even smaller than Vanilaware, most of their games are now coodeveloped with Tri-Ace or Media.vision). Valkyria Chronicles was made to simulate manga, Sakura Wars was made to simulate a interactive anime.

[@GoodRock87]

@@nr2676 Thanks for the info. To tell the truth, i've never played a visual novel before; sure i've heard that this type of games are basically like reading a book/manga; but i thought that with Sakura Wars both the action and visual novel parts would be distributed like 50/50. But in my impression, it was more like 80% visual novel and 20% action. I've also never played a game from the Valkyria Chronicles, was considering checking out this franchise. Which games do you recommend?

[@nr2676]

​@@GoodRock87 Sakura Wars series always was mostly VN game, with 80% reading and only 20% gameplay to break fatigue caused by constant reading. The previous games in series were something like modern Fire Emblem games, but without RPG elements, and more focused on interactions with characters rather than gameplay, which was simple and very easy (but fun). In previous games in series you making girls stronger by select correct responses in Adventure Mode, if X girl like you in X chapter, she will have stronger stats (ATK, DEF, MOVEMENT,, SPECIAL ATTACK) in next battle, if she hate you, she will have lower stats in next battle. Your duty as a captain of team is keep affinity / spirit power of each girl as high as possible. Something like temporial buff / debuff. The best thing in those games was no grind. Games were always balanced, and you must had think about all tools game gave you, not ,,OK this enemy is OP, i must grind''. There was also LIPS system in battle (unlike in PS4 game) when you can boost stats of girl if you choose corect answer in LIPS. After battle, stats of each girl is reset making game always balanced. The girl in TOP 1 affinity = ending with that girl. It simple system, but very enjoyable. Making your waifu tier list in older games was addictive, unlike to PS4 game with boring ,,choice your ending'' (like in SMT V). Unlike in PS4 game you CAN'T see everything in one playtrough (cutscenes, events, every dates), due to time managemnet system (clock system, if you played SMT Devil Survivor 1 & 2 you know what this mean, each interaction with girl / guy in Adventure Mode cost you 5 minutes of time, you usually have 30-60 minutes of free time before battle), which which is good for replayability.

[@nr2676]

@@GoodRock87 For me the best VC game in series is VC3 on PSP, which have best story, characters and customization in series (which is still unfortunately not released officialy in West, but there is fan translation patch). VC4 and VC1 are also really good, VC2 on PSP is in highschool setting which i don't like and have worst story in series + grinding materials is very RNG bullshit in this game, but gameplay is still fun. For newbies best one is probably VC1 or VC4 (both games are very similar to each other), which is the easiest game in series aside of some difficulty spikes. The hardest one is definitely VC3. Every game is very good in VC series. The fun fact: Valkyria Chronicles is number one in highest rated Sega franchises by journalist.

[@gatst7680]

Eh, as a newcomer to the series, if the gameplay and story are good, I'll definitely be getting it.

[@rurig3608]

It's neither. Save your cash.

[@gatst7680]

@@rurig3608 Ah dang, really? I was hearing good things too...

[@XxPlatinumChief]

@@gatst7680 right same here

[@gatst7680]

@@XxPlatinumChief I'll probably look at other reviews though

[@XxPlatinumChief]

@@gatst7680 same here

[@CypherSonic]

My waifu is dead :( At least the Hedgehog Engine 2 looks good in this game

[@mj_player6440]

Don't know why Sonic Forces doesn't look this good.

[@CypherSonic]

@@mj_player6440 it's because of budget

[@mj_player6440]

@@CypherSonic but shouldn't their mascot have a big budget for his games?

[@CypherSonic]

@@mj_player6440 exactly what I thought but I guess SegaSammy doesn't think so, it's probably because after Unleashed bombed critically they just stopped putting big budgets into Sonics games. I hope that changed soon

[@mj_player6440]

@@CypherSonic Same here

[@CommanderCummington]

Where is that Kohran voice from??

[@cixlo]

The past was destroyed for a vision. The way I see it, all that matter now is gameplay and rather the characters can be liked. Matter of fact that what this series relies on. Will you like the characters enough. If the guys and girls of this story aren't engaging enough.... well I dunno.

[@Dilgoro]

Not really a fan of musou games so I'll probably pass this one. Definitely interested in the orginal though.

[@KaiSaeren]

The gameplay is a very small part of this game regardless, its mainly about the characters and story. Sakura Wars 1 is now translated for dreamcast but id still recommend getting this as well, it is a great game and a good way to start the series.

[@saeefa]

Sakura Wars So Long My Love came out in the UK on the Wii back in 2010 and wasnt much hype around it, feels like I was the only one who bought a copy lol

[@SormonAusPol]

I manged to pick up one online after getting interested in thew series from project x zone.

[@GreenSunSaturday]

Welp, I WAS exited for this game until this video. Thanks for the honest review

[@KaiSaeren]

The game is great, if you like Sakura Wars I implore you to give it a go regardless, if just so that we can have a sequel :)

[@GreenSunSaturday]

@@KaiSaeren I'd rather wait for a remaster of the first one.... but obviously that's not the way the industry works. I'll give this one a chance, thanks for the comment.

[@jonetgames]

I like the game a lot. It was the type of game I've been dying to see for years. I loved the focus on chan and story and all the cutscenes. It was a nice chill game without too big a focus on killing things or having to deal with equipment and levels etc. They streamlined everything pretty nicely. I expected the game to focus on Sakura, a lot of harem stuff tends to focus on the main female. It was annoying but what can you do. I chose Claris cuz she was adorable. Honestly the game was nearly a 10/10 for me except... I REEEEAAALLY hated that 'going to the past' segment near the end of the game. It was so stupid and unnecessary and I hate how it essentially erased Sakura Shinguji from the story/her influence on new Sakura was altered. I don't understand why they did that, what was it supposed to prove? But besides that element, it was the most fun I've had with a game in years. Another problem was trophy hunting... it was an obvious oversight how re-doing past battles forces you to rewatch all the cutscenes and it takes forever to skip because each cutscene is separate from the others. :/ I gave up trophy hunting trying to S Rank all levels because it was just too time consuming.

[@anythingworthwhile3850]

now I know where that one cover song from bandori is from one, and why I got this on my recomendations

[@darrylnevels6141]

Wonder what it is need to see more on this game.

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

One of the worst games I've played. Took a shot on this from good reviews and got burned.

[@桜満薫]

New video!!! BTW are you making a Persona Compendium video?

[@MadDogRyan]

I enjoyed the game then again I don't have any conection to the original, but will definitely be playing the originals

[@Hambs23]

Dude, the OG Sakura Wars is literally "Anime Tropes, The Game". Started playing it about 2 days ago as my first interaction with the series and, aside from the combat, the biggest difference I could notice between this and the OG one is that this one is based around modern rom com anime, while the OG was based on 90s rom com anime. Granted I've only seen a couple of reviews and the Shin Sakura Taisen anime PV as of now, but that's my impression. I absolutely love the aesthetic on the OG, and how much interaction there is. This seems like a natural evolution of the series, with lots of production value going into presentation, again, just like the original. Also I can't see Kanna as anything but Luffy. Pretty sure it's the same VA, and both characters' personalities are so similar to each other. Not complaining though, I like having "buff girl Luffy" on my team, but still...

[@IllusionistsBane]

I still feel as if Sega was asking the fans with this game: "How does it feel to see all of your favorite franchises go down in flames?" My take: The whole package is not interesting enough for me to play. I feel the story is basically a rehash of the original Sakura Wars (like Star Wars 7 is to Star Wars 4), and I would've preferred a story where the Sakura Wars girls have to come into terms with the Modern Era, where technology has evolved to the point where their spiritual powers were no longer necessary to deal with demonic invasions (because who needs Sakura Taisen mechs if a tank with a 125mm APFSDS shell can kill a medium/large demon just fine?), and that this era's equivalent of their home cities are very different to their era's (Erica Fontaine visiting current-day Paris would make her suffer the Paris Syndrome, same with Gemini Sunrise visiting current-day New York). Though, to be honest, I'm not sure what the main conflict with this story should be. I did imagine that this comes into play after the first and only demonic invasion on Reality that ends up being handled like Earth Defense Force (complete with excessive weapons).

[@Krysnha]

To be honest your idea already is far better than these game premise, would be intresting like they fall in some sort of demon ilusion or something and see that they are no longer needed and theyre cities even when protected, are so desecrated is no longer even funny. As what could be the treat well, imagine demons, that try to not so much defeat the army, but take control of it learn and when they adapt attack, needing the return of the squadrons, but the girls no longer wanting to protect anything, because in esscense they loose

[@IllusionistsBane]

@@Krysnha Most likely, they will find a new purpose. Besides, the setting will not be in Japan, China, the US, or Europe. It'll be in Indonesia. Also, drama's not my strong point, hence the EDF comparison.

[@Krysnha]

@@IllusionistsBane Your idea is still really good

[@HinoHaru7355]

Man, i played 1 to 4 on Dreamcast and PC version and i love this game, i waiting this moment for long times, in the end, SEGA release Sakura Taisen only on PS4!!(Deferent to the 1 to 4 release on PC to only in japanese.) What hell? i don't played the New Sakura Taisen yet because i don't have a PS4 (and I don't want have one PS4) for two reason, one is high price in my country, and two, i don't have interested, i don't wanna buy one PS4 for play one only game, one day, if SEGA release this game on Steam, of course i will buy, until that's moment does no arrive, i can't do anythink!

[@Zubatticus]

I was hoping they would have stuck with the turb-based strategy combat. Oh well

[@gibakigamer4041]

This game is very intersting it seems to be based on the persona series i would like to see an evangelion game like this or at least a more mature mecha game.

[@MD_Chaos]

You should go for something like xenogears if that's what you're looking for

[@gibakigamer4041]

@@MD_Chaos i know xenogears i finished it several times what i think is thst we need a new game in this generation like a persona stile with a mature theme.

[@the1stassassin422]

Well, there was a code geass game back on PS2 that was an RPG.

[@nr2676]

,,it seems to be based on the persona series'' It is exactly opposite. Persona 3-5 is based on Sakura Wars games, not SW is based on Persona.

[@gibakigamer4041]

@@nr2676 intersting its good to know about this.

[@makotoyuki345]

Their hearts in the right place but I miss the originals charm

[@SnicketySlice]

Same. I miss the 90s art style.

[@rurig3608]

What? No it's not. Not at all. LOL

[@makotoyuki345]

Ruri G that *LITTLE* bit that they care enough to even release a new “Sakura wars”, international no less (though I really could do without the nostalgia pandering if they’re not gonna go anywhere with it)

[@rurig3608]

@@makotoyuki345 cash grab

[@BigEOT3]

I think I’ll stick with crying over the fact that SEGA still won’t give us a new Virtua Fighter. At least Hatsuho & Clarissa moves on from bland and dull Seijuro in another life as Catarina/Bakarina and Maria in Hamefura respectively. “Yes those are the same seiyuu.”

[@tacticianM]

I'm still waiting on the other games to come to the usa

[@faidou9954]

Eh, I don't miss the SRPG elements, the series would work well even if it was a turn based JRPG.

[@DeadMeat991]

This game had suspiciously many smartphone game characteristics. Barebones and repetitive gameplay, very simplistic controls, getting the whole story required reading the novel and it even needed an update to add a targeting feature. I suspect it was intended for mobile at first, then Sega changed its mind at the last moment.

[@nr2676]

The funniest thing is ,,battle system'' for this game was made by ... Rya Ga Gotoku Studio and Delightworks .... created a mobile gacha game after PS4 game, which was a MASSIVE failure (cost them 30M $ loss). This mobile game was so bad, it was even mentioned in TOP 10 worst mobile games in Japan. Hideo Baba basically killed franchise by one game LOL (he nearly killed Tales of franchise by Tales of Zestiria, which was also a massive flop). Maybe, most of today's VN games looks and plays exactly like mobile games. And Team Sonic since 20 years, always get low budget, this is normal thing to them, such a terrible developer, if not Sonic they would be probably closed years ago. Team Sonic now is meme developer, when they can't do properly make a good game from own franchise (Sonic The Hedgehog), so what the fuck Sega higher ups thinked they can do better with not own franchises ? They should give this IP to original developers (Valkyria Chronicles, Shinobi and Skies of Arcadia guys) + Oji Hiroi (creator of franchise), not Team Sonic + Nagoshi. This PS4 game had clearly low budget problems, and COVID + lack of original developers made things even worse.

[@DeadMeat991]

@@nr2676 Excellent points.

[@sungjin008]

I hope Obsidian, inXile or Intelligent Systems made Sakura Wars. I never trust SEGA.

[@dinkcrab2427]

Oh my god after you said Kubo was guest artist I can already spots the characters design he done

[@gnuwaves743]

glasses girl is always my last pick. like after the guys.

[@marronhak2441]

Where's the Eternal Punishment video?

[@marronhak2441]

Nevermind. I misinterpreted the latest community post

[@RookieDancin]

I don't mind this game. I just hate this new Sakura. God I hate this new Sakura. She is selfish and just whines more and more each chapter.

[@charlestonho6733]

No its not!

[@sungjin008]

If canceled Sakura Wars 6 and V Episode 2 are found, old fans will criticize like Konami canceled MGSV mission 51.

[@AutZentus]

Would that also lead to sega snapping at their consumers leading them to abandoned sega the same way konami did to their consumers?

[@Samm815]

@@AutZentus I thought it. But it's defiantly in poor taste to hold characters hostage.

[@GeorgisTrying]

Hi, I'm an American, and I like you

[@AlexandraStubbs]

I managed to get So Long My Love years ago. I was thrilled to see a Sakura Wars title here in the US! I appreciate your review on this game. What a shame it’s a complete insult to the whole series. I don’t have a PS4 only a PS3 so I have no way of playing this game. Seeing the “new” Sakura. I swear it’s Kizuna Ai dressed up as Sakura!

[@DarkGaia92305]

Snickety has the best analysis, thus should be fun to watch

[@BitterBlack]

>This is giving me Shin Megami Tensei IV flashbacks i fucking died great video

[@maramba32]

my first sakura game. pretty good

[@nicogaiden1498]

Game is awesome, glad I decided to buy it on a whim.

[@Irondeath009]

Nice Review Snickety 👍

[@kingsnake545]

Sheeeeeit i bought this on a whim i hope i like

[@endorsi25th51]

Am I the only one that doesn’t like the character designs of the main cast?

[@Wurbel199]

Yes

[@00r99]

I miss your videos

[@palamecianrider7385]

I love the new game but I never played the old games though. I just think that the new game is meant to draw new blood and it did for me. Many can argue that the old ones were better but products need a "hook" to draw in new players. After this new game I am now highly interested in the games that came before.

[@pbo-ix9tu]

I don't know this shit but it looks good. Only yikes is the fact that it's only for PS4.

[@Mark-w2y2x]

nah bro the games pretty good, calm down

[@DarkSmacher]

7:00

[@Ixsiehn]

If you actually did finish the game and paid attention to the story, it never was confirmed that any of them died though. So it isn't really a self-sacrifice. I don't see how this is disrespecting the old characters.

[@charlestonho6733]

Im old fan of Sakura Wars game and I LOVE new Sakura wars.!!!

[@PunishedPrince]

Maybe you shouldn’t cry about disrespecting fans before doing a racist accent and playing stereotypical music over a japanese review 3:14

[@Samm815]

No argument.

[@hamzadounel3840]

Bro all good things don’t last forever what I basically learnt from bleach. Not all stories have a happy ending I learnt from emergence. The gameplay itself isn’t bad. Its not the old series. Its basically having boruto criticism. Btw the boruto anime is shit. Read the manga. Boruto is being compared to naruto but boruto itself isn’t naruto. I am just saying it isn’t shit. You can enjoy the gameplay as much as want but it isn’t right to compare it to earlier generations and its what the story was implied to the players.

[@hirobeez]

I dunno. The only MAIN problem in terms of legacy seems to be how the old guard was handled. Coudn't they just create an overseas threat or maritime threat of high priority that required the veterans to gather offscreen, leaving inexperienced new people to handle their duties in the meantime? Or is there an in-universe reason that makes it imposible? I don't think high stakes are necessary to this kind of game. But this is just an unitiated person speaking, so take that as you will. That would also make it a good excuse to return with them later or good spin-off fanservice where you could interact with them. But I get the feeling the main problem with this IP is that they are just directionless and wanting to do something different with sprinkles of SW but not quite that, and using the name to reignite some clout. I don't think that it is a very sustainable, wise or desirable strategy, but I guess it can work with enough dedication.

[@hamzadounel3840]

Isori bruh doom did that and connected it in the sequel through some foreshadowing.

[@AloyImpact]

Bruh they did Kouske dirty…

[@MasterLee2011]

valkyria chronicles 5

[@ShermTank7272]

As far as guest artists go, those character designs aren’t too bad, at least in my opinion. Check out the various Blades in Xenoblade 2 - those designs _definitely_ clash.