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Sakura Wars available in the US [PS2/Wii]: Sakura Wars 1 is back! (Sort of.)

cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
edited February 2012 in Games and Technology
New Rosenqueen swag, from the newly announced limited limited edition:

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Do want.



Strategic Update:

http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showpost.php?p=13037078&postcount=96

Consult in advance.


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Or as NISA's affectionally dubbed it, Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love.

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http://www.sakurawars.us/

What is Sakura Wars?


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Since the Sakura Wars franchise first started in 1995, it has sold over 350 million units worldwide. This success isn't limited to just video games; Sakura Wars has found popularity as a staged production, anime series', and printed publications. In this game, the setting moves from Japan to New York, bringing with it a whole new cast of characters. The series conventions remain fresh and intact along with some new features to enhance game play. It's a completely unique, but related, title in the Sakura Wars franchise!

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The main character is Shinjiro Taiga, a young Navy Lieutenant and nephew of the hero of the previous 4 games. The story begins as Shinjiro arrives in 1928 New York.

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Sakura Wars V: So Long, My Love welcomes some new features to the game play. In addition to ground-based battles (ARMS: Active & Real-time Machine System), you can engage in air combat. While in air combat mode, the STARs transform from their robotic form to an air fighter form to further enhance the experience of fighting in the skies.

During the Adventure portions of the game, characters have made the transition into 3D and the world map has been extended in order to allow you to freely walk around New York City. New features have been added to the long-standing LIPS (Live & Interactive Picture System), and new gameplay variations utilizing LIPS further improve the game play.

Press Release PDF

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SAKURA WARS ANNOUNCED FOR NORTH AMERICA AT LAST

Santa Ana, Calif. (May 7, 2009) – After years of anticipation by hardcore gamers around the world, “Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love” will finally be released in North America this fall.

Sakura Wars is a Strategy RPG that features a unique sim-based story system. An in-depth storyline exists, much like in any other RPG; however, the player’s destiny in the game is not predetermined.

Character interaction plays a major role, and your responses to the various characters in the game can ultimately change the story content and even the final outcome.

The battle system is divided into two main parts; ground combat and air combat.

Ground combat takes place using two-legged mechanized suits, which transform into jet fighters to take the fight to the sky. Every mech unit in the game can transform from battle mech mode to jet fighter mode during combat. Once transformed, weapons and movement methods will change as well.

For example, the hero’s ground mode utilizes a sword as his main weapon, but in jet mode he will use long-range missiles.

KEY FEATURES
•8 chapters in total, each with 4-5 hours of gameplay.
•A total of 7 characters to control.
•6 different fully animated endings.
•Bonus features and story after beating the game



Okay, so it's not focused on the original cast most of us might be familiar with,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJPC6I2ss2c&feature=related

But it's a darn good start. Better late in the game than never.



All's forgiven for the Ar Tonelico screw-up, NISA.

Don't blow this one.


Some sparse pics:

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And the opening:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWj1WRyRh64

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cj iwakura on
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Posts

  • ChenChen Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    People still buy PS2 games?

    Chen on
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  • SpaceDrakeSpaceDrake Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Chen wrote: »
    People still buy PS2 games?

    This would be why it's also coming out for the Wii.

    But yes, people do. Quite happy to see this happen, and who knows, if this sells well the other games might come over.

    SpaceDrake on
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  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Chen wrote: »
    People still buy PS2 games?

    Persona 4 and Devil Summoner 2 say hi.


    And I'm hoping if this does well, we might get the PSP port of the first two(available on one UMD).

    cj iwakura on
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  • SpaceDrakeSpaceDrake Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Hell, there's a perfectly good port of the first game to the PS2 that could also be Wii-ified. It even uses the same engine as So Long, My Love.

    Speaking of, that's more or less a literal translation of the Japanese subtitle; the only thing NISA has done is to drop the number to avoid scaring people away. So Long, My Love is a standalone entry anyway, so not getting "earlier" games won't hurt enjoyment of this one.

    SpaceDrake on
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  • LoveIsUnityLoveIsUnity Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I'm still not exactly sure what this is, but I think I want it.

    Good show cj. Good show.

    LoveIsUnity on
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  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    It's a hybrid of a strategy RPG and a dating sim with giant steam-powered mechs.

    I can't sum it up any better than that.

    cj iwakura on
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  • LoveIsUnityLoveIsUnity Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Yeah, I got that from your first post. It sounds really neat and unlike anything else I've ever seen. It's definitely piqued my interest, and I'm looking forward to picking it up.

    LoveIsUnity on
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  • SpaceDrakeSpaceDrake Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    It's a strategy RPG akin to Disgaea. There's a romantic aspect, however, as you play the male commander of an otherwise female squadron mecha pilots - steampunk mecha pilots, I should point out. So the primary gameplay is steampunk mecha battles in 1920s New York, and then you get to know the various pilots under your command. Who you get to know the best alters the ending.

    Also, I half-wonder if they'll replace the look of the hero in this version of the game; the hero in the Japanese release was obviously this Japanese dude in America so that the (Japanese) players could relate to him, but that might actually feel weird to American players unfamiliar with the series. Hmm.

    SpaceDrake on
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  • Steel AngelSteel Angel Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Wow. One of those series people had given up hope of ever being brought over.

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  • PunkBoyPunkBoy Thank you! And thank you again! Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    The cover features a cowgirl with a 6 shooter and a katana. That's pretty awesome. I found out about the Sakura Wars series through the hilarious LP of the first game on Something Awful (which I highly recommend), and I'm actually pretty excited that we're finally getting an entry of the series here.

    PunkBoy on
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  • AroducAroduc regular
    edited May 2009
    Yeah, I got that from your first post. It sounds really neat and unlike anything else I've ever seen. It's definitely piqued my interest, and I'm looking forward to picking it up.

    It's basically the progenitor to all the hybrid visual novel/game thingies, most of which I can't mention because of the forum's "no porn" rule, but there buttloads of them made every year in Japan. Just usually for PC and almost always with porn, although most get ported to the PS2 anyway, sans the porn.

    Aroduc on
  • Eight RooksEight Rooks Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Probably my favourite franchise ever created, and it feels very, very odd to see it finally come to the West. I still think it might well tank: I've never played V, but I through IV were utterly piss-easy and all about the experience, Thousand Arms tanked, Ar Tonelico isn't exactly huge even for a niche franchise... not to mention from what I've seen Red's, uh, interesting take on Americana didn't seem quite as polished as III doing Paris.

    Still, we'll finally get to see.

    I own V, by the way. Still got I-IV on the Dreamcast, complete with pink VMU and Rumble Pack. :D And yes, as I said, I've never played V. Imported it ages ago, then found out it and the remake of I are two of the only games that don't work with SwapMagic (the DVDs are too large). My rage was... well, it's hard to describe.

    Eight Rooks on
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  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I always thought this game was practically made for a western audience, looking at the cast and all.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWj1WRyRh64

    The OP's even in English. Well, the text at least.

    cj iwakura on
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  • Eight RooksEight Rooks Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    The only thing I remember from mainstream previews of V when it originally came out (on those sites that mentioned imports) was "ahahaha, those crazy Japanese", and it wasn't especially friendly.

    EDIT: I dunno, I'd like to see it do well. I'm not that much of a Japanophile/weeaboo/whatever. :) But the games are really, really easy, and I note the press release doesn't mention the dating aspect at all. It's a PS2 release, it'll probably shoot under the radar, but I wonder what some right-wing nutjob would make of a franchise where you can romance an 11-year-old, to say nothing of peeking on her in the shower. ;-)

    Eight Rooks on
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  • AroducAroduc regular
    edited May 2009
    The only thing I remember from mainstream previews of V when it originally came out (on those sites that mentioned imports) was "ahahaha, those crazy Japanese", and it wasn't especially friendly.

    Probably because the main character is some kind of crazy cowgirl who wants to be a samurai IIRC, clearly indicative of 1920 Americans.

    Aroduc on
  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Aroduc wrote: »
    The only thing I remember from mainstream previews of V when it originally came out (on those sites that mentioned imports) was "ahahaha, those crazy Japanese", and it wasn't especially friendly.

    Probably because the main character is some kind of crazy cowgirl who wants to be a samurai IIRC, clearly indicative of 1920 Americans.

    Hey, it worked in Shadow Hearts 3.

    cj iwakura on
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  • Eight RooksEight Rooks Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    If nothing else this thread is making me wish I still had a Dreamcast. I-IV were the only games I kept - that and the Nakoruru visual novel. Oh, and it's also reminding me that when this does come out I still won't be able to play it, since I'm guessing the US release won't work with SwapMagic either. >_< All I've got right now I can play is V: Episode 0.

    Eight Rooks on
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  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I still have I & II on the Saturn since I got them on the cheap. 1 had a pretty good translation FAQ IIRC.


    ...Nakoruru visual novel? O_o

    cj iwakura on
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  • Eight RooksEight Rooks Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Nakoruru visual novel.

    Not bad. I actually managed to finish it, picked up a fair bit of the story, really liked the ending song. Trading it in was going to get me a pittance compared to the fortune I paid for it, so I thought eh, what the hell. Plus it comes with the figurine and all.

    Anyway, back on topic.

    EDIT: Myself, I did I and II with the translations off GameFAQs, did III about half with, half without, did IV pretty much all without and then went back to see what I'd missed. I currently own I-IV on DC, with the LEs of I and II. Then V Episode 0 on PS2 (the LE - Gemini Sunrise bath towel, anyone? No, I'm not joking), plus V and Atsuki Chishioni, the remake of I.

    Eight Rooks on
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    Read my book. (It has a robot in it.)
  • Dr Mario KartDr Mario Kart Games Dealer Austin, TXRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Why does the press release pdf say the developer is Idea Factory? I'm pretty sure thats not right.

    Also, how is 5 compared to the other games in the series?

    Dr Mario Kart on
  • XagarathXagarath Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Interest gained.
    What are the odds on a European release?

    Xagarath on
  • BartholamueBartholamue Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Damn. FINALLY!

    Bartholamue on
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  • SpaceDrakeSpaceDrake Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Xagarath wrote: »
    Interest gained.
    What are the odds on a European release?

    Damned high. Sakura Wars seems to more or less be NISA's "AAA" offering for the year, so I suspect that they'll partner with Koei Europe as per usual to get this released in Europe, or at least in English-speaking PAL territories.
    Also, how is 5 compared to the other games in the series?

    There were some complaints from importers about it being a fairly ridiculous take on America, but OTOH this is Roaring Twenties New York with steampunk mecha battles down Broadway. A certain amount of ridiculousness might be not just expected, but welcome.

    SpaceDrake on
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  • RoyceSraphimRoyceSraphim Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I will buy it and beat it just to have a black female love interest that doesn't talk with a ghetto twang.

    RoyceSraphim on
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  • XagarathXagarath Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Broadway?
    We had better get more musical numbers than the one in the opening.

    Xagarath on
  • FuruFuru Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Xagarath wrote: »
    Broadway?
    We had better get more musical numbers than the one in the opening.

    Oh you will.

    Also hilarious mangling of Shakespeare.

    Furu on
  • AiranAiran Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I never really understood what the ST games were all about, and now I hear there's giant steampunk mecha battles I'm quite intrigued.

    The question now is PS2 or Wii...

    Airan on
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  • SpaceDrakeSpaceDrake Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I will buy it and beat it just to have a black female love interest that doesn't talk with a ghetto twang.

    If anything, Sagitta is probably more progressive (being an African-American lawyer when not piloting steampunk mecha) than portrayals of African-Americans in most Western games, which is a bit depressing. It's also surprising when you consider that a lot of times, Japan can be even worse than the West about this sort of thing, sometimes without being malicious but just due to cultural misunderstandings.

    If she's localized well, I can see Sagitta being pretty popular with Western audiences simply because there are so few positive portrayals of African-American women in videogames. It helps that she apparently rides a bitchin' hog when not piloting mecha or lawyering.

    SpaceDrake on
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  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I heard elsewhere that this took so long because Sega couldn't find anyone willing to bring a Sakura Taisen game to the US until now, which is both sad and not that surprising.

    cj iwakura on
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  • PotatoNinjaPotatoNinja Fake Gamer Goat Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Steampunk Mecha SRPG? I'll be keeping an eye on this one, and any game that gives me a reason to use my Wii is even better (not a complaint against the Wii, I like its controllers and UI so I like playing games on it).

    PotatoNinja on
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  • SpaceDrakeSpaceDrake Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    That would rather beg the question of "Why not just do it yourselves?"

    Ah well, I'm confident NISA will give this the love it deserves, although the cries of "hurr I wonder what bugs they'll put into it" from some corners of the Internet are getting a mite old. One screwed up release out of a history of dozens does not make the company toxic.

    Edit: ^^^ That's a point, I wonder how much is being done with the Wii remote in the Wii version. If the game can be controlled with a mouselike interface it's a day one purchase. I've been wanting a strategy game on the Wii that uses the remote like a mouse since the console came out.

    SpaceDrake on
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  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    It was two games, unfortunately. Tonelico II was a buggy mess, and so was Rhapsody DS.

    I'm still confident they'll do this one justice, because I don't think they can afford to botch a high profile(if niche) release like this.


    And if I had to guess why we didn't get the Saturn games here? Two words: Bernie Stolar(SoA's US CEO at the time).


    The guy reportedly had it out for RPGs, and thought they had no chance of being successful in the US.

    Among other things, he's also considered responsible for the Grandia and Lunar Saturn remakes not coming out here.

    cj iwakura on
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  • AroducAroduc regular
    edited May 2009
    And there's also the unneccessary gutting of the Japanese vocals from almost everything they do just because they didn't/couldn't get them all dubbed.

    Aroduc on
  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I thought that was Namco's trademark.

    cj iwakura on
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  • B:LB:L I've done worse. Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Cowgirl? Check.

    Statue of Liberty in the logo? Check.

    American flag in the V? Check.

    Crying bald eagle? Eagle!? EAAAAAGGGGLLLEEEE!!!!

    B:L on
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  • AroducAroduc regular
    edited May 2009
    cj iwakura wrote: »
    I thought that was Namco's trademark.

    No, Namco just removes all of it. Not a semi-random 60%

    Aroduc on
  • Eight RooksEight Rooks Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    If V is anything like I-IV, my God, the people responding with "Whee! A new SRPG we've never heard of!" are going to be just a little disappointed. Put it this way, there would be absolutely no point in using a mouse or similar interface with any of the previous games. There's virtually no strategy to them at all beyond "Hey, cool! Wonder what co-op attack I can trigger if I do this?". Disgaea this ain't, believe me.

    Eight Rooks on
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  • RainbowDespairRainbowDespair Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Yeah, that was my main problem with the Sakura Taisen games I've played: the difficulty level is pretty much non-existent. Sakura Taisen is definitely an interactive novel/dating game first and a Strategy/RPG a distant second.

    RainbowDespair on
  • Eight RooksEight Rooks Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    They are enormously fun. I'm really not joking when I say that for pure, honest enjoyment I could argue ST is my favourite franchise ever. I mean, if the intro to 3 doesn't get the hairs standing up on the back of your neck, you are dead to me. Or you... don't like flamboyant anime melodrama with the occasional dash of freaky anthropomorphic character design, I guess. :P

    But they are horrendously easy. In some ways, I guess for Japan they're as mainstream as it gets.

    Eight Rooks on
    <AtlusParker> Sorry I'm playing Pokemon and vomiting at the same time so I'm not following the conversation in a linear fashion.

    Read my book. (It has a robot in it.)
  • FuruFuru Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I imagine the difficulty is like that to encourage multiple playthroughs without yanking your hair out.

    And apparently ST5 does have some difficult boss fights.

    Furu on
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