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

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Posts

  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Yes, you can't use them between the discs, not even for NG+.

    cj iwakura on
    y3H3Fa4.png
  • XagarathXagarath Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Xagarath on
  • WotanAnubisWotanAnubis Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Hey, I wonder... did anyone ever really use the Shin strategy? Giving up on Healing and making Guard ridiculously expensive seems like too high a price for boosted damage.

    Or am I just too much of a turtler to appreciate its usefulness?

    WotanAnubis on
  • AspectVoidAspectVoid Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    I used it from time to time, normally toward the end of boss fights after I had taken out most of their various attack parts. The extra damage sped things up a bit.

    AspectVoid on
    PSN|AspectVoid
  • Steel AngelSteel Angel Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Hey, I wonder... did anyone ever really use the Shin strategy? Giving up on Healing and making Guard ridiculously expensive seems like too high a price for boosted damage.

    Or am I just too much of a turtler to appreciate its usefulness?

    There's always the ability to only use it on Shinjuro by switching to it when you need to attack and then switching back to another one when you need to defend and/or end the turn.

    I don't have the patience to sit through the little scene each time you do that though.

    Steel Angel on
    Big Dookie wrote: »
    I found that tilting it doesn't work very well, and once I started jerking it, I got much better results.

    Steam Profile
    3DS: 3454-0268-5595 Battle.net: SteelAngel#1772
  • Gaming-FreakGaming-Freak Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Hey, I wonder... did anyone ever really use the Shin strategy? Giving up on Healing and making Guard ridiculously expensive seems like too high a price for boosted damage.

    Or am I just too much of a turtler to appreciate its usefulness?

    It's not even for the attack boost so much as it is for the low SP recharge cost. It makes it so more Joint attacks/Supers can be done with the same characters. Plus, after getting Diana, Healing shouldn't be a problem for at least 1-2 turns especially with Diana's super + Shinjiro's Protect ability.

    Gaming-Freak on
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    XBL: GamingFreak5514
    PSN: GamingFreak1234
  • Master TasukeMaster Tasuke Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    i'm at CHAP.4 or 5 now,
    and i'm just loving it!

    Gemini♥ is cute as a button!!♥

    Master Tasuke on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited April 2010
    I can not decide between Gemini and Diana. Somehow Diana's at the top of my relationship chart, so she asked me out in Chapter 7.

    Gemini, on the other hand, is just a lot more fun to be around.


    And on NG+, I'll definitely go after Ratchet, so the other one is definitely going to be the third wheel.

    cj iwakura on
    y3H3Fa4.png
  • Steel AngelSteel Angel Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    cj iwakura wrote: »
    I can not decide between Gemini and Diana. Somehow Diana's at the top of my relationship chart, so she asked me out in Chapter 7.

    Gemini, on the other hand, is just a lot more fun to be around.


    And on NG+, I'll definitely go after Ratchet, so the other one is definitely going to be the third wheel.

    Get out of my head, CJ! Next you'll mention you're rolling with an Oberon, Alice, and White Rider in Strange Journey.

    Gemini sets up joint attacks very easily with her high movement and ability just leapfrog enemies. That's a lot of mileage out of the trust points for lead girl.

    Steel Angel on
    Big Dookie wrote: »
    I found that tilting it doesn't work very well, and once I started jerking it, I got much better results.

    Steam Profile
    3DS: 3454-0268-5595 Battle.net: SteelAngel#1772
  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited April 2010
    I still haven't done a single couple attack. Is there a certain prereq that I'm missing?


    Also: went with Gemini. I regret nothing.

    cj iwakura on
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  • B:LB:L I've done worse. Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    cj iwakura wrote: »
    Also: went with Gemini. I regret nothing.
    How could you break poor Subaru's heart like that.

    B:L on
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  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited April 2010
    For one, Subaru hates me. For two, she's #4 on the list.

    cj iwakura on
    y3H3Fa4.png
  • WotanAnubisWotanAnubis Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    B:L wrote: »
    cj iwakura wrote: »
    Also: went with Gemini. I regret nothing.
    How could you break poor Subaru's heart like that.
    Subaru has a heart?

    WotanAnubis on
  • Steel AngelSteel Angel Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    cj iwakura wrote: »
    I still haven't done a single couple attack. Is there a certain prereq that I'm missing?


    Also: went with Gemini. I regret nothing.

    Really high points with the chapter heroine, an almost full spirit bar for both Shinjuro and the girl, and close proximity to each other?

    Chances are you'll have to utilize the Protect command for a few in battle point boosts when it kicks in and the Help Me command for the same if you didn't nail almost all the points possible in the chapter. Some chapters still require this even with maximum point gain.

    Although now that you're past the designated heroine chapters, you may just need proximity and nearly (like 90%) full spirit bars for Shinjuro and Gemini to make the coupling attack overwrite the super attack option.

    Steel Angel on
    Big Dookie wrote: »
    I found that tilting it doesn't work very well, and once I started jerking it, I got much better results.

    Steam Profile
    3DS: 3454-0268-5595 Battle.net: SteelAngel#1772
  • manwiththemachinegunmanwiththemachinegun METAL GEAR?! Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    cj iwakura wrote: »
    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.

    ...

    Speak more of this.

    manwiththemachinegun on
  • WotanAnubisWotanAnubis Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    cj iwakura wrote: »
    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.

    ...

    Speak more of this.
    Well...

    Basically, the game is divided into chapters and each chapter can roughly be divided into two parts - the visual novel/dating sim part and the turn-based SRPG part.

    During the visual novel part, you basically run around 1920's steam punk New York talking to members of your (nearly-all-female) steam robot unit and helping them solve their problems (or trying to sneak a peek at them in the hot springs if you're feeling so inclined).

    Then robots inevitably attack New York.

    Here the game becomes... well... a turn-based SRPG. However, your robots don't just run on steam, they also run on the Power of Love (or something similar). Their strength doesn't depend on Experience Points, but on how motivated the pilots are. So if you really helped out the girls during the first part of the chapter, they'll be incredibly motivated and a lot more powerful in battle. If you just made them really angry at you, they'll be a lot less effective.

    That's the basic gist of it, I guess.

    WotanAnubis on
  • manwiththemachinegunmanwiththemachinegun METAL GEAR?! Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Ha, sounds sutiably Japanese. That anime trailer caught my interest. Reminds me a bit of Chrno Crusade's design and I'm a huge fan of steampunk like Steam Boy and Last Exile.

    What are the 'core' games in the series?

    manwiththemachinegun on
  • WotanAnubisWotanAnubis Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    What are the 'core' games in the series?
    I really wouldn't know.

    However, I'm fairly sure that the fifth Sakura Wars game is the first (and so far only) Sakura Wars game released in the US and Europe under the title Sakura Wars: So Long My Love.

    In much the same way the seventh Fire Emblem game was released in the West as just Fire Emblem, I guess.

    So I'm pretty sure the game discussed here is one of the 'core' games in the Sakura Wars franchise.

    WotanAnubis on
  • XiaNaphryzXiaNaphryz Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Ha, sounds sutiably Japanese. That anime trailer caught my interest. Reminds me a bit of Chrno Crusade's design and I'm a huge fan of steampunk like Steam Boy and Last Exile.

    What are the 'core' games in the series?

    Sakura Taisen has 5 main games. Only the 5th has been released in the West, and only the 5th came out on recent systems (PS2), though a remake of the original was done for PS2 as well as remakes for the first 2 on PSP. I believe the 3rd game was ported to PS2 at some point as well.

    First 2 games cover the original Imperial Assault Force based in Tokyo. 3rd game covers the Paris Assault Force. 4th game is back in Japan and wraps up the story for ST1-3.

    If Sakura Wars sells well enough, hopefully they decide to bring over and localize the ST1 PS2 remake.

    XiaNaphryz on
  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Or the PSP port of 1 & 2. I have the Saturn versions, and they're lots of fun.


    Basically like this game in spirit, except the map isn't free movement. It's more point and click, and you see full screen portraits when you run into characters.

    The battle system is also grid based, a la FFT.

    Still enjoyable, if you have a translation FAQ handy.

    cj iwakura on
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  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited April 2010
    Just finished, Gemini ending. I enjoyed it.
    I liked her dress too, on a random note.


    Nobunaga's final form was like from something out of Super Robot Wars.

    Infinite amount of HP and all.

    Mostly tedious. The giant mecha fight was way more fun and epic. I love taking things apart piece by piece.


    I still never got to see a couple technique. :( Ah well. Joints are a life saver during the final battles.


    Let's hope this did well enough for NIS to port the PSP versions next, though that'd take a miracle.

    cj iwakura on
    y3H3Fa4.png
  • Steel AngelSteel Angel Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    cj iwakura wrote: »
    I still never got to see a couple technique. :( Ah well. Joints are a life saver during the final battles.

    Joints are really a more efficient use of the points outside of perhaps a few instances where the couple attack just hits more stuff at once.

    I'm sure you could youtube them, but I think the animations would lose part of their humor by taking them out of the context of robot battles.

    Steel Angel on
    Big Dookie wrote: »
    I found that tilting it doesn't work very well, and once I started jerking it, I got much better results.

    Steam Profile
    3DS: 3454-0268-5595 Battle.net: SteelAngel#1772
  • Steel AngelSteel Angel Registered User regular
    edited April 2010
    I'm going my second playthrough and managing to get enough relationship points to use the couple attacks in the first few chapters so far.

    Sagitta's was very random. I have a feeling it loses something in the dub without the storm of Engrish though.

    Steel Angel on
    Big Dookie wrote: »
    I found that tilting it doesn't work very well, and once I started jerking it, I got much better results.

    Steam Profile
    3DS: 3454-0268-5595 Battle.net: SteelAngel#1772
  • XiaNaphryzXiaNaphryz Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    I've gotten used to the STV theme finally. To the point where it's now my cameratron ringtone.

    That said, Tokyo theme song >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Paris theme song > NY theme song.

    XiaNaphryz on
  • XiaNaphryzXiaNaphryz Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    Also, it looks like the Rosenqueen art book combo is back in stock. Is the art book worth it? Seriously contemplating double dipping and snagging the Wii version since I already have the PS2...

    XiaNaphryz on
  • Master TasukeMaster Tasuke Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    yes, the artbook is worth it.

    i'm at CHAP. 7 now, and having quite a good time.
    it sure is easy to make a wrong answer and really mess things up, though...


    oh, and here's a tip; turn your special edition game boxes
    into slipcases.

    that is what i have done with mine, by cutting one side out along the vertical centerline,
    and folding in and taping the resultant flaps. it makes for a very nice presentation slipcase
    that allows easier removal of the contents...


    JRPGColle5-26-10.jpg


    all but Ar Tonelico 1 were originally closed boxes. now they're all a more cohesive whole...

    Master Tasuke on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • SynthesisSynthesis Honda Today! Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    B:L wrote: »
    cj iwakura wrote: »
    Also: went with Gemini. I regret nothing.
    How could you break poor Subaru's heart like that.
    Subaru has a heart?

    It's in that fan of hers. It's a very thin, small heart.

    Speaking of coldly logical people, I've been trying to score maximum points with Rachette. Not an easy task, and probably pointless, given that she's not actually a combatant in this game (Damn you, plot twist! Rachette was supposed to be 5's Maria, not its Ayame!).

    Synthesis on
  • RiokennRiokenn Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    yes, the artbook is worth it.

    i'm at CHAP. 7 now, and having quite a good time.
    it sure is easy to make a wrong answer and really mess things up, though...


    oh, and here's a tip; turn your special edition game boxes
    into slipcases.

    that is what i have done with mine, by cutting one side out along the vertical centerline,
    and folding in and taping the resultant flaps. it makes for a very nice presentation slipcase
    that allows easier removal of the contents...

    JRPGColle5-26-10.jpg


    all but Ar Tonelico 1 were originally closed boxes. now they're all a more cohesive whole...

    Haha, thats actually a cool idea. But then again im the kinda guy that doesn't like destroying boxes.

    ALSO: Do you not get embarrassed by your room? lol.

    Riokenn on
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  • Gaming-FreakGaming-Freak Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    I beat the game once with the Diana ending, then Ratchet's ending.

    Gaming-Freak on
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    XBL: GamingFreak5514
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  • Master TasukeMaster Tasuke Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    Riokenn wrote: »

    Haha, thats actually a cool idea. But then again im the kinda guy that doesn't like destroying boxes.

    ALSO: Do you not get embarrassed by your room? lol.


    not at all. i'm an OTAKU, and quite proud of that fact...

    Master Tasuke on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • SynthesisSynthesis Honda Today! Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    I actually went back and started playing the second game on my Dreamcast.

    Yeah, the Tokyo theme is the best. Not that the other two aren't charming in their own way, but "Geki!" is absolutely heart-pumping.

    Synthesis on
  • SabreMauSabreMau ネトゲしよう 판다리아Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
  • JaysonFourJaysonFour Classy Monster Kitteh Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    Damn, I forgot all about this game! Is it too late to preorder?

    JaysonFour on
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    I can has cheezburger, yes?
  • WotanAnubisWotanAnubis Registered User regular
    edited May 2010
    JaysonFour wrote: »
    Damn, I forgot all about this game! Is it too late to preorder?
    Considering it's been out in both the US and the EU for like a month now... yeah, probably. :P

    WotanAnubis on
  • Master TasukeMaster Tasuke Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    i've heard that ROSENQUEEN.COM (where i got my copy)
    still has copies of the PS2 special edition available,
    complete with the hardcover artbook...

    Master Tasuke on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • XiaNaphryzXiaNaphryz Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    Saw this over on GAF:
    Grimmy wrote:
    http://www.siliconera.com/2010/06/29/nis-americas-president-on-anime-crossovers-sakura-wars-and-ps3-development/#comments

    Siliconera with a great scoop. Good to see how candid and critical NIS America's President is in this interview. To summarize:

    - deal is almost done in bringing NEPTUNE over to N.A. and Europe
    - no plans to develop for XBOX 360
    - close to Sony so didn't have a high priority with Nintendo when it comes to 3DS dev kit
    - Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love didn't meet expectations sales-wise
    - SCEA rejected Sakura Wars 1+2 PSP so it's never coming over

    - Last Rebellion sucked, he is sorry for releasing it, and Hitmaker should work with other companies to "improve their skills"
    - Not sure if they will release Imageepoch PSP games outside of Japan
    - He smiled and made finger crossing motion when asked about Zettai Hero and Classic Dungeon PSP coming over
    - Almost all new titles in development are for PS3
    - Interested in Zettai Hero sequel
    - When asked about Disgaea 4, he said to ask him again at TGS
    :(

    We're never getting Atsuki Chishio Ni localized either at this rate.

    XiaNaphryz on
  • SynthesisSynthesis Honda Today! Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    Well, that was kind of to be expected.

    Synthesis on
  • Al BaronAl Baron Registered User regular
    edited June 2010
    Sony said [Sakura Wars 1+2] is not a game. They said it’s a text novel.
    Then how did Disgaea Infinite get localized?

    That also explains why all the PS2/PSP visual novels stay over there.

    Al Baron on
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  • cj iwakuracj iwakura The Rhythm Regent Bears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
    edited June 2010
    I assume because Disgaea PSP is a top seller, whereas Sakura Wars... not so much.

    cj iwakura on
    y3H3Fa4.png
  • XagarathXagarath Registered User regular
    edited July 2010
    So who thought it was a good idea to release a Wii game without widescreen support?
    (Yes, meant to buy this earlier, but it came out in the same month as everything ever)

    Xagarath on
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