Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
tbd

No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
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  1. Digitally Downloaded
    May 14, 2014
    90
    I would have preferred to play this on my iPad, where the portability and form factor makes it more ideal for long stretches of reading text, but nonetheless this is a refreshing, intelligent, and rich experience on the PlayStation 3, and I couldn't recommend it enough to anyone who appreciates games as something more than brainless action skill testers.
  2. Hardcore Gamer
    May 12, 2014
    80
    If you’re looking for a spellbinding visual novel, then don’t waste another minute searching for one, because Hakuoki is what you want.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 3 out of 11
  1. Pandaroll
    Nov 11, 2015
    10
    Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi combines the excellent original story first released on PSP (titled "Hakuoki: Demon of the FleetingHakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi combines the excellent original story first released on PSP (titled "Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom") with the Hakuoki Zuisouroku fandisk, making it the most complete version to own for new and old fans alike - new fans can get a two-for-one deal, since the main game and Zuisouroku were originally released separately in Japan, and fans who already have it on PSP or 3DS can play Zuisouroku in English for the first time.

    The game itself is top-notch. As a history enthusiast, I loved this alternative take on the famous Shinsengumi combined with a romance subplot - it's easy to grow attached to one or more of the warriors with their varying personalities (calm and gentle Saito, gruff and no-nonsense Hijikata, etc.) and the resulting romance is touching, but it doesn't dominate the story and won't alienate those who're not, either. The extra stories in the Zuisouroku fandisk allow you to get to know the Shinsengumi even better via some quieter moments where you're not desperately fighting for your lives in-game, which is nice. Aksys/Idea Factory has done an amazing job bringing this captivating game to Western audiences - one can only hope that there will be many more otome games of such high quality to come.    … Full Review »
  2. the_blueprint
    Sep 18, 2015
    0
    I am so extremely disappointed in this game. Hakuoki was recommended to my by someone when I asked for another visual novel after Danganronpa.I am so extremely disappointed in this game. Hakuoki was recommended to my by someone when I asked for another visual novel after Danganronpa. I don't know anything about Japanese/Asian history and though this game does give some background explanation it's not nearly enough for someone with no prier knowledge to understand. It's not necessary to understand the main plot about a girl trying to find her father, but it is necessary to remotely enjoy anything that's happening around you. Secondly, Hakuoki does nothing to make you care about it's characters, or at least not nearly enough. Just about any male character is a a-hole the first time you meet him and by the time you get to warm up to them slightly the game is over. It doesn't help that the actions of a lot of the characters don't make much sense and the game raises a lot more questions then it answers. I also have no idea what the point was of the demon and fury story, it truly added nothing to the story except confusion and further questions.
    In conclusion I'd like to point out that I have been robbed by Idea Factory/Aksys games. Besides this game I also bought Demon of the Fleeting Blossom only to find out they are the exact same game! If now when I google it there's almost no indication that this is the case. After further research it seems that Hakuoki on Ipad/Android is again the same game. Luckily I didn't buy that either. I've seldom seen such a blatant example of exploiting the consumer.    … Full Review »
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