Sakura Wars

 PlayStation 4
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Apr 28, 2020
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 174 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 174
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 174
  3. Negative: 30 out of 174
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  1. RabbitSG
    Jun 20, 2020
    9
    Sakura Wars (PS4), is a solid 20 - 25 hour long character driven action-JRPG, hack 'n slash, visual novel, dating-sim hybrid. Though, in all honesty; that genera naming convention doesn't really suit it. The best way to describe Sakura Wars is that it's: "An interactive anime".

    The gameplay consists of two kinds: - The visual novel styled portions, which make up the majority of the    Sakura Wars (PS4), is a solid 20 - 25 hour long character driven action-JRPG, hack 'n slash, visual novel, dating-sim hybrid. Though, in all honesty; that genera naming convention doesn't really suit it. The best way to describe Sakura Wars is that it's: "An interactive anime".

    The gameplay consists of two kinds:

    - The visual novel styled portions, which make up the majority of the game. Where the player walks around and interacts with characters, objects, and event markers. Prompting dialogue sequences, where timed choices will appear; giving the player only a couple of seconds to make a decision, that'll have an effect on their relations with other characters in the world.

    - The combat, which is similar to older action hack 'n slash games. Not as mindless as Musou, but not as hard as Ninja Gaiden or DMC. Sort of a nice in-between.

    My suggestion for consumers: Look at some gameplay from a let's play online to see if it's something you'd be interested in, as the game is a bit of a niche title. But, if you do like what you see; make sure that you don't watch too much! You won't want to spoil yourself on the character interactions and storytelling, as the writing is by far the shining star of the game!    … Expand
  2. Hammer7
    May 31, 2020
    9
    Graphics - 9/10
    Story - 9/10
    Characters - 10/10
    Music - 9/10
    Game play- 8/10
    Overall - 9/10


    Its the closest thing to playing an anime.
  3. samtheham1234
    Jul 18, 2020
    10
    It's about as anime as an anime game can get. Bleach character designs? check. Food War Orgasm moments? Check. Constantly evolving mechs? Check. But Reason why it sticks so well with me is, in a time when everything reeks of depression, anger (COUGH TLOU2 COUGH) this game is a big sigh of relief. How much thought went into the character development shows in the reactions and bondingIt's about as anime as an anime game can get. Bleach character designs? check. Food War Orgasm moments? Check. Constantly evolving mechs? Check. But Reason why it sticks so well with me is, in a time when everything reeks of depression, anger (COUGH TLOU2 COUGH) this game is a big sigh of relief. How much thought went into the character development shows in the reactions and bonding moments between the captain and the rest of the cast. Its my comfort food and I can always turn to this game to put a smile on my face.… Expand
  4. Mjw7502
    May 20, 2020
    9
    I'm a bit sad that the game switched from a tactics game to an action one. The game is still a lot of fun. Definitely dont think it deserves and less than a 6 or 7 at minimum. Dont think people realize what a "3" or "2" actually is.
  5. Guidonr1
    Jul 2, 2021
    8
    Fun game with very nice graphics and music. I Enjoyed the story and the way you can interact with the variousccharacters. I had the feeling i was watching an interactive anime, rather then playing a game. Combat couldchave been much better imo.
  6. Siome
    Jun 20, 2020
    9
    As a fan of the franchise, i have to admit this one is my favorite. Great story, good characters, a lot of feelings. Strangely losing the tactical rpg part wasn't an issue at all for me. I really hope there'll be a sequel about alter tokyo.
  7. tkplay
    Jun 20, 2020
    8
    My review is all over the place but basically if cliches dot not annoy you and the combat is not what you are looking forward to buy the game

    Good reboot/sequel of the series that can draw in new player like me but if you do not know the franchise don't expect something like personna which emphasizes a lot on a lot more on the combat sakura wars is more like 90% visual novel and 10%    My review is all over the place but basically if cliches dot not annoy you and the combat is not what you are looking forward to buy the game

    Good reboot/sequel of the series that can draw in new player like me
    but if you do not know the franchise don't expect something like personna which emphasizes a lot on a lot more on the combat sakura wars is more like 90% visual novel and 10% combat
    the combat is not that good and has pretty much never been amazing in the series
    this time it's pretty much hack and slash and it's ridiculously easy
    the other 90% of the game is however really good it's a bit cliche but it's mostly on the earlier parts of the games it did not bother me after the first chapters
    the meat of the games is not the story but the interaction that you have with the characters and that's where the games shine the choices are well thought and diverse never i felt that a choice was missing and it's satisfying when you pick the good one
    the main characters have been designed by kubo and they very charming and fit well what they are supposed to be
    the game felt a little short one more chapter would have been perfect but this a game made to be replayed and that's why i think that they need to implement multiple paths in the story
    the combat is very bland and needs a lot of improvement for stater it's too easy
    there is no gard button adding that would help with a flash gard system
    they are no skill's only a "super attack" that does way too much damage
    the level design is good and the graphics are good too
    Sakura best girl    … Expand
  8. xXdeoxisXx
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    Me gusto mucho lo que es el sistema de relaciones entre personajes y en especial los diseños me encantaron
  9. auliflower
    Jun 25, 2020
    9
    The old Sakura Wars games are all incredible so it was hard for this one to try to deliver. Fortunately it was able to do so, the new cast for this game was able to grow on me overtime the more I played the game.
    Music is amazing, presentation too, combat was pretty simple and easy. For those who are looking for an easy anime dating sim action game, look no further than Sakura Wars.
  10. Fujyno
    Apr 30, 2020
    10
    This game is a masterpiece. It is a glorious return to the former glory days of a franchise that took Japan by the storm.
    There have been very very few games where after beating them, I want to see that very same cast continue doing what they were doing, and Sakura Wars is exactly that.
    The passing of the torch from Sakura Shinguji to Sakura Amamiya was presented well and I do hope that    This game is a masterpiece. It is a glorious return to the former glory days of a franchise that took Japan by the storm.
    There have been very very few games where after beating them, I want to see that very same cast continue doing what they were doing, and Sakura Wars is exactly that.
    The passing of the torch from Sakura Shinguji to Sakura Amamiya was presented well and I do hope that this game is just the start of a new series and that these games will keep coming to the west too. I am more than happy with what I have played- every character, every scenario, every song and location- everything was crafted to be the finest theatrical game ever made. I hope that the Imperial Theatre Flower Division’s adventures will continue. Now I have an anime to watch.    … Expand
  11. SexyTractorDsco
    Apr 29, 2020
    10
    Damn the game is good. Didnt play any of the older ones but now I kinda want to. Shame theyre not in english. But this game is beyond a treat to play. Highly recommended
  12. Razor7557
    May 3, 2020
    9
    Wonderful game, I really wish it sells well in the west. Great characters, fun battle system, surprisingly varied animations of characters in dialogue. And also very importantly UNCENSORED, nothing was cut out to satisfy easily offended people who would never play the game anyway, and as far as I know translation is very loyal to original Japanese! I really hope this game will mark the endWonderful game, I really wish it sells well in the west. Great characters, fun battle system, surprisingly varied animations of characters in dialogue. And also very importantly UNCENSORED, nothing was cut out to satisfy easily offended people who would never play the game anyway, and as far as I know translation is very loyal to original Japanese! I really hope this game will mark the end of era of Playstation being most woke-censorship heavy platform!… Expand
  13. Msbubu
    Apr 30, 2020
    9
    My first Sakura Wars game,the character and animation/music in this game is top notch,the characters are likable and it does feel like you are actively participating in an anime. It’s like a AAA visual novels with actually moving character,the game combat is a hit or miss depend if you like dynasty warriors musou or not.It's still a really fun and relaxing game and Sega trying to revive aMy first Sakura Wars game,the character and animation/music in this game is top notch,the characters are likable and it does feel like you are actively participating in an anime. It’s like a AAA visual novels with actually moving character,the game combat is a hit or miss depend if you like dynasty warriors musou or not.It's still a really fun and relaxing game and Sega trying to revive a classic is always good in my book.… Expand
  14. BraveStory
    May 3, 2020
    10
    This game makes me addicted to it. The Dating Sim combines with Musou-like combats makes a good experience for players. We have many things to do in this game, from flirting girls, fighting demons, advertising to detective and play cards game. The story is a bit traditional kind, but entertaining. The developers apply many fresh ideas in order to make the players enjoying.
  15. Sejman22
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    Very good story, lovelable characters and their design, gorgeous graphic and animation (game properly looks like anime), nice anime cutscenes, a lot references to Sakura Taisen 1996 from SEGA Saturn (i cried when i heard night theme from Sakura Taisen 1, the begining of the game is very similar to Sakura Taisen, even main character is one big reference to Ichiro Ogami). OST is absoluteVery good story, lovelable characters and their design, gorgeous graphic and animation (game properly looks like anime), nice anime cutscenes, a lot references to Sakura Taisen 1996 from SEGA Saturn (i cried when i heard night theme from Sakura Taisen 1, the begining of the game is very similar to Sakura Taisen, even main character is one big reference to Ichiro Ogami). OST is absolute number one, even beats Persona 5 Royal in my opinion - if the game OST not win BEST MUSIC in 2020 i will be really mad. Only think is not good in Sakura Wars is simple ,,button mashing Warriors style'' battle system, and game is so easy. If that game had battle system from Valkyria Chronicles ... - dream. 10/10 for Sakura Taisen fan base, who doesnt really care about battle system, if u care - 8/10. I also recommend this game for Visual Novel fans.

    PS: Sumire looks fabulous in kimono, and that Anastasia boobs ... mmm ...    … Expand
  16. MrJohns
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    The Game is really fun. No its not perfect, but they were really creative here, tried to create something unique and special. Theres a lot of Potential for Future Games like this. Its worth checking out.
  17. Guardian9850
    Apr 29, 2020
    10
    A fantastic return to form after the disappointing Sakura Wars 5: So Long, My Love. My only issues is that there is no leveling up and learning new moves in combat, regardless the combat is still fun. But the experience as a whole from the music, setting, characters and story is top notch
  18. Ziirov
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    Games is pretty fun so nostalgia ,It's a must have if u really love Sakura taisen glad to see this back hope there's sequel after this The Ost in this is awesome
  19. nr1990
    May 6, 2020
    10
    Better than Sakura 5: So Long My Love. I hope the game sells well in West, and we get sequel with improved combat.
  20. ScottPilgrim
    May 16, 2020
    10
    Loved this game, it was cliche at times but it doesn’t detract anything for me. I believe this games deserves no less than an 80 as an overall score . 73 is lower than I expected it to be but I’m sure it was triggered people who don’t like dating sims. The girls were awesome and beautiful. This game was visually pleasing with its colorful pop in every scene. So glad sega is dipping it’sLoved this game, it was cliche at times but it doesn’t detract anything for me. I believe this games deserves no less than an 80 as an overall score . 73 is lower than I expected it to be but I’m sure it was triggered people who don’t like dating sims. The girls were awesome and beautiful. This game was visually pleasing with its colorful pop in every scene. So glad sega is dipping it’s toes in these types of games and I hope they continue to do so because I would hands down pay another 60 for a sequel. Let’s make it happen people… Expand
  21. sadiomoso
    May 10, 2020
    8
    Buena historia y buenos personajes.
    El combate se hace un poco repetitivo pero en general no se hace pesado y se disfruta igual.
  22. ResilientFightr
    May 28, 2020
    10
    Graphics are very nice, the story is wonderful. The fighting mechanics are a bit flawed but the rest is wonderful and warm.
  23. bentleyboy1989
    May 11, 2022
    10
    Graphics are nice, the story is great, there are five different endings. Combat is a but simple, but fun. The cutscenes are great, it’s like watching anime.
  24. Phuz
    Feb 28, 2022
    10
    Wow, some people are on drugs in these comments. Graphically not acceptable for a PS4? It is everything it is trying to be graphically and more than acceptable, it looks bloody great.

    Horizon got raved about for graphics but that girl looked so weird, I hated it. So many games on PS4 set graphical targets way higher than they can achieve, creating a very unrealistic, realistic look.    Wow, some people are on drugs in these comments. Graphically not acceptable for a PS4? It is everything it is trying to be graphically and more than acceptable, it looks bloody great.

    Horizon got raved about for graphics but that girl looked so weird, I hated it. So many games on PS4 set graphical targets way higher than they can achieve, creating a very unrealistic, realistic look. This game never attempts to be realistic, it attempts to be anime and achieves it in style. Graphics are just not a point for criticism here.

    The music fits perfectly and musical and graphical transitions between scenes are brilliant. It all flows. Even the loading screens fit in well. It's a Weeb game. If you're not slightly Weeby, then you plain and simple should avoid this game. I however am quite Weeby and I love action RPG's, so it's right up my alley. If you aren't in to anime and Japanese games, or action RPG's then just don't bother, save your money. You will hate it.

    So to explain, you adventure around your area to story advancing spots. Story plays out in 3 ways, text conversations, text with VA conversations and animated cutscenes. The action RPG style sections are typical, jump, hit soft, hit hard, special and dodge. Quick dodge slows time. To be honest, it is a tad clunky but not terrible.

    The character's are likeable, the story has some moments of humour. Silly humour but better than slap stick.

    It is just a really nicely made fun game. I guess the highlight feature is conversation choices. The options are pretty much be a boring nerd, be a gentleman, or be a dick. The be a dick option can generate some funny responses and I get the impression it is how the designers intended the game to be played. Overall, I'm loving this game. I am currently playing Persona 5 Royal amongst other games and I really want to like it but just find it a bit lame. The writing is awful in it, so this was a pleasant surprise. I have found it much more entertaining than P5 and the characters are way less annoying. Fortunately Sakura is Japanese voiced and not the typical American VA rubbish.

    An impressive purchase and my overall enjoyment factor has easy been 10/10.

    On a side note. This isn't suitable to play with young kids around due to the sexual nature of some scenes. It isn't a sexual game, the dating side is tacked on and can be skipped through quickly. The fan service is completely acceptable, other than beach ball sized **** the characters are all adults and it's not full of upskirt shots. It is just a very booby game. The mapping on this game is excellent. It is always clear where you should be. It is a linear game, if you like a big open world then this is the wrong game.    … Expand
  25. Viny1React
    Jan 14, 2021
    10
    Fun to play.
    Not bad replayability.
    Recommend to play!
    It's sad that it's is no longer a tactical game.
  26. ale12
    May 27, 2020
    10
    Es un juego carismático, ya está, quieres algo diferente, estas cansadete de puro disparos todo el tiempo, pues te dejas llevar por una historia carimarica como esta. Sakura Wars
  27. ZackAce
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    An outstanding sequel/soft reboot that adds to the European and American library of games, a series like no other genre.
    A blend of Visual Novel & Hack and Slash game, wrapped in a fictional Taisho steampunk era of 1940 Tokyo Japan.
    The plot is engaging,the characters full of vivid personalities and the script is well written. Graphically marvellous with both animated scenes and    An outstanding sequel/soft reboot that adds to the European and American library of games, a series like no other genre.
    A blend of Visual Novel & Hack and Slash game, wrapped in a fictional Taisho steampunk era of 1940 Tokyo Japan.
    The plot is engaging,the characters full of vivid personalities and the script is well written.
    Graphically marvellous with both animated scenes and outstanding cell shaded graphics.
    I was really emerged in this game's world,without even being a fan or played any previous game of the series.
    I really hope it goes well sales wise so a sequel will rise soon.    … Expand
  28. DucCopp
    Sep 2, 2020
    8
    Good Story, good graphics, good gameplay but the difficulty level of combat need more challenging.
  29. OldAndCynical
    Dec 4, 2020
    9
    Sakura Wars is the funniest JRPG I've ever played. And that includes the Yakuza games!
    The game has our intrepid young hero leading a small all female theater company. A company that also acts as the first line of defense against demonic incursions into Tokyo. Yes, whenever demons threaten Tokyo, these young ladies drop everything, usually including their clothing, hop into their steam    Sakura Wars is the funniest JRPG I've ever played. And that includes the Yakuza games!
    The game has our intrepid young hero leading a small all female theater company. A company that also acts as the first line of defense against demonic incursions into Tokyo. Yes, whenever demons threaten Tokyo, these young ladies drop everything, usually including their clothing, hop into their steam powered mechas and get down to it.
    What makes the game so funny are the comedy moments that happen when you explore the theater and lead your company in times of peace. You might barge into the young ladies in the company when they are in a state of undress, or find a discarded item of their undies, and so on. Leading to some very funny moments indeed.
    What makes it even funnier are the dialogue choices. Whenever you chat with one of your employees, which is often, you can choose from several dialogue choices; you can be courteous, you can be all professional and cool, or you can be outrageously sexist and rude. Latter of course gives the most laughs!
    And what is great, your dialogue choices and actions shape the story. Which gives the game great replay value! Every play can be different! And if you play your cards right, you can date all the eligible women in the company at the same time, on same playthru! And the 'romantic' moments in this game are super funny.
    Down side of the game is that the mecha battles are rather dull. The 'demonic' levels and battle arenas are uninteresting, and once you find out that 'mobile' attack tactic kills everything while keeping your mecha totally safe, you will breeze thru those battles in record time, never dying. Not much of a challenge.
    Still, its the everyday life of the theater, with its young ladies and the masses of humor, that are the best parts of this game, and they really make it must play for all.    … Expand
  30. FL4M3Z
    Aug 28, 2021
    10
    It was very enjoyable, the pacing was great in overall the game was fun and I would recommend it
  31. Segafan
    Nov 10, 2021
    10
    Sakura Wars is great game, maybe not best game in series (,,Sakura Wars 3 Is Paris Burning ?'' is a masterpiece), but game is very fun. It's 80% Visual Novel / Dating Sim hybrid + 20% Hack'n Slash (musou). The new cast is great, good story, good graphic, amazing soundtrack and atmosphere. But the best part of this game are animations, its like watching anime. Sure, the game have some bigSakura Wars is great game, maybe not best game in series (,,Sakura Wars 3 Is Paris Burning ?'' is a masterpiece), but game is very fun. It's 80% Visual Novel / Dating Sim hybrid + 20% Hack'n Slash (musou). The new cast is great, good story, good graphic, amazing soundtrack and atmosphere. But the best part of this game are animations, its like watching anime. Sure, the game have some big issues, like repetive and very simple gameplay, no RPG elements/progression (this series begs to be turned into a typical jrpg), no difficulty settings (game is way too easy), uninteresteting villain, and bad ending for old fans, but overall it's a good game. Especially for 30$.

    I hope SEGA continue this series in West, and we get in near future official translations SW 1-4 + So Long My Love on all modern systems (XBOX, PS, NSW, PC). This series should be on all platforms, not only on PS4.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 62 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 62
  3. Negative: 2 out of 62
  1. GameMAG
    Sep 14, 2020
    80
    Sakura Wars has its drawbacks, and it is not only a weak combat system with forced battles in the championship, but also some templating, the length of some elements and spoilers-announcements between episodes. But all this is offset by deeply developed characters, beautiful animation and good humor. It is one of the best games of the genre in the last few years and the best that could happen to the series.
    Read full review
  2. LaPS4
    Sep 8, 2020
    78
    Sakura Wars is the return/presentation of one of the most iconic series in the Japanese videogame industry. Dating simulator, visual novel, interactive anime and real-time combat system are the basics of this unique project. Sega is ready to captivate the world with its most daring game until the date. But, is the world ready?
    Read full review
  3. Gamer Escape
    Jun 10, 2020
    70
    Those who already enjoy the series or this style of action-RPG meets dating simulator will still have a fun experience and find a good game to play here. Despite the faults with pacing or mechanics I may have discovered along the way, it won’t be enough to scare away this existing audience. But in a more general sense, unfortunately, Sakura Wars fills a need for a part of its player audience that, no matter how I look at it, isn’t something that feels right. Especially when you consider the decades of hard work the women of Takarazuka have put in, only to be attributed to this. It makes me hope that somewhere, someday, there can be a Sakura Wars without so much of those other moments. Maybe it could still be a dating simulator, just a more consensual-feeling one.
    Read full review
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