Gameplay

This game is sorta a hybrid between a visual novel, a romance game and an action RPG. I would say that the visual novel side of it is the part that’s prominent though. Anyone familiar with the SW series will know it’s always been that way. A warning for new players though, the action RPG elements are not the focus here.

The game utilizes a “LIPS” system, when talking to a character you’ll be given choices to answer with. This can either strengthen bonds with the group (if you answer correctly) or bring it down (of you act like a total weirdo with no clue what they’re doing.)

The raising of bonds with characters is a good thing as it makes your team stronger when you go out into your mech suits to fight the big bad monsters!

Combat

Combat in this game is pretty simple. Which is why I did my best to point out that the action RPG part of the game isn’t it’s focus. This isn’t to say that it’s bad. It’s good and fun for the short times you get to use it. But because of it’s limited usage. Most fights come down to a hack and slash situation.  You smack R2 to dodge at the right time. Repeatedly hit circle and triangle to combo against waves of enemies and so on. Now, I like games like that. I have no issue at all with hack and slash games. I do realise, however, that it’s not everyone’s thing. So it’s definitely something you should be aware of going into the game.

The combat is definitely secondary. If you don’t like hack and slash anyway it’ll probably be enough to put you off. It’s a personal taste thing.

The bonding and dating system

The bonding (using the LIPS system) and dating system is really where this game kinda shines. The characters are all fantastic and I had trouble choosing which girl I wanted to go for (I eventually settled on Hatsuho, she’s awesome.) But besides the dating there’s the side quests where you need to be super careful about what you say to people in order to raise morale. I loved those. Sometimes it’s pretty easy to know what the “good” answer is and what the “bad” answer is. But there are situations where I’d give what I thought was the good answer only to be yelled at.

You’re forced to think quickly about your answer but also think carefully about who you’re communicating with too. For example an answer that’s full of motivation and “can-do” attitude will work wonders on Sakura but will only demoralise Claris because she’s more of a logical thinker.

Having to balance these characters in this way is genuinely difficult. Granted I’ve not played many visual novel games and am no expert but I loved that the game forced me to think super carefully about what I knew about these people before answering them. It made the experience so much more real. And makes you realise just how unique each one of them is.

Final Thoughts

Generally speaking, I love this game! I’ve kinda been addicted to it ever since I got it. It’s fun and quirky and though it’s not super serious, I wouldn’t expect it to be. I’ve seen some criticism for being “too anime” and I don’t necessarily get that. Yes, you will be spending a good 75% of your time taking to people but only a few of those are cutscenes. Most of the talking utilises real time choices so it’s never boring. To put it into perspective, I found the cutscenes in Kingdom Hearts 3 far more long winded and boring than any in this game. There’s always something to do so you’re never bored and the character choices keep you on your toes.

All in all Sakura Wars is an absolute gem. I honestly thought I’d be bored but I’ve been addicted since I first started it. My only hope is that others can get past the “it’s just anime bruh” mindset and give it the attention it deserves because I’d love to see a second installment localized!