INTRODUCTION
Roll up, roll up, folks! It’s the Roaring Twenties, but not as you know it. The year is 1928, the place is New York, and the hero? Well, for the first time in the Sakura Taisen series, you’re not playing as the gallant Ichirou Oogami. No siree! Meet Shinjiro Taiga, a young recruit shipped from Japan to serve under Ratchet Altair, who heads up a fierce all-girl squad known as the New York Combat Revue, Star Division. These young damsels aren’t distressed; they pilot hulking mechs to battle against sinister supernatural entities. Our heroes are racing against time to prevent the resurrection of a medieval Japanese warrior in the heart of the Big Apple.
BATTLE AND ADVENTURE: THE TWO PILLARS OF THE GAME
So, you’re asking what makes this game tick? “Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love” combines two gameplay elements woven together like the fibers of a vintage kimono. You’ve got adventure and battle, baby! While the adventure mode allows you to explore downtown New York, the battle mode transports you to a 3D battlefield. Your goal? Save the city from supernatural villains while juggling your relationships. Yep, it’s like having your cake and eating it, too, except the cake can destroy evil spirits.
TALK YOUR WAY INTO HEARTS OR TROUBLE
What’s that? You don’t want to be a lone wolf? The game has got you covered. During your tours around New York, you interact with various personalities. Oh, and did I mention that you have a small window to select your responses in dialogues? Choose wisely, as your answers affect how much your team members warm up to you. Ah, the classic “will they, won’t they” dynamic adds a nice layer of romantic tension to the apocalyptic stress.
SELECT YOUR FUTURE, LOVERBOY
What do you think? The game is about more than just slaying monsters; it’s also a love story. Depending on your choices, you could end up with one of six different romances, each leading to a different ending. It’s similar to a choose-your-own-adventure book, but you’ll be navigating mech battles and supernatural showdowns instead of turning pages. If Nicholas Sparks and Michael Bay ever decided to collaborate on a video game, this is the result.
MECHS, BATTLEFIELDS, AND RESTRICTIVE MOVES
On to the battleground! Yes, you get to pilot mechs, but it’s not a free-for-all. You aren’t Tony Stark in a new suit. You have a specialized gauge that restricts your movements. You can use special moves unique to each squad member to attack, defend, or unleash them. This adds a strategic layer to the game. Instead of mashing buttons, you must think like a chess master while acting like a combat expert.
WHAT MAKES THE SPECIAL ATTACKS SO UNIQUE?
Your squad’s members are all unique, as are their special attacks. It’s as if their abilities came from different cereal boxes. These special moves can mean a glorious victory and a humiliating defeat. So, pay attention, train hard, and understand your teammates’ abilities. After all, the strength of a team is determined by its weakest anime stereotype.
And there you have it: an overview of a game that combines action, strategy, and romance into a compelling package. “Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love” has something for everyone, whether you want to find love or save the world. So buckle up your mech, prepare your weapons, and may the best romancer win.
