Sega Games streamed a program, the third of a series of monthly streams, revealing new information on the upcoming Shin Sakura Taisen on 21 August 2019.
The new game, entitled Shin Sakura Taisen (New Sakura Wars) in Japanese, takes place in the fictional year of Taisho 29 (equivalent to AD 1940), twelve years after the last game (Sakura Wars V) took place.
Also see:
- Shin Sakura Wars- New Information Released (July 2019)
- Shin Sakura Wars- New Information Released (June 2019)
- New Sakura Wars- May 2019 Developer Interview
- Sega Fes 2019: Sakura Wars Exhibition Opened, New Sakura Wars Revealed
Cover Design Revealed
The game’s cover design, which uses a touched up 3D render and is an homage to the design of the first Sakura Taisen game’s cover, was shown for the first time.
Hatsuho and Clarice Battle Sequences Shown
The designs for Hatsuho and Clarice’s pilot uniforms and Mugen mechs were shown, along with gameplay footage of them being used in battle. Hatsuho’s Mugen uses a large hammer which is fast and powerful but hard to control, while Clarice’s Mugen carries two grimoires and uses magic in combat which does less damage than Hatsuho’s attacks but has wider and longer range and homing capabilities.
Tutorial Shown
Voice actor Azakami Youhei who plays protagonist Kamiyama Seijuurou played the tutorial, showing off gameplay elements introduced in the previous stream.
Comic Adaptation Announced
A comic adaptation of Shin Sakura Taisen to be handled by Noguchi Koyuri was announced. Serialisation begins in issue 41 of Weekly Young Jump, which goes on sale on 12th September 2019. The story is handled by the game’s writer, Ishii Jirou, and features Amamiya Sakura as the protagonist, taking place from her point of view instead of game protagonist Kamiyama’s. Some changes will also be made to the story to make it differ from the game.
Gekizou-kun Revealed
The Imperial Theatre’s mascot, Daiteikoku Gekizou, also known as Gekizou-kun, was revealed. Gekizou-kun is an elephant-like character designed to look like the theatre itself, and protagonist Kamiyama gets in to a Gekizou-kun suit to promote the theatre. Gekizou-kun was designed by Sugimori Ken who is best known as art director for the Pokemon series, and commented that he hopes that Gekizou-kun will be loved as a mascot not just for the Imperial Theatre but also for Sega itself.
London Combat Revue Revealed
The London Combat Revue, the Knights of the Round Table were revealed.
Arthur (voiced by Shimazaki Nobunaga) is the captain of the Knights of the Round Table. 18 years old, he is from a noble family of knights that inherited the sword Excalibur. His name, Arthur, is actually a title passed down through his family. Though usually fair, chivalrous and gentlemanly, which makes him popular with ladies, he becomes aggressive and arrogant in battle.
Lancelot (voiced by Numakura Manami) is a member of the Knights. 17 years old, she is brave and aggressive, leading the charge in battle. She uses two swords and black clothes, leading to her being called the Black Knight. She is cheerful and does not spend much time mulling over things, typically choosing to act before thinking.
The Knights of the Round Table’s spirit fighters, known as the Prydwen were also shown.
Character designs for the Knights were handled by illustrator BUNBUN, who is best known for his work on the Sword Art Online series.
Instead of having a single stream at the end of the month, September will have new information revealed daily from 12-15th September on stage at Tokyo Game Show, which will also be streamed. Producer Katano Tooru also said that Berlin’s combat revue will be revealed next.
Shin Sakura Taisen will be released in Japan on 12th December 2019. The game will be released in the west in spring 2020.