The spirit of "Imperial Blowout" has not changed even though it has been reborn from a simulation game to an action game! Report on the world's first trial of "New Sakura Wars!

On August 31, the world's first hands-on event was held to allow people to play "New Sakura Wars," the latest title in the "Sakura Wars" series, scheduled for release on PS4 on December 12, 2019.

New Sakura Wars" is a dramatic 3D action adventure set in the fictional Imperial capital of Tokyo during the Taisho Era, and follows the exploits of the "Teikoku Kagekidan" as they fight against evil. The main character design is by Kubo Taito, known as the creator of the manga "BLEACH" serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (published by Shueisha). The music is by Kouhei Tanaka, who has provided many songs for previous titles in the series. The story will be composed by Ishiijiro, who is active in a variety of media including games, TV animation, and movies.

⇒PS4 "New Sakura Wars" will be released in winter 2019! The story of the new "Imperial Blowout Squad" led by the new main character, Seijuro Kamiyama.

The world's first hands-on event was attended not only by media representatives but also by general users who were selected by lottery. The venue chosen for the event was Hanayashiki, an amusement park in Asakusa, a well-known sacred place in the "Sakura Wars" series. Asakusa was also the site of the "Asakusa Samba Carnival" on the day of the event, the entire Asakusa area was bustling with excitement. Some enthusiastic fans dressed up in character cosplay at the event, creating an exciting and festive atmosphere! The trial session began amidst this atmosphere.

First, let's check out the title screen!

The entire Imperialist Kagekidan team looking down on the city of Asakusa. The mood of the group is heightened by the grand drama that is about to begin.

The demo version starts with the adventure part, which mainly consists of conversations with the characters.

The BGM is the famous song "Kakki, Teikoku Kagekidan" arranged in a relaxing manner! Imperial Blowout Squadron. As soon as this melody starts playing, the world of "Sakura Wars" immediately spreads.

The first thing that unfolds between your eyes is the base of operations, the "Grand Imperial Theater. The film takes place 12 years after the days of the legendary "Imperial Blowout Squad Flower Group" led by Sakura Shinguji and her group, but the familiar base of operations seems to be alive and well. Reporter A is first smitten by this.

The main heroine of the film, Sakura Amamiya, is played by the popular voice actress Sasaya. She is played by popular voice actress Sakura Ayane. I wondered if she was chosen because of the "Sakura" connection, or some other unimportant thought as I read through the conversation. I like the gap between her lively and polite side and the shameful side she shows when Seijuro expresses his love to her in a straightforward manner, just like a Taisho Otome woman. She is a true Yamato Nadeshiko! It's just like a Yamato Nadeshiko!

In the conversation scenes, the well-known "lips" of the series make an appearance. Producer Toru Katano says that in this title, not only how you respond to what the other person says, but also your choices change depending on your timing, and various other factors are reflected in the conversation, such as how far away you are from the other person and how you adjust the volume of your voice and posture with the analog stick. It is going to be fun to enjoy realistic communication with the characters.

Now, Seijuro, guided by Sakura, is to greet the Kagekidan members scattered throughout the theater. First, he heads to the stage and meets Hatsuho Shinonome. She is a shrine maiden with a bit of a brusque Edo child temperament, but she is a dependable character. She is a dependable character, though, and her conversation with the audience reveals such a character.

She also has a mischievous side, calling herself "Hatsuho-chan," but when I address her as "chan," she asks, "Are you all right? When he addresses her as "chan," she seems to be worried that he doesn't trust flirtatious men. ......?

By the way, it is played by Mare Uchida. Personally, I had the impression that Uchida's performance as an older sister character was quite rare, so it was quite fresh.

Next is the library. Here we were greeted by Clarice, a curious literary girl. I immediately tried to talk to her, but she was so absorbed in her reading that she did not notice me at all. Even if I blindfolded her for a test, she would only treat me roughly. ......

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that the two of them are not only the same person, but also the same person who is the same person. I don't think it should be naughty!

After reading, he greets Clarice again, but she doesn't seem to open up to him in any way. How should the players take her when she speaks ill of them, saying, "We're a dropout unit here." ...... Will the day come when the tsun-like Clarice will turn on Seijuro?

Clarice is played by another popular voice actress, Saori Hayami. Her performance, in which you can sense her nurturing nature and core strength, is the essence of her character! I love her performance!

In addition, you can freely explore the theater in the adventure part.

You can see the heroines' bromides for sale at the souvenir shop, and talk with the audience as they relax in the theater. You can also visit the heroines in their private rooms, so if you want to increase the likability of a character, you should visit them often.

You can check the placement of each character and the locations where events occur at any time by using the "Smaratron" function. Use it to your advantage to efficiently digest the events.

The destination is also clearly displayed on the screen, which is a nice touch. Overall, the game is very comfortable to play.

Then, Sumire Kanzaki gave me the order to go out to the field.

Sumire-san!

I had no time to be impressed before the action part of the game began. Many readers may have a strong impression of "Sakura Wars" as a simulation game, but in this title, battles against enemies are depicted in a 3D action game from a third-person perspective.

In this demo version, the objective of the game is to exterminate the enemy "Kakuma" that has appeared in Ueno, together with Azami Mochizuki, a descendant of the Kunoichi. They will appear on the battlefield in a robot named "Sanshiki Mitsutake".

Once on the field, enemies appear one after another. The player must use combo attacks and special moves to defeat them. Players can change their pilot character from Seijuro to his partner at any time. Switch between them according to the battle situation.

Objects can of course be destroyed. Collect the recovery items that pop up, and carefully and boldly attack them.

Depending on the combination of buttons, powerful attacks can be launched. When the player's spiritual power is accumulated, special moves can be launched.

Dashing and stepping are also possible.

In the field, there are not only enemy characters, but also a variety of gimmicks, so each stage is sure to keep you entertained.

The final part of the demo version is a trailer for the first episode! The well-known "Proclamation! Imperial Air Combat Team", the highlight scenes of the first episode appeared one after the other. This, this, this, this TV anime-like atmosphere is "Sakura Taisen"! Also, when the music by Kohei Tanaka plays, I feel like I'm in the Taisho Era! The demo version ended with a great feeling of excitement. Overall, the game still had that "this is Sakura Wars" feel to it. While respecting the original story, the new characters were also well drawn and appealing.

As for the game itself, I have to admit that the action part was quite challenging, and the game was over for me without even reaching the boss. This can be attributed to the fact that I played stage 4 out of the blue (......), but it seems to be a challenging action game as well.

However, each enemy character is said to have its own weak point weapon and means of attack, so there are elements of the game that can be used to your advantage through strategic play, not just brute force.

In addition, the player can freely select his or her own teammates in some stages, and there are also scenes in which characters that are not selected participate in battles as supporting characters, so we can expect intense battles with a mixture of enemies and allies.

This demo version will be available at the Tokyo Game Show 2019, which opens on September 12, so if you are interested in the game, please come and experience the world of "New Sakura Wars" with your own eyes and hands!

Producer Toru Katano said that the adventure part of the game ends as soon as you talk to Clarice, so if you want to try it out at the Tokyo Game Show, he hopes you will get to know the various characters before you talk to her. So, for those of you who are planning to go to the game show. Don't forget!