For the classic story, play the numbered games in release order: Sakura Wars (1996), Sakura Wars 2 (1998), Sakura Wars 3 (2001), Sakura Wars 4 (2002), then Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love (2005). If you would rather start with a contemporary release, the modern Sakura Wars is a new-era entry available for PS4; it launched in Japan in 2019 and internationally on April 28, 2020.
What kind of game is Sakura Wars?
Sakura Wars blends dramatic adventure, relationships with the characters, and combat. In the modern PS4 game, story episodes build team bonds before finales that feature action combat with steam-powered mecha. Expect the experience to shift between character-focused scenes and battles rather than remain in one mode throughout.
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What order should you play the Sakura Wars games in?
For the classic mainline sequence, release order is the clearest, spoiler-safe choice:
- Sakura Wars (1996)
- Sakura Wars 2 (1998)
- Sakura Wars 3 (2001)
- Sakura Wars 4 (2002)
- Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love (2005)
Sega’s official franchise history dates the first game to 1996 and provides the basis for this numbered chronology. The modern Sakura Wars belongs to a new era of the series. It can be a starting point for players seeking a contemporary game, while familiarity with the older games adds franchise context.
#1 Best Overall
- Launch Edition includes: Sakura Wars PS4 game, Reversible artwork and sticker set
- dramatic character interplay Engage with a colorful cast through the dynamic lips dialogue system where what you say and how you say it has a Profound impact on relationships off and on the battlefield.
- exciting combat payoffs Your bonds with team members flow into the high energy combat finale of each Episode, featuring action packed fights with giant steam powered Mech a.
- brilliant anime production gorgeous animated sequences, a lush soundtrack, and characters designed by anime and RPG luminaries will transport you into a vibrant 1940s steampunk Tokyo.
- main character design: tite kubo.guest character design: yukiko horiguchi, bunbun, fumikane Shimada, Ken sugimori, Noizi Ito, Shigenori Soejima.cast: yohei azakami, Ayane Sakura, maaya uchida, hibiku yamamura, ayaka fukuhara, saori hayami, yuichiro umehara, sumire uesaka, nobunaga shimazaki, manami numakura, Nana mizuki, rie kugimiya
Which Sakura Wars game should a newcomer start with?
Choose the original sequence for continuity
Start with the 1996 Sakura Wars and continue in release order if you want the series’ history and the context of its numbered entries. Check each game’s region, platform, language, and edition before buying: the available official information does not establish a complete current platform or localization list for the older titles.
Choose the modern game for a contemporary entry
The modern Sakura Wars is the practical starting point if you want a newer game rather than tracking down the legacy sequence. Sega’s official Western site gives its international release date as April 28, 2020, and lists it for PS4. The game’s Japanese launch was in 2019; these are regional release dates for the same entry, not separate games.
Rank #2
- The Imperial Combat Revue takes the stage as Tokyo’s defense force against a demon threat in this extravagant adventure.
- Soldiers in wartime, but theater performers in peacetime, the Revue’s Flower Division is not living up to their legacy and is at risk of being shut down. As newly appointed captain Seijuro Kamiyama, it’s up to you to turn the team around.
- Dramatic Character Interplay — Engage with a colorful cast through the dynamic LIPS dialogue system where what you say and how you say it has a profound impact on relationships off and on the battlefield.
- Exciting Combat Payoffs — Your bonds with team members flow into the high-energy combat finale of each episode, featuring action-packed fights with giant steam-powered mecha.
- Brilliant Anime Production — Gorgeous animated sequences, a lush soundtrack, and characters designed by anime and JRPG luminaries will transport you into a vibrant 1940s steampunk Tokyo.
What platforms are the Sakura Wars games on?
| Entry | Platform or release information established here | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Original Sakura Wars (1996) | Sega Saturn, according to Sega’s official franchise history. | Verify current availability, language, region, and compatibility before purchasing. |
| Modern Sakura Wars (2019 Japan; 2020 international) | PS4, listed on Sega’s official Western site and the US PlayStation Store. The store identifies SEGA of America as publisher. | Check the relevant regional store for current availability and compatibility. |
| Sakura Wars 2, Sakura Wars 3, Sakura Wars 4, and So Long, My Love | A complete current platform and localization matrix is not stated in the official pages cited here. | Confirm the specific platform, region, language, and edition for each game before buying. |
A historical release chronology does not guarantee that an older game is currently sold, available in English, or compatible with a modern system. Store listings can also change by region and over time.
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Where should I start with Sakura Wars?
Start with the original release sequence for classic continuity, or choose the modern PS4 game if you want a contemporary entry.
Rank #3
- ACTION-PACKED DUELING GAME: Sakura Arms is a stylish dueling card game from Japan that combines gorgeous art, deep tactics, and huge variety to minimalist duels. Choose two martial goddesses and combine their capabilities to out play your opponent in a tense 1-on-1 battle.
- STRATEGY CARD GAME: Choose two goddesses and combine their powers to form your own unique deck and challenge your opponent to a battle. Each goddess provides ten cards, which take the form of attacks, utilities or enchantments. Will you build to bolster your strengths, cover your weaknesses or explot your opponent's limitations?
- YATSUHA BOX: This box contains the most recently released goddesses, who possess very unique abilities. This set includes 6 goddesses, each with unique powers and mechanics at their disposal. Quick-deckbuilding guides to help you jump into your favorite goddess right away.
- UNLIMITED REPLAYABILITY: With 153 Goddess pairings and over 190,000 possible builds per pairing, your options are endless. Each game in the Sakura Arms series is a stand-alone game, but you can combine multiple games boxes to mix-and-match goddesses and discover even more strategies and tactics!
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This fast-paced dueling card game is made for two players and is suitable for ages 16 and older. Average playtime is approximately 20 minutes.
What order should I play the Sakura Wars games in?
Play the classic mainline games in release order: Sakura Wars, Sakura Wars 2, Sakura Wars 3, Sakura Wars 4, then Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love.
Is the modern Sakura Wars unrelated to the older games?
It is a new-era entry, not wholly unrelated; knowledge of the older games can add franchise context.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Additional in-game activities and functionality including Broadway performances with AI Stars teammates, in-game photo functionality, secret events and a quiz game.
- Anime-style storytelling featuring tons of anime movie scenes.
- Adventure Mode allowing the player to explore New York City and build relationship with in-game AI teammates.
- A strategy RPG battle system allowing for coordinated control of a team of diverse female fighters, each operating Mech battlesuits that can fight both on the ground and in the air.
- High replay value through the various different endings possible, each of which hinges on the bonds created between characters in-game.
Rank #4
- High Quality Components – 32 dice, 1 double-sided playing board (in 2 pieces), 4 playing figures with 4 stands, 13 diamond tiles, 30 task tiles (17 normal and 13 pro tasks), and instructions.
- A Wonderful Gift – Fans of manga and anime will love the original character artwork!
- Easy To Learn – Clear instructions mean you can start playing right away!
- Great Replay Value – One game takes 10 minutes! You’ll want to play this fast-paced racing game again and again. “Pro tasks” let you adjust the challenge level.
- Quality You Trust – Ravensburger has been making quality games, puzzles, and toys for over 130 years.
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