Sometimes a game has a theme song or opening so cool you just HAVE to play it, and I'm glad I did!
Sakura Wars is definitely one of the better-paced strategy RPGs I've played, although that's because it's only half that. It doesn't waste your time with damage sponge enemies, fights don't take too long and there's not that many of them, and since XP isn't a factor you can just focus on strategy rather than "oh no I gotta hit this guy then let THIS guy finish him off, but I also gotta do the objective," etc.
The anime visual novel parts are a ton of fun, aside from all the Iris stuff, or worse, the REALLY bad chapter dedicated to her. Whoever decided a game based around picking a girl that you're into and going for her needed a literal child should not be allowed to participate in society. But the fact that most dialogue windows have a timer to force you to make a quick decision, or remain silent (which is sometimes the right call!) really adds a lot to the immersion. And don't get me started on how cool the LIPS system is, with mouthflaps matching the syllables, even for non-voiced scenes. Great 90s animated sequences here and there too!
Also, I won't spoil it, but the store goes COMPLETELY bonkers towards the end in a way I think I really liked?
Again, if not for the Iris stuff, this would probably be a solid 4 stars.
Sakura Wars is definitely one of the better-paced strategy RPGs I've played, although that's because it's only half that. It doesn't waste your time with damage sponge enemies, fights don't take too long and there's not that many of them, and since XP isn't a factor you can just focus on strategy rather than "oh no I gotta hit this guy then let THIS guy finish him off, but I also gotta do the objective," etc.
The anime visual novel parts are a ton of fun, aside from all the Iris stuff, or worse, the REALLY bad chapter dedicated to her. Whoever decided a game based around picking a girl that you're into and going for her needed a literal child should not be allowed to participate in society. But the fact that most dialogue windows have a timer to force you to make a quick decision, or remain silent (which is sometimes the right call!) really adds a lot to the immersion. And don't get me started on how cool the LIPS system is, with mouthflaps matching the syllables, even for non-voiced scenes. Great 90s animated sequences here and there too!
Also, I won't spoil it, but the store goes COMPLETELY bonkers towards the end in a way I think I really liked?
Again, if not for the Iris stuff, this would probably be a solid 4 stars.