Bakumatsu Rock (2014)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Bakumatsu Rock: A Unique Otome Rhythm Game

Introduction

Bakumatsu Rock is a Japanese otome rhythm game developed by Marvelous AQL and published by Konami. It was released in Japan on July 31, 2014, for the PlayStation Vita. The game is set in the Bakumatsu era of Japanese history and follows the story of a young woman named Sakura who travels to Kyoto to find her missing brother. Along the way, she meets a group of young samurai who are fighting to protect the country from the encroaching Western powers.

Gameplay

Bakumatsu Rock is a rhythm game in which the player must tap buttons in time with the music to earn points. The game features a variety of songs, both original and licensed, and each song has its own unique rhythm and difficulty level. The player can choose to play alone or with up to three other players in co-op mode.

In addition to the rhythm gameplay, Bakumatsu Rock also features a visual novel-style story mode. In this mode, the player can interact with the game’s characters, learn about their backstories, and make choices that will affect the outcome of the story.

Characters

Bakumatsu Rock features a cast of six playable characters:

  • Sakura – A young woman who travels to Kyoto to find her missing brother.
  • Shinsaku Takasugi – A young samurai who is the leader of the Kiheitai, a group of anti-shogunate rebels.
  • Toshizo Hijikata – A young samurai who is the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, a group of pro-shogunate police.
  • Soji Okita – A young samurai who is the captain of the Shinsengumi’s first unit.
  • Hajime Saito – A young samurai who is the captain of the Shinsengumi’s third unit.
  • Isami Kondo – A young samurai who is the commander of the Shinsengumi.

Story

The story of Bakumatsu Rock takes place in the Bakumatsu era of Japanese history, a time of great political and social upheaval. The country is on the brink of a civil war, and the Western powers are encroaching on Japan’s shores.

Sakura travels to Kyoto to find her missing brother, and she soon meets Shinsaku Takasugi and the other members of the Kiheitai. The Kiheitai are fighting to overthrow the shogunate and establish a new, more just government. Sakura joins the Kiheitai and fights alongside them, but she soon realizes that the conflict is more complicated than she thought.

As the story progresses, Sakura learns more about the characters’ backstories and motivations. She also learns more about the history of Japan and the political and social issues that are at stake in the conflict.

Themes

Bakumatsu Rock explores a number of themes, including:

  • The conflict between tradition and modernity – The game is set in a time when Japan is rapidly changing, and the characters must grapple with the conflict between their traditional values and the new, Western ideas that are being introduced to the country.
  • The importance of fighting for what you believe in – The Kiheitai are fighting for what they believe in, even though they know that they may not succeed. Sakura learns from them the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even when it is difficult.
  • The power of music – Music is a powerful force in Bakumatsu Rock. It can be used to inspire, to unite, and to heal. Sakura and the other characters use music to express their feelings and to connect with each other.

Reception

Bakumatsu Rock was well-received by critics. The game was praised for its unique gameplay, its engaging story, and its memorable characters. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies in Japan.

Legacy

Bakumatsu Rock has had a lasting impact on the otome game genre. The game’s unique gameplay and its focus on historical themes have inspired other developers to create similar games. Bakumatsu Rock has also helped to popularize the Bakumatsu era of Japanese history among otome game fans.

Conclusion

Bakumatsu Rock is a unique and engaging otome rhythm game that combines rhythm gameplay with a fascinating story set in the Bakumatsu era of Japanese history. The game’s memorable characters, engaging story, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of both genres.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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