Summary

Release Year: 2005
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Tactical, Visual Novel
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Wii
Developers: Global Entertainment R&D Dept. 2, Red Entertainment
Publishers: NIS America, Sega

Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love (2005) Review

A timeless classic of strategy RPGs

Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love is a strategy RPG developed by Sega and released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005. It is the fifth installment in the Sakura Wars series, and is considered by many to be one of the best. The game features a unique sim-based story system, in which the player’s choices can affect the story content and even the final outcome. The battle system is also innovative, combining ground combat with air combat.

Story

The story of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love takes place in 1929, in the fictional city of Tokyo. The city is under attack by a group of demons known as the Kouma, and the only hope of defeating them lies with the Imperial Combat Revue, a group of young women who pilot giant mechs. The player takes on the role of Shinjiro Taiga, a young man who joins the Imperial Combat Revue and must learn to work with his teammates to defeat the Kouma.

The story of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love is full of twists and turns, and the player’s choices can have a major impact on the outcome. The game also features a deep cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love is divided into two main parts: sim and battle. In the simパート, the player interacts with the other members of the Imperial Combat Revue and makes choices that can affect the story. The player can also explore Tokyo and participate in various minigames.

In the battleパート, the player controls a team of mechs in combat against the Kouma. The battle system is turn-based, and the player can use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat their enemies. The player can also transform their mechs into jet fighters to take the fight to the sky.

Characters

The characters of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love are one of the game’s strongest points. Each character is well-developed and has their own unique personality and motivations. The player will quickly grow attached to the characters and will want to see them succeed.

The main character of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love is Shinjiro Taiga, a young man who joins the Imperial Combat Revue. Shinjiro is a kind and compassionate person, but he is also strong and determined. He is a natural leader and quickly earns the respect of his teammates.

The other members of the Imperial Combat Revue are:

Sakura Shinguji: The leader of the Imperial Combat Revue. Sakura is a skilled pilot and a powerful swordswoman. She is also a kind and caring person, and she is always looking out for the best interests of her team.
Iris Chateaubriand: A French exchange student who is a member of the Imperial Combat Revue. Iris is a skilled pilot and a talented singer. She is also a bit of a klutz, but she is always eager to help her friends.
Hatsuho Shinonome: A shrine maiden who is a member of the Imperial Combat Revue. Hatsuho is a skilled pilot and a powerful spellcaster. She is also a devout believer in the gods, and she often prays for their guidance.
Koharu Kanzaki: A tomboyish girl who is a member of the Imperial Combat Revue. Koharu is a skilled pilot and a powerful fighter. She is also a bit of a prankster, but she is always there for her friends.
Sumire Kanzaki: Koharu’s older sister and a member of the Imperial Combat Revue. Sumire is a skilled pilot and a powerful sniper. She is also a bit of a perfectionist, but she is always willing to help her friends.

Graphics and sound

The graphics of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love are excellent for a PS2 game. The character models are well-detailed and the environments are lush and colorful. The game also features some impressive special effects, especially during the battle scenes.

The sound of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love is also top-notch. The voice acting is excellent and the music is catchy and memorable. The game also features a number of licensed songs from the 1920s and 1930s.

Conclusion

Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love is a timeless classic of strategy RPGs. With its engaging story, deep character interactions, and innovative battle system, it’s a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing. If you’re a fan of strategy RPGs, or if you’re just looking for a great game to play, then I highly recommend Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love.