Sakura Wars Reviews

Sakura Wars is ranked in the 56th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Recommended
May 4, 2020

Eager to please genre fans, Sakura Wars delivers an olds-chool experience with a hefty dose of drama.

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Metro GameCentral
Top Critic
5 / 10
May 4, 2020

One of the best attempts at an interactive anime ever, although the nonsensical story, weak combat, and dubious portrayal of female characters will ensure it a limited audience in the West.

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8 / 10.0
Apr 30, 2020

Sakura Wars is not perfect, but it is a delightfully charming experience. Between the sweet bonding moments and high-stakes battles, there's plenty to cheer for.

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GameSpot
Top Critic
7 / 10
Apr 28, 2020

Sakura Wars' unique world, fun character interactions, and high-stakes melodrama help it overcome mediocre action sequences.

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USgamer
Top Critic
Apr 27, 2020

It's not going to be a memorable tale, but this Sakura Wars is an enjoyable adventure while it lasts.

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7 / 10.0
Apr 27, 2020

Sakura Wars represents an ambitious new start for the franchise, one that might not be to everyone's tastes.

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8 / 10
May 1, 2020

Sakura Wars may be a crisp, fully 3D modern release, but every inch of the story, characters, and sound feels like it's straight out of the 90s. This soft-reboot may not revolutionise gaming as the original game did, but it still manages to deliver an expertly crafted love letter to those old-school stories and characters that will put a smile on anyone's face. The combat scenes may lack the same depth and intrigue as the story beats of the game, but they're a minor part of an otherwise unforgettable anime adventure.

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78 / 100
Apr 27, 2020

It might look too shallow (and it probably is) in a first glimpse, but the representation of the characters is certainly charming. It's like giving life to a shonen TV show.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

7 / 10.0
Apr 27, 2020

Made with care and potentially interesting even for those who do not know the mechanics that distinguish it, Sakura Wars has a charm all its own, without undeniable limits. The important thing, if you want to get closer, is to understand the thematic and gameplay that give substance to the whole experience.

Review in Italian | Read full review

6.2 / 10.0
Apr 27, 2020

Sakura Wars doesn't finish fulfilling what was expected. Without being a disaster, its story is slow and its battles are too much simple. It builds on the popular LIPS system to deliver conversations that are the backbone of a game that can delight anime fans and no much others.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Apr 27, 2020

An engaging tale full of twists and turns, with an interesting way of interacting with the narrative. If you can handle the slow pace and stomach the perverse moments, you'll find a stylish adventure with one of the best soundtracks of the year.

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80 / 100
Apr 27, 2020

Sakura Wars is a great entry point to a fascinating series. If you wish Persona had a bit more action, you'll find exactly what you're looking for here. While the "sexy misunderstandings" are cringe worthy, the characters are fun to interact with and the giant robots are a joy to pilot.

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ZTGD
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Even though the lackluster combat is a major detractor in an otherwise great return to form for the series, it doesn’t ruin the experience either. Despite being on hiatus for so long, this release proves that there is life left for the series, and I for one can’t wait to see what’s next in store for the world of Sakura Wars.

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Apr 30, 2020

There’s plenty of replay value, and hardcore fans will relish trying to get all the multiple endings. You shouldn’t expect an high octane action RPG, but rather a real life romantic novel filled with in-depth emotion and over the top scenes.

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6 / 10
Apr 27, 2020

Sakura Wars is an entertaining fusion of dating sim elements and button mashing action, but it's held back by tired anime tropes and some disappointingly underdeveloped characters. The overarching story may be painfully predictable, but there's still waifu-chasing fun to be had here, and the combat is enough to keep the otherwise relaxed pacing in check.

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6.7 / 10.0
Apr 27, 2020

From a certain point of view Sakura Wars is an anachronistic game, made for a specific audience that has evolved over time. The ease and repetitiveness of the title's gameplay overwhelms the overall quality, despite good art direction.

Review in Italian | Read full review

68 / 100
Apr 27, 2020

The soft reboot of Sakura Wars leaves much to be desired but it is an adequate experience that accomplishes what it ultimately set out to do.

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8 / 10
Apr 27, 2020

Sakura Wars has its drawbacks, and it is not only a weak combat system with forced battles in the championship, but also some templating, the length of some elements and spoilers-announcements between episodes. But all this is offset by deeply developed characters, beautiful animation and good humor. It is one of the best games of the genre in the last few years and the best that could happen to the series.

Review in Russian | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Apr 27, 2020

Sakura Wars is a great little gem. It's the perfect title to get into the franchise and see why it's regarded so highly in Japan. Sakura Wars has some incredible writing and character development, it's hard not to fall in love with everyone you meet in the world. It's just a shame the combat isn't on the same level and at times take the steam away from the fantastic narrative.

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8 / 10.0
Apr 27, 2020

Sakura Wars isn't for everyone, but fans of quirky Japanese imports or those simply looking for something a bit outside their comfort zone ought to give it a shot. The game's action is run-of-the-mill, but its heartfelt character-driven story and polished anime-infused presentation largely make up for that. Sakura Wars may not win every battle, but it stands tall in the end.

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