80
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.
78
Sakura Wars is the return/presentation of one of the most iconic series in the Japanese videogame industry. Dating simulator, visual novel, interactive anime and real-time combat system are the basics of this unique project. Sega is ready to captivate the world with its most daring game until the date. But, is the world ready?
70
Those who already enjoy the series or this style of action-RPG meets dating simulator will still have a fun experience and find a good game to play here. Despite the faults with pacing or mechanics I may have discovered along the way, it won’t be enough to scare away this existing audience. But in a more general sense, unfortunately, Sakura Wars fills a need for a part of its player audience that, no matter how I look at it, isn’t something that feels right. Especially when you consider the decades of hard work the women of Takarazuka have put in, only to be attributed to this. It makes me hope that somewhere, someday, there can be a Sakura Wars without so much of those other moments. Maybe it could still be a dating simulator, just a more consensual-feeling one.
8
Part visual novel, part dating sim, part action game, Sakura Wars (2019) is a hidden gem with some minor flaws. Aided by a strong story, with well written characters, solid performances, a good soundtrack, and character designs by the famous Tite Kubo (from Bleach) are some excellent elements that help make Sakura Wars pop. The only gripes I have is that it does lean more towards the visual novel side than the action game, with long stretches between battles, and the actual action gameplay needed a bit more time in the oven, but it still makes for an interesting formula from the predecessor. Fans of the franchise will grow to like this cast, but the gameplay might not be their cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it as an action game fan.
9
This was my first experience with the Sakura Wars series and honestly it was a lot of fun to play. The robot combat is cool and intuitive and the cast of characters is full of charisma.I felt like I was playing an interactive anime and it was great!!!
10
I had a lot of fun; it's a mix of visual novel, RPG with robot combat, and a very light and optional touch of dating **** story takes place in early 20th-century Japan and has a special charm, and the characters are adorable and **** robot combat is simple but effective, although a little repetitive. The game is relatively long but unfolds at a good pace.
Sakura Wars
Released On:
Apr 28, 2020
Metascore
Mixed or Average
73
User score
Generally Favorable
7.7
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
73
48% Positive
30 Reviews
30 Reviews
48% Mixed
30 Reviews
30 Reviews
3% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
May 22, 2020
90
The soft reboot of Sakura Wars has secured its place in the new era of the adventure/ visual novel genre by offering characters and settings that are unique, well written and mostly different from what we see in other games of the genre.
May 18, 2020
80
For a series that hasn’t had any new releases in a long time, this one from Sega really hits the mark for me. It is a game with evolving character arcs through talking and dating sim elements, which make your characters grow closer to one another. You will find yourself growing more attached to certain characters as you play through their stories and make you really connect with the game. The music in Sakura Wars is very well done and plays very well into the mood of the title. All in all, Sakura Wars is worthy of a play through if you've been itching for another great anime game in your library.Full Disclosure - This copy was provided by PR for the purposes of this review.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.7
67% Positive
126 Ratings
126 Ratings
17% Mixed
32 Ratings
32 Ratings
16% Negative
30 Ratings
30 Ratings
Nov 30, 2025
10
I had a lot of fun; it's a mix of visual novel, RPG with robot combat, and a very light and optional touch of dating **** story takes place in early 20th-century Japan and has a special charm, and the characters are adorable and **** robot combat is simple but effective, although a little repetitive. The game is relatively long but unfolds at a good pace.
Oct 9, 2023
10
This game is so charming and special! Think of it as a chill experience, like your favourite anime: you're there to hang out with the characters (and it's a great cast). The presentation is an highlight, both with the 3D visuals, the anime cutscenes (and the music): it's on par or even better than other AAA JRPGs like Tales of Arise or Persona 5 Royal on that aspect. The combat is action but very light, you fight in adorable mechs, there is the perfect dodge (similar to witch time in Bayonetta), there are combos, the challenge isn't very high but combat is only one part of the whole game, most of the time you'll spend it at the theatre. It's so clichès anime and yet the game is quite unique, highly recommended to anime fans. I wish SEGA brings other Sakura Wars games to the West.
Apr 27, 2020
80
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.
Apr 27, 2020
73
Sakura Wars is an easy title to recommend to anyone looking for a layered game world populated by a cast of memorable characters. However, those who prefer a more immediately rewarding adventure will likely get exhausted by its story-heavy setup.
Apr 27, 2020
70
This just isn’t the grand revival of the Sakura Wars franchise I was hoping for, and I’m sure that most other longtime fans will feel the same. As for newbies, there’s some enjoyment here, but it just doesn’t measure up to other major releases on the market right now.
Apr 27, 2020
68
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. It's a decent blend of multiple genres but does not particularly excel at any of them. The setting and backstory are interesting, but unfortunately, Sakura Wars did not fully utilize them to their advantage.
Apr 27, 2020
40
Sakura Wars is a soft reboot of a classic Japanese game that is sadly plagued with repetitive combat, dated gameplay, and creepy relationships.
May 11, 2022
10
Graphics are nice, the story is great, there are five different endings. Combat is a but simple, but fun. The cutscenes are great, it’s like watching anime.
Aug 3, 2025
7
This game is quite an hidden gem, unfortunately the combat system was not the bestespecially at the end of the game, but for sure it's not a bad game
Apr 12, 2022
7
Must play for anime/visual novel fans. It does a lot of things, battle, dating, "Tete a Tete", collecting cards, hanafuda play. But excels at none of it, especially the battle is rather mediocre, I usually finished the boss in 1 special attack. The most important is the story and it's very good and the variety makes it exciting, almost feels like Yakuza. It makes me become fans of the series.
Mar 13, 2021
4
Wanted to love it, cute girls and mechs should be awsomr. But it long winded, pretentios and frankly boring.
Jun 30, 2020
4
Badly designed combat of this game made it only half-good. Social part is ok, sometimes even good. but combat is as bad as 0/10. Its repetitive, unintuitive, and no fun (and you must get S rating with all girls on all missions).
SummaryImprove the Revue Flower Division team's fortune to avoid being shut down in Sakura Wars for PlayStation 4. Set in a 1940s steampunk Tokyo, this single-player game features a dynamic LIPS dialogue system so you can build relationships through what you say and the way you say it. Lead your motivated team members to victory on the battlefi... Read More
Rated Tfor Teen
