Sakura Wars

Sakura Wars was originally released in 1996 for the Sega Saturn, developed by Sega and Red Company. It was later ported to other platforms including the Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation 2.

Sakura Wars is a hybrid that combines tactical role-playing mech battles with character-focused adventure and dating-simulation systems set in an alternate Taisho-era Tokyo. The social interaction segments directly affect character performance in combat, making relationship-building a core gameplay mechanic.

Sega released a reboot titled Shin Sakura Taisen (Sakura Wars) in 2019 for the PlayStation 4, which reimagined the franchise with a new cast, updated action-combat, and contributions from guest character designers. The 2019 game was conceived as a fresh start rather than a direct sequel to the 1996 original.

In the game's story, the Imperial Combat Revue operates the Imperial Theater in Tokyo as a cover for their secret mission to defend the city using steam-powered mecha. This dual identity drives the game's structure, where players split time between socializing with troupe members backstage and fighting supernatural threats in tactical battles.