Remember those old choose your own adventure books...
User Rating: 9.5 | Sakura Taisen V: Saraba Itoshiki Hito Yo PS2
Sakura Wars may be the last PS2 game released for the hardcore RPG gamer, but the fact that it is so much more makes it another reason to add this hidden gem to your already overcrowded Playstation 2 game shelf. So let me begin with the statement, this game is not for all RPG fans. It is a SRPG, meaning simulation. Whie that is nothing new in Japan, here in the United States, where we have grown to love action, here about sixty percent of the game is text with wonderfully drawn anime pictures. Gameplay is about doing task and flirting with hot anime chicks. Battle comes third, behind the main story plot. So still interested? Good. Sakura Wars was released about five years ago in the "land of the rising sun" and the graphics do reflect it at times. Not to state the graphics suck, but they are about a click or two below that of Persona 3. Still the video do take full useage of DVD playback and the game lets you play these controller mini games during the events of the story, and you won't soon forget the wonderful cast in the game. Also to note is that the PS2 version comes with 2 disc, on for english and one for japanese. This was not seen in the wii release. At times the voice acting on the english verison can be downright bad, but it's kind of nice to get something this rare and odd published outside of Japan. Overall you should check this on out, as thanks to the who "choose your own adventure" style it make replay value high for anyone who likes this game. I was honestly worried about the whole thing until I gave it a shot. Now I can't believe we haven't seen more of these anime robot dating sim RPGs. Think anyone would buy a Cowboy Bebop SRPG? I know I would.
