Sega RPG/visual novel blending SRPG and dating sim, revolutionary for the era. The 1920s steampunk universe is beautifully realized. Innovative relationship system with female characters. A pillar of the Japanese Saturn.
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Category
RPG2 players12+
Description
RPG-simulation in which Lieutenant Ogami commands a brigade of female soldiers piloting steam-powered mecha in 1920s Tokyo. Published by Sega, released in Japan in 1996. Turn-based tactical battles alternating with social life and romance simulation sequences, over fifteen fully voiced female characters and an exceptionally high-quality musical soundtrack. A Sega AM2 masterpiece, selling six million copies.
Sakura Taisen review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
MAX
Story
★★★★★
"Masterful"
Theatrical and flamboyant, Kohei Tanaka's music blends rousing marches, romantic ballads and sung numbers worthy of a revue. The anthem "Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan" galvanises every battle with a jubilant emphasis. This lyrical breadth, at the crossroads of operetta and video game, makes the whole singular charm of the series.
In a steam-powered retrofuturist Tokyo, a theatre troupe conceals an elite unit of young mecha pilots. Between romance, camaraderie and a demonic threat, the tale blends intimate drama and grand spectacle with singular freshness. A pioneer in marrying RPG, dating sim and tactics, it keeps an intact charm.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
Original Japanese Saturn edition of Sakura Taisen, distributed by Sega in September 1996 with the 6M tag, the first entry in the cult Hiroi Oji franchise that combines mechanical SRPG and the timed LIPS dialogue system. Sega Japan run was decent but structural demand stays particularly strong following the long absence of an official Western localization until the recent remaster, jewel case with intact obi, and a complete with obi marked Sakura Taisen remains for Sega CS completists a central Japanese archive object.
A cult cover
In Kosuke Fujishima's delicate line, Sakura poses in a Taishô-era uniform, blade drawn, amid tender pinks and a resolutely anime style. The softness of the drawing and the retro elegance convey the unique blend of theater, romance and mecha. Charming and refined, it embodies a whole facet of Saturn culture.
Is Sakura Taisen still worth playing in 2026?
The first entry of the famous Sega saga, Sakura Taisen offers a visual novel and tactical RPG adventure blending romance and turn based combat in a 1920 steampunk Tokyo. The LIPS time limited dialogue system stays original and the troupe of warrior actresses endearing. The sublime manga art direction, theatrical soundtrack and cinematographic staging make it the founding title of the saga on Saturn. For Japanese tactical romance fans, a warm recommendation today still truly here indeed for any patient newcomer.
