With less than ten days to go until the Japanese release of Sakura Revolution, Sega and Delightworks are cranking out more trailers to build excitement for the Sakura Wars mobile spin-off. The latest Sakura Revolution trailer is an omnibus of sorts, combining gameplay, cutscenes, and character footage to introduce the main cast. Narrated by heroine Shino Sakura, they kick off their campaign to rise up and “Retake Japan” against the sinister forces of…the Japanese government.
The Sakura Revolution trailer is titled “It Begins in Cherry Blossom-Pink,” and kicks off in dramatic fashion, declaring that Japan “died” in the 84th year of the Taishou era (16 years before the start of the game). It also hedges its bets narratively, declaring that with the stage set during Taishou 100, Sakura Revolution depicts “one possible future of Sakura Wars.” Shino Sakura takes up her mother’s sword and begins her journey from Aogashima island, in a time where the only authorized opera performances are those done by the Great Imperial Opera Troupe B.L.A.C.K.
Her goal is to make her way around Japan, recovering the stolen “Jingi” (“Sacred Treasures”), which serve as focal points for Japan’s spiritual energy. The sacred treasures were apparently taken by the government (under the leadership of Tokisane Kira’s administration) and corrupted somehow. Eventually Sakura Revolution journey will lead to the Imperial Capital, where revived Imperial Combat Revue will take back a future where cherry blossoms can bloom.
Alongside Shino are her friends Fuuka Aoshima, Asebi Mikohama, and a whole host of other characters from Japan’s scattered Combat Revue cells. The trailer also adds names and voice credits for some of the villainous “Governors” seen in previous trailers. The two shown seem to be named after western demons. Belial is voiced by Soma Saito (Akame ga Kill!‘s Tatsumi), and Mammon is voiced by Akio Ohtsuka (Metal Gear Solid‘s Snake).
Sakura Revolution goes live in Japan for iOS and Android on December 15, 2020. Pre-registration is available on the Japanese app stores. Check out detailed gameplay footage in our previous report, or learn more about the backstory behind Taishou year 100.