1-1 - Meeting the Imperial Assault Troop
Watch Video: Disc 1 OP
Uncompressed version courtesy PlayscopeTimeline
The main theme of Sakura Wars, “Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan” is performed by Chisa Yokoyama and the Teikoku Kagekidan. In Japan, it became an iconic song in the anime fandom, becoming a mainstay at karaoke bars and live shows. A version of this theme appears in five of the six mainline Sakura Wars games, with only the fifth game, So Long My Love missing it.
Additionally, this is how basically every FMV in this game is presented, compressed into a little box. Gotta save space on those Cee Dee Roms somehow. The animated cutscenes are produced by the Sega-owned studio Kyokuichi Tokyo Movie, later known as TMS Entertainment, who are also known for producing the Lupin III and Detective Conan franchises, Akira, and contributing animation to a multitude of western cartoons in the 90s.
Nothing much to say about the main menu, so let’s just start the show.
Watch Video: The Incident in Ueno Park
The curtain rises on the Imperial Capital of Tokyo, specifically the Ginza district.
Huh? You say you saw something? Yeah, what you’re seeing is the hustle and bustle of a city on the rise.
What?
It’s just some birds.
We’re at Ueno Park, the cherry blossoms are falling, it’s beautiful, what more could you want?
Well that’s a hamper on our nice day out.
Well, good thing she had a sword. But enough of that.
As a special assignment, I appoint you captain of the following outfit. “The Imperial Assault Troop, Anti-Demon Corps, Flower Division.” You are on a secret assignment to defend our Imperial capital. Proceed to Ueno Park to meet up with your squad.
Imperial Army Lieutenant General, Yoneda Ikki
Yeah, I can read, Count.
This here’s Ogami, he’s gonna be our us for the game. He just graduated from the Navy academy and he’s already got a pretty cushy gig as a captain.
Good. That’s what I like to hear. My position as a politician doesn’t allow me to talk about a military secret like the Assault Troop here and now. For more information you have to ask the officer in command, Lieutenant General Yoneda. Now, go to Ueno Park. Don’t make me regret recommending you for this position!
Yes, sir! I’ll be on my way immediately!
The safety of the capital lies in your hands. Good luck!
Yes, sir!
Hopefully there’s not as many monsters today.
Now then…where is this meet-up point…? Maybe I should look around a bit more.
I heard a young girl got rid of the monster with a sword.
…I was told someone from the Imperial Assault Troop would meet me here. I wonder how long he’ll keep me waiting?
She’s coming this way…!
Watch video: Meet Sakura
There’s a fair bit of voice acting in this game, which is impressive for 96. When we meet our main characters, I’ll give little samples of their voice acting, and maybe some other prominent scenes. Also, might as well tell you a bit more about the voice actors. Sakura here is voiced by Chisa Yokoyama, whose more prominent roles aside from Sakura include Sasami in the Tenchi Muyo franchise, Lucrezia Noin in Gundam Wing, and Biscuit Krueger in the 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime.
Y-Yes. I’m Ogami. Ahem, excuse me, but you are…?
My name is Sakura Shinguji. I received orders from Lieutenant General Yoneda to pick you up.
…From Lieutenant General Yoneda?
(I was told someone would meet me…But who would have thought it would be a girl!)
Ogami, it’s 1923, that kind of thinking is antiquated.
You, uh…are you a memeber of the Imperial Assault Troop?!
Nice to meet you.
Ah…I’m Imperial Navy Ensign Ichiro Ogami. But…to tell the truth, I’m surprised that a girl like you is a squad member.
Is that a problem for you?
Yeah, Ogami. Is it?
N-No. That’s not what I meant…
(It’s a top-secret unit after all…Maybe it’s not so strange that there are female members.)
Imperial Theater? Like a theater of war, I guess? Didn’t expect to be hitting the battlefield so quickly.
What? A theater?!
Oh, would you look at that. It’s the Live Interactive Picture System! You can just call it LIPS for short. It’s a mechanic this game has to bring a bit more engagement to the typical ADV gameplay. In the first couple games, much of what it amounts to is that dialogue choices have a time limit. The border around the box will fill in red as we run out of time, and if we do, we just…don’t say anything. Which is always an option.
Now, we could be rude to poor Sakura, but hey, if we’re gonna fight alongside her, let’s have her tell us a bit about herself.
First tell me more about you.
And we hear a little chime which means we got a little point up with Sakura. We’ll be able to gain or lose trust with each of the girls in typical VN fasion. Of course, only one will win our heart.
My name is Sakura Shinguji. I just arrived from Sendai and newly joined the troop. I still feel like I’m causing everybody nothing but trouble. But I’d give my life in order to protect the capital.
I see, that’s the right attitude! Happy to hear that. No wonder you’re a member of the secret squad. …So the Imperial Assault Troop has something like a secret weapon, right?
I think a lot of things about it are secret, boy.
Using a “Koubu” is really hard. But we newbies should stick together and do our best.
(Koubu? Ah, that’s what the secret weapon is called. I wonder what it is.)
Y-Yes! Thank you very much!
Deeper into Ginza, we find…
No one would guess that in reality this theater is a secret military headquarters…
Since it’s your first time, let’s enter through the main lobby.
Ooh, this is a pretty snazzy place.
At any rate…It’s really quiet here.
That’s because today there is only a night performance.
(Night performance? …Is that supposed to be a night-time drill?)
That’s the only performance I’d think would be in a theater.
But we’re opening soon. There’ll be loads of guests here in a minute.
Watch video: Meet Iris
Hey, it’s Iris! I like that the fan translation has her call Ogami “mon frère” as a translation for “onii-chan” which feels more natural and less…weird. However, it means I gotta copypaste that accent every time. Iris is voiced by Kumiko Nishihara, who’s been an active voice actress since 1984. Some of her other roles include Silvia Noventa in Gundam Wing, Perona in One Piece, and Renne in Trails in the Sky.
Also hey rude.
Waaah!?
(Who’s that child…?!?)
[sakura-glare] Iris! Haven’t I told you already that you shouldn’t talk like that to grown-ups? This is Ensign Ichiro Ogami, newly transferred to the Imperial Assault Troop.
Ah…I’m…Imperial Navy Ensign Ichiro Ogami.
Imperial Assault Troop, Flower Division, Iris. And this is Jean-Paul, the bear. He’s my best friend. I hope you two get along.
I’m pretty good with animals, don’t you worry.
Ogami, understandably, has reservations about a 10 year old being a soldier, but this is anime.
Sakura…
What is it?
He has the “Sprit Power” too…does that mean he’s going to fight in a “Koubu” as well?
Nah, I’m just the new ticket taker.
[sakura-glare] That’s right.
Oh, don’t worry, Iris. Let’s go back to your room and I’ll read you stories from that Mother Goose book.
OK.
Please excuse me for now.
Sakura has gone as well…Damn. I guess I’ll have to find Lieutenant General Yoneda on my own…
And now we’re alone.
And here you can see the layout of the theater. This little map screen is where we’ll be spending a lot of our time, but before that, something’s caught Ogami’s attention.
…Who was that? I think it came from the dining hall…
Yeah, the theater has I guess a restaurant attached.
Watch video: Meet Sumire
Sumire is voiced by Michie Tomizawa, who’s also known for such roles as Roberta from Black Lagoon, Mihoshi in the fourth Tenchi Muyo OVA series, Rachel from Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive…
Oh, and she’s goddamn Sailor Mars. That too.
…Are you talking to me?
Do you see anyone else? Wipe that stupid look off your face and get over here!
Ye-yes, ma’am…
Boy, you got it bad.
Pick up that fork I dropped over there and go get me a new one.
If there’s anything I’ve learned working retail, it’s that sometimes you just gotta give people what they want, it’s not worth fighting over.
Yes, right away! …Here, there you go.
Thank you. Oh, by the way, What do youo think about how that Maria just came out of nowhere and replaced me, top star Kanzaki Sumire, as the leader of the troop?
That old geezer Yoneda…he couldn’t spot a star if you hit him over the head with it.
Uhhhhhhhhh.
(Phew..) …I’m Imperial Navy Ensign Ichiro Ogami. I was transferred to the Imperial Assault Troop effective today. I’d like to report to Lieutenant General Yoneda…
Oh, and be so nice not to mention what I just said to Yoneda, OK? (kiss)
Excuse me, miss! This is improper work conduct!
Waah! Wh-What are you doing all of a sudden!?!
There, there, no need to turn all red. Just a little revenge…er, reward, is what I mean.
Ahem…Where might I find Lieutenant General Yoneda?
Mr. Yoneda is in the manager’s room. But remember, don’t mention our little talk. Do you understand Ensign Ogawa?
If that is all, please be on your way.
Y-Yes, ma’am…
That was exceptionally odd. Well, onto Yoneda’s office.
Lieutenant General Ikki Yoneda, the great strategist from the Russo-Japanese war. I wonder what kind of man he is.
Watch video: Meet Maria
Maria is the last major character we’ll be meeting today, and she’s voiced by Urara Takano. Maria is actually the most prominent role she’s played, though she also portrays Francis Drake in the Fate franchise and played Monkey D. Luffy in the original OVA pilot for One Piece, as well as a number of live-action dubbing roles.
Ah…excuse me. I’m Imperial Nacy Ensign Ichiro Ogami. I would like to see Lieutenant General Yoneda…
So you’re Ichiro Ogami, newly transferred to the Troop. Nice to meet you. My name is Maria Tachibana.
Miss Maria Tachibana…
So here’s another bit of LIPS. We can just…lookit girls. We can examine different parts of her body and Ogami will comment.
Her hair:
(I guess you can call this color platinum blonde.)
Her uniform:
(What a speckless display of uniform and posture.)
Her eyes:
(What brilliant green eyes…)
Ogami no.
(Nice…)
Bad.
And then we can just end this by talking to her mouth.
Lieutenant General Yoneda is in the manager’s office. I have training, so I must leave you.
But what type of practice was she talking about? Well then…I’ll finally meet Lieutenant General Yoneda.
And we’ll meet with the Lieutenant General next time.
A Fun Fact To Leave You On
Did you know that the concept for what would become Sakura Wars dates back to 1990, when Oji Hiroi saw a stage production of Shanghai Rhapsody and was impressed by the spectacle of the acting troupe he saw?