Sakura Taisen 2 Review (Shin Force: Games: Reviews: Saturn)

Sakura Taisen 2

Reviewed
07.30.1999
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sonic/RED
Format
3 CD
Origin
Import
Available
Now (Japan)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
2D Perspective
View
3rd/1st
Genre
Strategy/RPG
Players
1 Player
Options
Backup
Requires
n/a
Importable
75%

INTRO:

> The dream has come true: the sequel to the most popular Saturn game in Japan has come for the Saturn and it rocks!! If you thought nobody could overcome the masterpiece that was the first part, you were right; but Sega/RED have done it; again, we have the marvelous character design from Kosuke Fujishima (Oh! My Goddess) and the gameplay that revolutionized Japan three years ago.

> Again we play the role of Hanagumi's commander, Oogami Ichirou in their fight for protecting Teito from the menace of the Black Demon Society. This game has new characters as well just like new members or the Fire Clan (Baragumi).

GRAPHICS:

> Absolutely awesome!! In the adventure part we have incredible hand-drawn sprites in high resolution. They're bigger in size and even more expressive than the ones found in the previous part. Backgrounds are more spacious and beautiful as well (In fact, the Imperial Theater is a lot bigger and counts with more rooms).

> In the strategic part we have sprites put in isometric perspective and all kinds of light sourcing and transparency effects...... unlike the first part, the extensive use of polygons in battles is noticeable...

CONTROL:

> There's nothing new in control. It's good and simple in both parts of the game. You only need two buttons (accept and cancel).

SOUND:

> If the first part had one of the best soundtracks I ever heard, there's no need to say this is as good as the previous one, and maybe better. Music is excellent (there are also a lot of kick ass vocal songs)...

> The same thing for the sound effects -- now there are more and better effects. This game comes

with the same voice actors as the first part (just like Lovely Chisa Yokoyama), which is excellent.

FUN:

> The first part is one of the best games I ever played. But this sequel is really close to perfection: in the adventure part you can find new LIPS features (just like double LIPS or timed LIPS with answers appearing or disappearing according time).

> The battle strategy has also been improved: now you got a "Taichou" (commander) menu where you can change your battle power balance; there are also new combined attacks and...... 8 different finals!!

> Another wonderful aspect in this game is its longevity: episodes are very much longer than the first part, and a lot funnier. You can find also different paths to finish them. In summary: you won't get bored of this game in a long, long time.

> But one sad thing is Sega didn't translate this game to English. But don't worry: my friend Kayama is doing an amazing text translation of the game. Visit Kayama for a Sakura Wars 2 translation (that's why this game has a 75% in importability rate).

BOTTOM LINE:
> Bury your Playstation now!! Sakura Taisen 2 is the last experience for a hardcore Saturn gamer... I can't wait for Sakura Wars 3. Dreamcast, maybe??
Overall: 10 | Graphics: 9.9 | Control: 9.9 | Sound: 10 | Fun: 10 ~ Dantares ~