Project Sakura Wars (Shin Sakura Taisen in Japan) got its reveal trailer at Sega Fes 2019 today, and the game will feature a brand-new cast who are part of a new Imperial Assault Force after the past cast disappeared 10 years ago. The game is set to come out Winter 2019 in Japan.

The character designs are not by Kousuke Fujishima this time, but rather Tite Kubo of Bleach fame. Another newcomer to the main staff is scenario writer Jirou Ishii, who you might know from 428: Shibuya Scramble and Time Travelers. Other main staff from previous games return, including Kouhei Tanaka on music, and of course, series creator Ouji Hiroi.

Check out the first trailer below:

Here’s Sega’s press release for the English release:

One of Sega’s greatest franchises is set to take the west by storm when Project Sakura Wars (working title) launches for PlayStation 4 in North America and Europe in spring 2020! A cultural phenomenon in Japan, the long-running series defined the JRPG / romance genre with its memorable characters, masterful writing, and sublime music. Now, a completely new entry is set to grace our shores.

The Combat Revues Are Going to War

The stage is set in a romanticized version of 1940s Imperial Tokyo. 10 years ago, a cataclysm resulted in the devastating loss of the Imperial Combat Revue of Tokyo, the capital’s global defense force operating out of the Imperial Theater. The theater has since fallen on hard times and risks closure. As captain of the new Tokyo revue, it’s up to you to mend the hearts of your troops and restore the Imperial Theater back to its former glory!

With its strong emphasis on character-driven storytelling and relationship building, fans will find plenty to love with Project Sakura Wars! Get your first look at the game by watching the announcement trailer.

Key Features

The Most Immersive Story Yet – During your adventure, you will be able to interact with a colorful cast of characters through the dynamic LIPS dialogue system, where what you say and how you say it has a profound impact on these relationships both off and on the battlefield.

– During your adventure, you will be able to interact with a colorful cast of characters through the dynamic LIPS dialogue system, where what you say and how you say it has a profound impact on these relationships both off and on the battlefield. A Rewarding Battle System – Armed with powerful mechs known as “spiricle armor,” the gameplay is augmented by a deep and robust combat system that takes full advantage of each squad member’s unique abilities.

– Armed with powerful mechs known as “spiricle armor,” the gameplay is augmented by a deep and robust combat system that takes full advantage of each squad member’s unique abilities. An Eye-catching Anime Production – Complete with gorgeous animated sequences and dramatic character arcs, the story will leave you hungry for what happens next.

Project Sakura Wars will feature Japanese voice acting with subtitles in English, German, French, and Spanish.

Project Sakura Wars is coming to Japan on PlayStation 4 in Winter 2019, and in NA and EU in Spring 2020.