Sega shared new information, screenshots, and first gameplay footage of Project Sakura Wars during its first “Sakura Wars Imperial Theater Propaganda Department Report” official broadcast today, introducing new characters Sumire Kanzaki, Kaoru Rindou, Komachi Ooba, and Reiji Shiba, as well as the locations in the Great Imperial Theater and more.

Get the details below.

■ Characters

Sumire Kanzaki (voiced by Michie Tomizawa)

“I want you to be the leader for the Floral Division of the Imperial Combat Revue. Is that alright with you?”

An ex-top star actress of the Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division. She takes care of the Great Imperial Theater and the new Combat Revue as a whole. Since retiring from the stage, her snobbish attitude has become milder, though she still boasts the aura of a top actress. She is a woman whose presence itself overwhelms those that confront her. Seeing potential in Kamiyama’s abilities while he was in the Navy, she appointed him as the new leader of the Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division. She devotes everything into rebuilding the Floral Division.

Kaoru Rindou (voiced by Yui Ishikawa)

“Compared to the joy of serving lady Sumire, everything else is trivial.

The secretary for Imperial Combat Revue leader Sumire Kanzaki. Also a member of the Wind Division of the revue. She has a quick mind and is very good with numbers. She also boasts an abnormally good memory, and serves Sumire who is a core member of the Great Imperial Theater, Combat Revue, and Kanzaki Heavy Industries. She supports Sumire in every way and sumire trusts her undoubtedly. She also handles finance, accounting, and the overall office work for the Imperial Theater. She is very strict on her budget and oftentimes is found arguing with Komachi Ooba. While the Floral Division is in combat, she boards transport ship Shouwageimaru or supports from mission control.

Komachi Ooba (voiced by Ryoko Shiraishi)

“Hehehe, I’ll give ya a bargain for anything!”

A super merchant from Osaka. She has a extremly bright personality, but a also speaks as loud and fast as a machine gun. “I’ll give ya a bargain!” is her catchphrase. Normally, she is in charge of the gift shop of the Great Imperial Theater, assorting a wide variety of goods such as newspapers, daily goods, and merchandise of the actors. She is also tasked with procuring materials for the Floral Division. Her motto is to “stock whatever it is no matter what” and she really does bring mostly whatever it is you request her. In battle, she supports the Floral Division from the transport ship Showugeimaru, or from the mission command room.

Reiji Shiba (voiced by Tomokazu Sugita)

“Leave the maintenance of Mugen to me! Seijuurou, you focus on winning this fight!”

A friend of Kamiyama since the academy days. Kamiyama was the top graduate of the military academy, while Shiba was the top graduate of the engineering academy. He is both a rival and good friend. He is the head mechanic for the Floral Division and maintains / tinkers various weapons and machines. Because of his position as head mechanic and him also being a head graduate, he sees Kamiyama as a rival and often gets into quarrals. He also makes the props for the Imperial Theater, and works behind the scenes for both the Imperial Theater and Combat Revue.

■ Locations

1st Floor Lobby

When you enter the front entrance of the Great Imperial Theater, you will be in the lobby. To the left is a shop and at the end of the hallway is a dining room.

Dining Room

The dining room of the Great Imperial Theater. It is normally open to general visitors, and is busy with people eating.

Inside the Theater

The inside of the theater is the main facility of the Great Imperial Theater. It has an old-fashioned, while also adoring atmosphere, and is where the Floral Division puts on their performances.

Courtyard

The courtyard of the Great Imperial Theater. The pond in the middle of the couryard is enshrined with an extra-big Spiricle Crystal.

Manager’s Office

Sumire Kanzaki’s office. While Sumire has become manager and changed the interior design, the picture frame of the Imperial Combat Revue remains untouched.

2nd Floor Hallway

The hallway that leads to each group member’s private room. The left side leads to each member’s room, while a salon can be seen in the back.

2nd Floor Salon

A salon located in the private space on the second floor of the Imperial Theater. It is a place of relaxation for the Floral Division members.

Kamiyama’s Room

Kamiyama’s room on the second floor. It was the room used by the former captain of the Floral Division.

Large Bath House (Locker Room)

The locker room of the large bath house in the basement of the Imperial Theater. What kinds of things will happen here…?

Hangar

An underground hangar where Spiricle Fighters such as Sanshiki Koubu and Mugen are stored and serviced.

Mission Command Room

The room where briefings are held when the Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division is sent out to battle.

■ Mechs

Airship: Shouwageimaru

The airship that transports the Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division and their Spiricle Fighters to various places when they head out to battle. The ship is operated by the Imperial Combat Revue: Wind Division.

■ Adventure Part: Events

During adventure parts, “events” will occur during the story, and you can freely roam around the Imperial Theater and streets of Ginza. By controlling Kamiyama and advancing thorugh events, the story will progress.

—Freely roam around the map to proceed through events.

—Event locations and target characters are indicated by a green exclamation mark. There are sub-events in addition to main events, and you can also examine objects on the map.

—Shiny spots allow you to obtain clues for events, bromides, and such. Also, the actions required for the next main event are displayed on the upper right of the screen.

Time Limited Events

At times, events that have a certain time limit to be cleared will appear. Talk to the character, obtain the information, and clear the event within the time limit indicated by the gauge.

■ LIPS: Live & Interactive Picture System

The time limited choices system LIPS that has appeared in previous Sakura Wars games returns in Project Sakura Wars. Depending on your chosen response, the character’s Trust Level and scenario will change, so choose your answers carefully. Also, there is no “failure” for running out of time—not answering is also a choice.

Analog LIPS

By using the up and down buttons on the d-pad when replying, you can control the nuance of your response. While their response will be the same, how it comes out will change depending on the strength or weakness of the reply. Depending the scene, the camera moves in coordinance with your input, and there are scenes made for 3D as well.