Sega has officially announced Project Sakura Wars (working title, Shin Sakura Taisen in Japan) for PlayStation 4. The “dramatic 3D action adventure” game will launch this winter in Japan, and in spring 2020 in North America and Europe.

Here is the official English press release:

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.

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!

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.

Here are the first details, via Famitsu:

■ The Curtain Rises on a New Chapter in “Taisho Year 29” of the Imperial Capital!

The steampunk franchise Sakura Wars is set in the fictional “Taisho Era,” where steam-based technology has been developed. This game is both a legitimate sequel and all-new work.

The game is set in the Imperial Capital of Tokyo 12 years after the events of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love. Due to the “Great Kouma War” 10 years prior, Tokyo, Paris, and New York’s Combat Revues were annihilated, but the cities of the world established new Combat Revues, and a competition called the “Great World Combat Revue Battle” was to be held as a result.

The player will experience the story of protagonist Seijuurou Kamiyama, who leads the “New Combat Revue” and clashes with the “Kouma” that threaten the city’s harmony, as well as with the Combat Revues of each country.

■ Familiar Game Systems Return with Enhancements

The game system is a cycle of “adventure” and “battle” parts. Players will strengthen their bonds with the heroines, and the series’ familiar structure will return with enhancements.

During adventure parts, you can freely explore the Great Imperial Theater and streets of Ginza depicted in 3D graphics, communicate with the members of the Combat Revue, and enjoy various stories. Here, you will strengthen the trust between you and the heroines, which will not only influence the story, but also allow you to gain an upper hand in battle. Of course, the game is full of various elements, including anime movies and mini-games.

■ Characters

Seijuurou Kamiyama (voiced by Yohei Azakami)

The protagonist of Project Sakura Wars. The leader of the “Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division.” 20 years-old. He originally served as a special service ship captain in the navy, but was reassigned to the Imperial Combat Revue, where he was appointed the commanding officer of the newly reborn “Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division.”

Sakura Amamiya (voiced by Ayane Sakura)

A member of the “Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division.” 17 years-old. She admires Sakura Shinguuji, the top star of the former Floral Division, and enlists in the Floral Division as a novice member. She has strong feelings for the Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division that protects Tokyo, as well as the Imperial Opera Troupe that boosts the citizens’ spirits, and greatly desires the reconstruction of both sides.

Hatsuho Shinonome (voiced by Maaya Uchida)

A member of the “Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division.” 17 years-old. A shrine maiden of the Shinonome Shrine, passed down from generation to generation in the Imperial Capital. Born in the old town, she is a pure woman of Edo who loves the old town, festivals, and the town’s people. While she usually comes off as rude, she is a mediator who proves reliable to everyone in the Floral Division.

Azami Mochizuki (voiced by Hibiku Yamamura)

A member of the “Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division.” 13 years-old. The descendant of a ninja family that practices in the Mochizuki Style, she is a young prodigy that has mastered martial arts, strategy, weaponry, and the like. Since before she could even perceive the world, she had a strict upbringing, and strongly believes in the “108 Laws” passed down from the ancient ninja village. Protecting those laws are of great importance to her.

Anastasia Palma (voiced by Ayaka Fukuhara)

A member of the “Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division.” 19 years-old. A star who played an active role in European theater. She wandered from troupe to troupe before joining the Imperial Combat Revue. Her singing and acting abilities are top class, and given her looks, she can easily handle a wide range of roles, from male roles to sexy female roles.

Claris (voiced by Saori Hayami)

A member of the “Imperial Combat Revue: Floral Division.” 16 years-old. She is from Luxembourg. She is a sweet literary girl who loves reading books. Through books, she is learning various things each day and is filled to the brim with curiosity. Her full name is Clarissa Snowflake. She is the successor of “Juumadou” black magic, which utilizes books and is passed down from generation to generation in the noble Snowflake family of Luxembourg.

■ Staff