04.16.05 - 1:42 AM
Sega has opened a new teaser site for the highly anticipated fifth installment of Ouji Hiroi's popular Sakura Taisen series. While the new site itself only mentions, that its official opening is scheduled to take place soon, one won't find any new information there so far. However, Japanese sources still managed to dig up some new information regarding Sakura Taisen V: Saraba Itoshiki Hito yo.
As previously announced, the game will feature the Hoshi-gumi, an elite division set up to defend New York City of 1920s against evil doers. The unit's commander and superior of protagonist Shinjirou Oogawa will be Ratchet Altair, who debuted in the movie Sakura Taisen Katsudou Shashin. Continuing the series tradition of introducing historical personalities as villains, the famous Japanese warworld Oda Nobunaga will mime the bad guy this time around. The story will also include the rise of Azuchi Castle, which Oda built in Japan during the 16th century, in New York City.
While the development team at Sega WOW have altered both the adventure and battle part, the latter has been altered to a greater degree. Aerial battles have been added and players will often find themselves fighting enemies in mid-air. The field map of the adventure part will be in 3D and players will now have a greater freedom when moving around in New York City. This was a reaction to complaints from players about not being able to head for the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe in Sakura Taisen 3. The LIPS system will obviously also make its return in an advanced form.
On April 28th, the Sakura Cafe and the Taishou Romandou will both begin accepting pre-orders for Sakura Taisen V. The Sakura Cafe will now let customers earn points, which they in turn can use to get their hands on limited edition goods, such as an original 64MB USB flash memory stick or a line marker set. Beginning on April 23rd, fans will also be able to get 50% discounts on various items. Those who purchase a special Mystery Bag for 10,000 yen ($92.49 US), will receive special limited edition Sakura Taisen goods which are not for sale.
Sakura Taisen V: Saraba Itoshiki Hito yo will be released in Japan on July 7th. The game's standard edition will be available for 7,800 yen ($72.14 US), while the limited edition Show Time Box, whose contents have yet to be announced, will carry a retail price of 14,000 yen ($129.49 US).
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| Chris Winkler |