SEGA Exploring Ways to Bring Sakura Wars Originals to Modern Consoles for 30th Anniversary

SEGA is working to make the original Sakura Wars games accessible on modern consoles, according to producer Akira Nishino in an interview with Famitsu. The effort comes as the series marks its 30th anniversary.

"Of course, we would like to [bring the original games to modern consoles] as well," Nishino told Famitsu. "However, there are various circumstances involved, so it's not something we can easily move forward with. Still, we want to find a way, and we're working hard each day."

The Sakura Wars franchise spans six main entries, with the most recent being New Sakura Wars, which launched on PS4 in 2020. The West's first official entry came much later: Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love released on PS2 in 2010, five years after its original 2005 Japanese debut. The original games combine visual novel, dating sim, and tactical RPG elements, making localization and porting complex undertakings.

Nishino did not specify what obstacles prevent easier ports, though the text-heavy nature of these titles and the translation work required likely factor into the challenge. Many fans have relied on emulators and fan translation packs to experience the earlier entries on modern systems.

Meanwhile, franchise creator Oji Hiroi confirmed he has written a scenario for a potential new game. "There had been discussions about making" it, Hiroi said, though he clarified that having ideas does not mean a title is actively in development.

For the 30th anniversary, SEGA is planning pop-up shops and stage shows in Japan. The publisher also mentioned it is "preparing something else big," though it declined to specify whether that project is game-related.