The appeal and evaluation of "Sakura Wars Gouka Ranman": A must-read review for fans

Sakura Wars Gouka Ranman - The appeal of the OVA born from the game

Sakura Wars Gouka Ranman is an OVA series released in 1999, based on the popular Sega game Sakura Wars. This OVA is made up of 6 volumes, each with a 30-minute episode. It was released by Bandai Visual and produced by RADIX. With a stellar staff including Hiroi Ouji as the author and Kudo Susumu as the director, this is a work that fans cannot miss.

Story and setting

"Sakura Wars Gouka Ranman" is set in a fictional Tokyo in the 1920s. It depicts the members of the Flower Troupe, including the main character Sakura Shinguji, fighting to protect the city from monsters and invaders as part of the Teikoku Kagekidan. While based on the story of the game, the OVA's unique episodes are developed, and the charm of the characters is explored even more deeply.

What is particularly noteworthy is that each episode features a different theme and enemy. For example, the first episode begins with an attack by the monsters "Kuro no Su-kai," and depicts how the members of the Flower Troupe work together to repel them. Also, in the third episode, Maria Tachibana's past is revealed, and her character background is depicted in depth. Through these episodes, viewers can feel the growth and bond between the members of the Flower Troupe.

Characters and cast

The appeal of "Sakura Wars Gouka Ranman" lies above all in the appeal of its characters. The main character, Sakura Shinguji, is voiced by Yokoyama Chisa, and her bright and positive personality is well expressed. The voice actors for each character, including Tomizawa Michie as Kanzaki Sumire, Takano Rei as Maria Tachibana, and Nishihara Kumiko as Iris, are also impressive, and the individuality of each character is well conveyed.

In particular, you can't miss Sakura Shinguji's story of growth. Although she is hesitant to fight at first, she is shown to grow stronger through the bonds she forms with her companions. In addition, each character's story is carefully drawn, including the gap between Sumire Kanzaki's cool exterior and her inner kindness, Maria Tachibana's past trauma and the strength to overcome it, and Iris' purity and growth.

Production and staff

Many talented staff members are involved in the production of "Sakura Wars Gouka Ranman." The original story was written by Hiroi Ouji, the character draft was by Fujishima Kosuke, the character design was by Matsubara Hidenori, the music was by Tanaka Kohei, the director was Kudo Susumu, the series supervisor was Akahori Satoru, and the series composition and scriptwriting was by Kawasaki Hiroyuki. This impressive lineup of staff members has worked together to recreate and further deepen the worldview of the game in the new medium of OVA.

In particular, the work of Hidenori Matsubara, the character designer, is superb. While faithfully recreating the characters from the game, he incorporates unique expressions for the OVA, bringing out the best in the characters. Additionally, Kohei Tanaka's work on the music is also superb, with the background music that livens up the battle scenes and moving scenes in the play being very memorable.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Sakura Wars Gouka Ranman" is a work that is widely supported not only by game fans but also by anime fans. It has been highly praised in all aspects, including the development of the story, the charm of the characters, and the quality of the production. In particular, the episodes depicting the growth and bonds between the members of the Flower Troupe are sure to strike a strong chord with viewers.

This OVA will give viewers a deeper understanding and a deeper feeling for the story of the game. And even for those who don't know the game, it's a work that can be enjoyed for its charming characters and story. In particular, the unique worldview set in 1920s Tokyo and the exploits of the Hanagumi members have the power to draw viewers in.

The recommended points are as follows:

• Character Appeal: The personalities and growth of the Hanagumi members, including Sakura Shinguji, are carefully portrayed.
• Story development: While based on the game's story, the OVA has its own unique episodes, keeping viewers entertained.
• Production quality: The work of each staff member, including character design, music, and direction, is of a high standard, making it a treat to both see and hear.
• Worldview: The unique worldview set in 1920s Tokyo is fascinating and has the power to draw viewers in.

"Sakura Wars Gouka Ranman" is a work that can be recommended to a wide range of people, regardless of whether they are a game fan or an anime fan. Please watch this OVA and enjoy the activities and growth of the members of the Flower Troupe.

More Information

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

game

■ Release date

December 18, 1999, 6 volumes

■Release and sales

Bandai Visual

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 6

■Original Story

Original author: Hiroi Oji

■ Director

・Director: Susumu Kudo

■ Production

RADIX

■Works

©1990SEGA ENTERPRISES, LTD./BANDAI VISUAL/ANIMATE VILM