The Sakura Wars series has reached its 30th anniversary, and a new Weekly Famitsu interview with several of the franchise’s key creators has offered an intriguing look at where the series could go next. Among the revelations is that a plot for a potential Sakura Wars 6 already exists, while SEGA has also expressed its desire to bring the original games to modern platforms.
Sakura Wars creator Oji Hiroi revealed that he developed the plot for Sakura Wars 6 when there were discussions about producing another entry in the series. While the existence of the story does not mean a sixth game is currently in development, Hiroi apparently has a concept ready should SEGA ever ask him to develop a prototype.
The story would also introduce a character named Black Swan, who Hiroi described as a good character currently in cryogenic hibernation. There is one slight complication, however, as Hiroi said the plot may no longer be on his computer. He also declined to reveal the identity of the person who may possess the only other copy.
For anyone wondering what such a game would actually be called, Hiroi confirmed that it would simply be Sakura Wars 6 rather than Sakura Wars VI. He joked that he was not sure why the series switched to Roman numerals for the fifth entry in the first place.
The interview also brought some potentially significant news for fans hoping to revisit the older games. SEGA producer, director and supervisor Akira Nishino said the company would like to bring the original Sakura Wars games to modern platforms, covering the series from the first game through Sakura Wars V: So Long, My Love.
Nishino explained that there are various circumstances preventing the company from easily moving forward with such a project, but said SEGA is still looking for a way to make it happen. That does not amount to an announcement of a remastered collection or modern ports, but it does show that the idea is something SEGA is actively interested in pursuing.
There is also apparently more to the story of New Sakura Wars, released as Sakura Wars in the West. Nishino said he has a vision for how the game’s story could continue all the way to its conclusion, although he acknowledged that having a vision is not enough unless it is eventually brought into the world. He did not confirm that a sequel is currently being developed or explain how his plans could ultimately be realized.
Sakura Wars scenario writer Satoru Akahori also offered a particularly curious tease. After stepping away from the franchise following Sakura Wars V: So Long, My Love, Akahori said that he has recently become involved with something related to Sakura Wars again. He did not reveal what that project is, but suggested that fans should look forward to hearing more.
That is not the only mystery surrounding the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Nishino also revealed that SEGA is preparing another major Sakura Wars-related initiative beyond the previously announced anniversary projects, including pop-up shops and New Sakura Wars the Stage: Seiden TSURUGI. Exactly what this additional project will be remains unknown, and Nishino did not confirm whether it will be related to a game.
With Sakura Wars having officially celebrated its 30th anniversary on September 27, the latest comments leave the series with several possible paths forward. There is a Sakura Wars 6 plot somewhere, SEGA would like to make the classic games available on modern hardware, and the team behind New Sakura Wars still has ideas for where that story could go. None of these comments amount to a new game announcement just yet, but there is clearly still plenty happening behind the scenes as the franchise enters its fourth decade.