Sakura Wars vs Sakura Wars!

In this thread I'll be chronicling my rewatch of the original Sakura Wars TV anime that aired exactly 20 years ago as well as the brand new Sakura Wars anime that started today.

One episode per series at a time. Let's go! #sakura_taisen

Hanagumi! #sakura_taisen 2000 01

Geki Teikouku Kagekidan is a truly memorable OP. Absolutely fantastic. #sakura_taisen 2000 01

The visual quality isn't the best, but I'll make do. Even the "bluray release" that happened recently doesn't upscale the show to HD. #sakura_taisen 2000 01

So, the imperial combat unit we follow is called Hanagumi, or Flower Troupe, which is a direct reference to Takarazuka Kagekidan, of which Hanagumi is one of the five troupes.

You'll notice the "kagekidan" mention in the OP title too. #sakura_taisen 2000 01

I believe this actually predates the real Hanagumi doing Romeo & Juliet funnily enough. #sakura_taisen 2000 01

It's a shame that despite the heavy Takarazuka influence, Sakura Wars as a franchise is notoriously straight. Sadly I doubt the latest entry will change that, but we'll see.

At least we get to see these beauties together on stage. Maria is so pretty. #sakura_taisen 2000 01

Look at her.

Fucking look at this beauty.

I love her. #sakura_taisen 2000 01

There's a potential risk that most of this thread will just be me gushing over how hot Maria is for the 2000 series. #sakura_taisen 2000 01

For anyone unfamiliar with the original Sakura Wars.

It's a steampunk mecha anime where the soldiers are also actresses in a Takarazuka inspired musical theater setting.

Basically it's the best concept since sliced bread. #sakura_taisen 2000 01

Sadly, while I do enjoy the series a lot, it never quite manages to actually make use of its set-up as well as it could. But it's still a good RPG series overall. #sakura_taisen 2000 01