Platform: Sony Playstation 2
Region: NTSC-J
Country: Japan
Developer(s): Vridge
Publishers(s): D3 Publisher Inc.
ReleaseDate: 2004-12-22
Players: 1
Co-op: No
Bakumatsu Renka Shinsengumi (aka Bakumatsu Koihana Shinsengumi) is a love-adventure game developed by Bridge, that targets girl gamers by making as its main character the first female member of the Shinsen-Gumi. Players take the role of this character and deepen their relationship with Shinsen-Gumi commanders that include Soushi Okita and Shizou Katato. The game serves up a story based in truth where you have a chance to build a true love relationship. As the theme of the game differs from the combat-oriented Red and Genki Shinsen-Gumi titles, so too has the art style changed. This dating game is aimed towards girls and is more story driven. It goes on the premise, what if there was a lone girl in the Shinsengumi? What will happen? It is also follows certain events in Shinsengumi history like the Sumo wrestlers in Osaka, Serizawa's assasination, the raid at the Ikeda-ya and so on. Undoubtedly there is blood shed and relatively "mature" themes, thus the game has a rating of "for ages 12 and up". CHARACTERS: - Sakuraba Suzuka: Born in Aizu, Suzuka’s father ran a dojo and she learned the sword from an early age. After her father died, leaving the dojo with heavy debts, Suzuka decided that she should use her skill and asked Teruhime, the princess of Aizu, to help her get into the Shinsengumi. She is a passionate and dedicated girl, who wants to be accepted for her skill rather than stand out for being a girl. - Kondou Isamii: A very direct person, Kondou is also known as a womanizer and some see him as frivolous, even insincere. However, beyond that light-hearted persona is a very deep sense of justice and duty and devotion to Makoto, the code of the Shinsengumi and the way of the samurai. - Hijikata Toshizo: A calm and calculating man, but he is devoted to Kondou and works hard for him. Serious and somewhat formal, speaking without caution around him will arise his suspicions. However, in those he trusts he trusts completely. - Okita Souji: A kind young man who always seems to be smiling, but there is more than that to him. The one who fights with great skill with his sword is the same one that plays with neighborhood children. Totally devoted to the Shinsengumi. - Yamanami Keisuke: Kind and gentle, Yamanami does not get angry easily, however dishonestly will cause him to be upset. Although he is skilled with the sword, his talents in the Shinsengumi are better used for teaching literature and military arts. - Nagakura Shinpachi: A dependable person with a big, if sometimes rough, personality. He is fond of money. An ideal partner for him would be someone who wouldn’t shrink away from such a bold man. - Saitou Hajime: Hard to read because he doesn’t show a lot of emotion, the lone wolf of the group is considered one of the best in the Shinsengumi. Although he does seem to be distant, when he does become close to someone he shows his good nature. - Harada Sanosuke: Quick-tempered and sometimes a wild man who goes on instinct. Although one might only see a rough man, he is actually gentle and values his friends. Well-educated, that side only comes out when drunk, when he can present ideas that even stun the scholarly Yamanami. - Yamazaki Susumu: A cheerful cross-dresser, but very emotional at times. He prefers spying over using a sword, and uses a trained crow to help him gather information. - Todou Heisuke: From his sheltered childhood Todou can appear naïve and will often spring into a situation without thinking. Hates to be treated like a child, but looks up to Nagakura as a big brother. - Saitani Umetaro: A forward, direct person who is very self-confident and never bashful. Fascinated by new people and knowledge, but he can be quick to change, and may lose interest quickly. Note: Saitani is the alias that Sakamoto Ryoma used while working against the shogunate. - Matsudaria, Daimyo of Aizu: The appointed protector of Kyoto, and supporter of the Shinsengumi. - Teruhime, Princess of Aizu: Sister-in-law to Matsudaria, she lives in Aizu after her divorce from her husband. She is a friend and supporter to Suzuka, and they often exchange letters. - Serizawa Kamo: Early leader of the Shinsengumi, Serizawa is fond of drinking, and his iron fan will strike without warning to anyone who crosses him.
ESRB Rating: T - Teen
Genre(s): Adventure