Sakura Wars OVA 2

Ohgami is about to leave for Paris and is remembering some of the time he has spent with the Flower Division.

The second Sakura Wars OVA covers events from the first and second video games. There are two new characters in the Flower Division that weren't in the first OVA and they don't get introductions, however, they are great additions to the troupe. It's obvious that quite a lot has happened between the first and second OVA's, and those who have played the games are going to get the most enjoyment out of these episodes, but it is pretty easy to follow and get into things for those who haven't. These episodes are Ohgami reminiscing about some of the time he spent with the Flower Division as he packs his bags to leave for Paris. However, just like in the first OVA, he doesn't play much of a role here.

In the first episode, Maria is forced to confront an old adversary after he threatens to detonate the bomb he hid somewhere in the Imperial Theater. This episode has more action than the others do, with some very nice looking sequences. In the second episode, Iris is playing the lead role for an upcoming play, but she feels a lot of pressure from the other actresses. Reni also gets some good time in when she tries to console Iris. In another episode, The Flower Division is cast in a movie, but there are rumors that the studio they are recording in is haunted. While filming the final scene, a ghost really does appear and it possesses Ohgami. The way the Sumire handles the whole situation is brilliant and very fitting for her type of character.

The last two episodes focus on the heroine of the series, Sakura Shinguji, as she goes with General Yoneda to her relative's wedding. While taking the train there, Yoneda has flashbacks about Sakura's father, Kazuma. These scenes go a long way in not only showing how much Yoneda cares for Sakura and the other girls in the Flower Division, but it also helps explain much more about the first Demon War. All of this fills in some of the gaps in the story from the first OVA and explains the crucial role the Shinguji family plays in the fight against the demons.

Visually, this OVA is even more stunning than its predecessor, with absolutely gorgeous animation. The opening theme is a remixed version of "Geki Teikoku Kagekidan," and each episode the song is sung by a different character. The ending song is different in every episode, with each one being sung by the character the episode focused on.

This OVA plays out very differently than the first one did. Where the first OVA was all introductions and setup, this sequel just provides some excellent character stories that do an excellent job expanding on a cast I've really grown to like. It takes place after the first series, but it doesn't build much on the main plot, the girls don't even pilot their Spirit Armors or fight any demons. These episodes show how familiar the characters have become with one another and how popular they now are as actresses.

At this point in time I have not played the games, but there is more than enough material and cohesiveness to the story from just the first two OVA's to make me a fan. Sakura Wars isn't for everyone, but if it sounds like something you might enjoy, I definitely recommend checking it out.

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Written by Marc Frost on Mar 29, 2014