Aksys has announced that Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi is set to be released on February 19th, 2013. Every retail copy will include a 16-page, full-color character guide, which will showcase artwork of each playable character from the game. In addition, if you pre-order a copy through Amazon before February 19th, they will include a Hakuoki bandana.
Developed by Idea Factory, this will be the second title in the Hakuoki series. It marks a change from the first title, Demon of the Fleeting Blossom, in that it will not be a visual novel. While the strong narrative of the first game will remain an integral part of the game, the second addition marks a change in gameplay by including hack-and-slash combat, as well as character level-ups.
Warriors of the Shinsengumi provides players with two major story line options, as well as a skirmish mode. In the Shinsengumi Memorial story mode, players will have the option of playing through the battles from Demon of the Fleeting Blossom as one of the six main characters, and it will include anime cut scenes. In the Shinsengumi Chronicle story mode, players are given the chance to play out the story in an alternate universe. Skirmish mode will allow the player to revisit previously cleared stages to earn higher scores, and it contains two additional characters to unlock. The game also offers an interesting mechanic – if a character’s life is spent, they will enter into the powerful “Fury Mode,” which will unleash devastation in its path. However, if it is used too often, it will unlock a bad ending for the game.
The game provides an interesting mix of genres – by blending components of a visual novel with the elements of a hack-and-slash, Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi should provide gamers with a unique gameplay experience.
Pre-order today from Amazon for the bandana!
