D3 Publisher and developer VRIDGE have announced that otome visual novel Bakumatsu Renka Shinsengumi: Jinchuu Houkoku no Shi will be released in English, for Switch and Steam. It will launch sometime in 2021 with Japanese audio and English, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese text support.
The Western release will be solely digital–available through the Nintendo eShop and Steam catalogue, while the Japan release, will be available both physically and digitally.
Bakumatsu Renka Shinsengumi first launched for PlayStation 2 in December 2004 in Japan, followed by DS in November 2008. The updated, Bakumatsu Renka Shinsengumi: Jinchuu Houkoku no Shi features high-resolution support, system improvements, and more.
Story
The game follows Sazuka, a young woman who has grown up as the only daughter of a small dojo in Aizu. Her father, who dreamed of becoming a swordsman, suddenly abandoned his family and his dojo. With no other options, she was forced to close her family dojo and go into service under Teruhime the sister-in-law of Matsudaira Katamori, the lord of the Aizu domain, with the help of her mother who also works at the residence of the Aizu domain in Edo.
Sazuka enters the Aizu clan’s residence as a replacement for her remarried mother realizes that her father’s dream of becoming a swordsman, had become her own. Teruhime, after learning of the girl’s troubles, remembered hearing of a group of swordsman that had taken up residence in Kyoto.
As the group, known as the Mibu Roushi was under the Aizu clan, Teruhime asked his brother-in-law, Katamori, to help the young girl join them.
And so, Sazuka heads to Kyoto, where the Mibu Roushi is stationed, to join their ranks.. The Mibu Roushi… a group made up of the most fierce swordsmen, would later become the Shinsengumi!
Features
- High-Resolution Support – The new Switch port will feature high quality improvements to the UI, and art assets–including the character sprites, backgrounds, menus, and event CGs.
- System Improvements – Using the DS version as the template, new features have been added such as “Log Jump” which allow players to re-read previous dialogue, auto-save when making choices, and more, making the game much more enjoyable during subsequent playthroughs. The port will also support Japanese, English, and Traditional Chinese language options.
- Bonus Elements – A gallery to view in-game full-body character illustrations has been added. Plus numerous packaging illustrations, event-exclusive merchandise illustrations, and more are also featured, allowing players to enjoy the charm of Bakumatsu Renka Shinsengumi to the fullest extent possible.
Characters
Isami Kondou
CV. Morita Masakazu
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 Toshizou
CV. Ryotaro Okiayu
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.
Souji Okita
CV: Akira Ishida
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
CV: Katsuyuki Konishi
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.
Shinpachi Nagakura
CV: Shotaro Morikubo
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.
Saito Hajime
CV: Shinichiro Miki
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
CV. Nakai Kazuya
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.
Heisuke Todo
CV: Taiki Matsuno
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.
Yamazaki Susumu
CV: Junko Minagawa
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.
Umetaro Saiya
CV: Takahiro Sakurai
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.
Suzuka Sakuraba
(name changeable)
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.
Screenshots
The 2008-released DS title Bakumatsu Renka Shinsengumi reappears with a new look. This is a romance visual novel that depicts the protagonist’s growth and her connection with the other members of the Shinsengumi, intertwined with the historical events and turmoil that occurred in real-life. As the first female member of the Shinsengumi, she will deepen her bonds with Shinsengumi members such as Isami Kondou and Toshizou Hijikata, and eventually fall in love. What fate awaits her and her lover at the end of the turbulent era…?
There isn’t an official release date yet, but you can get more details via the official website!!
