Hakuoki is big on alternate histories

By Jenni Lada // 3.29.183.26.18

The Hakuoki series has always been one that offered an opportunity to enjoy alternate histories. Adding supernatural creatures to retellings of historical events is going to do that. As is adding in romance elements, since the players falling for these warriors will want happy endings with the men they love. Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds and Edo Blossoms takes this concept to new heights. These new and expanded storylines offer even more alternate takes, some of which play with the course of fictional events.

PC Vita

Iba is in a unique position in Hakuoki

By Jenni Lada // 3.20.183.21.18

Hachiro Iba is in a unique situation in Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms. As a new bachelor, he has an entirely fresh storyline. There is also the fact that he is a childhood friend of Chizuru Yukimura, since this provides new background on her life. But there is one more important way in which Hachiro is a game changer. Through him, we have an entirely new look at the Fury situation.

Guide PSP Vita

English Vita otome games: a guide

By Jenni Lada // 2.12.184.25.19

In the years since Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom made its English debut in 2012, otome games have enjoyed a surge of popularity worldwide. The genre went from an unknown to one that received multiple releases on various platforms each year. Sony handhelds have long been a haven for such titles, with people who own a Vita enjoying the fruits of this bevy of releases.

3DS Guide Mobile PC PS3 PSP Vita

Which Hakuoki should you play?

By Jenni Lada // 11.6.171.19.18

Games get rereleased all the time. But the same getting almost back-to-back iterations over a six-year period? That might just seem crazy! No, wait, it is crazy! But that is exactly what has happened with Hakuoki, an otome visual novel series with new versions appearing on different platforms year after year. What’s going on?

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Sympathizing with Sanan in Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds

By Jenni Lada // 5.25.1711.4.17

One of Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds’ major plot points is the supernatural soldiers within the Shinsengumi. Certain members are given a specific sort of medicine known as the Water of Life. It transforms them into powerful and durable beings akin to vampires. They can only walk around at night, have white hair and crimson eyes when enraged and go mad at the sight of blood. While every iteration has explored these characters, it is this specific entry and Keisuke Sanan’s route that gives us an opportunity to better understand what happens when a man becomes one of the Furies.

Review Vita

Review: Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds brings us into familiar territory

By Jenni Lada // 5.18.179.2.19

How many times have we seen a Hakuoki English release? Let’s go through this together. It started on the PlayStation Portable in 2012 with Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom. A year later in 2013, Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi came to the 3DS. In 2014, Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi showed up on the PlayStation 3. In 2015, mobile devices received Hakuoki. It is now 2017 and we’re privy to the fifth iteration on the PlayStation Vita: Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds. While there are new stories to enjoy, it’s difficult to overcome the sense of ennui that stems from yet another version of Hakuoki.

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Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds shows off Nagakura’s kind heart

By Jenni Lada // 5.8.1711.4.17

Shinpachi Nagakura is a Hakuoki mainstay. The Shinsengumi’s 2nd Division acting captain has been a prominent character in every single game, often acting as a scene stealer, but the story never actually centered on him. With Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds, Nagakura finally gets all of our attention. It also means that, for the first time, we really get to appreciate this well-rounded character.