Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love takes place in the New York of 1928. For the first time in the series, you don't play as Ichirou Oogami, but as his nephew, Shinjiro Taiga. The young man is sent from Japan to serve in New York under the command of Ratchet Altair, the leader of the local Kagekidan (New York Combat Revue, Star Division), a group of young ladies who can pilot giant mechs and fight supernatural evil. A resurrection of a medieval Japanese warlord is about to take place in New York, and it's up to our heroes to stop the evil.
Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love features the same gameplay system as in previous Sakura Taisen games. The gameplay is divided into adventure and battle modes. During the adventure mode, you walk around downtown New York, talking to characters. You'll have to quickly choose one of several available answers or actions, which determine the level of affection your female comrades feel for you. Depending on your choices, you'll reach one of six different endings, being together with one of the six girls. The strategic battles take place on a 3D battle field, where you navigate your battle mechs and use a special bar to perform limited actions. You can attack, defend, or perform special attacks, unique for each party member.