Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi is an update of the original visual novel featuring improved graphics, trophies, and side-stories from Zuisōroku . The game follows Chizuru Ogiso as she reunites with her father, a doctor, in Edo, Japan. Unbeknownst to her, her father's past is shrouded in mystery, and he has been working as a doctor for the Shinsengumi, a group of elite samurai.
The gameplay revolves around Chizuru's interactions with various characters, including those from the Shinsengumi. Players must navigate through dialogue choices that impact the story, making decisions that will influence the fate of the characters and the outcome of the game. The action elements come into play during battles, where players can choose to fight or use stealth tactics to outmaneuver their opponents.