Sakura MMO Extra Review – The Harem Returns

Ecchi visual novel developer Winged Cloud and long-time partner publisher Gamuzumi have developed something of a reputation for including fetishistic themes in their games. The outstanding Sakura MMO series hyped up the pleasing theme of fantasy game characters in a harem setting. Now, the series steps out of retirement, implementing the additional, previously touched-on theme of sexy French maids. Ooh la la.

Introduction

Sakura MMO Extra is a direct sequel to the earlier Sakura MMO trilogy, set roughly a year after the start of the series and continuing the story of Viola the dark witch several months after the events of Sakura MMO 3. It is the final game in its particular series at time of writing, while the ‘Sakura’ series of visual novel games continues in many other sister sub-series and one-off titles.

The game revives the regular theme of fan-service throughout the adventure. Once again, it is a short visual novel which includes another easy platinum trophy. The game was released by regular ‘Sakura’ buddies Winged Cloud and Gamuzumi, arriving on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 as a cross-buy title on 15th September, 2023, following a ten month break after previous episode Sakura MMO 3.

Sakura MMO Extra largely ignores the options of the player-controlled narrative offered in Sakura MMO 3 and follows an established canon which continues on from Sakura MMO 3’s ‘harem’ ending. The game continues the epic adventures and sexy antics of Viola, Eleri, Neve, and Fion, while also reuniting most of the extended cast featured in the previous games.

Story

It has now been a year since Kotone came to the world of Asaph and became reborn as the iconic dark witch Viola. After saving Asaph and choosing to remain in this beautiful world permanently, Viola and her group of sexy live-in girlfriends spend their days adventuring across the land, taking on jobs from the local guild office to elevate Viola’s previously wicked reputation.

By disguising herself as yet another alter ego, the heroic adventurer ‘Violet’, and befriending the guild master Maidie, Viola has developed a surprising respect from Asaph’s residents, and nothing short of love from her harem of admirers. Viola, Neve, Eleri, and Fion share a passionate, polyamorous relationship together, with Viola at the centre of this sexy arrangement.

Still, Viola’s admirers continue to emerge from outside of this promiscuous quartet, and Viola is only too happy to entertain her new friends. Now, the group indulge in a new fetish which Viola previously experimented with via her own maid Neve, with the whole group now enticing others by cosplaying as sexy maids in Maidie’s new enterprise: a cute new Japanese-style maid café!

Progression

In the same style as its predecessors, Sakura MMO Extra utilises a single-button interface to move the text forward. Tapping the Cross button will move the text on to the next line or paragraph, while tapping L1 allows you to rewind to the last line or scene. Pressing the Square button will let the text auto-play, while R1 acts as a fast-forward option, allowing you to skip ahead at a vastly accelerated rate.

Text display speed can be adjusted from the main menu. While Sakura MMO Extra is intended to add seamlessly to the previous trilogy, its runtime for a genuine playthrough has been slightly extended and will likely take around 3 hours now. This can be further extended by replaying the game to explore specific love interests which unlock alternate endings, each of which is required to unlock a specific selection of trophies.

If you wish, you can skip all dialogue entirely, speeding through the text instantly to get your platinum trophy in as little as ten minutes. To unlock every trophy in one staggered playthrough, you’ll need to utilise some save-file manipulation to jump back to key dialogue route choices. A guide is recommended for this option.

Graphics/Sound

As before, Sakura MMO Extra still recycles a great deal of imagery from its previous installments, yet these sprites, backdrops, and character images remain some of Winged Cloud’s best artwork. New character sprites and artwork feature regular use of the game’s theme of French maid costumes and are delivered with the same quality and attention to detail as before.

Characters are bright, colourful, and expressive from scene to scene. As per usual for ecchi-themed developer Winged Cloud, full focus is placed on the all-female cast of characters, with the featured ladies always being beautiful, and sporting an assortment of sexy outfits. Viola’s nightdress will always turn a few heads.

Again, characters aren’t animated and will only move or gesture as their sprites reset after each line of dialogue advances, with no independent blinking or lip-syncing, however characters in the Sakura series are not voiced anyway, with the game being fully text-based. That reused yet atmospheric soundtrack also returns and works well to accompany the superb artwork.

Conclusion

It’s unexpected to see Viola and company return for a genuine sequel after the player-controlled narrative featured in the last game. For those who committed to one set romantic relationship with a finite ending in Sakura MMO 3, you might be surprised to see a retcon of previous events, however it isn’t too big a stretch to see the series’ regular ‘harem’ theme take priority and establish itself as canon.

Sakura MMO Extra does well in reintegrating itself into the saga, continuing the ever-growing romance in this unusual yet clearly successful relationship. We can also expand on this sexy group and integrate new members, with the game’s new maid café setting acting as a solid anchor point to reunite the series’ extended cast in between the usual adventuring.

It’s a shame that the new fetishistic setting and cast reunion seems to be the only real purpose for the game, with the overarching plot really wrapped up in the previous installment. This isn’t to say there’s anything wrong with this sexy, fetishistic harem of quirky lovers, but if you were hoping for more of an exploration of Asaph’s dark underworld and the world-crossing origin story, then you might feel a little underwhelmed.