Way of the Samurai

"Interesting concept, terrible presentation"

Before Way of the Samurai came out, I was really pumped about its release. I'm a big fan of samurai games and WotS seemed perfect for me. After I returned from the store and popped WotS into my PS2, I was initially amazed at the cool opening, but everything went downhill from there...

Gameplay - 7/10

You take control of a samurai that you create at the start of the game. The game's combat system is reminiscent of Busihdo Blade, but it's not nearly as complex. The different stances and fighting techniques connected to each stance and each individual sword are all evident. Each weapons has its own unique moves and characteristics and they can all be saved, provided your able to clear the game.

Weak slashes can be used in combination until your enemy is off balance enough for you to initiate a more devastating attack. The combat system and the large number of swords and other weaponry is really cool.

The controls, however, are terrible. You'll find yourself moving forward, and then all of a sudden the camera angle switches and so does the direction your character is moving, even though your pressing the same button or pushing the analog stick the same way. Another complaint lies in the camera angles. Sometimes during battle, your view of the fight will be obstructed by an obstacle, but the camera doesn't adjust to fix this, leaving you wide open to attack.

What really disappointed me was a lack of an in-game save feature. Each time you start a new game you must be prepared to beat it. Granted the game only takes roughly 2 hours to clear, but a save feature would have been nice. There is also an option to leave the game at anytime. This is useful if you just want to collect a few swords and leave so that you can use them later.

Story - 7/10

The development of the story is virtually entirely up to you. The basic plot is that you are a travelling samurai who enters Rokkotsu Pass where two clans are fighting for control and the Meiji government is also trying to control the pass. You must decide which side to help, or whether or not you want to help at all.

Graphics/Visual Effects - 6/10

WotS doesn't exactly shine in the graphics department, but that also doesn't detract from the game in any way. The combat animations are all fluent and well rendered, as are some of the backgrounds, but overall, the graphics are pretty lackluster and not on par with other new releases.

Audio - 6/10

The music in WotS is very reminiscent of the Tenchu series, which shouldn't come as a surprise because WotS is made by the same developer as the Tenchu series, Acquire. There are a lot of traditional Japanese sounds in the music that is played. The sound effects, not voice acting, of the characters during conversation is quite odd, and some of it seems out of place. What this game really need was some good voice acting to fill the dialogue.

Replay Value - 8/10

Some people will enjoy playing through the game again and again to receive the different endings and unlock the different character models, outfits, and playable characters in Battle mode. Collecting the different swords will also be appealing to some. I, on the other hand, have played through it thrice, and I don't think I have it in me to beat it again. The game is just too much of a disappointment for me to handle...

To Be or Not to Be?

Renting this game is a must before you buy it so that you don't experience the same disappointment (and the loss of $50) that I did. If you like Kengo or Bushido Blade, however, pick this one up.

Overall - 6/10

WotS presents a cool new concept in PS2 gaming, but it does so in a terrible fashion. Acquire definitely needs to stick to what they're good at... developing Tenchu games.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 06/08/02, Updated 06/08/02