Way of the Samurai

"A game as sharp as a samurai's sword!"

I've played quite a few Samurai games in my time, and I'd have to say, nothing compares to game play that was reached in this game. It really captures you, and makes you wish you could be a real samurai. The overall game was excellent, though it did have some weak points.

Story 10/10
Another game that is based on real-life history. Again, anything based on history deserves a 10/10 (unless it's a bad recreation). What happens is it's the mid 1800's in Japan, and the 'Age Of The Samurai' is in danger of coming to a end because of the government. The action of one samurai, could either stop the government, or create government take-over. Will it happen? Your decisions could affect everything.

Game Play 10/10
When you first actually start fighting, you'll find it awesome, I was hooked! I thought this game was truly a gem. When you probably first play, you'll probably mash the attack button, and block every so often. I know I did, but, this game requires much strategy when you look at it. As you progress further in the game, enemies get much harder, and they really work around you to kill you if your not good with your dodging skills, attacking skills and blocking skills. So you really need to know what your doing in this game.

Game Play cont. Story + Game play Factors.
I made a second Game play section, because this one is about the story and game play, which are almost linked to each other. You have two clans to fight with, even with some good clever thinking, you might be able to join both clans. While in each clan, you must do certain missions for the clan. Don't take it like Grand Theft Auto missions, it's not like that, it's just going to some locations with the leader, or a member. You usually do some fighting, spying, all that. This game gives you extreme freedom, you can attack your own leader, and he'll attack you back, and call you a traitor. Cool, right? If you go wild and kill everyone, the clans wouldn't like you, and you'll end up getting a bad ending. There are about 6 endings to get, depending on your decisions.

Game Play Glitch
The only problem I was able to spot in the combat system, when you fight near the boarders of a battlefield, sometimes you'll step out, or a enemy with slash you out. Thats very annoying, then you end up in a different area, and the fight no longer occurs. In some boss type battles, the exit is not allowed. So thats good for the time.

Difficulty You Decide
I'll just explain this in the modes:

Easy Mode - The enemies are weak, swords do more damage, and enemies rarely attack you. This is for beginners.

Normal Mode - The enemies are their normal strength, swords do less damage than easy mode. Enemies' AI is also improved, you can no longer just mash buttons. People who cleared Easy Mode should head here.

Hard Mode Enemies are very strong, swords do little damage. Enemies find any weakness in your defense, and constantly attack with powerful moves. Masters can pick this mode.

Music 9/10
The music is a traditional Japanese music for the areas. It turns into a more fast pace music when you enter a battle.

Sounds 9/10
Not bad...Swords hitting against each other. The sounds aren't THAT great. One thing this game was seriously lacking, was voice acting!

Replay Value 10/10
The replay value is very high on here. After you clear your first game, you'll want to see the other endings, by changing your choice. Your probably going to end up with a bad ending on your first try, but keep trying to get a good ending. Remember: As long as the clans don't hate you, you can join them. (duh). There is also a battle mode to unlock, where you can VS other characters in the game, in just a duel. It takes a lot of points and games to unlock everything, but hey, it's fun to do.

Rent Or Buy?
I doubt even in a rental, that you'll unlock everything in one shot. If you don't think you'll like a fighting with swords type game, maybe a rental is for you. This IS NOT a Hack-And-Slash game, it requires fighting strategy. So if you think thats your type of game, buy it!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/05/02, Updated 08/05/02