Way of the Samurai 2

"Almost perfect!!!!"

Introduction:

Way of the Samurai 2 is the sequel to the action / adventure sleeper Way of the Samurai, a game where u chose your destiny and kill people with Samurai swords. WOTS 2 continues that legacy with even more swords, more samurai, and even more destinies. Sounds great? Sure it does!!!! On to the review.

Graphics:

Not much has changed from the first WOTS to the second. The towns all look like fuedal japan and u see people interacting with one another or simply walking through town! 8/10

Sound:

Unlike WOTS, WOTS 2 comes with VOICE ACTING for all the major scenes in the game, but when you're just out on the street, people just say a japanese word, or grunt when you talk to them (while a message box comes up to show what they gotta say). The voice acting is horrible!!!! The music saves the sounds score, with calm / peaceful music when ur travelling and exciting battle music (it's rock :P) when you're fighting! 6/10

Story:

You choose your own. Become the Yakuza Boss, aid the Magistrates, or liberate the townspeople from the above factions. It's all up to you!! 10/10

Gameplay:

Sword fighting is fustrating at first, but once u get used to it, you'll become a samurai master in no time and you will be ending fights in a matter of seconds (literally)!!!!! People interact with each other on the street, and killers come after you when u've become too popular!!!! If you are an evil man, people don't sell you things and call you out to battle on the streets!! If you are very poular, you can get discounts and access to better items in the stores!!! Money is of big importance and there's 3 job brokers who will give u jobs so u can earn money (Gang, Town, and Magistrate). 10/10

Replayability:

This is where the game shines. Even tho u can beat the game in one sitting, there are tons of reason why to keep playing. There are 12 endings total for the 3 different factions. There are 70+ swords and thousands of different moves!!!! Not to mention special decorative items you can get by beating the game multiple times, or just buying from stores. There are many rankings to get!! (i've beat the game 21 times and i still have a column of ranks blank). 10/10

Buy or Rent:

Rent first, it is very difficult to get used to, and i don't want you to waste $40 on a new game until you are sure you can love it like i do :D. Yes this game is only $40 as opposed to the original $50 for a new game.

All in all, this game has been improved greatly since the last one. I love this game and has never left my Playstation 2 ever since i got it :D

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/31/04