Samurai Warriors

"Worthy of honor."

Samurai Warriors is the Japanese counterpart to the game Dynasty Warriors which is Chinese. This game is based on actual Japanese history allowing you to use the characters to fight past wars of Feudal Japan. Samurai Warriors can be expected to grow into another long standing franchise like Dynasty Warriors and Romance of the Three Kingdoms (all made by K.O.E.I.). However this game is no clone of its Chinese counterpart. There are many differences in modes of play, combat, character development, and of course the story. But it's still the same hack and slash we are used to.

Gameplay

The Story Mode in Samurai Warriors consists of a serious of levels to play usually around 7 on the average for each character. They stick to the story of ancient Japanese history; however, you have the chance to alter the outcome of history. Each character you control has a chance to be upgraded after each level completion, and there are far more stats to increase then that of Dynasty Warriors. Also you can unlock weapons and items to be used with your character, eventually powering him/her up into an unstoppable force.

Free Mode is similar to that of Story Mode except that in this mode any character can play any level. You can also improve your characters stats and unlock weapons and items for them. Free mode is great for leveling up characters when Story mode is too hard, or just having 2 player fun with a friend.

Survival Mode is just as it sounds. Kill as many enemies as you can before you, yourself, are taken out. I mean who doesn't like to prove they are the ultimate warrior?

Vs mode has a variety of options you can choose from to play a friend in. When you don't feel like playing Story or free mode, give this a shot.

In Challenge mode you perform the same tasks as those from New Officer mode and like New Officer mode I found these tasks dull and boring for the most part. There are much better ways to spend your time believe me.

New Officer Mode is unlike anything done in Dynasty Warriors thus far. In this mode you have to train your character and pass a series of tests in order for your character to become an eligible player in any other modes. This mode is a big pain in the butt. Since you have to get a certain number of points in the end in order to use this character, this mode can make you very angry. Personally I hate it and hope it never comes back.

Score: 8/10

Story

The story as I said earlier is based on the Feudal Japan era. You choose a warrior and head into Story Mode where you have a chance to complete their campaign. Each character gains stats at the end of level completion, and becomes stronger. When you complete the game with certain characters you unlock new characters and ending footage. You can also take the officer you created in New Officer mode and complete a campaign of his/her own. Each character in story mode is assigned tasks to complete by the levels Head General. Completing certain tasks is optional and you can complete the level without them. But there is no need to fret if you fail to do a task, for you can always go back and have another try at it. Overall story mode is quite enjoyable, but if you consecutively die on levels, restarting can be a real pain in the butt. Saving your game after level completion is a key factor, because you never know when you might regret it later.

Score: 7/10

Graphics and Sound

The graphics of Samurai Warriors are the same as Dynasty Warriors. They are not too great, but considering the number of enemies on screen at once and the massive battlefields of the levels; the graphics turn out rather good. The playable characters are more detailed and the weapons are designed very coolly. Overall the graphics are quite acceptable, but for graphics freaks you'll hear complaints.

The sound of Samurai Warriors compared to that of Dynasty Warriors is a downgrade in my opinion. I just didn't feel that cultural spirit flowing through the music. However the battle cries and sword clashing is all done well. But the music was just a real bummer. It's not annoying or anything, but I don't find it to suit the game at all.

Score: 7/10
Playtime and Replayability

100% game completion can take a long while to obtain, for there are many missions, characters, items, weapons, and non required tasks to complete. But a regular story mode completion with one character can range from 3 to 5 hours depending on how good a player you are.

The replay value in this game is very high, so much stuff to unlock and 2 player story, or VS modes provide you with a lot of kill time. You may find yourself addicted to this game and even begun to worship K.O.E.I. for their hack and slash wonders they produce. Overall Samurai Warriors a great way to spend your time whether it be killing it or planning to have fun.

Score: 8/10

Final Recommendation

Should you buy or rent this game? Personally I didn't even bother to rent it. I went straight out and bought it, with little to no knowledge of the game other then my previous experiences with Dynasty Warriors. I must say that I was satisfied by my judgment and I am thinking about picking up Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends, which is like an add-on for SW.

Overall Score: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/30/04