Soul of the Samurai

"Resident Evil creators should copy this one..."

If you pick this game wanting something like Resident Evil, you will get disappointed
But if you pick this game wanting good story, good charaters, great samurai action and loads of fun, you will receive it!
Unlike Resident Evil, the things DO make sense. There is an story, not just an excuse for Zombie Anihilation. And no, the girls don't slay zombies using sexy clothes for no aparent reason like in Resident Evil in this game...

Story: 9
The story takes place in feudal Japan, as the title already says (I guess...). A ship used for gold transportation was attacked by a lord called Tohjo, that wants to rebelate against the Shogun (the military dictator. The Emperor had no real power, the one who gave orders as everyone had to obey was the Shogun. Much like England now) and take over Japan. He wouldn't have a chance, if it wasn't for the Soul Bugs : demon creatures that infect people and turn them into demons. Tohjo wants to create and army of those demons, and steals the corpses from the town's graveyard in order to use them as hosts of the Soul Bugs. Bad news for Tohjo, Kotaro Hiba, a ronin, was visiting his parent's graves and discovers his business. Needless to say he isn't happy with that... Aside that, the shogun sends a ninja to investigate the missing gold ship, but he disappears. The girl Lin goes in search of Shin, her brother, the missing ninja, and meets Kotaro. The rest is your job to find out!

Gameplay: 8
At first you will have PLENTY of dificulty, but you'll get used quickly with the controls. There is a great variety of weapons, each one with their own special abilities.
There is also a good replayability. You only get the real ending after beating the game with one of the characthers, and using the save to finish with the other characther.

Soung/Music/Effects: 7
Nothing to stay in your memory forever. Maybe the opening music, but only that one.

Special Features: There are a couple of secrets in this game. For instance, you can exchange Lin's clothes (a japanese college uniform, a classic ninja outfit, etc)
, get secret weapons...
Kotaro and Lin do actually keep meeting in the game, and you have to play with both them to get the full story. Lin's and Kotaro's scenarios and bosses are also different.

Overal: 8
Great game, great fun. If you like Japanese culture, that's your game. If you care for more than just 'kill the zombie', and likes a good story, get this!

Buying or Renting?
Depends. You may be able to finish it in one or two rents, but if you find it at a low price, buy it! It's worth it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/11/00, Updated 11/11/00