Samurai Jack: The Amulet of Time

"A very pleasant Surprise. WOW!"

Usually when you see a game that is based on a cartoon or movie it usually is not very good. Basically the money grubbers at the top slap the likeness of something popular onto a piece of crap game in order to make some money. Samurai Jack is nothing like that however and I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. Also games that are based on something like a cartoon largely depend on those who like the cartoon to like the game, but even if you have never heard of Samurai Jack this game is wonderful and likeable. It helps to know about the cartoon and like the style of artwork, but it is not necessary since this is a great game on its own.

GAMEPLAY:
Let's get right into it and say that if you have played Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest then you will be very familiar with the gameplay here. Just like Simon's Quest you can travel around wherever you are able and go back whenever you like. Most often you will be backtracking to explore a new area, find an area you might have missed or go back to fight some enemies and maybe pick up a missed item. It's more straightforward when it comes to the story and missions. Missions? Yes. As you side-scroll along you come across towns and as you talk to people they give you info and ask for your help and so the missions are added to your mission list. The list gives you the feel of being free to do whatever you want, but in reality you can't move on to the next area until you complete the mission and get all of the items and skills that come with completing it. At least it wouldn't be wise.

Since this is an action/adventure there is action and let me tell you that the action is pretty good. Although Jack's movement is sluggish and unbecoming of a samurai or the cartoon his arsenal of moves and gear more than make up for it. Jack has a ton of cool moves with his sword which include back attacks and overhead attacks. He can crawl like shinobi and roll. He can even wall jump! Not only is Jack loaded with moves he also picks up along the way other weapons and gear he can use like a bow and double-jump shoes to name a few. He also picks up armor and accessories that raise and lower his attributes accordingly; like attack and defense. Mind you he has a lot of attributes; I would say around 20. Not only does he have all that, but he also has the cool samurai way about him (watch the cartoon), you would expect as well as cool fight animations. For example: after he kills an enemy he might do and extra sword spin in the air to show off his skill before he sheaths his sword. The enemy skill difficulty is just right although I would say it leans a little toward the easy side, but not always. The enemies can get annoying and frustrating especially when the jump you from all sides. So apart from Jack's sluggish way the gameplay is absolutely superb!

GRAPHICS:
The artwork is something that makes the Samurai Jack cartoon stick out and this game reflects the cartoon exactly. I think the people who draw the cartoon came and did the graphics for this game cause they are mirror images of each other, and let me tell you they are beautiful. You feel like you are watching a Samurai Jack cartoon when you play because the graphics are so good. Samurai Jack looks like Samurai Jack and so does everything else. The style of the cartoon is definitely there, but there are certain enemies that look out of place. This game looks crisp, clean and simply wonderful.

SOUND:
When I turned the game on and heard the theme song from the Samurai Jack cartoon I was very happy. The sounds and music are great. I have nothing else to say except turn it on and be pleased.

Basically if you have never heard of Samurai Jack get cartoon network and watch this awesome revolutionary cartoon, and if you have heard of Samurai Jack just go out and get this game. Get this game no matter what! I strongly feel that this is a keeper and I think you will too once you play it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/23/03, Updated 03/23/03