PlayStation 2

Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends

In any case, easy recipe for fun: buy Xtreme Legends, pick up the original Samurai Warriors out of the used or bargain bin, and make them do the Fusion Dance. Boo-ya. Everyone wins, with the possible exception of your PS2, which will surely be worn out from the amount of time the games spend in the unit.

A good options package, some nice newer features wrapped in the same basic packaging as Dynasty Warriors and the previous Samurai Warriors renders a game that is challenging, has wonderful eye candy and combines button mashing with tactical real-time combat. If you are looking for non-stop medieval combat, this is definitely worth checking out.

As an expansion pack, Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends is a great addition for the hardcore who can't wait to KO some more Japanese soldiers. For everyone else out there who wants to see the game the original Samurai Warriors is highly recommended as a massive hack'n'slash game that drops players into huge battles. If you get that game and it begins to rule your life, then check back here for more of the greatness. This game has been made strictly for the fans and it shows with tweaks and alterations in just about every area.

Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends is, in essence, an expansion pack that just happens to be playable on its own. You don't want this game unless you've already got Samurai Warriors firmly tucked away in your game library. If you do want this game, it provides a nice boon of additional content that should add plenty of lasting fun for those who just won't get tired of hacking and slashing their way through feudal Japan. And, if for some reason you don't already have Samurai Warriors and you are considering Xtreme Legends, just bite the bullet and buy the original game too.

Samurai Warriors: Xtreme Legends can only be recommeded to people who don't own the original. Gameplay is solid but the graphics engine should be better by now. A disappointing title overall.

You can also find the original Samurai for only 30 bucks now, which sort of negates any recommendation of Samurai XL for its cheaper price tag. Four new characters and a decent Japanese history lesson aren't quite enough to warrant picking up this expansion pack by any but the most hardcore of Warriors fans.