PlayStation 2

Way of the Samurai

Way of the Samurai is a uniquely great game in its own composed, disciplined manner - the video game equivalent of a critically acclaimed art house indie film in a sea full of summer blockbusters. Don't be surprised if a small, dedicated flock of disciples come to learn its Way.

Way of the Samurai is a tough game to classify. It's clearly an action title, but it has the open-ended plot potential of an RPG, and requires the combo memorizing and button mashing of a fighting game. Unlike most attempts at combining gaming styles, this hybrid of genres really works. Despite some clunky inventory management and some frustrating camera angles, this'll be a game that you'll go back to whenever you're up for a couple of hours of mayhem and swordplay.

While Acquire's Way of the Samurai is perhaps not as good a game as Tenchu was, it is as good a ronin simulator as that was a ninja simulator. You can maybe chalk up some of its comparative shortcomings to the choice of subject matter, then -- wandering samurai are fun, but most would agree that ninja are much more so. Nevertheless, it's quite a good game in its own right, if you're willing to look past some faults in its graphics and camera control.

You are a samurai. A lost soul, who’s come across Rokkotsu Pass. The area is torn with disaster. Samurai clans have turned against each other, and the government is pressing for all their land, even if it means the extermination of the ancient samurai culture. Samurai have lost their use and need in this evolving country, only you can decide your future. Will you become a legendary master of the blade, or just be known as a wandering psychotic? Can you go down in history?

Fans of the Tenchu series have been waiting for Acquire's first PlayStation 2 game with no small degree of interest, while a new developer works on creating Tenchu III. Acquire has tackled a different, although similar, theme with Way of the Samurai: Instead of playing as a ninja in feudal Japan, you act as a masterless samurai, or ronin. It would be easy to assume that Way of the Samurai might play much like Tenchu without the stealth aspect, but in fact they're distinctly different games. This one's most notable features are its branching storyline and, to a lesser extent, its complex combat system. Way of the Samurai is short and doesn't look like much, but it's an unusual game that can be a lot of fun.

While Way of the Samurai has enough to leave the average gamer satisfied, it lacks that one mystery ingredient that makes for a "can't miss" game. Its interesting storyline and cool battle system are enough to overshadow most of its shortcomings, but overall the game leaves a lot to be desired. Those who are looking for a samurai/ninja title to add to their library will enjoy Way of the Samurai, while others may want to rent first.

The game wasn't very strong on the story, so don’t expect to be involved in a gripping story or anything(in fact, don’t plan on being involved in anything related to this game). As you traverse the Rokkotsu Pass, you’ll encounter various Samurais from different Clans that depending on if you win or lose in a battle with them, will accept defeat and ask you to join their clan or will do something to you like tie you up on the train tracks or something. In fact, a majority of the game moves along by talking to different people and depending on what you say, will affect the outcome of something that’ll happen next.

Playing through Way of the Samurai unlocks a battle mode for you and a friend, but it’s still missing something, and just remains average, which is the main fault of the game. It could have been such an amazing and innovative game, but instead lots of small problems launch a fatal blow to the game from which it can not recover. The game is worthy of a shot if you can get it for really cheap or you rent it, but I can safely say it's not going to be your favorite.