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PS2 | Action | Samurai Warriors

Boxart for Samurai Warriors
Samurai Warriors 24 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 3.0
  • SOUND: 3.0
  • CONTROL: 4.0
  • FUN FACTOR 3.0
  • AVG USER SCORE 4.3
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 3.4

First Look: Samurai Warriors

First Look by FUNKYZEALOT | 12/05/2003 | 13:56:28 PM PST

Not just a make-over of Dynasty Warriors

Koei recently unveiled Sengoku Musou (Samurai Warriors in the US), a third-person action game that plays like Dynasty Warriors but takes place in feudal Japan. While retaining the horde-bashing fun of the Dynasty Warriors series, the game promises to have new gameplay features and an intriguing storyline.

Like Dynasty Warriors, there will be multiple characters to choose from, each with their own specific story. Each character has a branching storyline with over 500 missions to choose from. In addition, some characters have custom moves (for example, Hattori Hanzo can double jump). Koei has unveiled five characters, but said more will be included in the game.

Sanada Yukimura

The Sanada clan originally served under the Takeda clan but declared independence, later becoming a daimyo (ruler of a city-state). After the Tokugawa Ieyasu usurped Toyotomi's rule, Sanada Yukimura declared the Tokugawa clan as his sworn enemy, becoming a legend for his valiant but ultimately futile resistance against overwhelming odds.

Maeda Keiji

Maeda Keiji is a Kabuki-mono (which can only be described as a sophisticated medieval equivalent to the modern day gangster) who left his clan to escape the rigid social life of a samurai. Huge and powerful, he is probably the samurai equivalent of Lu Bu in Dynasty Warriors.

Hattori Hanzo

A ninja from the Iga clan who dutifully served under the Tokugawa shogunate. "Oni-Hanzo" (nick-named demon Hanzo) wields a Kusarigama, a chained sickle with a blunt tip at the end. He has the unique ability of double jumping.

Akechi Mitsuhide

The Judas Iscariot of the medieval Japanese world, Akechi Mitsuhide is most famous for his betrayal of Lord Oda Nobunaga at Honnoji temple. After killing his Lord he sought to conquer Japan, but was killed by Nobunaga's other trusted vassal, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Kunoichi
Kunoichi (meaning female ninja) is an original character by Koei. Dual-wielding kunai's, she serves under Sanada Yukimura. Quick and agile, she can make short but quick attacks to dispose of her enemies.

One of the most notable differences from the Dynasty Warrior series will be the graphics, with the game having a more earthly medieval Japanese flavor. Samurai Warriors will also have seasonal and daylight changes, possibly affecting how you can accomplish missions.

Gameplay will also be enhanced with indoor settings. You will be able to storm famous castles like Odawara-jo, fighting through hordes of enemies and maneuvering your way through traps.

Creation of custom warriors will make a return, but this time with increased options, possibly enabling your character to become stronger than the original ones.

Samurai Warriors is set for release in mid-February of 2004 in Japan for the suggested retail price of 6,800 yen ($63).


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