Description:

Way of the Samurai 4 is one of those Japanese games that almost defies proper categorisation. It is a mix of strategy, beat-‘em-up, hack’n’slash and historical narrative.

The game takes place in fictional port town called Amihama in 1855 in a conflict as world powers vie for supremacy. The player must create a Samurai in order to take part in the complex and exciting narrative played out between the three factions in the form of the pro-government forces, the anti-government rebels or even a force heavily based on the the British Naval forces that are stationed in the city to negotiate a peace treaty.

Whereas the government (as it was at the time in history) also called the Bakufu or Shogun forces are cautiously welcoming of the inclusion of foreigners and foreign powers in Japan, the anti-government forces wish to see all gaijin out of the country. The British naval forces have their own, Western, interests at the front of their minds.

The gamers unaligned Samurai (or rōnin) must decide which path to take and who to align themselves with.

There are at least 10 possible endings to Samurai 4 that are heavily affected by the strategies, alliances and enemies that the player’s character deciders to make. New modes and aspects of game-play have been added to this, the fourth in the hugely popular series. These include a Dojo that a player can run in order to take on apprentices and aid them in their adventure. Also included is an aspect called Proof of Life that sees repeat plays learning from the previous play-throughs.

Fans of the older Way of the Samurai games will also welcome to inclusion of a health bar to indicate how to behave during the many combat missions that the player will encounter. This combat can also be carried out using a variety of fighting styles including a brand new ‘Slow Motion’ mode.

Information:

• Number of players: 1
• Development Company: Acquire
• Software House: Acquire
• Video Dimensions: 3D
• Publisher: NIS America
• Point Of View: Third-person, over the shoulder