Way of the Samurai

Publisher:
BAM! Entertainment

Release Date:
05-29-2002

Genre:
Action / Adventure

ESRB Rating:
Mature

Description:
Way of the Samurai is set in the year 1878. The collapse of the Tokugawa Shogun ate and the rise of the Meiji Restoration Era has brought an end to the Age of Samurai. For centuries, Japan has remained untouched and separate from other cultures. But now Westerners have finally arrived on the island nation, rocking a culture that has developed in seclusion over hundreds of years. Born to a time that no longer needs or welcomes them, these samurai are a far cry from the heroes and legends that preceded them. This is a story of the Way of the Samurai in their final days.

In the game, the player takes on the role of a wandering samurai who in drawn into a conflict between the Kurofu family and the Akadama Clan over an iron foundry. As the player meets the both sides in the dispute, the player will begin to make the choices that will shape the outcome of the conflict. Deception and betrayal are tools at the player's disposal, but ultimately combat will be the final deciding factor.

Featuring a new and dynamic combat system, sword-based combat is at the heart of Way of the Samurai. As the adventure begins, the player has his own sword and basic knowledge of its use in battle. As he moves through the game, the player become more adept at using his sword and learns new attacks. The player also has the ability to pick up dozens of different sword, each representing a different fighting style. With attacks specific to each sword, it requires a true samurai to master all the swords and their individual attacks. Additionally, sword combat is not simply a matter of hacking and slashing. Timing, blocking and balance all play equally important roles.