In feudal Japan, theSamuraiwere a class of skilled warriors. Wielding their iconic katanas and clad in distinctive armor, samurai were not only combat masters, but adherents of the Bushido Code, which emphasized virtues like bravery, respect and integrity. The influence of the samurai extends beyond the battlefield, and to this day, people are heavily influenced by these elite warriors. This makes them perfect characters for a video game.
While there are a variety of games centered around the samurai, they usually restrict themselves to linear storytelling or plain fighting games. As open-world games become increasingly popular, many fans yearn for open-world games that allow them to experience the way of the samurai while exploring feudal Japan.
Toukiden 2is not a traditional samurai game, but it fits on the list with its samurai theme and its open world. Players take the role of a Slayer fighting in the defense of Yokohamato save humankind from an Oni invasion. Instead of taking the realistic approach with the samurai,Toukiden 2uses fantasy elements to weave a story that offers an interesting setting, unique combat elements, and an exploration-driven narrative.
The game features more weapons than just a katana, allowing players to experience something new and different as a samurai. While the game is essentially an open-world game, it falls under the semi-open world category, as some locations are locked and players need to finish quests to unlock the areas. Not everything inToukiden 2lands perfectly. The map lacks some detail, and some environments are less detailed. However, the game is still fun to play thanks to features like the Demon Hand, which can unleash hell on bloodthirsty demons.
The multiverse of theFatefranchise is a vast complex web of stories, and often, players require knowledge of the characters and the setting from previous titles. However,Fate/Samurai Remnant,while still a part of the web, can be played from a standalone perspective.
While theFategames mostly take place in a modern setting.Fate/Samurai Remnanttakes place in the historical city of Edo in Japan as players take the role of Miyamoto Iori, a descendant of Miyamoto Musashi. The game surrounds a tournament to death and people participating for the ultimate prize, the Waxing Moon, an artifact similar to the Holy Grail.
In this action RPG, Iori dual-wields katanas, a commmon weapon for the samurai from the Edo period. Players can switch between various stances to fight enemies and give various commands to Yamato Takeru, a saber class servant Iori summons to perform special attacks and combos. In typical Musou fashion, the game’s combat is exciting and keeps the players engaged. The open world is a big star of the game, distinguishing it from otherFatetitles by tying its plot to a real place and period of history.
So far, the games discussed have samurai elements and open worlds to play in, but none do justice to the name “samurai” likeWay of the Samurai 4. The game takes players into the fictional port town of Amihama as a wandering samurai who gets caught between the militant government, discriminatory nationalists, and the invading British forces seeking to occupy Japan.
As a Rōnin, players accept various missions. The missions they choose and the outcomes they end up with decide the player’s fate, as well as the fate of the town.The game can be completed in a few hours, but multiple playthroughs are required to experience the different endings.
The game’s combat has surprising depth to it, and players might find themselves having a fun time while learning the controls. Exploring the various parts of the town, players learn that the game has a quirky sense of humor that. While the game fools around often, it allows players to play as a samurai in their own amusing way.
Taking the Yakuza from modern Tokyo to Japan’s Edo Period,Like a Dragon: Ishin!takes place in the final days of the Edo Period. Protagonist Sakamoto Ryoma is a disgraced Rōnin who sets out to avenge his father figure by killing the person responsible for his death.Like a Dragon: Ishin!features a unique blend of blades and bullets in the familiarYakuzagameplay, but instead of using fists to brawl, katanas are used to settle differences.
The story is about more than revenge, as it delves into local politics, criminals, and more.Like a Dragon: Ishin!features some half-baked gunplay, but it offers stylish sword fighting, hysterical action, and quality soap opera drama. Various side quests and substories make for interesting encounters in feudal Japan.
The developers ofNioh, Team Ninja, have a reputation for creating video games revolving around samurai and shinobi. Their latest endeavor takes a big leap.Rise of the Rōninis an open-world action RPG set in a fictionalized version of historical Japan during the reopening of Japanese borders to foreign forces. The story of the gameexplores thought-provoking themeslike colonialism, xenophobia, and nationalism while players meet historical figures from different factions.
However, the game is best when the players are clashing their swords with the enemy. When swordfighting, players have to monitor their Ki gauge to manage the offense and defense. Enemies are agile and aggressive, and even the easiest opponents can send the players to the afterlife. The combat has a lot of depth and a steep learning curve.
The bond system, though not unique, is a good touch as it rewards players for investing their time in the game and forming a personal connection with the NPCs. The fast-paced combat, along with the story, makeRise of the Rōnina great samurai game. While it takes some time to learn the combat, the commitment is worth it.
Ghost of Tsushimais like a love letter to fans of Japanese samurai cinema. Telling a fictional tale in the historical land of Japan, the events of the game are loosely based on the real-life events of the Mongolian invasion of Japan starting from the island of Tsushima. Jin, the main character, faces an inner conflict, struggling whether to save Tsushima at the cost of his ideals, or die following the teachings.
In samurai games, combat is crucial, andGhost of Tsushimadoesn’t disappoint. Taking cuesfrom other titles likeSekiroandAssassin’s Creed,Ghost of Tsushimaforms a magical blend of a combat system. It is simple for players to learn, but has a lot of depth to it, requiring skill to master.
The game’s strongest point is its open world. The setting is simply breathtaking, with minimalist HUD and great cinematography. The soundtrack is nothing to look down on either, beautifully mixing the serenity of the world with the intensity of the battlefield. From the natural beauty of the island to the well-developed combat and intense story.Ghost of Tsushimais a great game in almost every aspect.
