Samurai Warriors - PlayStation 2

Product description

Samurai Warriors brings the ancient world to life, throwing you into the heart of combat. In 1467, the Sho's rulership collapsed, ushering in the Sengoku - The "time of warring states". During this civil war we meet brave Sanada Yukimura, a young soldier. His elite team of samurai and ninja will travel to the renowned battlefields and temples of Japan, as this great war emerges from the shadows. Control the island nation's legendary warriors, from Oda Nobunaga to Hattori Hanzo -- and battle for rulership, honor and glory. Use historical weapons from the traditional katana to the more unusual kunai or kuzarigama -- you can decide what your character uses Scenarios based on historical and fictional accounts, for thrilling battle in 30 exciting locales Incredible Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound puts you in the middle of the action

Review

Koei continues to find new ways to milk the Dynasty Warriors engine for all it's worth. After Dynasty Warriors 4: Extreme Legends tried the "1.5" sequel tactic, this time around the company has changed the title altogether and switched the setting from ancient China to16th century Japan.

There have been some improvements in the gameplay package. The combo system accommodates a larger variety of tactics, and the different characters have wildly varying styles of combat. In addition, the Musou special moves are devastating and shown in even greater graphical splendor. Still, I doubt even the most ardent Dynasty Warriors fans will be able to cl this is any sort of dramatic reinvention of the well-used combat scheme.

While the missions and levels are no great feat of game design, there are some interesting twists that will keep the experience fresh enough for many. There is now some degree of castle randomizing, which should help add to the replay factor for hardcore players. Yes, many of the missions are still pretty simplistic, but every once in a while you'll perform a unique task or be surprised by the traps in interior environments.

In the end, Samurai Warriors is not a bad game. In fact, for some people, it might be just what they need – solid hack n' slash action that does a great job of making you feel that you're part of a much larger conflict. However, for me, it's obvious that Koei has become complacent. Samurai Warriors is merely mediocre in terms of graphics (including the pitiful draw-distance in multiplayer), and simple problems like the inept camera have yet to be fixed. Its strong gameplay manages to squeak out a passing grade, but I really don't feel this franchise is living up to its potential.

Concept:
The same old hack n' slashin' in a new setting

Graphics:
I think it's time for Koei to radically upgrade or scrap this engine

Sound:
A nice score with Dolby Pro Logic II support

Playability:
Does a good job of providing some depth to the basic combat, but the camera still blows

Entertainment:
Don't be fooled by the new title, this is Dynasty Warriors all over again

Replay:
Moderately High

Rated: 7.5 out of 10
Editor: Matt Helgeson
Issue: May 2004

2nd Opinion:
The bottom line is that the biggest difference between Samurai Warriors and Dynasty Warriors is the name. It's the same old hack n' slash action that Dynasty Warriors has offered for years with a slightly different setting. Every battle in the game is basically the same as those that came before it, the combat isn't too deep, and the environments are bland. But, on the other hand, upgrading my abilities and getting new skills was engaging enough to keep me playing for a while. If you're one of those Warriors fans that picks up every iteration of the series, you won't be disappointed. If you're just a fan of action games, you may also get a kick out of it – for a while. This title truly epitomizes the phrase "dumb but fun."

Rated: 7.5 out of 10
Editor: Jeremy Zoss


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• The new Active Mission System(AMS) triggers new mission variations each time the game is played.
• Auto-Formation System(AFS) randomly generates castle levels and conquest routes, for a new experience with each play.
• Unique graphics render game environments in deeply saturated, chromatic tones -- the entire game feels like a classic samurai film.
• Warlord Mode lets you create characters by playing a series of mini-games.
• Avoid the many traps and obstacles you'll face - Circular blades, false staircases, and other traps lay hidden within each castle.