We bring you a list of the best samurai games over several years, we know that many like older games and some like more current games.
1-Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure video game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Released in July 2020 exclusively on PlayStation 4, then adapted for the PlayStation 5, the game offers a spectacular immersion in feudal Japan of the 13th century, at the time of the Mongol invasion.
Historical background and plot
The story takes place in 1274 on the island of Tsushima, located between Japan and Korea. Mongol forces, led by the fearsome general Khotun Khan, invade the island with a massive army, destroying everything in their path. The player takes on the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai from the local nobility, who barely survives a disastrous battle where the samurai of Tsushima are almost entirely annihilated.
Faced with the overwhelming power of the invaders, Jin must abandon some of the rigid tenets of bushido, the samurai code of honor, to embrace guerrilla tactics and become the “Ghost” – a feared figure who uses cunning, stealth, and unpredictable attacks to strike fear into the enemy. The game explores Jin’s moral dilemmas as he navigates loyalty to his clan, respect for tradition, and the need to protect his people at all costs.
2- Samurai Warriors
Samurai Warriors is an action-adventure and hack-and-slash video game series developed by Koei Tecmo (formerly Koei) and Omega Force. First released in 2004, the franchise is part of the larger Warriors universe, which also includes series such as Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi . Unlike Dynasty Warriors , which focuses on historical conflicts in ancient China, Samurai Warriors focuses on feudal Japan, particularly the Sengoku period (1467–1615), a period marked by civil wars, power struggles, and the reunification of Japan.
Universe and Context
The game immerses players in the Sengoku era, where iconic historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Sanada Yukimura, and Hattori Hanzo battle for control of Japan. The title features epic battles, political intrigue, and strategic alliances while exploring the personal stories and motivations of legendary samurai and warriors. Players relive key moments in Japanese history, such as the Battle of Sekigahara and the Osaka Campaign, while enjoying a romanticized twist that emphasizes the heroic and dramatic aspects of the events.
3-Way of the Samurai 3
Way of the Samurai 3 is an action role-playing game that immerses players in the tumultuous world of Sengoku-era Japan. Released in 2008 in Japan and 2009 in the United States for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, it builds on the unique gameplay mechanics established by its predecessors while introducing new elements that enrich the player experience. At the heart of Way of the Samurai 3 is a focus on choice and consequence. The story is set in the fictional city of Amana, where players take on the role of a wandering samurai. The choices you make throughout the game have a significant impact on the narrative, leading to multiple endings. This aspect of the game encourages players to explore different paths and outcomes, making each playthrough unique. As the game says, "Your choices make you who you are. How will history remember you?"
Game mechanics
The gameplay focuses heavily on sword combat, with over 100 different weapons available, including swords, spears, and even humorous weapons like brooms and green onions. Players can engage in intense combat, and if they find themselves in trouble, they have the option to kneel and beg for mercy, adding a layer of strategy to the combat. The game also incorporates a time progression system, where the day progresses through different phases, affecting the availability of certain events and quests. One notable feature of Way of the Samurai 3 is the lack of a strict time limit, allowing players to explore the world at their own pace. The "safe house" mechanic returns from previous titles, providing a place where players can rest and plan their next actions. This freedom encourages exploration and experimentation with different combat styles and narrative choices.
4-Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai (PS3) - A unique adventure combining revenge and style
Released on PlayStation 3 in 2009, Afro Samurai is an action-adventure game based on the cult anime series of the same name, itself inspired by the manga by Takashi Okazaki. This title developed by Namco Bandai offers a unique gaming experience, mixing intense combat, captivating narration and a striking artistic direction.
Synopsis
In a universe that mixes traditional Japanese influences with a modern urban touch, the player embodies Afro, a dark and stoic samurai driven by a desire for revenge. His mission is simple: track down and defeat Justice, the man who murdered his father to seize the "Number 1 Headband", symbol of absolute power. Afro, wearing the "Number 2 Headband", must face hordes of enemies and pretenders seeking to dethrone him to gain his status and defy Justice. The story is told with emotional depth, exploring themes of loss, violence and the quest for self.
5-Samurai Shodown
Samurai Shodown (or Samurai Spirits in Japan) is a fighting game series developed by SNK, first introduced in 1993. The series is recognized as one of the iconic franchises of the genre, bringing a unique approach that emphasizes the handling of bladed weapons, a traditional Japanese atmosphere, and strategic gameplay where every blow can be decisive. The series was recently revived in 2019 with a reboot that modernizes the experience while remaining faithful to the essence of the original.
Universe and atmosphere
The game is set in a fictional version of feudal Japan, tinged with fantastical and mystical elements. The settings, often hand-painted, evoke traditional Japanese landscapes, with temples, mountains, and lush forests. Each character enriches this universe with personal stories, deep motivations, and complex relationships with other fighters.
Battles are often accompanied by an epic soundtrack that mixes traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and shakuhachi flute with modern sounds. This aspect reinforces the immersion and cultural authenticity of the game.
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6-Onimusha
Onimusha: Warlords is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Capcom, originally released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. It is the first installment in a series that combines elements of dynamic combat, puzzle-solving, and an atmosphere steeped in Japanese folklore. The game is often described as a unique fusion of the iconic gameplay of Resident Evil and a medieval Japanese universe tinged with mysticism.
Background and History:
The story of Onimusha takes place in feudal Japan, in the heart of the Sengoku era, a tumultuous period marked by incessant civil wars and the struggle for power. The player takes on the role of Samanosuke Akechi , a noble and courageous samurai, accompanied by his ninja partner Kaede . Their main mission is to rescue Princess Yuki, who has been kidnapped by mysterious evil forces.
While investigating the disappearance, Samanosuke discovers that demons (called "Genma") are plotting to dominate the human world by allying themselves with ambitious warlords. Using the supernatural powers of a magical glove called the Oni Gauntlet , Samanosuke can absorb the souls of his enemies to empower his weapons and abilities, becoming the ultimate Oni warrior tasked with repelling this demonic threat.
7-Soulcalibur
SoulCalibur V is a fighting game developed by Project Soul and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in January 2012, it is the sixth main installment in the popular SoulCalibur series. Available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, this title continues the legacy of dynamic bladed combat while introducing new mechanics and characters to renew the gameplay experience.
Universe and History
The plot of SoulCalibur V takes place 17 years after the events of SoulCalibur IV , in a fantasy universe inspired by 16th-century Europe. The main story follows the story of Patroklos and Pyrrha Alexandra , the children of Sophitia, an iconic heroine of the series. Patroklos, in search of answers about the origins of his family, finds himself involved in an epic conflict between two legendary swords: Soul Edge , the demonic blade, and Soul Calibur , the purifying sword. These two artifacts shape the destinies of the fighters and continue to exacerbate the struggles between good and evil.
The story mode attempts to tell this quest with a more linear narrative approach than its predecessors. However, it has received mixed reviews, with some praising the effort to integrate a clearer narrative, while others lamenting the lack of depth and involvement for some characters.
8-Nioh
Nioh is an action-RPG video game developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, released in 2017 for PlayStation 4, then for PC in 2018. The game takes place in feudal Japan, during the Sengoku period, a period marked by incessant civil wars and a struggle for power. Nioh is distinguished by its demanding gameplay and its dark atmosphere, inspired by Japanese mythology, with an emphasis on difficulty, the complex combat system and the exploration of fantastical worlds where demons and supernatural creatures coexist with humans.
The game's story follows William Adams , a 17th-century English sailor who accidentally finds himself transported to medieval Japan after a shipwreck. In search of his friend, a mysterious witch named Margaret , William finds himself drawn into supernatural conflicts and bloody battles between samurai and yokai (supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore). Throughout his journey, he must fight not only human enemies, but also demonic monsters, malevolent spirits, corrupt samurai, and mythological deities.
9- Total War: Shogun 2
Total War: Shogun 2 is a real-time strategy video game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega. Released in March 2011, it is part of the Total War series, which is known for its ability to blend elements of turn-based kingdom management with real-time battles. Shogun 2 is set in feudal Japan in the 16th century, a time marked by constant wars between clans for dominance of the country.
Background and plot
Shogun 2 's story centers on the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States) period, where the Japanese Empire is devastated by internal struggles for control of the country. The player takes on the role of a daimyō and must manage his clan, developing its economy, diplomacy, army, and internal politics while preparing for military conflicts. Each clan has its own unique advantages and units, which influences how the player approaches the game.
10- Sekiro
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an action-adventure video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Activision, released in March 2019. It stands out for its unique approach to gameplay, narrative, and universe, offering an immersive experience in a fictional feudal Japan where combat and survival are at the center of the plot.
Background and history
The game is set in the Sengoku period (15th–16th century) in Japan, but in an alternate reality populated by mythological creatures and supernatural elements. The protagonist, Sekiro , a shinobi (ninja warrior) named Wolf , loses his master, Kuro , a young lord whose blood carries the power of immortality. After being captured and mutilated by an enemy lord, Genichiro Ashina , Wolf manages to escape with a robotic prosthesis that replaces his lost arm. He vows to save Kuro and avenge his honor while traversing a merciless world where death is omnipresent.
The game centers around Wolf's quest to find Kuro and defend his master's legacy while battling various enemies and bosses from Japanese myths and legends. The plot takes unexpected turns as Wolf uncovers secrets related to immortality and resurrection, themes that resonate throughout the game.
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