I was wondering if anyone else here has played this series. I have found that the demographics for fans of this series vary so I would like to know who on SoSZ has also enjoyed this series. I’ll give some information about the series below. If anyone would like to add please feel free to do so.
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Way of the Samurai or Samurai Dou, is a little known (in some circles) action game series based on different periods of Japan’s history when the samurai were utilized – the game also features ninjas.
To start off, the series features a variety of different endings for each. All hinged on how you decide to participate in the events unfolding in the towns you go throughout during the game. You can join different factions within the towns you venture through and this will also determine your ending. And you can also kill key figures in the game and shape the outcome of the storyline and or even make yourself leader of a faction – I only saw this sort of event happen in Way of the Samurai 3.
When playing each play through you can select a different face and body for your character. You can also enter their name. You unlock different face models and body models through playing the game. There are both male and female models. In 3, you can also play as any character that you ‘knocked out’ with a blunt attack using a reverse blade attack.
The games feature a large list and variety of weapons i.e. katanas, dual katanas (in older installments), ninjato, spears, claws, blacksmith tools, and goofy weapons i.e. tuna, hoes, & brooms. With the creation of Way of the Samurai 3, the game introduced the ability to dual-wield any two swords (katana or ninja) you choose. The 3rd edition also introduced a system in which you could switch weapons seamlessly during battle (you can’t string combos with separate weapons however).
It also introduced the ability to make your own weapons (sword or spear) using parts you obtain by purchase or dropped by your dead opponents. You can also title any weapon to your liking in all the games.
The combat changed from installment to installment. In 1, there was the push and pull system in which you could pound your foe however if they parry you correctly you will be fully open. In 2, there was a system (which most hated) that allowed you to guess whether your opponent was using a vertical or horizontal attack and then correspond with a parry leading to an instant death strike (not on boss characters though). In 3, the push and pull system returned with tweaks. You could also spare opponent by reversing your blade and simply knocking them out. There was also the introduction of the chain kill system in which you could string anywhere from 1-100 consecutive one blow kills. You would simply have to press the controller button that flashes across the screen.
Way of the Samurai 3 actually has 22 endings which far exceed many of the predecessors and you can also recruit certain travelers or villagers to be your partner. Some of the partners will become your mate while others will just look at you as a big brother or sister. This depends on the partner – and you get the options to allow one partner to live with you if you build up a true relationship with them - which is rather easy.
Way of the Samurai 1 I never played it actually… But some consider it the best of the series.
Way of the Samurai 2 was set during the end of the Sengoku Era in which foreigners were all over Japan and you can see that through the European travelers walking about.
Way of the Samurai 3 is set during the beginning of the series of events that led to Tokugawa gaining power. The game is set when Nobunaga was going from province to province defeating daimyos.
Way of the Samurai 4 looks to be going in the direction of 2 with the period in Japan when the use of the samurai was almost extinguished. (Release date is in 2011 in Japan)
My favorite game of the series is 3 because of the weapons creation ability and the main ending is better than the endings in 2.
Does anyone else have any feedback on this series?
Like it? Hate it? Looking forward to the release of Way of the Samurai 4?