Way of the Samurai 3 review

This is the first PlayStation 3 entry for the series, with each previous incarnation seeing life on the PS2 system. Both were fun enough in short bursts yet did not offer much insight into samurai lifestyle or moral structure. Way of the Samurai 3 is a little more developed in this regard, judging the players actions and deducting points for villainous acts. Initially Gamestyle was expecting a title in the vein of KOEIs hugely popular Dynasty Warriors series. The opening movie brought back memories of epic battles and button bashing tactics. Imagine our surprise when the opening segment gave way to a more sandbox, open world approach reminiscent of GTA and previous samurai games. Far better implemented and more viable than before.While we applaud the approach, which isnt novel admittedly, but placed into this style of release it brings a freshness and excitement level. This soon dissolves into confusion as the nameless and clan-free samurai roams the feudal landscape looking for a story. Giving a player freedom is one thing yet marrying this without some degree of storyline soon creates a sense of puzzlement. Gamestyle for the first three hours explored the environments, mostly making enemies and little else. The storyline does exist, yet you need to search it out and think carefully about your actions on the way.Way of the Samurai 3 is set in the historical Sengoku period but in a fictional land. On foot the game world is of a limited size, totalling just eight areas that lack detail weve seen in other sandbox titles. It is easy to jump around the world map reaching important locations quickly, or just cutting out the running around. A night and day system is in operation, complete with weather and a world clock. So you can only apply for a vacant position once per day or take up a single job offer from a specific person. In this world various factions are at play with the feudal lord (Fujimori Shuzen) exploiting the opportunity to seize power. Once you have proven your skill as a warrior, you can join Shuzens ranks or assist his critics in overthrowing his clan. Despite staggering from the opening battle of attrition alive, your samurai character has little surviving memory. This also applies to his fighting style that must sought out, learned and implemented. You can also change weapons and upgrade their abilities at the local blacksmith. Each weapon can also be levelled up through experience and kills, so it is beneficial to try and stick with a select few swords or spears. Ransacking defeated foes is always an option if not for better weaponry then items to create your own weapon or material to barter with local retailers.With all this emphasis on combat, weaponry and samurai ethics, Gamestyle was expecting an in-depth combat system. The finished article is little more than another hack nslash effort with a few attacks including throw moves and a defensive stance. The opponent AI is predictable and soon the quest is about survival to reach one of those multiple endings. The key is to save often as you only have one life in this game. This dynamic works well with the samurai emphasis, as you must consider the ramifications of drawing your sword during cut sequences or on random strangers. Clearly Acquire needed to spend a little more time planning this world and its inclusions. A sandbox title needs a varied range of activities, missions and features; none of which are evident here.Visually it is easy to criticise this release however were far more than visual junkies at Gamestyle. Acquire have captured the era with some imagination, utilising a clutch of nice visual effects for distance and touches such as birds and other animals. The fact remains that it is far from a jaw dropping visual powerhouse and for some players it will be a negative feature. The strongest aspect of the game is the traditional soundtrack that assists the graphics in delivering a feudal world.Way of the Samurai 3 is another instalment in a gaming oddity and one that is hard to recommend on the basis of game play. If you are searching for something off the beaten path or seeking your own Kurosawa adventure than it may hold some value.