Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword

 3DS
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Nintendojo
    Feb 9, 2012
    91
    While it would have been nice to have a few more stages to clear before the final confrontation, it's hard to fault the game for not wanting it to end, especially when what is here is already so enjoyable. Anyone with a penchant for reflex-based gameplay (and a few digital bucks to spend) need look no further for their next eShop purchase.
  2. Destructoid
    Feb 12, 2012
    90
    From its simple story yet compelling tactical gameplay to its gorgeous graphics and controls, I was hooked. This is possibly one of the best downloadable titles on the eShop, one that will draw players in with its ever-increasing depth. A must have!
  3. IGN
    Jan 31, 2012
    90
    Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword is a gorgeous game, and a brilliant addition to the 3DS library. The art style and music transport you to another world, and the combat is more than engaging.
  5. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 18, 2012
    87
    Hana Samurai: Art of the Sword is a compelling action game which favors good reflexes and thinking over simple button mashing. The demanding but entertaining gameplay and a fantastic japanese flavor make for another killer application for Nintendo's eShop.
  6. The A.V. Club
    Feb 13, 2012
    83
    The demanding play, when coupled with a look and feel reminiscent of The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker, makes Art Of The Sword into an upbeat, watered-down version of Dark Souls.
  7. Eurogamer Italy
    Jan 17, 2013
    80
    Hana Samurai is an interesting title with a pretty good quality/price ratio. If you're looking for a nice experience with a deep but simple combat system, you should buy it with no regrets.
  8. Pocket Gamer UK
    Oct 24, 2012
    80
    Plenty of bang for your buck here. It may not be the longest of games, nor overly feature rich, but it's as enjoyable as it is refreshing to play. Every 3DS owner should give this a go.
  9. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Oct 17, 2012
    80
    An action game in the sense that everything depends on your actions, Hana Samurai is hamstrung only by its length. If it were a bit more fleshed out, this would be among the very best of the 3DS eShop.
  10. Everyeye.it
    Feb 15, 2012
    80
    Catching and groundbreaking, Sakura Samurai is a great appearance in the Nintendo e-Shop.
  11. Modojo
    Feb 3, 2012
    80
    Offers five to six hours of enemy chopping, frog tossing fun. That said, we hope we haven't seen the last of this new IP.
  12. Nintendo Life
    Jan 30, 2012
    80
    Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword may not be the prettiest game on the eShop but it sure is one of the most challenging, striking a good balance between difficulty and precision.
  13. Games Master UK
    Dec 18, 2012
    78
    It's just a shame that by the time you master it, the short three hour quest is up. [Jan 2013, p.83]
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  14. SpazioGames
    Oct 22, 2012
    75
    An action game with interesting and funny combat system, but very repetitive.
  15. 3DJuegos
    Oct 18, 2012
    75
    Better than expected, Hana Samurai: Art of the Sword shows that patience is a virtue. Wait your rival, dodge his attack and perform a counter-attack in a game that could have been even better if its repetitiveness and slow pace weren't a problem.
  16. GameSpot
    Feb 2, 2012
    75
    Great swordplay carries the weight in Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword.
  17. Cubed3
    Nov 10, 2012
    70
    Hana Samurai: Art of the Sword, while not a must-have, is still a good addition to the growing library of the Nintendo 3DS eShop. Currently the game is available online for what may seem like a high cost of £6.29, but is worth buying for people who like challenging, timing-based combat and the overall style of the game.
  18. Vandal
    Oct 15, 2012
    70
    Recommended for fans of action games, even though this one is based on precision. It offers many hours of gaming –and many more if we want to beat the hardest difficulty–, and and original and good concept. Definitely worth a try.
  19. Universo Nintendo
    Feb 11, 2012
    65
    Fans of the rhythmic gameplay of Punch-Out!! will have fun. About the others ... Well, there will always be other princesses to be rescued.
  20. NintendoWorldReport
    Jan 31, 2012
    65
    If you can get over the repetition, Sakura Samurai is a worthwhile experience. However, with the onslaught of better games on the eShop, you're not missing too much if you skip it.
  21. 1UP
    Feb 6, 2012
    58
    The repetitive grinding stretches a cool combat concept thin, and harshly takes away any feeling of accomplishment. It's a shame that the harsh penalties feel so unbalanced, transforming Sakura from a visually charming adventure into a repetitive and often unfair endurance run.
  22. Gameblog.fr
    Oct 29, 2012
    50
    Quotation forthcoming.
  23. Eurogamer
    Aug 7, 2012
    40
    The saddest thing about Sakura Samurai is that the foundation is there for a much better game.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best 3DS Game of 2012
43
#43 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2012
47
#47 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 35
  3. Negative: 4 out of 35
  1. Tokyotripper
    Mar 26, 2012
    10
    This game is fantastic, tons of original content, great character design, twitch-gamer mechanics, all for $7. Highly recommended. Love allThis game is fantastic, tons of original content, great character design, twitch-gamer mechanics, all for $7. Highly recommended. Love all the small side games and little touches, its obvious the developers had a good time making this game and its a perfect portable game to play in bits and pieces. More please!… Full Review »
  2. Wakanabi
    Feb 7, 2012
    9
    Best 3D eshop game yet! More fun than Mutant Mudd or Pushmo. I love the variety of minigames, the changes in enemies with different actions.Best 3D eshop game yet! More fun than Mutant Mudd or Pushmo. I love the variety of minigames, the changes in enemies with different actions. It requires quick reactions but also patience. Really does have the same spirit as Mike Tyson's Punchout on NES, one of my fave games of all time. Buy this now, you won't regret it! Only $6.99, I would pay $20 for this easy… Full Review »
  3. TechnicalGamer
    Mar 8, 2012
    9
    You get a lot of content here for $7. The main game can be completed in about 5 hours however you also get 30, 50, and 100 thug challenges forYou get a lot of content here for $7. The main game can be completed in about 5 hours however you also get 30, 50, and 100 thug challenges for each boss you defeat. There is a Rock Garden mode as well. This mode allows you to "dedicate" your daily steps count to the Sakura Trees in the garden. Doing so makes the trees bloom. Once the game is completed you can start over again in Expert mode. In this mode you only get 3 hearts and the baddies do 2x damage.

    Overall Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword is a great game, especially for $7. You will feel like you are a samurai when you get good enough at the game. The satisfaction of consecutively beating everyone down without even taking a hit is great. The art style and music fits it well and the extras are a nice touch. If you have a Nintendo 3DS then you should head to the EShop and Download this great deal today. See more info @: http://technicalgaming.blogspot.com/    … Full Review »
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