Genji: Dawn of the Samurai

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Sep 20, 2005
Genji: Dawn of the Samurai Image
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

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  • Summary: Genji: Dawn of the Samurai is an intense 3D action-adventure game. Inspired by the 11th century Japanese literary masterpiece, "Tale of Genji," Genji: Dawn of the Samurai provides a dramatic samurai plot fused with fantastical Japanese mythology. This historic samurai tale is set against theGenji: Dawn of the Samurai is an intense 3D action-adventure game. Inspired by the 11th century Japanese literary masterpiece, "Tale of Genji," Genji: Dawn of the Samurai provides a dramatic samurai plot fused with fantastical Japanese mythology. This historic samurai tale is set against the beautiful and elegant environments of feudal Japan, and delivers a story of two noble warriors engaged in a crusade against mythical forces controlling Japan. In addition, Genji: Dawn of the Samurai features authentic swordplay choreographed by Japan's leading swordsman, and production directed by acclaimed industry veterans. [SCEA]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 49
  3. Negative: 1 out of 49
  1. GamePro
    90
    Genji's appeal for hardcore and newbies alike is that it's an excellently crafted example of the good 'ole slice and dicer with just enough challenge to keep things interesting.
  2. PGNx Media
    85
    The team has definitely nailed the presentation aspects of game making, and coupled it with very solid gameplay. The gameplay isn’t exemplary though, the story could be more intricate, and the game could be longer.
  3. Yahoo!
    80
    With a more detailed and challenging storyline, Genji could have been right up on the top tier with the titles that inspired it. As is, this is an entertaining, beautiful experience for any fan of swords and samurai.
  4. netjak
    78
    Much like "Darkwatch," this is a game that you definitely want to play, but you're probably better off not paying for, at least not while it's $40. [Import]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. IGN
    70
    Nicely presented, but ultimately shallow, Genji delivers tame action for the short amount of time it lasts.
  6. PSM Magazine
    70
    There are certain moments when the game is quite breathakingly gorgeous. [Nov 2005, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    40
    It's a strange and giant leap back to restrictive, basic gaming that becomes joyless rather quickly. Play "Onimusha" instead. [Nov 2005, p.123]
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See all 49 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Takato
    Dec 31, 2018
    10
    One of my absolute favorite games, truly a gem. Beautiful sceneries and music give a fresh and lovely environmental experience especially ifOne of my absolute favorite games, truly a gem. Beautiful sceneries and music give a fresh and lovely environmental experience especially if you're a lover of Japanese traditional culture. Gameplay is overally enjoyable with tight & responsive control, variable movesets for different types of weapon, a neat & cohesive Weapon Forging system, and Kamui - the ultimate test of skills and for me personally the shining feature of this game. Mastering it takes time to practice as the Kamui sequences for some enemies in the game can be seriously unforgiving, and your mastery of the ability will affect the whole level of success in this game. With all that in mind, you will have plenty of fun with the game even after finishing the story the first time, as you face new challenges and explore various items to fill up the Weapon List... In overall, I've had truly a great time playing this game.… Expand
  2. Inuyasha17
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    I've never seen such a cool main character.
    That's how attractive and cool Samura is.
    The samurai dealing with the double sword is that strong.
  4. HubraPvo
    Feb 23, 2018
    10
    A Beatiful and very combo games but a long time a bored but super games I love Genji Dawn Of the samurai
  5. AriS.
    Sep 23, 2007
    8
    The visuals and sounds were executed extremely well, with a Japanese aesthetic all the way through. To have the giant Lord Benkei walking The visuals and sounds were executed extremely well, with a Japanese aesthetic all the way through. To have the giant Lord Benkei walking softly, carrying a big stick, through a serene garden of cherry trees, rolling hills, and babbling brooks, only to let loose with a mighty naginata swing at the first sign of an ambush, bisecting three enemy samurai with one hit, to continue walking softly through the serene area after the blood dried, was somehow tremendously satisfying. I'm sure the use of the Kamui game mechanic, a temporary time slowdown, is somehow important to defeating enemies more easily - I just wish I could figure it out. The timing needed to execute that killer swing is extremely touchy, and the window of opportunity can be measured in milliseconds. Nonetheless, the combat is intriguing, not particularly difficult, and some enemies tend to leave themselves way open, going down with one hit at higher levels. I would have liked to see smarter, stronger, faster, and more enemies in the game (though not all at once!). My biggest complaint is the game's length; readers can quickly see I'm not the only one complaining about how the game should have been longer (probably far longer). It's still very enjoyable, with fun gameplay, awesome graphics, cool moves, and nice weapons and armor. I just would have so liked to see more of the above.… Expand
  6. frederik1478
    Feb 28, 2022
    7
    Er good and fun action game for PS2 with some wonderful Visions.The best part of the Mechanic is the reflex killmove you can make but sadlyEr good and fun action game for PS2 with some wonderful Visions.The best part of the Mechanic is the reflex killmove you can make but sadly the worst part of it is that in the later part of the games it creates some really intense reflexes. I don't think that modern screen can take.I can't say too much about the game because it's feels so smooth and nice to play it. Just kind of a game you can play in one sitting and enjoy so I would recommend it completely if you can find it.… Expand
  7. AlienSpaceBats
    Jun 29, 2014
    7
    Really good fun, plays like Onimusha with the brakes off. It's a little on the easy and short side, but does what it does very well. Has aReally good fun, plays like Onimusha with the brakes off. It's a little on the easy and short side, but does what it does very well. Has a neat feature; 'Kamui' - special timed feats that allow you to take out entire screens of enemies on successful taps of the square button. Like Onimusha 2, features designs by Keita Amemiya. Recommended for Onimusha/samurai game fans.… Expand
  8. ThorikS.
    Oct 21, 2005
    6
    Game had good graphics the story line is way to short only 3 days of full play to beat it.

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Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best PS2 Game of 2005
27
#27 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005