Genji: Dawn of the Samurai

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Sep 20, 2005
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. 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
  2. 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 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.
  3. DragonKnightofFinalFantasy
    Oct 1, 2005
    7
    This is a great rental. The graphics are nice looking. The sound in Japanese voice-over sounds good enough but I wouldn't know I don't speak Japanese. The gameplay plays alot like Onimusha which figures since its run by the same guy. So its kinda the same, even the opening sequence isalot like the one in Onimusha so whats different between the two? one word. Kamui. This is the This is a great rental. The graphics are nice looking. The sound in Japanese voice-over sounds good enough but I wouldn't know I don't speak Japanese. The gameplay plays alot like Onimusha which figures since its run by the same guy. So its kinda the same, even the opening sequence isalot like the one in Onimusha so whats different between the two? one word. Kamui. This is the rise and downfall of this game. Its alot of fun but the attacks are so powerful normal combos seem obsolete so you use Kamui alot and it becomes tiring since normal combos aren't always powerful enough. I also like the RPG elements they're basic though but I'm a sucker for leveling up and equipment hunting. So this is a great rental and if you like it enough you probably should buy it.… Expand
  4. 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 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 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
  5. Syc
    Nov 8, 2006
    9
    A simple but slick, well balanced and thoroughly enjoyable hack n slash with excellent control, tight gameplay and stunning visuals. Not overly long but certainly worth repeat playthroughs.
  6. 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.
  7. Nancy
    Dec 13, 2005
    7
    The gameply: Onimusha+Shinobi=Genji, but the presentation is beautiful and it doesn't have poor english dubs. The game gets a bit repetitive with the hack and slash and the storyline is okay-at best.
  8. 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 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 gameEr 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
  9. xxxtentacion
    Jun 28, 2021
    9
    One of the PS2 hidden gems,just recomend play the game in hard mode which is more balanced,on normal difficult the game is a bit too easy
  10. XxSokrateSxX
    Jul 18, 2018
    10
    Best Mechanics Best Story Best Boss and Very Npc amahagane is amazing İ Love Genji Dawn Of The samurai
  11. 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 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 forOne 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
  12. 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 49
  3. Negative: 1 out of 49
  1. IGN
    70
    Nicely presented, but ultimately shallow, Genji delivers tame action for the short amount of time it lasts.
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  2. GameZone
    75
    It’s short, the movies are long and can’t be skipped, and the difficulty takes a dive at the end of the second hour. These are reasons to avoid a game. At the same time I love Onimusha, and Genji is essentially that game with a new name and face.
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  3. GameSpot
    71
    If you're a fan of flashy cut-'em-up action and Japanese mythology, you'll be glad to know that Genji doesn't stray from that path. Unfortunately, that path is a short one, and it ends just as soon as things really start to get interesting.
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