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. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. XxSokrateSxX
    Jul 18, 2018
    10
    Best Mechanics Best Story Best Boss and Very Npc amahagane is amazing İ Love Genji Dawn Of The samurai
  6. 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
  7. 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

All reviews »
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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