Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Mar 24, 2004
Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku Image
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: Thrust into the future by the evil Aku, a lone Samurai warrior must quickly find the time portal to the past to rescue his defenseless people. Ancestors of the displaced Samurai call him "Jack" and help him through four enemy-filled realms with 24 interactive levels. Samurai Jack suffersThrust into the future by the evil Aku, a lone Samurai warrior must quickly find the time portal to the past to rescue his defenseless people. Ancestors of the displaced Samurai call him "Jack" and help him through four enemy-filled realms with 24 interactive levels. Samurai Jack suffers various states of undress if he fails to dodge fireballs and sword strikes, but slow-motion attacks, devastating combo moves, and sushi snacks empower the hearty warrior. Through a burning village, the bustling Aku City, and on, Jack blasts through doors, finds hidden pathways, and frees caged locals, bringing him ever closer to fulfilling his great destiny - the defeat of Aku once and for all. Defeat enemies with signature combat moves, plus three elemental Swords, Throwing Stars, and a Bow and Arrow. Defeat enemies with Sakai Mode (slow-motion action). Fight against well-known Samurai Jack foes such as Aku, the Scotsman, Mad Jack, and other unique enemies. Select from three difficulty levels to match your gameplay style. Contributions from the cartoon series creator, artists, voice actors, and composers create an authentic Samurai Jack experience. [Sega]… Expand
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    When you have something that's this cool to start with, even a fairly average gameplay experience is enough to hold the torch.
  2. Play Magazine
    75
    Exactly the game I wanted, delivered right when I needed it most...a great time with a great character in a great genre - plug and play, instant fun. [Apr 2004, p.56]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. GamePro
    70
    It's a mere...er, shadow of the cartoon, but it's also a lively workout...While this is far from "Onimusha," "Shinobi," or "Ninja Gaiden," initiates fresh to the genre should find it a worthy first challenge. [May 2004, p.70]
  4. GMR Magazine
    60
    As far as action-platformers go, Samurai Jack isn't about to replace the likes of Jak, Ratchet & Clank, or Prince of Persia. It lacks depth, and it's way too easy (a weekend ought to do it).
  5. G4 TV
    60
    A more robust story line, more variety in combat, and greater length would help a lot. But the game is still extremely enjoyable for what it is -- a hack-and-slash weekend time filler.
  6. IGN
    52
    I could forgive a lack of story, or even a resemblance to the show's fantastic sense of style. But, the fact that the game is extremely easy, boring, and annoying is beyond forgiveness.
  7. Game Revolution
    25
    Ho-hum gameplay combined with simple annoyances make this game a shadow of the popular cartoon it was based on.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. B.V.
    Mar 22, 2004
    10
    Super nice.
  2. The_Calvinator
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    The Playstation 2 had a few three dimensional platformers that ruled over my elementary school years— I spent months and months on TwinsanityThe Playstation 2 had a few three dimensional platformers that ruled over my elementary school years— I spent months and months on Twinsanity and Sands of Time, and ‘Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku’ is shooting me right back to those weekends of age seven and eight. It’s short, and easy, but very fun.… Expand
  4. G.D.
    Mar 30, 2004
    10
    It is Best game ever.
  5. PedroG.
    Jun 24, 2004
    10
    I love this game this is the game I was looking for very nice.
  6. BobH.
    Mar 25, 2004
    9
    I have to say I finished it in 2 and a half days, which many might consider short. I did play pretty much all day yesterday and today though. I have to say I finished it in 2 and a half days, which many might consider short. I did play pretty much all day yesterday and today though. I loved it. I'm a huge SJ fan and this was the perfect game for me. Worth checking out for all SJ fans.… Expand
  7. MikeWashington
    Mar 13, 2004
    5
    This looks ok but I was hoping for something more like more blood but it is a kids game so I guess it has to be that way but I still would buy it.