• Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Jul 7, 2004
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 32
  2. Negative: 10 out of 32
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  1. To pan the game for not being more like GTA 3 is misguided, disrespectful to the each title's unique contributions, and also speaks volumes of the lack of critical thinking of the X-Play critics and the industry as a whole.
  2. The great thing about WOTS2 is that once you do something right or wrong the civilians will remember it.
  3. Weekly Famitsu
    80
    9 / 8 / 8 / 7 - 32 gold [Vol 774]
  4. 80
    The way of the samurai is a lengthy road that rewards those who show patience and persistence. [Aug 2004, p.66]
  5. PSM Magazine
    80
    Combat animations could still look a bit more fluid, and the tactics of foes should probably be a little tougher to suss out, but Way of the Samurai 2 is still a solid experience and a must-play for samurai nuts. [July 2004, p.28]
  6. 75
    If you can overlook some minor gameplay quirks, you'll be rewarded with one of the more unique and in-depth action games you've played in a while.
  7. VideoGamesLife
    72
    You learn more moves, you collect different swords of various qualities and you can get into a scrap at anytime, anywhere. It's all very much in keeping with the loose cannon samurai lifestyle, that's just a bit too loose for it's own good.
  8. If you are a die-hard "Dynasty Warriors" or "Vagrant Story" fan, you can probably overlook the flaws in the game and find that it really does offer up pretty nice options.
  9. 65
    Capcom updated the combat system from the original game to make the movements seem more authentic. It also added the ability to kill your opponents in a single counterattack finishing move. This doesn't add to the game, but it makes waxing anyone who gets in your way laughably easy.
  10. Rather ordinary presentation and outright laughable voiceover acting.
  11. The concept of the game isn't well executed, resulting in an awkwardly paced experience that will only be appreciated by patient players willing to look past a variety of flaws.
  12. Suffers greatly due to poor plot execution. The pace at which this game plays out, and the tedious cut screens you have to endure really kill any momentum you might have going.
  13. GMR Magazine
    60
    Basically an expanded version of the original game. It won't win over any of the game's skeptics, but fans of the original will definitely find something to like here. [Aug 2004, p.100]
  14. Edge Magazine
    60
    WOTS2's intentionally short running time (most story paths can be finished in little over two hours), a steady stream of unlockable rewards, and the gradual appreciation of its combat system's depth can make replays strangely compelling. [July 2004, p.105]
  15. 60
    It's mediocrity, to be sure. Still, there is some truly strange allure about Way of the Samurai 2. Mysteriously, it's enjoyable for a short period.
  16. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    If you liked the first Way of the Samurai, then this provides more of the same type of play. But don't expect anything new or exciting. [July 2004, p.88]
  17. Unless you are a die-hard fan of the series, most of us can probably stay clear of this one.
  18. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    55
    While the different endings are the most interesting aspect of Samurai, they also introduce a whole pile of tedium, as you're forced to sit through the same lengthy cut-scenes over and over. [Aug 2004, p.104]
  19. Something of a disappointment. Players hoping for an expanded, polished version of it's odd (but strangely beguiling) 2002 predecessor have instead been handed a bland, dated game with an extremely creaky plot and a near-broken combat system.
  20. Boomtown
    50
    The main culprit here is the bad voice acting and bad Japanese-to-English translation. It’s like playing cowboys and Indians except that there’s one noisy kid who never really gets into character.
  21. Cheat Code Central
    50
    I hope that you have learned much and that your journey through Way of the Samurai 2 is filled with wonderment and awe - but unless you're sniffing gas there's no chance of that.
  22. If you're looking for a good samurai game to add to your collection, spare yourself the trouble and shell out the $10 to $20 the first game is going for.
  23. Much more frustrating than fun.
  24. The disappointing sequel keeps the open ended play of the original, but the menial chores and lacking play mechanics could make any samurai give up on their career path.
  25. 40
    With its fair share of gameplay issues and dated presentation, this Samurai walks away with his blade between his legs.
  26. It's graceful to the point of being sedate.
  27. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure book set in the Edo period of Japanese history—in other words, a very special form of excruciating, ritual torture.
  28. Even the main characters - the ones voiced over in cut-scenes - have an annoying American accent that just shatters the whole illusion, and they sound like they're talking to you through a king hangover mixed with a few pints of disinterest.
  29. The challenging combat does spice up proceedings, but the ubiquitous camera problems associated with these types of game and uninspiring graphics will soon make you want to turn your sword on yourself in true samurai fashion.
  30. You have to commend Way of the Samurai 2 for trying something different, but its myriad design flaws, weak delivery and repetitive nature serve as a reminder that different doesn't necessarily mean fun.
  31. Like those vacuum-powered hair trimmers, this one sucks while it cuts. [July 2004, p.116]
  32. This game is so awful that I can't even recommend it as a weekend rental. Between the load times, boring plot, stiff combat, and lame voice acting, Capcom should've never put its name on the package, and quite frankly, I'm rather shocked that they did.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. Jun 17, 2012
    10
    A great samurai game to play. It is very hard to find a samurai game better than this. I can't finish all the stories without a guide.A great samurai game to play. It is very hard to find a samurai game better than this. I can't finish all the stories without a guide. However, this game is great. Must play if you are interested in Japanese culture. Full Review »
  2. MarioT.
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    the best game ever! This game shows how samurais life is hard and endless.Great story, great music & great weapons.
  3. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. The way you could chose between many ways to react, and how the story branched out into dozens ofOne of my favorite games of all time. The way you could chose between many ways to react, and how the story branched out into dozens of endings is something i still love. The story, also, was amazing. The combat system, all the weapons available (every single one with their own moves), all the secrets... Just perfect. Full Review »