Way of the Samurai

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. GameCritics
    95
    Unlike many other games that take a linear non-interactive approach, Way Of The Samurai is immersive and interactive every step of the way.
  2. GamePro
    90
    The real joy of Samurai lies in the replay as you repeat the game, experimenting with characters and conversations armed with what you learned last time around in a Groundhog Day–style effort to try to get things "right."
  3. GameZone
    85
    Acquire did an outstanding job with the storyline of this game.
  5. GameSpy
    82
    Despite some clunky inventory management and some frustrating camera angles, this'll be a game that you'll go back to whenever you're up for a couple of hours of mayhem and swordplay.
  6. Media and Games Online Network
    82
    The way in which your character develops is refreshing for this type of game, even though the visuals and sound presentation are little more than mediocre.
  7. Play Magazine
    80
    Once it draws you into its web of intrigue, there's no escape. [Aug 2002, p.70]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. IGN
    78
    Some players may be turned off by the game's simple looks and occasionally cumbersome control, but sticking with Way of the Samurai reveals considerable depth.
  9. Gaming Maxx
    78
    It’s a little short, and it doesn’t have a great variety of play, but WotS will satisfy those longing for a Bushido Blade 2 sequel.
  10. TotalGames.net
    78
    A refreshingly original release.
  11. Game Informer
    75
    Because of the non-linear progression, combat sometimes felt unbalanced. [July 2002, p.81]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. GameSpot
    71
    Short and doesn't look like much, but it's an unusual game that can be a lot of fun.
  13. PSM Magazine
    70
    It has unusually charming gameplay, and lots of atmospheric mileage despite cut-rate production values. [July 2002, p.39]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Electric Playground
    70
    If you like swordplay, if you like good story, if you like Asian ambiance, you'll like The Way of the Samurai.
  15. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    Samurai's unique but ultimately clunky combat system avoids repititious button-mashing with parry-and-dodge techniques that keep you on your toes. [August 2002, p.130]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    The average player will struggle with the utterly unintuitive fighting system. [August 2002, p.111]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Total Video Games
    70
    I will continue to praise the open ended mechanics of the game though, as I said before, it’s sweet when you are not bounded simply because “you aren’t suppose to go there”.
  18. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    While the combat mechanics aren't as involved as "Bushido Blade," the combat system is solid, and there are RPG-lite elements to add to the mix.
  19. Computer and Video Games
    62
    It's got the basics in place, but that just isn't enough. Ultimately there are superior role-playing and swordfighting games out there.
  20. PSX Nation
    60
    The second coming of "Bushido Blade" this ain't, yet WOTS reveals considerable depth and replayability the longer one sticks around for its non-linear paths and consequence-laden scenarios.
  21. G4 TV
    60
    The battle system makes up for the mediocre production values, as does the many incentives to play this title over and over again.
  22. Thunderbolt
    50
    Playing through Way of the Samurai unlocks a battle mode for you and a friend, but it’s still missing something, and just remains average, which is the main fault of the game.
  23. XenGamers
    50
    Thanks to a ludicrous save scheme, once you start, you had better not stop until you reach the end.

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Best PS2 Game of 2002
72
#72 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
61
#61 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. jkvasn
    Apr 14, 2014
    10
    This is truly an underrated gem. There are put-offs, but It has the most solid combat I have ever seen.

    The first installment is - hands    This is truly an underrated gem. There are put-offs, but It has the most solid combat I have ever seen.

    The first installment is - hands down - the best one in the series. Its sequels subtract from the fun and add to the boring. They totally miss the point. IT WAS A FUN ACTION GAME and they're trying to make it into some fetch-quest crap!

    The combat feels amazing and fluid - unlike hack-n-slashers, each opponent you face puts you in a state of great focus and concentration as you try to time inputs just right and pull off certain moves in a sequence ALL WHILE CONSIDERING YOUR ENVIRONMENT. Different swords grant different fighting styles - which are fun to experiment with and see what suits you best.

    It plays very similar to a 2d arcade fighter (joystick movement > button) which grants versatility. Once you get the hang of things IT'S SO FLUID! There's recovery attacks for when you're on the ground, attacks that cover a distance, attacks that have good crowd control, etc.. This may sound pretty standard, but this game does it the best. your enemies aren't paper - they have just as much fight as you do. This challenge grants more satisfaction when you defeat an opponent.

    CONS:

    The difficulty and unforgivingness would turn a lot of people off I think - heck it really turned me off. There's permi-death and you lose all your gear. This sucks, so I got into the habit of copying my save onto a second memory card :P. I also used cheats for sanity's sake (health, sword durability, etc) as well as other tricks.

    The music is REALLY GOOD. Composed by the same guy who wrote the Rurouni Kenshin score.

    I know every kid want's to grow up and make viddeygames - but if I were to ever produce a game, it would be an attempt to polish this diamond in the rough and bring a true action sword brawler to the masses. But until then, the only way to experience that is to play this game.    … Full Review »
  2. RandomSlasher
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    A great game in every way! So many possibilities mixed with a great storyline give this game loads of replay. It's also addictive when A great game in every way! So many possibilities mixed with a great storyline give this game loads of replay. It's also addictive when you try to get all the swords available or boost a sword to its maximum strength. Music is pretty good and the 3D is quite decent. In short, to anyone who has the time for this game, I highly recommend it.… Full Review »
  3. PeterA.
    Aug 24, 2002
    10
    Very good game..it's a must buy for those of you who like sword fighting.
See all user reviews »