The best entry in a good series makes quite a few strong improvements.
The latest in Way of the Samurai makes a few major changes to game-play. The most noticeable of which is the separation of styles and swords. In previous entries styles where always tied to a sword, now any style may be used with any sword. This is a huge step forward. A you a the freedom to use one sword you poured a decnt amount of time into, and use styles as you see fit or vice versa.
Cutscenes also feature a significant change at well. At certain points the player may choose certain dialogue options which affect the course of the story.
I found myself pretty much getting hooked on this entry in the series. From collecting swords and mastering styles, to completing side missions and following the story and its wonderful cast of characters. Way of the Samurai 4 is a game that always leaves you with something you can get. This has always been a series that get's better the more time you pool into it. While this may seem boring to most people, this has always been a series that rewards time and effort.
The story is probably the best thing about WotS 4. Each faction has its on goals and each of the characters has a quite a bit of substance to them and as you witness the events unfold it easy for them to grow on you. It's hard not to like a character in WotS 4.
While often overshadowed and underrated Way of the Samurai 4 is a game you need to spend time on to really enjoy. Most people may seek instant gratification but this games manages to build a carefully curved path of progression that you can only really appreciate if you spend time with it