Pure hack 'n slash goodness, with a bit of an RPG feel.
User Rating: 10 | Genji: Dawn of the Samurai PS2
I just got this game, I've been loving it from the first moment I opened it. With a total of 6 hours of game play, I'm nearly finished with it, however. The storyline is a bit confusing at first (especially trying to memorize the characters' names and the whole Amahagane business), but it eventually draws you in, unlike story lines of Dynasty or Samurai Warriors. In the beginning, you start out as a 16 year-old samurai called **** Minamoto (Gamespot won't let me say his first name). You are almost instantly thrown into battle as this very quick, agile fighter. This is not the only character, though. Somewhere near the middle, you are told of a gigantic man, of 7 feet tall, wielding a huge club, the very size of some full grown men. This colossal monk's name is Benkei Musashibo. After fighting him, it is revealed that both he and **** are of the Genji family. The fighting system in the game is seemingly cut and dry, but the further you get into the game, the more interesting it gets. Using the power of the Amahagane, you can enter a special fighting mode known as Kamui. It utilizes you reflexes and trigger finger that allows you to counter an enemy attack, often killing them in the process. As you get further into the game, you'll come to realize that this is the only way to kill quite a few bosses. Overall, I think this is an excellent game, and I highly recommend buying it ($9.99 is a great price for a game of this quality). Great story, very fun game play, and a bargain deal at that...why haven't you bought this game yet?! On a side note, once you beat the game, you will unlock difficult mode. This is different from many difficult modes in other games that I have experienced, in a sense that it is...difficult! No level ups, no items, no money, not many weapon upgrades. So, you literally have to beat the game, as level 1. What is great of this game mode is the aspect that you MUST use Kamui to kill most enemies and all bosses. You don't get much for beating it except character artwork and such, still, fun!
