Samurai Warriors 4 DX, from Koei Tecmo Games, is a hack-and-slash style game depicting the Warring States period in Japanese history. This re-released deluxe edition includes all previous DLC for the title, from costumes to music to scenarios and more. As part of an established series in a somewhat niche genre, this game has already found its audience, and it certainly provides a unique experience for new players.
Hack-and-slash games, also called musou, is an action-focused genre all about playing as a one-man army. Framed as “1 vs. 1,000” battles, you play as a powerful hero against hordes of enemies, stringing together combos of moves to take down enemies in unique ways. Each character has unique movesets, and as a result their own unique way of taking down enemies. The game at large is structured into missions, each depicting a single battle in which players are tasked with conquering a labyrinthian map, clearing objectives such as defeating boss enemies or clearing key areas. Part of the gameplay also includes directing other officers, who players can switch control between within a single battle. It can be a bit mindless on lower difficulty levels, but at its best this system challenges players to move as efficiently as possible through seemingly numerous hordes. When you learn how to do so in style, it makes you feel exceptional.
The historical framing makes for a unique setting. Lots of the characters are real army generals, and the interpretations of dynamics and designs are very creative. I can’t speak to the accuracy of its portrayals, but taken as characters in their own right the cast here is robust, varied, and dynamic. The inclusion of female characters in particular flags me as historically inaccurate, though their addition is welcome.
For fans of the original game, this version is the definitive experience of Samurai Warriors 4. It contains a plethora of story and free play content, dozens of playable characters, and a gameplay system with surprising depth that provides a thrilling power fantasy. It’s not the most approachable game for newcomers, but for those with an interest in the genre, they’ll find plenty of it here.
Score: 7/10
Samurai Warriors 4 DX is available for PC via Steam.
Related: Reviews by John D’Auria
Video games are my personal favorite art medium by far. I love how many ways an interactive story can be told, and I can't stop myself from getting hooked on a good puzzle. I'm a student majoring in game design and music, so I hope to make creative work a part of my life going forward.
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