Way of the Samurai has been a PlayStation mainstay since the action franchise’s first game launched on PlayStation 2 back in 2002. Known for its branching storylines and stylistic action, the series has been met with mostly fair critical reception, but Way of the Samurai 3 was criticized for underwhelming graphics and boring combat. XSEED Games and developer ACQUIRE (of Tenchu fame) hope to correct that with the fourth installment.
You won’t have to wait long to see if they succeed. For a cheaper-than-expected price of $39.99, you can download Way of the Samurai 4 on PlayStation Network when it launches on August 21. Thrust into post-isolationist Japan as a masterless samurai, you must navigate the uneasy political climate and make a name for yourself by aligning with one of three factions and kicking serious ass on your way to ten different endings. Character customization will also play a big role this time around; nearly every aspect of your character’s getup can be altered, and you can even upload your characters to the campaigns of other players’ games to challenge them as AI opponents. If your creations claim victory, you get the spoils! How sweet is that?
Purists will be happy to hear that the original Japanese voicework has been left intact, while English subtitles will do the legwork for those of us who can’t understand a lick of it. If you’re seeking new pleasures on PSN, be sure to give Way of the Samurai 4 a look when it hits on August 21.
Via press release