Way Of The Samurai 3 On The Road Towards PC
Semi-historical antics
I feel like the Way of the Samurai 3 trailer is quite telling about what the game's priorities are. It's a 2008 open-world action game, originally for PS3 and Xbox 360, which should be gracing the PC with its presence before the end of the year, following in the steps of its sequel Way of the Samurai 4.
If editing and screen time mean anything at all, the game is about as proud of its crafting system as it is of its silly sex scenes and their embarrassing innuendos.
It's 1 minute and 40 seconds long, so every frame has to count, right? It goes over things so quickly, but it's long enough to make you understand what it is all about. Being a Samurai is really just an elaborate setup to impress women and let them make allusions to "your real sword." Everything else, the good and the bad, they're all side-effects. Those 2 seconds, they're just there, so strikingly out of place with all the rest, just to get the idea in your head. But you see, it can't really admit it, there's a code to respect.
So, like honourable people, let's just focus on the other features of the game, like its open world, and the extensive freedom it boasts. There are 22 endings, depending on how you decide to approach each situation - and diplomacy is sometimes as valid an option as fighting - but you'll have to be The Good Guy to be able to unlock some secrets. There are also quite a few companions, several costume, and even your sword can be personalized, with options both serious and ridiculous in that signature Japanese style you know and love and love to hate. There's a samurai catgirl who wields a giant tuna as her sword, just to give you an idea.
It's not uncommon for games like these, especially Japanese ones, to gather a fairly dedicated following, even in spite of some major flaws (hello, Deadly Premonition!). Cobbo was fond of Way of the Samurai 4. Critical consensus on 3 seems to be lukewarm, noting charming quirkiness but underwhelming combat.
If you've played it, let us know what you thought. Way of the Samurai 3 should be coming before the end of the year, only on Windows.