Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami Release: 1999 Genre: Action
When Resident Evil hit it hit big. While it was certainly not the first game to mix 3d characters with polygonal characters it was one of the most notable at the time. Its influence led to a mass of survival horror games using the same formula. However it was only a matter of time before other developers would apply that same logic to other genres. With samurai and ninjas on the upswing thanks to games like Tenchu Konami would release Soul of the Samurai in 1999. It has its rough edges but is a surprisingly enjoyable action game that I feel is worth your time.
Soul of the Samurai stars Kotaro Hiba and Lin, a wandering samurai and ninja whose paths cross in a nameless village. Both are here for different reasons: Kotaro is back to visit his parent’s graves while Lin seeks her missing brother. However they both become wrapped up in a plot to take over the country through different ends. While their journeys are separate they eventually intersect.
It is astounding how much Soul of the Samurai can be viewed as a precursor to Capcom’s Onimusha. Both games are similar, not just because of their theme and presentation but also their mechanics. In fact Onimusha was announced the month Soul of the Samurai was released in Japan. Whether it was intentional or serendipity no one can say. I would be surprised if Capcom did not take some cues from this game. While Onimusha is ultimately the better title Soul of the Samurai is a solid if flawed take on the same concept.
Soul of the Samurai’s story takes place over the course of 6 days which are essentially the game’s levels. Both characters stories and events are separate but eventually intersect toward the end. The game’s map is tiny and confined to the village and a few surrounding areas you can cover in minutes. Typically each day has a set goal in a specific area. However you are usually free to roam around to find items. Although it may look similar to Resident Evil with its prerendered backgrounds puzzles are few and nearly nonexistent. This is mainly an action game and where the focus lies.
Combat is robust with options if a bit clumsy at times. Most of the enemies you face are swordsmen and ninja who know how to fight. Button mashing is not ideal as they can and will parry your attacks. Timing is key and you have a lot of options. You can perform different slashes in combination with directional inputs like a lunging stab, a reverse slash, and swipes. The guard counter is the most effective technique and literally game breaking and is easy to execute. There is an experience system that grants new moves that use magic points. These have command inputs and are pretty cool if a little extravagant. Most of the time you will probably perform these by accident. But the magic meter refills quickly so it does not matter.
Kotaro and Lin have a different focus in their combat. Where Kotaro is a more defensive character Lin has more tools as she is not a brawler. Lin receives a large number of shuriken and explosives, most of which can hit every enemy simultaneously. The game drops plenty of ammo to the point you can rely on that more than her swordplay. Her enemies are weak however, making the game feel like a typical hack and slash.
Regardless of the character movement is awkward due to the game’s half assed lock on system and the viewpoint. When you guard the game tries lock on to the nearest enemy but your movement is slow. When dealing with multiple opponents the sluggish controls can be frustrating. In addition the viewpoint shifts screen to screen. The transitions can be sudden and enemy placement is often less than ideal. This is an area Capcom had mastered with the Resident Evil games by the time of Soul of the Samurai’s release and the difference is notable. While annoying they will only make you wish the game were better in this regard.
Surprisingly Soul of the Samurai is short. Despite featuring two campaigns both are only about two hours long. The game is very straightforward and there are only one or two brief side quests. Exploring even a little will yield an overabundance of healing supplies. The new weapons you receive in each chapter make the game easier. It becomes a joke once you master a few key moves like the counter. Lin is essentially the game’s easy mode as her default combo is long enough to kill most enemies in one string. Alongside her numerous ranged weapons you will easily breeze through her story as it is shorter than Kotaros. To see the true ending and final boss you must play as both characters. But that does little to add to the game’s length. What is here is adequate but I would not have minded more.
In Closing
I like Soul of the Samurai, warts and all. I remember reviews at the time savaging the game and was wary. Many reviewers were expecting another stealth action game like Tenchu or Metal Gear Solid (their words not mine) and were thus disappointed. But having played it for myself its flaws are not so egregious that I would avoid recommending it. A sequel could have refined the mechanics and presentation further and we could have had another classic like Capcom’s series. Alas, Soul of the Samurai is a hidden gem instead.
