In Retro: "Genji: Dawn of the Samurai" Review (PS2)

Though I have played the PS3 exclusive "Genji: Days of the Blade," I must say, it certainly earned its reputation as being a not-great launch title for the aforementioned system. A thoroughly disappointing sequel to "Dawn of the Samurai," a game which, I must confess, I was quite fond of when I reviewed it in 2005...

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"Genji: Dawn of the Samurai" takes a cue or two from the "Onimusha" playbook, though it actually exceeds the two latest entries in that series. Yes, it's another samurai hack and slash on a PS2 full of 'em, but it's easily one of the best. If you are at all a fan of such action games, or just action games in general, you would be remiss if you skipped "Genji."

The storyline centers around a young samurai and his hulking sidekick as they embark on a mission to collect power-granting magic orbs and defeat the bad guys who would use said orbs to gain ultimate power and bring fuedal Japan to the brink of chaos. This too is standard stuff on the surface, but one peek beneath and there's actually something far more interesting going on. The plot, though ultimately disposable and perhaps a little too long-winded for its own good, is solid and lacks the hyper melodrama found in most games in the genre -- and that's a blessing in its own right!

"Genji" grants you the option of playing as either the aforementioned young samurai, who is speed and finesse incarnate, or his gigantic companion, who makes up for what he lacks in both speed and finesse with titanic strength. The combat in the game is responsive and satisfying, especially when you factor in the special focus mode that allows you, if you're reflexes are sharp enough, to instantly kill several opponents with one good stroke. It's good stuff, to be sure.

The graphics on display are crisp and stylish, even if they do portray a fantastic, slightly anime style ancient Japan that we've already seen before countless times. The sounds effects do their job admirably as well, accompanied by some music that fits the themes of the game perfectly. Excellent cinematics further round out the impressive production values.

The game's primary weakness is its length. This one doesn't last all that long. And, again, the samurai hack-and-slash is a derivative action sub-genre that holds very few surprises. That said, if you're a fan of these types of games, don't miss this one. It delivers where most falter and languish in mediocrity.

FINAL SCORE: 7.9 (Good)