The Spirit of the Samurai

When I heard there was a new Metroivania game coming out centered around Japanese mythology, I could barely contain my excitement. Two of my favorite things in the world coming together into one elegant package? There must be a catch. And yet, what The Spirit of the Samurai Delivers is that and so much more.

Featuring some of the most gorgeous 2.5D animation work I've ever seen in a video game, The Spirit of the Samurai is a side-scrolling adventure game like no other. I mean, sure, it borrows some elements from all the popular Metroidvania titles, but it does inject its unique edge into the mix, resulting in an experience you won't soon forget.

Japanese Fantasy Unleashed

In The Spirit of the Samurai, you play as an unlikely cast, all brought together by a curse annihilating ancient Japan. As the samurai Takeshi, you'll soon find yourself immersed in a mystical adventure where Oni and humans collide. Also, you'll soon find yourself dead – but that's just the beginning of your journey.

Chisai, a brave warrior cat, and a Kodama spirit will also become your allies, each allowing you to see the world from a new perspective. This character dynamic remains the single most intriguing aspect of the game, as each allows you to experience Spirit of the Samurai as if they were entirely different games. Takeshi makes the game feel like Trek to Yomi, while the Kodama spirit transported me back to my Limbo days. Also, Chisai is cute, so there's that.

The Art of Combat

Engaging enemies in The Spirit of the Samurai is frantic and satisfying. Every character has a unique fighting style, and that comes with exclusive power-ups and bonuses for each of them.

Takeshi is the "warrior" of the team, delivering swift blows and ranged combat thanks to his trusty short bow. Chisai delivers fast blows that don't carry a lot of power behind them, so escaping and relying on stealth will be your best choice. The Kodama spirit uses mystical energy to attack in a melee range but is considerably more feeble than Takeshi.

In the end, you'll need to combine the skills of all three warriors to progress. It feels kind of like Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, only with a distinctly more Japanese flavor and much nicer visuals.

A World of Terrifying Wonders

The art style of The Spirit of the Samurai is simply breathtaking. Everything from the stop-motion-like animation to the intricate monster designs oozes creativity. If you're still disappointed with the direction Assassin's Creed: Shadows is taking, The Spirit of the Samurai delivers the perfect dose of Japanese-infused visuals fans deserve.

Honestly, you'll want to pause the game from time to time just to admire the visuals the developers at Digital Mind Games have conjured. The combination of classic Japanese architecture and mysterious Folklore is enough to make me want to play this game again and again – if only to fall in love with its unique setting all over again.

Pros

• Amazing stop-motion art style
• Engaging and powerful story-driven presentation
• Varied gameplay thanks to its three different protagonists

Cons

• A few technical hiccups (the game can be surprisingly taxing on your system)

The Spirit of the Samurai is a 2D action adventure in the style of honor warriors of ancient Japan. Start your journey together with Takeshi - a samurai who is forced to pick up his katana again to save his native village. Together with friendly spirits, travel through once prosperous lands destroyed by a vicious army of demons led by a dead general. Team up with creatures from Japanese folklore and protect innocent people from the impending danger.

Game Pros:

• Sidescroller adventure with puppet animation
• Real Japanese folklore