A Samurai's RPG Life(Sim) | Way of the Samurai 3

A review of Way of the Samurai 3. An intricate RPG simulation of Samurai life that is focused on a main quest that can twist in dozens of different directions. It also has very fun combat that feels reminiscent of a third person ARPG mixed with a fighting game's combo-system with many different fighting styles. Probably my favorite simulation of katana fighting in any video game.

The game itself is a mix of goofy over the top scenes and gameplay as well as a compelling main narrative and quest. To be honest I’m still not sure what the best descriptor is for the game? Immersive sim doesn’t feel exactly right, nor does life sim on its own, nor does action adventure, so I guess a Samurai Life Sim Hack and Slash RPG? The game is also undeniably janky, but jank in games means soul to me.

We are in a huge recent wave of Samurai games, Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei, Nioh, Rise of the Ronin, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a new Onimusha, etc. I really hope we get another mainline Way of the Samurai game, it would be a great time.

I got the urge to replay this after hearing the news of Tatsuya Nakadai passing, one of the best actors, period. And in so many classic samurai films, including one of my favorites, Harakiri, and even the main inspiration for this game, Yojimbo. Rest in peace.

P.S. The thumbnail is based after Samurai Champloo's opening credits. Both the two color-tones of the blue-ish black and orange are taken from it as well as the cloud and repeating castle graphic. Probably the most work on a thumbnail I've had to do yet since I messed up making the Samurai transparent and had to redraw parts of his head and arm outline by hand. I think it looks good though!

Where to find me:
Patreon:   / residenteccentric  
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/residenteccentric
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/residentecce...
Backloggd: https://www.backloggd.com/u/ResEccent...

Get the game:
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/42...

Credits:

Music:
Way of the Samurai 3 Soundtrack
Way of the Samurai 1 Soundtrack
Nioh Soundtrack

Videos and Images:
Making Mochi:    • Making some Mochi #shorts #asmr #satisfying  
Extreme Japanese Apologizing:    • 究極の謝罪を競う「土下座選手権」開催（Apology Olympics）  
Sengoku Japan Historical Art: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...

Mentioned or Displayed on Screen:
Harakiri, Samurai Champloo, Taiko by Eiji Yoshikawa, Nioh 2, Samurai Warriors 4, Total War Shogun 2, Onimusha, Labyrinth of the Demon King, Kamiwaza Way of the Thief, Akira Kurosawa, Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, The Hidden Fortress, Ghost of Tsushima, Rashomon, Ran, Throne of Blood, Kagemusha.

#wayofthesamurai #wayofthesamurai3 #samurai #samuraivideogames #arpg #gamingreview #japangaming #japangames #samuraigames #samuraigame #lifesim #immersivegaming #immersivesim

Chapters
00:00:00 Sengoku Dreams
00:01:07 A Samurai's Life(Sim)
00:04:15 Story Setup
00:09:45 Battlecry
00:12:48 Za Warudo
00:16:28 Aesthetics & Complaints
00:20:55 Conclusion
00:22:04 Thanks & Farewells