Review: Samurai Warriors 2 (360)

Samurai Warriors 2 makes no apologies or takes any prisoners as it continues to mow down opponents in the name of entertainment. This is a quintessentially stubborn release, set in its ways, despite debuting on a next generation format. Omega Force is content with keeping the gameplay elements intact and appealing to fans of the previous offering of the Dynasty Warriors series. If you dislike such releases with a passion, then Samurai Warriors 2 will not offer a reason to change your viewpoint.

The historical storylines are delivered with typical thoroughness as the precursor to the slaughter. The initial stance follows that of many beat 'em ups today, with the player taking a character through a series of set encounters, thereby following their storyline to completion. This approach is spread over twenty-six characters (many to be unlocked) and allows for different scenarios, with a change of tact if things prove too difficult on one strand. As many missions can take in excess of thirty minutes (depending on the difficulty level and player skill), there are many obstacles to overcome, including the psychological barrier of repeating a failed level. Thankfully an interim save function is included for when an epic encounter becomes all too much.

For those inclined or eager for a taste, Samurai Warriors 2 does include several enhancements that make for a more attractive proposition. Previously, any levelling up was done solely after a mission was completed and this created a problem if you were unable to complete a level. In the sequel, this growth takes place in real-time on the battlefield, which provides a timely boost and fresh impetus to carry on. Experience points can be spent after a mission is completed (or failed), to enhance skills, weaponry or purchase new guards. Special attacks are more impressive and over-the-top than before, with time slowing down allowing for Matrix inspired fighting. These inclusions haven't detracted from the same hack n' slash combat system we've seen on countless occasions and is still the main issue for many players.

Options are plentiful outside the main story mode, with Xbox Live support providing a new direction for the series. Downloads are already available, yet these only bring new additions such as horses or guards to the in-game shop for a price. Disappointingly, the online take-up so far seems lacking with ranked matches difficult to participate in. Survival mode is very enjoyable as you take on waves of enemies in a vast castle, slowly working your way up the floors in an ever-increasing circle of violence, all the time against the clock. The most interesting selection is Sugoroku, based on a Japanese board game that is a cross between Risk and Monopoly. Supporting up to four players (offline, sadly) it provides a break from the repetitive combat system evident throughout the rest of the package.

The Achievement Points structure is entirely one-dimensional, as all rewards are systematically granted with each completed character strand or particular mode. In Gamestyle's eyes, this is a missed opportunity, as points could be awarded for huge killing sprees, large combos, Live victories, and so on. This would provide some players with much needed encouragement to foray ahead, develop their abilities and have valid reasons to return to certain missions - instead of simply completing each storyline.

More visible criticisms are graphical ones: while the attacks have been jazzed up, the rest of Samurai Warriors 2 is lacklustre. Perhaps this is indicative of the multi-format approach that blights so many releases, as the level of fog, pop-up or onscreen opponents never seems to exceed the rival Playstation 2 version. While work has been done to improve character details, cut sequences and no loading breaks, the camera still retains its sheep-like qualities, requiring ushering in new directions when venturing into castle rooms or suddenly changing direction on the battlefield. The various character types and traits deliver a little variety, although their enhanced appearance shows up the archaic backgrounds.

The opponent AI still maintains the trends of previous KOEI titles in that armies swarm around you, content to stand idle like flamingos with only the occasional offensive movement, waiting to be dispatched. This unnerving behaviour is the exact opposite of enemy officers who have aggressive AI patterns and never cease to attack, despite overwhelming odds against them at times. Soldier numbers would be an accomplishment on any other format, bar the Xbox 360, which can cope with much more than Samurai Warrior 2 pits against you.

The musical accompaniment has the traditional Japanese edge that goes well with onscreen events and the era in which it is set. The sounds of battle are effectively muted, as only your character attacks and voice can be heard amidst a field of hundreds. This is easily an area of improvement for future releases, along with avoiding the reliance on playing through each side of a conflict, effectively doubling the length of the game without really adding much value.

Level sizes, however, are impressive; with the added bonus of no loading, this makes for a more fluid experience as scripted events start taking place all over the battlefield. On the other hand, the onscreen map is not up to the task, prompting frequent usage of the main map (by pressing Start), which in itself has issues. After the excellent Saints Row map, the offering here provides confusion as you desperately try to reach one critical event, only to become distracted by another occurrence, thereby removing your original destination. This chain of events often results in failing a level... not because of your death, but failure to provide support to a colleague. The issue is compounded if you are trying to reach distant areas on foot; without a horse, rapid deployment is nigh on impossible.

Samurai Warriors 2 lacks the cutting edge Gamestyle was expecting and, for many out there, is an easy target to criticise. Improvements and new additions are recognised, but more work is necessary to revitalise the genre for a new generation.

Rating: 5 / 10

Words by Jason Julier