The Top Samurai Games to Feel Like a Warrior from Feudal Japan!
Samurai games have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their immersive storylines, beautiful graphics, and intense combat. From exploring feudal Japan as a lone warrior to leading a group of samurai against invading forces, these games let players experience the culture and traditions of ancient Japan like never before.
In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best samurai games today. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just getting started, there’s sure to be something here to pique your interest. So grab your katana sword and prepare to embark on an epic adventure through ancient Japan!
If you’re interested in playing any of the best samurai games on this list, you can find them available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys. Check out their website to find great deals on some of the best samurai games out there!
The Top Samurai Games to Feel Like a Warrior from Feudal Japan!
Onimusha
Release Date: January 25, 2001 - March 7, 2006
Developer: CAPCOM
Publisher: CAPCOM
Platforms: Playstation 2, PC, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox, Xbox One
Onimusha is a popular action-adventure game series developed by Capcom (the same creators of Resident Evil) that first debuted in 2001. Set in feudal Japan, the series follows the adventures of various heroes as they fight against demons and other supernatural beings. The gameplay focuses on fast-paced combat and puzzle-solving, with players using a variety of weapons and magical abilities to defeat enemies and progress through the story. The series is known for its engaging storyline, stunning visuals, and intense combat, making it a beloved franchise among fans of samurai and action games.
The Onimusha series has been praised for its attention to detail, historical accuracy, and incorporation of Japanese mythology and folklore. From using authentic samurai weapons to including historical figures like Oda Nobunaga, the series offers a rich and immersive experience that transports players back to feudal Japan. With multiple entries in the series and a dedicated fan base, Onimusha is a must-play for everyone interested in samurai or action-adventure games.
Onimusha Warlords is available to buy at Onimusha: Warlords Steam CD Key.
Samurai Shodown
Release Date: July 7, 1993 - June 25, 2019
Developer: SNK
Publisher: SNK
Platforms: NEO GEO Arcades, PS1, PS2, PS4, PC, Xbox One
The Samurai Shodown series has been a staple of the fighting game genre since its debut in 1993. Known for its weapon-based combat and diverse cast of characters, the series has consistently delivered intense and strategic gameplay that challenges players to master each character’s unique abilities.
With the recent release of Samurai Shodown (2019), the series has grown in popularity, introducing new gameplay mechanics and graphical enhancements that bring the series into the modern era. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Samurai Shodown offers a thrilling and engaging experience that is not to be missed.
The series draws heavily from Japanese history and mythology, featuring characters inspired by famous samurai warriors, such as Miyamoto Musashi and Yagyu Jubei. The series also features representation from various other cultures, including Chinese and African characters, making it a unique and inverse addition to the fighting game genre. Overall, the Samurai Shodown series is an essential franchise for anyone interested in a samurai game or fighting games, offering a rich and engaging experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
Samurai Shodown (2019) is available on Steam, and you can buy Steam Credits cheaply at Steam Gift Card!
Nioh
Release Date: February 7, 2017 - March 12, 2020
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Platforms: Playstation 4, PC, Xbox One
Nioh is a popular action role-playing game series developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo. Set in a fictionalized version of Japan’s Sengoku period, the series follows the journey of William Adam, a sailor embroiled in a war between human yokai.
The gameplay combines fast-paced combat with intricate character customization, allowing players to create their unique warrior and playstyle. The gameplay combines fast-paced combat with complex character customization, allowing players to develop their unique warrior and playstyle. The series has challenging gameplay, rich storytelling, and attention to historical detail, making it a favorite among gamers and fans of samurai games and action RPGs.
The Nioh series has great incorporation of real-life historical figures and events, as well as its use of traditional Japanese mythology and folklore. From fighting against famous historical figures like Tokugawa Ieyasu and Date Masamune to facing off against mythical yokai like oni and kappa, the series offers a rich and immersive experience steeped in Japanese culture and tradition. With Nioh 2 and its expansions, the series has expanded its world and further refined its gameplay, making it an essential franchise for anyone interested in samurai games or action RPGs.
Both Nioh Games are available at RoyalCDKeys, you can get them NiOh - Complete Edition and NiOh 2 - Complete Edition.
Yakuza (Like a Dragon): Kenzan and Ishin
Release Date: March 6, 2008 - Febuary 17, 2023
Developer: RGG Studios
Publisher: SEGA
Platforms: PS3, PS4, PC, Xbox One
Yakuza Ishin and Kenzan are spinoff games from the popular Yakuza series developed by Sega. Set in historical Japan, both games follow the adventures of our beloved Yakuza characters in an Edo Period version of them.
Yakuza Ishin is set in 1853, during the period of the political unrest leading up to the Meiji Restoration, while Yakuza Kenzan takes place in the early 1600s, during the height of the Edo period. The gameplay of both games follows the traditional Yakuza formula of action-packed combat, exploration, and intricate storytelling while also incorporating historical elements and cultural traditions unique to the Edo period.
Yakuza Ishin and Kenzan are recognized for their attention to historical accuracy and their incorporation of real-life historical figures and events. From fighting alongside famous samurai like Sakamoto Ryoma and Hijikata Toshizo to exploring iconic locations like the streets of Kyoto, both games offer a rich and immersive experience that transports players back in time to feudal Japan. With their unique blend of traditional Yakuza gameplay and historical settings, Yakuza Ishin and Kenzan are must-play titles for fans of both the Yakuza series and samurai games.
Like a Dragon Ishin is available on Like a Dragon Ishin! Steam CD Key.
Samurai Warriors
Release Date: February 11, 2004 - June 24, 2021
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Platforms: PS2, PS4, PC
The Samurai Warriors series, also known as Sengoku Musou in Japan, is a hack-and-slash action game franchise developed by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo. The series is set in the tumultuous Sengoku period of Japanese history and puts players in the role of various historical figures as they battle for control of the country.
The gameplay features large-scale battles against hordes of enemies, with players using a variety of weapons and special moves to cut their way through the opposition. The series also features a robust character customization system, allowing players to equip their characters with various weapons and accessories to enhance their abilities.
One of the standout features of the Samurai Warriors series is its emphasis on historical accuracy and storytelling. The games are based on real-life events and characters from Japanese history, focusing on the political intrigue and warfare of the time period.
The series also features a variety of modes and options, including a story mode that follows the events of the period, a free mode that allows players to replay battles with different characters and conditions, and a survival mode that challenges players to survive against increasingly difficult enemy hordes.
With its deep gameplay, immersive setting, and engaging storytelling, the Samurai Warriors series is a must-play for fans of action games and Japanese history.
You can get Warriors Orochi, which is a crossover that feature Samurai Warriors and Dynasty Warriors at RoyalCDKeys, Warriors Orochi 3 and the fourth entry Warriors Orochi 4.
Brave Fencer Musashi
Release Date: July 16, 1998
Developer: SquareSoft (now known as Square Enix)
Publisher: SquareSoft (now known as Square Enix)
Platforms: PS1
Brave Fencer Musashi is an action-adventure game developed by Square Enix (then known as SquareSoft) for the Playstation console. Released in 1998, the game follows the titular Musashi, a young swordsman summoned to a magical world called Allucaneet Kingdom to save it from the evil Wizard of Darkness.
The gameplay combines action and role-playing elements, with players controlling Musashi as he explores the kingdom, battles monsters, and gains new abilities and items to progress through the story. The game is known for its colorful graphics, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay, making it a cult classic from Playstation titles.
One of the unique features of Brave Fencer Musashi is its “fusion” system, which allows players to combine items and abilities to create new and powerful tools. For example, combining a watering can with a seed bag creates a plant that can reach high areas while fusing Musashi’s sword with an elemental crystal imbues it with new power.
The game also features a day/night cycle, with certain events and quests only available during certain times of the day. With its samurai adventure charming story, fun gameplay, and unique features, Brave Fencer Musashi remains a beloved title among fans of classic action-adventure games.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Release Date: March 22, 2019
Developer: From Software
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an action-adventure game developed by FromSoftware, the creators of the popular Dark Souls and Elden Ring series. Set in a fantastical version of Sengoku-era Japan, the game follows the journey of a shinobi known as the “One-armed Wolf” as he seeks to rescue his young master from a rival clan.
The gameplay focuses on fast-paced slash game and exploration, emphasizing stealth and strategic thinking. The game has been praised for its challenging gameplay, atmospheric world, and engaging story, making it a favorite among fans of samurai games and action-adventure titles.
Sekiro has been noted for its unique take on the traditional samurai game, incorporating elements of fantasy and myth into its setting and story. From battling against mythical creatures like dragons and giant serpents to utilizing powerful supernatural abilities like the “Shinobi Prosthetic”, the game offers a fresh and exciting take on the samurai genre. With its intense boss battles, gorgeous visuals, and rich lore, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a standout title and a must-play for anyone interested in samurai games or challenging action-adventure titles.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is available on Sekiro Steam CD Key.
Total War: Shogun
- Release Date: June 12, 2000 - March 15, 2015
- Developer: Creative Assembly
- Publisher: SEGA
- Platforms: PC
The Total War Series is a set of real-time strategy games developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA. Total War: Shogun is set in feudal Japan during the samurai period, with players taking the role of a daimyo, or feudal lord, vying for control of the country.
The gameplay features a combination of turn-based strategy and real-time battles, with players managing their territory, armies, and diplomacy in the turn-based portion of the game and then taking control of their armies in the real-time battles. The series is known for its deep strategic gameplay, historical accuracy, and immersive setting.
One of the key features of the Total War: Shogun series is the emphasis on historical authenticity and accuracy. The games include many historical events, characters, and factions, as well as accurate depictions of Japanese architecture, armor, and weapons.
The series also includes a range of gameplay modes, including the game’s campaign mode, which allows players to build and manage their territory and armies over time, as well as historical battles between samurai faction from Japanese history. With its combination of deep strategy, immersive setting, and historical accuracy, the Total War: Shogun series is worth playing if you’re a fan of both strategy games and Japanese history.
Total War Shogun 2 is available on RoyalCDKeys.
Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time
Release Date: August 21, 2020
Developer: Soleil
Publisher: Adult Swim Games
Platforms: PC
Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is an samurai game developed by Adult Swim Games and based on the popular Cartoon Network animated series of the same name. Players take on the role of the titular samurai, who is pulled through time by his arch-nemesis Aku and forced to relive key moments from his past.
The gameplay combines hack-and-slash combat with platforming and puzzle-solving elements, with players facing off against various enemies and bosses as they progress through the story. The game features voice acting from the original cast of the show, as well as new story elements that expand upon the show’s lore.
One of the standout features of Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is its faithful recreation of the show’s art style and atmosphere. From the cel-shaded graphics to the iconic sound effects and music, the game captures the look and feel of the original series in a way that will appeal to fans and newcomers alike. The game also features multiple endings, depending on the player’s choices and actions throughout the game, adding replayability and depth to the experience. With its engaging gameplay and faithful recreation of the beloved animated series, Samurai Jack> Battle Through Time is a must-play for fans of the show and action-adventure games.
Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is available on Steam and PS Store, and you can buy Steam/PSN Credits cheap at RoyalCDKeys!
Bushido Blade
Release Date: March 14, 1997 - March 19, 1998
Developer: Light Weight
Publisher: SquareSoft
Platforms: PS1
Bushido Blade is a sword fighting game developed by Light Weight and published by Square for the Playstation console. The game is known for its unique take on the fighting genre, emphasizing realism and strategy over flashy combos and special moves in melee combat.
Players choose from various samurai warriors, each with their unique weapons and fighting styles, and battle in various areas. The game features a one-hit kill system, where a well-placed strike can end the fight immediately, adding tension and a sense of realism to the matches.
The game also features a variety of modes, including a story mode with branching paths and multiple endings, as well as a versus mode for local multiplayer.
One of the defining features of Bushido Blade is its emphasis on realism and authenticity. The game’s developers consulted with experts in Japanese martial arts and weapons to ensure that the game’s combat was as accurate as possible, with each weapon having its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The game also features a variety of environmental hazards, such as pits, and uneven terrain, that can affect the outcome of a fight. With its unique approach to the fighting and its emphasis on authenticity, Bushido Blade is a standout title that will appeal to fans of martial arts and samurai culture.
Afro Samurai
Release Date: January 27, 2009
Developer: Namco Bandai Games
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360
Afro Samurai is a hack-and-slash action game developed by Namco Bandai Games and based on the anime and manga series of the same name. The game puts players in the role of the titular Afro Samurai, a skilled swordsman on a quest for revenge against the man who killed his father and took his father’s legendary headband.
The gameplay combines fast-paced swordplay with acrobatic movement and a focus on building up “focus,” which can be used to execute powerful finishing moves. The game also features a unique system where players can earn “style points'' for their performance in combat, which can be used to unlock new combos and moves.
One of the standout features of Afro Samurai is its unique setting and style. The game is set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic Japan where samurai culture has blended with hip-hop aesthetics and modern technology. The game’s visuals and soundtrack are heavily influenced by hip-hop culture, combining traditional Japanese imagery and modern urban sensibilities.
The game also features a voice cast led by actor Samuel L. Jackson, who voices both the main character and the game’s narrator. With its unique blend of samurai action and hip-hop style, Afro Samurai is a standout title that will appeal to fans of both genres.
Katana Zero
Release Date: April 19, 2019
Developer: Askiisoft
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Katana Zero is a stylish action-platformer developed by Askiisoft and published by Devolver Digital. The game is set in a neon-soaked, cyberpunk-inspired world and puts players as a katana-wielding samurai assassin known only as “The Dragon.''
The gameplay combines fast-paced, skill-based combat with time-manipulation mechanics, allowing players to slow down time and plan their attacks before executing them in a flurry of slashes. The game also features a branching narrative, with the player’s choices and actions affecting the story and leading to multiple endings.
The presentation in Katana Zero is one of its standout features. The game’s pixel art is both striking and detailed, with fluid animations and a moody color palette that perfectly captures the game’s noir-inspired atmosphere.
The game’s soundtrack, composed by LudoWici, is also a highlight, with a mix of electronic beats and ambient soundscapes that add to the game’s tension and sense of style. With its unique blend of fast-paced action and time-manipulation mechanics, as well as its stylish presentation and engaging narrative, Katana Zero is one of the best samurai games that appeal to fans of both action and story-driven games.
Katana Zero is available on RoyalCDKeys.
GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon
Release Date: July 7, 1987 - February 17, 2022
Developer: GuruGuru
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: NES, PS4, Xbox One, PC
GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon is an action game developed by Konami and GuruGuru set in a fantastical version of feudal Japan. The game revises the classic 1987 Getsu Fuuma Den, only released in Japan.
The new game retains the original’s side-scrolling action gameplay and eerie atmosphere while updating the visuals and mechanics for modern audiences. Players will take on the role of a warrior named Getsu Fuma, who must journey through various environments and battle hordes of supernatural enemies to restore balance to the land.
One of the key features of GetsuFumaDen is its striking visuals, which combine traditional Japanese art with modern graphical techniques to create a unique and immersive world. The game also boasts a deep combat system that allows players to customize their movements and upgrade their abilities as they progress through the game.
Additionally, the game features a roguelite structure, with procedurally generated levels and permadeath mechanics that add a layer of challenge and replayability to the game. With its striking visuals, deep combat, and roguelite structure, Getsu Fuuma Den: Undying Moon looks to be an exciting new entry in the action game genre.
GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon is available on RoyalCDKeys.
Ghost of Tsushima
Release Date: April 17, 2020
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher: Sony
Platforms: PS4
Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game set in the late 13th century during the Mongol invasion of Japan. Players take on the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior who becomes the titular “Ghost” as he embarks on a journey to reclaim his japanese island homeland from the invading forces.
The game is known for its stunning visuals, immersive open world, and engaging combat system, allowing players to switch between traditional samurai-style fighting and stealth tactics. Its attention to historical accuracy, with many aspects of Japanese culture and history incorporated into the game’s world and story like the samurai code, is something that made the game one of the best samurai game ever made.
One of the standout features of Ghost of Tsushima is its emphasis on exploration and player choice. The game features a large open world filled with hidden treasures, secret areas, and side quests that offer unique rewards and experiences. Players can follow the main story or explore the world at their own pace, encountering various characters and challenges. With its engaging combat, beautiful visuals, and immersive world, Ghost of Tsushima is a must-play title for fans of samurai games and action-adventure titles.
Ghost of Tsushima is available on PStore, and you can buy PS Store Credits cheap at RoyalCDKeys!
Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked
Release Date: February 23, 2006
Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher: Bandai Namco Games
Platforms: PS2
Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked is a hack-and-slash action game developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and Bandai Namco Games for the PlayStation 2 console. The game is based on the popular anime and manga series Samurai Champloo and features the show’s distinctive blend of historical samurai action and modern hip-hop culture.
The game puts players in the role of one of three main characters - Mugen, Jin, or Fuu - and tasks them with battling through a series of levels filled with enemies and environmental hazards. The gameplay combines fast-paced swordplay with a variety of special moves and abilities and also features a “battle music system” that changes the game’s soundtrack depending on the player’s performance.
One of the standout features of Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked is its style and presentation. The game features an art style that captures the look and feel of the anime series, with detailed character designs and lush environments.
The game’s soundtrack is also a highlight featuring a mix of hip-hop beats and traditional Japanese instruments. The game also features a variety of unblockable content, including new characters and outfits, as well as a “survival mode” that challenges players to survive as long as possible against endless waves of enemies.
With its unique blend of historical samurai action and modern hip-hop style, Samurai Champloo is a title that appeals to fans of both the anime series and action games in general.
Way of The Samurai
Release Date: February 7, 2002 - March 3, 2011
Developer: Acquire
Publisher: Spike
Platforms: PS2, PS3, PC
Way of the Samurai is a series of action-adventure games developed by Acquire and published by Spike, known for emphasizing player choice and branching storylines. The games are set in feudal Japan, with players taking on the role of a samurai warrior who must navigate their era's political and social landscape.
The gameplay combines action with role-playing and simulation elements, allowing players to choose their path through the game’s story and interact with various characters and factions. The series is known for its multiple endings and branching narratives, which are influenced by the player’s choices and actions throughout the game.
One of the defining features of Way of The Samurai is its unique combat system, which emphasizes precision and strategy over button-mashing. Players must carefully time their attacks and defenses while managing their stamina and weapon durability. The games also feature a variety of side activities and mini-games, such as fishing, cooking, and sword-crafting, that allow players to customize their character and explore the game’s world.
With its emphasis on player choice and its engaging combat system, Way of The Samurai is unique and one of the most underrated games that will appeal to fans of both action-adventure and role-playing games.
Way of The Samurai 3 and 4 are available on Steam, and you can buy Steam Credits cheap at RoyalCDKeys!
Conclusion
In conclusion, samurai games have captivated gamers for decades with their immersive settings, epic battles, and deep historical and cultural roots. From classic titles like Bushido Blade and Brave Fencer Musashi to modern masterpieces like Ghost of Tsushima and Nioh, there’s no shortage of fantastic samurai games to explore. Whether you’re looking for intense combat, deep strategy, or a combination of the two, there’s something for everyone in the world of samurai gaming.
Games like Samurai Shodown and Onimusha helped pioneer cinematic storytelling and stylish visuals, while Total War: Shogun and Way of the Samurai introduced new and innovative gameplay mechanics. As we look to the future of samurai games, it is exciting to see how developers will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, creating new and unforgettable experiences for players to enjoy.
Whether you are a long-time fan of the genre or a newcomer looking to dive in, the world of samurai games is rich and varied, with something to offer players of all backgrounds and tastes. So pick up your sword, sharpen your skills, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through feudal Japan and beyond.