Way of the Samurai 2 Critic Reviews

To pan the game for not being more like GTA 3 is misguided, disrespectful to the each title's unique contributions, and also speaks volumes of the lack of critical thinking of the X-Play critics and the industry as a whole.

The way of the samurai is a lengthy road that rewards those who show patience and persistence.

9 / 8 / 8 / 7 - 32 gold

The great thing about WOTS2 is that once you do something right or wrong the civilians will remember it.

Combat animations could still look a bit more fluid, and the tactics of foes should probably be a little tougher to suss out, but Way of the Samurai 2 is still a solid experience and a must-play for samurai nuts.

If you can overlook some minor gameplay quirks, you'll be rewarded with one of the more unique and in-depth action games you've played in a while.

You learn more moves, you collect different swords of various qualities and you can get into a scrap at anytime, anywhere. It's all very much in keeping with the loose cannon samurai lifestyle, that's just a bit too loose for it's own good.

If you are a die-hard "Dynasty Warriors" or "Vagrant Story" fan, you can probably overlook the flaws in the game and find that it really does offer up pretty nice options.

Capcom updated the combat system from the original game to make the movements seem more authentic. It also added the ability to kill your opponents in a single counterattack finishing move. This doesn't add to the game, but it makes waxing anyone who gets in your way laughably easy.

Rather ordinary presentation and outright laughable voiceover acting.

The concept of the game isn't well executed, resulting in an awkwardly paced experience that will only be appreciated by patient players willing to look past a variety of flaws.

Suffers greatly due to poor plot execution. The pace at which this game plays out, and the tedious cut screens you have to endure really kill any momentum you might have going.

Basically an expanded version of the original game. It won't win over any of the game's skeptics, but fans of the original will definitely find something to like here.

It's mediocrity, to be sure. Still, there is some truly strange allure about Way of the Samurai 2. Mysteriously, it's enjoyable for a short period.

WOTS2's intentionally short running time (most story paths can be finished in little over two hours), a steady stream of unlockable rewards, and the gradual appreciation of its combat system's depth can make replays strangely compelling.

If you liked the first Way of the Samurai, then this provides more of the same type of play. But don't expect anything new or exciting.

Unless you are a die-hard fan of the series, most of us can probably stay clear of this one.

While the different endings are the most interesting aspect of Samurai, they also introduce a whole pile of tedium, as you're forced to sit through the same lengthy cut-scenes over and over.

Something of a disappointment. Players hoping for an expanded, polished version of it's odd (but strangely beguiling) 2002 predecessor have instead been handed a bland, dated game with an extremely creaky plot and a near-broken combat system.

I hope that you have learned much and that your journey through Way of the Samurai 2 is filled with wonderment and awe - but unless you're sniffing gas there's no chance of that.