First Samurai

Game review

First Samurai is a captivating platform action game that combines elements of fantasy and oriental mysticism, presenting players with a richly unique gaming experience. In this game, you are transported to a mysterious, unknown land where danger lurks around every corner, and you initially find yourself unarmed, with nothing but your kicks and punches to defend against the myriad threats that confront you.

In The First Samurai, the protagonist undertakes a quest as the first samurai in the history of feudal Japan, and must compete against rival swordsmen. Your quest through the game is driven by a singular, noble objective: to confront and defeat the king of demons who wields a magical sword known as Catana. This formidable adversary stands as the ultimate test of your newfound skills and weapons, challenging you to apply everything you've learned in a climactic battle that is as strategic as it is intense.

As you venture deeper into this enigmatic country, you gradually come across your trusty sword, marking the beginning of your true journey as a samurai. The game cleverly introduces players to a variety of weapons and martial arts techniques, expanding your arsenal beyond the basic swordplay to include skills such as knife-throwing. This progression not only enriches the gameplay but also mirrors the protagonist's growth in mastery and confidence.

Eating food and drinking sake will help the player get stronger, while fire and enemy contact will weaken the samurai. The main objective in a level is to collect a set of four items which must be used to get access to the area with the end of level boss. Magic pots serve as checkpoints and are activated with the energy of the player's sword. Killing a monster releases a portion of sword energy which the player then collects automatically. Using a bell at the right place removes an obstacle blocking the player's path. The player starts out as a hermit in an ancient forest, but he eventually becomes powerful enough to fight in the villages and towns, and eventually the dungeons.

First Samurai stands out for its distinctive blend of action and platforming mechanics, set against a backdrop that is both fantastical and steeped in oriental lore. The game's levels are designed to offer a variety of challenges, from navigating complex landscapes to engaging in combat with a host of demonic enemies, each encounter bringing you closer to your final showdown.