Sword of the Samurai is an extremely early simulation game revolving around the feudal Japanese era. It was released and developed in the very late eighties by then gaming fledglings, Microprose Software Incorporated. Sword of the Samurai was released only for the DOS system, and features elements of many different gaming genre, including strategy, adventure, and classic arcade action. As a whole, however, it can be considered graphic enhanced interactive fiction.
In Sword of the Samurai, the user will play the part of a novice feudal lord, trying to carve out his own place in a very hostile and difficult land.
Sword of the Samurai is an extremely early simulation game revolving around the feudal Japanese era. It was released and developed in the very late eighties by then gaming fledglings, Microprose Software Incorporated. Sword of the Samurai was released only for the DOS system, and features elements of many different gaming genre, including strategy, adventure, and classic arcade action. As a whole, however, it can be considered graphic enhanced interactive fiction.
In Sword of the Samurai, the user will play the part of a novice feudal lord, trying to carve out his own place in a very hostile and difficult land. He will have to perform various tasks and achieve several goals in order to gain the favor of his lord and stand out from his neighboring
feudal lords. There will also be conflicts with the neighbors for land and resources, despite the fact that everyone is technically on the same side. Of course, with enough power, the young samurai may be able to bypass his own lord and run for the shogunate himself.
As mentioned above, there are numerous different elements involved in the game. Much of it plays out as a simulation in the form of interactive fiction. However, making managerial decisions about the small kingdom you hold will set you up for some fun action sequences. The young lord will be allowed to duel with neighboring lords to increase his honor and his standings. These overhead melee battles add a degree of depth to the game by pulling the user out of the interactive fiction coma that can sometimes occur in such games, and making him use his reflexes for a bit.
At the beginning, the user is able to perform some minor customizations. He can choose his own starting province, which can be a great strategy. He can also choose what skill will be his greatest strength, and can vary the amount of land and leadership skills he possesses. From there, he will have to progress through the ranks by completing missions, training himself and raising an army. All things lead to honor, and conspiratorial actions can also bring dishonor on the competition, making the young lord stand out.
This is a nice game with a great theme. It is an early offering, but is still a good play with many features to keep the user interested. It is such an interesting combination of elements that it should something to entertain gaming fans of all natures.
