Sword of The Samurai

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs

GAME DESIGNER:Lawrence Schick
GAME DEVELOPER:MicroProse
GAME PUBLISHER:MicroProse
Copyright 1992, MicroProse

Sword of The Samurai is a rare gem undiscovered by many gamers. It’s very strange that the game did not garner any “Hall of Fame” status in computer magazines, because it is the best game ever made about a samurai’s life in ancient Japan.

Starting off as a lowly Samurai, your task is to work your way up the social ladder to become Shogun. Some of the game’s best features include: exciting duels (designed by Sid Meier), lots of branching choices (later used in Darklands to great effect), and an authentic medieval Japan setting, complete with beautiful woodcut graphics and Japanese ambient music. Gameplay is a masterful blend of action, strategy, and adventure. Similar to medieval Europe, you have a fiefdom and a number of men under your command. The difference, however, is that here you must heed Japanese concepts of honor which is quantified and is of paramount importance in the game. If you try to assassinate a rival and fail, for instance, your honor will decline precipitously, prompting your men to desert you or your bride to leave you. Lose enough honor, and you will have no choice but to commit seppuku (ritual suicide). With authentic Japanese premise, strong gameplay based on real Samurai culture, and great graphics, Sword of Samurai belongs in every strategy gamer’s collection. Definitely not to be missed!