The 10 BEST Samurai Games

10 Best Samurai Games

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re looking at the best video games to feature Samurai!

“Onimusha” Series” (2001-12)

Taking a bit of inspiration from its own “Resident Evil,” Capcom launched its demon-infested, Samurai hack and slash series with 2001’s “Onimusha: Warlords.” Set during the Sengoku period, a time of civil wars in Japan, it was a terrific leap forward for the action adventure genre. Since it impressed pretty much everyone, it received several sequels, all of which were of the same level of high quality. Each brought tweaks to the formula, like “Demon Siege’s” plot that saw the Samurai hero swap time periods with a French officer played by Jean Reno. Odd, but awesome. Sadly, we haven’t seen the series for a while now, likely due to declining sales. But “Onimusha” remains a great piece of Capcom’s legacy.

“Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun” (2016)

Set in feudal Japan, “Shadow Tactics” puts you in control of a group of warriors as they attempt to take down a violent warlord. Although the plot and main character are distinctly Samurai, not all of the characters are. Along for the ride are a couple of ninjas, an expert marksman, and a thief. Having different character types makes for a fun ragtag ensemble. But more importantly, it enhances the RTS mechanics by giving you multiple bags of tricks to pull from. Additionally, the battle maps are huge, with tons of moving parts to consider. Toss in some well thought out stealth mechanics, and “Shadow Tactics” should delight any strategy fan.

“Like a Dragon: Ishin!” (2014)

While most games in the “Like a Dragon” series, formerly known as “Yakuza,” are obviously quite modern, this spin-off takes players to Japan’s late Edo Period in the mid 1860s. It was a time of strife for the country, dealing with the rise of imperialism and the upcoming end of the shogunate. Amidst that backdrop, protagonist Sakamoto sets out on a quest of vengeance against the assassin who framed him for his father’s murder. The developers did a great job recreating Kyoto during this time. And the combat, which included hand-to-hand and pistol options in addition to a katana, was a fresh spin on what the series had done before.

“Katana Zero” (2019)

Although it’s not a Samurai game in the traditional sense, given it’s set in a cyberpunk dystopia, “Katana Zero” features plenty of bloodshed and similar themes to be considered one. It follows Subject Zero, a katana-wielding amnesiac assassin whose psychiatrist is also his handler. On assignments, Zero has the ability to slow down time, allowing you to react to enemies before they can even act. Which you’ll need to, as Zero goes down in one hit. Every section then becomes a miniature gauntlet to prove you’re capable and quick enough to make it through. Along with the tense but satisfying gameplay and the incredible electronic soundtrack, the story of Zero unfolds in between each mission. And it is one of surprising heartbreak.

“Samurai Shodown” Series (1993-2019)

Beginning with the 1993 original, SNK’s fighting series, “Samurai Shodown,” set itself apart even during the genre’s initial boom. While everyone else was fighting with their fists, these warriors wielded weapons against their foes in feudal Japan. Not every character on the roster is a Samurai, mind you; some are ninjas, while others are warriors from entirely different regions. However, its most well-known characters, including poster boy Haohmaru, are Samurai. Additionally, SNK drew inspiration from real-world figures of feudal Japan for several of its characters. Like any franchise, “Samurai Shodown” has had its ups and downs. But last we saw it, in 2019, things were looking pretty good.

“Total War: Shogun 2” (2011)

Focusing on various different time periods and places, the “Total War” franchise has long been a haven for stellar strategy mechanics. And its first installment in 2000 was a great Samurai game! However, when Creative Assembly chose to revisit feudal Japan with 2011’s “Shogun 2,” it created not only a wonderful follow-up, but genuinely one of the strongest entries in the series. With multiple warlords and clans vying for the seat of the shogunate, and therefore power over Japan, players take control of one and fight to come out on top. The developers scaled back certain overblown features of previous games, leading “Shogun 2” to be more refined and focused. It looked great, played great, and is still one of the best strategy games in existence.

“Rise of the Rōnin” (2024)

Team Ninja took its experience in sword combat, and placed it in an open world for “Rise of the Rōnin.” Set during the end of the Edo Period in the late 19th Century, it has players control a customizable Ronin, a Samurai without any loyalty, and choose who they side with during a crucial period for the country. It’s a great deal of fun seeing how your choices take the plot in different directions. Combat, missions, and the story are all thrilling and engaging, and its use of the period can draw in any history buff. Sure, its visuals are a bit lackluster, and its open world structure might feel fairly familiar. But when the game hits, it hits hard.

“Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” (2019)

Okay, technically “Sekiro” has you play as a shinobi, a type of ninja. But there are so many Samurai in the game, all basically gunning for you, that it wouldn’t feel right leaving it off. That and the fact that the game is incredible. For those unaware, FromSoftware’s journey into a fictionalized Sengoku Period follows Wolf, said shinobi, seeking vengeance against a Samurai clan who cut off his arm and kidnapped his Lord, Kuro. There are many other elements of Japanese culture adapted for the game, such as Buddhist mythology. But its themes of duty, honor, and sacrifice fit right at home in any Samurai tale. Plus, some of its most memorable combat encounters dealt with the warriors, like the climax with Isshin the Sword Saint.

“Nioh” (2017)

Before “Rise of the Rōnin,” Team Ninja showed its expertise in crafting Samurai games with 2017’s “Nioh.” Inspired by the real-life story of William Adams, an English navigator who became a Samurai, it features a whole lot more to worry about than rival swordsmen. Like “Sekiro,” it’s also set during a fictionalized Sengoku Period. The time of war has resulted in the resurgence of yokai, evil Japanese spirits, as they flourish across the country and make William’s life a living Hell. With plenty of influence taken from FromSoftware’s ‘Soulslike’ formula, it’s an exceptionally challenging game. The deadly enemies and thrilling combat, which features nice variety in its weaponry, are intensified by “Nioh’s” moody atmosphere.

“Ghost of Tsushima” (2020)

When players think of the quintessential Samurai game, chances are “Ghost of Tsushima” is the first to come to mind. Set amidst the early Mongolian invasions of Japan, it places you in the role of Jin Sakai, an honorable man rising to the call to protect his home. But when his fellow Samurai are slaughtered, his Uncle captured, and his people threatened, Jin begins wondering how important honor really is. SuckerPunch did a great job exploring Jin’s warring ideals, while crafting an excellent action adventure title within a stunning open world. Through every quest, big or small, we were filled with a desire to fight back through any means necessary. From its exciting swordplay to its heartfelt narrative, “Ghost of Tsushima” is a spectacular Samurai experience.

Know any other great Samurai games? Share them with us in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to MojoPlays for more great gaming videos every day!