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General discussion (archive)Release: Sword of the Samurai(112 posts)(112 posts)
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Posted March 06, 2014
A game as ancient as feudal Japan itself.

Sword of the Samurai, a 1980s classic mix of strategy and action, where you set out to conquer the feudal Japan, is available for Windows and Mac OS X on GOG.com, for only $5.99.

[url=http://www.gog.com/game/sword_of_the_samurai][/url]In Sword of the Samurai, you will be part of the culture of feudal Japan, and you must learn to live by its rules. To succeed as a samurai, you must think like the samurai. Learn when to leave your sword in its sheath, when to draw it - and what to do with it once it’s drawn. You will fight duels, lead troops on the battlefield, and defend your family against assassins and kidnappers. If you are courageous and honorable, you may advance to become the head of your clan, and warlord of your province. If you master diplomacy and generalship, and outmaneuver your rivals, you may even become Shogun - absolute ruler of Japan. But remember that in all cultures power corrupts - and those who seek absolute power don’t always play by the rules.

There's always room for another MicroProse classic in your collection, so why don't you treat yourself to a nice digital copy of Sword of the Samurai, for only $5.99 on GOG.com!
Posted March 06, 2014
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Couchtr26: One of the best games of all time. I spent hours playing this when I was younger. The march up from a young samurai to shogun of all Japan is something I miss from those days and now an official release. What I have been waiting for all this time.

For those who haven't played or wondered, this game has remarkable depth and multiple replays are worth the time to go through. Each time wanting to found a longer dynasty. If you are into strategy you will like it quite a bit. The game holds up. If you think the graphics are lower quality, well it is an old game but don't let that fool you. There is such a great amount of depth to what you can do. Do you want to be honorable and noble victor to stay the course? Do it. Do you want to double cross everyone to attain supremacy? Do it. Do you want to lead an army to kill off your own lord, chase him into his castle and assassinate him in broad daylight? Do it (though not advised). The action is a bit off and the strategy isn't the most intuitive but once you play the game you will quickly adore what it has to offer.

A quick note for early on progress, 1) A bigger army has more to do with your strength then anything else though all attributes are considered 2) Marry as quickly as possible. Should you die you can continue playing as long as you have an heir. These factors are also important to consider end game. The stronger you are and the younger you are as you become shogun the better your kingdom will last.

BUY THIS GAME!!!!! No, not tomorrow. What are you waiting for? You would be surprised just how much depth, how much a view of japan at the time, and how you get to basically run your own jidaigeki film.

(Side note: I'm completely biased. I love this game.)
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tapeworm00: Thanks for this! I remember when I was a very, very little kid my brother used to boot this up and we would "play together" (I had no clue what was going on, but I thought the visuals were awesome). I remember the images, but I have no idea how it played, so thanks for the quick description :)
Welcome.

Some other things to keep in mind:

If you see a rival going off on his own and there are no errands the lord needs done, he is going to try and dishonor the favored member of the clan. If that is you stay put.

If you are looking for a better marriage option then what is offered by the matchmaker, you can always try and marry the daughter of one of your rivals. It isn't always the easiest (if there is trouble try a tea ceremony and then ask, it strengthens relations) but can result in a better household for you to marry into and improve honor and such.

You will have a rival clan and one foreign lord there you can attack but it is rarely worth it. You will usually get little land and the rival is generally almost a direct analog to you.

Also, never be afraid to increase rice tax to get more troops. You don't want to do it quickly but there is little direct action that can happen against you. Sometimes, Ikko-Ikki revolts happen but the peasants won't rise to overthrow you.
Posted March 06, 2014
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Couchtr26: One of the best games of all time. I spent hours playing this when I was younger. The march up from a young samurai to shogun of all Japan is something I miss from those days and now an official release. What I have been waiting for all this time.

For those who haven't played or wondered, this game has remarkable depth and multiple replays are worth the time to go through. Each time wanting to found a longer dynasty. If you are into strategy you will like it quite a bit. The game holds up. If you think the graphics are lower quality, well it is an old game but don't let that fool you. There is such a great amount of depth to what you can do. Do you want to be honorable and noble victor to stay the course? Do it. Do you want to double cross everyone to attain supremacy? Do it. Do you want to lead an army to kill off your own lord, chase him into his castle and assassinate him in broad daylight? Do it (though not advised). The action is a bit off and the strategy isn't the most intuitive but once you play the game you will quickly adore what it has to offer.

A quick note for early on progress, 1) A bigger army has more to do with your strength then anything else though all attributes are considered 2) Marry as quickly as possible. Should you die you can continue playing as long as you have an heir. These factors are also important to consider end game. The stronger you are and the younger you are as you become shogun the better your kingdom will last.

BUY THIS GAME!!!!! No, not tomorrow. What are you waiting for? You would be surprised just how much depth, how much a view of japan at the time, and how you get to basically run your own jidaigeki film.

(Side note: I'm completely biased. I love this game.)
Thanks for this review! Wish-listed for now as I have too much going on, but will definitely be picking this up.

On a side note, now that GOG has gotten one SOTS here, how about getting the other one (i am looking at you Paradox) :-)
Posted March 06, 2014
Great release, though not really up my alley, sadly...
Posted March 06, 2014
Nice! I've been wanting to play this game for a while after I read a review/look back at article about it. Too bad I can't find it now, otherwise I would post the link.

This is one hell of a release day.
Posted March 07, 2014
Awesome, another Microprose game. Keep them coming GOG.com.
Posted March 07, 2014
I think some of the people saying it's a bit old for the 6 dollar price tag have a point, and this is coming from someone who likes this game.

If GOG aren't going to package an 80's game with other games, I think perhaps a 2.99 pricetag would be more attractive.

I think Wasteland is a bit of an exception because it's a huge RPG and it's wasn't a straight re-release, they implemented uprezed portraits, music, voice-acting and other tweaks.
Posted March 07, 2014
This game looks interesting but I wish GOG could release "Nobunaga Ambition or any "Romance Of The Three Kingdoms" series. These games are made by KOEI which caters to Japanese style games.

Please GOG get these games !
Posted March 07, 2014
I missed that this was also released yesterday, great week for GOG! That's two I'll have to get soon.
Posted March 07, 2014
OMG!!!!!!!!! Sword of the Samurai! amazing release GOG! Will add my voice to those recommending this game.

Now this gives me hope Sword of Aragon can be released!! DO IT GOG...we need more SWORDS!
Posted March 07, 2014
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Crosmando: I think some of the people saying it's a bit old for the 6 dollar price tag have a point, and this is coming from someone who likes this game.

If GOG aren't going to package an 80's game with other games, I think perhaps a 2.99 pricetag would be more attractive.
Some truth there. However it's worth encouraging people to wait for sales, also.
Posted March 08, 2014
Just how fast-paced is this game? Can I pause during the action parts, like in Total War battles, or is fast reaction time required?
Posted March 08, 2014
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Vercinger: Just how fast-paced is this game? Can I pause during the action parts, like in Total War battles, or is fast reaction time required?
Nah, the real-time minigames are easy, at it's heart the game is a strategy game with multiple choice, stringed along by amusing little minigames. This was actually the typical Microprose/Sid Meier design before Civilization, you could almost call this game the predecessor to Covert Action.
Posted March 08, 2014
....and purchased. 16 MB game and manual 100 pages long. I just love those oldies
Posted March 08, 2014
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tburger: ....and purchased. 16 MB game and manual 100 pages long. I just love those oldies
And these 16 Mb include the emulation layer... Still have the original 3.5 inches floppies, and , yes, they could indeed make games that used a pair of those disks and kept you playing for ages ...
Posted March 08, 2014
I'm really looking forward to this game. It's on my wishlist for now, but I have a feeling it and I will become good friends :)
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This is my favourite topic
Community
General discussion (archive)Release: Sword of the Samurai(112 posts)(112 posts)
(112 posts)