Way of the Samurai 4 | |
---|---|
![]() UK cover art | |
Developer(s) | Acquire |
Publisher(s) |
|
Director(s) | Keisuke Kanayama |
Designer(s) | Tetsushi Saito |
Programmer(s) | Hiroshi Marumoto |
Composer(s) | Noriyuki Asakura |
Series | Way of the Samurai |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 3 Microsoft Windows |
Release | PlayStation 3Windows
|
Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Way of the Samurai 4 (侍道4, Samurai Dou 4) is a video game developed by Acquire and published by Spike for the PlayStation 3.[3] It was released in Japan on March 3, 2011.[3]
An English version was announced on January 19, 2012 by Rising Star Games. The release of the game in Europe was on October 5, 2012.[4] On April 4, 2012, XSEED Games published the game for the U.S. as a downloadable title on PlayStation Network with a release date of August 21, 2012.[5] The game was initially PlayStation 3 only, however the game was later released for Microsoft Windows by Ghostlight on July 23, 2015.[6]
The game is set in a fictional port town called Amihama during the last days of the Shogunate. Players can create their own samurai[7] and choose to align themselves with one of three factions: the pro-government forces, the anti-government rebels seeking to repel foreigners, or the British Navy stationed in the city to negotiate a peace treaty. When the negotiations between the local government of Amihama and the British goes wrong after a Prajna attack at the meeting point, the Tokugawa Shogunate sends one of their Tairō to quash the revolt.
The main story takes place over the span of five days. The character's decisions and actions will shape their path, and ultimately, their fate.
A Shinsengumi costume DLC pack was offered for free from March 24 to April 27, 2011. After that, it was priced $6. Players need to apply a patch before using any downloadable content.[15]
Hijikata Toshizō and Kondō Isami are among the downloadable Shinsengumi characters.
Dona Dona from the original Way of the Samurai and a grown-up version of the character Sayo from Way of the Samurai 2 are also available for download. Sayo will appear in the road and offer rice balls.
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
Metacritic | (PC) 72/100[16] (PS3) 58/100[17] |
Upon the release the game received mixed reviews, with PlayStation 3 version scoring 58 out of 100 on review aggregator site Metacritic.[17] Many critics praised the story, customisation options, various non-combat activities and multiple endings,[18][19][20] however, the gameplay, bugs and technical issues were criticised.[18][19][20][21]
PC port received mixed to positive reviews, scoring 72 out of 100 on Metacritic.[16]
On January 26, 2012, Way of the Samurai 4 was repackaged, bundled with all DLCs, and re-released as "Way of the Samurai 4 Plus" (at half price). Sakamoto Ryōma is available as playable character in this version.[22]