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Review of Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada on Nintendo Switch

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Nov 2017
Cover image of Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 09 Nov 2017
Genre: Hack and Slash
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo

Introduction

Welcome to Japan's Warring States Period, home of political mishaps, epic battles, and enough swords to make a blacksmith chuckle! In Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada, we're not just battling an army of poorly trained enemy troops-we're tossing around some historical context while trying not to lose ourselves in the chaos. Get ready for a whirlwind of blood, guts, and battles that are as challenging as your average Tuesday morning without coffee.

Gameplay

Spirit of Sanada has concocted a delicious blend of hack-and-slash chaos, focusing on our main hero, Yukimura Sanada, and the Sanada clan, as they try to navigate the treacherous waters of the Sengoku period. Players are thrown into battles where the objective is simple: take down the enemy commander while pretending that's not going to take several attempts-if you're good at video games, that is. If you're like the rest of us, things might get a little dicey. The combat system keeps your fingers busy, emphasizing combos that'd make Bruce Lee proud (if he played video games). You'll also want to keep your eyes peeled for special attacks and skills that can save your bacon in those heated moments. What really spices things up is the introduction of the Stratagem system, allowing players to drop some game-changing tactics right in the middle of a battle; think of it like yelling "Fireball!" while playing chess-totally unnecessary but even more satisfying when it works. Additionally, players are encouraged to complete various side objectives throughout the battles to boost morale and gain some sweet rewards, which is perfect for those who get distracted by shiny things. Between schmoozing with NPCs in Castle Town, fishing (yes, fishing in a hack-and-slash game!), and purchasing horses that are faster than your average Uber, there's plenty to do outside of slashing countless foes. If you're looking for a real challenge, the long-term battles featuring day-and-night cycles take stamina, strategy, and a 'don't-expect-to-sleep-tonight' mentality as they stretch across skirmishes. Yes, it begs the question-how many enemies do I really need to slice through before I can grab a snack?

Graphics

Colorful, detailed, and frankly, pretty darn majestic-consider the graphics a well-crafted sword that not only slices through the darkness of the Sengoku period but also dazzles your eyes like a freshly polished katana in the sun. The character designs are vibrant, from the warriors to the grunts unfortunate enough to fall under your sword. It truly captures the essence of the time, making you feel like a true samurai while preventing your Switch from overheating from all the action onscreen. Plus, when you call in the reinforcements using those snazzy Stratagems, you'll be met with a visual flair that reminds you, "Yes, this IS a video game, and you are crushing it-in pixels."

Conclusion

Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada on the Switch offers a solid experience filled with challenges that will keep you on your toes. Players who love a combination of history, action, and a dash of chaos will appreciate the intricate layering of combat and strategy. It's a wild ride through Japan's past with the added bonus of boss battles tougher than your local gym instructor on leg day. So grab your sword (metaphorically, please), and dive into the chaos where the lessons learned are twofold: diplomacy is overrated, and staying alive is job one. Overall, it's an entertaining romp through history that's well worth your time-and probably a few friends to share the carnage with.

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