As is almost always the case with the series, Samurai Warriors 4-II is what it is for better or worse, another entry. There are a few series that get localized here in the west that are very polarizing- most don’t “get” them, but those who do become diehard fans and supporters. Monster Hunter comes to mind, and the “Warrior” games are one of those series as well. 4-II is more than just a re-release, however; it’s equal part expansion, sequel, and remaster.
Those new to the series may have no clue what’s been changed, but long-time fans will see right away that it’s additions more than justify its price tag. It’s the best parts of 4, plus a whole bunch of new features tossed on top. While none of this doesn’t exactly make the game a revelation, or reinvent the wheel, it is substantial added value that makes the game worth a look for seasoned vets and newcomers alike.
The game follows in the footsteps of previous installments by continuing to be set during the Snegoku era of feudal Japan. It was a time of war and political strife- the entire country was segmented into different regions, each ruled by individual lords.
While this means that there’s a ton of characters each with their own motivations and allegiances, it never gets so overburdened that you can’t keep track of what’s happening from battle to battle. Where 4-II differs from previous entries is the removal of hypothetical battle outcomes. Because of this shift in focus, characters destinies are as they were historically. Dead is dead, as they say.
So, with all of that out of the way, here comes the hardest part of the review when it comes to games in this series: the game play. Here’s the thing- I could go on about the RPG mechanics, the upgrades, and the tweaks they’ve made specifically for this version of the game, but at the end of the day, it’s still the same formula… run around a huge map and beat up everyone in sight.
You’ll get some aid from NPC’s, but not enough to make a huge dent in the huge waves of forces bearing down on you at all times. Not that it really matters though, since most enemy soldiers rarely attack you. On several occasions, I just straight up took my hand off of the controls and let my character stand there. One time I counted 28 seconds before an enemy lashed out at me. Even then, the damage they did to me was negligible.
What does this all mean? Just like every previous entry, it’s an unapologetic beat-em-up. It exists to be nothing more than mindless repetitive fun, and the game doesn’t care if you’re into that or not. The audience for these releases is pretty rock-solid and established after all these years, so while there may be one or two fresh converts, it doesn’t matter: the series is going to be just fine with or without you.
For me personally, I don’t get it. I’ve often heard the dungeon-crawler/Diablo comparison, but even that doesn’t really hold up to much analysis for me. Those games have diverse enemies, locations, and at least try to build up lore, mythology, and compelling plots (often silly or ridiculous, but still). Samurai Warriors 4-II, and all of its brothers and sisters, are lacking most of these elements… to my eye, at least. I guess sometimes people just need something to do while they shut their brain off, and there’s nothing wrong with that at the end of the day. In this regard, SW4-II stands as a good example of mindless fun.
Visually, the game is inconsistent. From a distance, landscapes and structures look beautiful, but once you get up close, they turn into nothing but a swath of muddy textures. On the opposite end of the scale, character models look terrible from a distance, but amazing up close and personal. The frame rate is mostly consistent, which is a feat considering the staggering number of characters on screen at any given time.
In conclusion, fans will no doubt love it. I know that comes off as reductive and dismissive, but at a certain point there’s truth in generalities. This is a long-running series that has never drastically altered its formula. As I mentioned at the beginning, it is what it is. Take that for what it’s worth to you.
