System: PS3
Dev: Game Republic
Pub: Sony
Released: Nov 2006
Players: 1
Review by Patrick

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

The one saving grace in the core gameplay mechanics is the Kamui mode, which allows players to take out multiple enemies at once with a devastating combo sequence. The background gets very “70’s acid trip meets Cherry Blossom three” as players hit the face buttons along with the screen. Each character has excellent sequences that impress visually and ensure that your character goes unscathed during his/her rampage. Getting attacked by an enemy’s Kamui attack will throw you for a loop the first time you have to defend against it, and doing so is a cool “anti-pwning” experience.

It’s a good thing the option to pwn enemies without leaving yourself open to counter attack exists in this game, because when you aren’t in Kamui mode you’ll be stuck dodging enemy attacks from both on and off-screen. The camera that always seems to find the least convenient location given your current situation always leaves enemies on your flanks to take open shots at you, regardless of how hard you take them out before hand. My advice? Jump non-stop when you aren’t swinging a sword/knife/tree to try and avoid the off-screen strikes. Or better yet, just pick up Ridge Racer 7, which features excellent old-school arcade drifting action with updated visuals.

Sheesh, maybe I should have taken my meds. But this is exactly how you will feel when you play through this 15 hour snooze-fest. This is a real shame too given how gorgeous the visuals can get at certain times. Enemies and characters alike are all excellently rendered and designed, providing a taste of feudal Japan while preserving that “demonic” presence at the same time. Environments and lighting are also treats for the oculars. Even when you run into that goofy crab monster, you will be startled at how cool and ridiculous he looks.

Unfortunately, no matter how fantastic the game looks at times, you’ll never get the chance to explore the wondrous land of feudal Japan on your own. Genji puts players on a rail and tells them to go from fight to fight, with an occasional puzzle or platforming sequence. The backgrounds sometimes will show battles happening on another part of the field, supposedly representing real, historical conflicts between the Heishi and the Genji clans. They look tacked on and lifeless after a while, mere window dressing to the monotonous and tedious battles you have to fight yourself.

Genji: Days of the Blade may have passed for a launch-title on the Playstation 2 in terms of gameplay, but on the Playstation 3 it is bland, repetitive and asinine. Gamers have gotten stronger gameplay from series like Onimusha on the PS2 and saved themselves a ton of cash. Anyone who has spent 500 or 600 dollars and 60 for this game should be compensated for their trouble. Playing through this game was a chore at best, and downright painful at worst.

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