Spike has been producing a little-known series entitled
Way of the Samurai
in Japan and, luckily, these under-the-radar console gems have all been
able to land on our shores thanks to a handful of different publishers.
Bam Interactive pitched U.S. gamers the original Playstation 2 title
back in 2002 and just two years later, Capcom of America brought us the
franchise’s sequel in a limited quantity that keeps the game’s value
relatively steady. The series is fairly successful in Japan, with both
initial installments of the game receiving best hit releases, with the
original title receiving a second best hit printing in 2005. In my
experiences, however, most players have never given the series a chance
and to even find a player who has even heard of the title is quite an
adventure in my neck of the woods.
The simplest way I can describe Way of the Samurai is it is closest you’ll get to playing Fable
on the Playstation 2 (in a feudal samurai era, of course): It isn’t the
longest game players will play, but it is massively replayable with the
player’s choices reflecting the outcome of the game. With a score of
different endings, collectable weapon sets, a free fighting mode with
unlockable characters and more, players could not potentially have a
different experience with each playthrough, but they were given more to
work with the more they played the game. Everything played out uniquely
with an honor system that dictated what people thought of you and a
combat system that allowed players to learn new techniques with
different weapons and focused on momentum to allow players to parry or
deflect attacks. The second installment took player decisions even
further with more choices and endings while introducing more character
groups, weapons, secrets and unlockables.
After five years of silence, though, Way of the Samurai is
looking to come back in a big way through the power of this
generation’s consoles. The Xbox 360 version will brought to the United
States courtesy of UFO Interactive and Chong Ahn of UFO was kind enough
to take some time and share some of the features that will make Way of the Samurai 3 a unique experience:
DHGF: First of all, can you introduce yourself to our readers and explain how you are involved with the U.S. production of Way of the Samurai 3?
Chong Ahn: My name is Chong Ahn, Senior Product Manager and
Producer at UFO Interactive Games. I was involved in the partnership
with Agetec, acquisition of Way of the Samurai 3 from our Japanese
counterparts, and handling the business, marketing and production
aspects of the title.
DHGF: Way of the Samurai is an incredibly niche title with undeniable cult status. Seeing as both WotS and WotS2
came to the U.S. under completely different developers, what was the
motivation in picking up on the third installment when the two previous
publishers were not able to bring us the title?
Chong Ahn: After the release of Way of the Samurai 2, the series
dropped off the radar in North America for a few years. However, when
news that the innovative title was getting a release in Japan on
next-gen consoles and the opportunity presented itself, we were right
there to put in the work.
DHGF: For players that are not familiar with the series can you explain the premise behind Way of the Samurai 3 and how the title is distinguished from other sword combat titles?
Chong Ahn: Since its initial release in 2002 for the PS2
console, the Way of the Samurai Series paved the way for Action
Adventure, RPG titles by blending multiple game mechanics such as
numerous fighting styles, combo systems, weapon creation and
customization with an innovative choose-your-own-adventure style of
game play. This element allows players to determine their own fate with
the choices they make during the game, which can lead one down numerous
paths and uncover multiple endings that other sword combat titles don’t
offer.
DHGF: The series’ newest mechanic found in WotS3
seems to be in the ability to have a companion. Can you expand on this
feature with details? What kind of companions are available and how
exactly will they be integrated in the gameplay? Will these companions
determine the player’s ending as well?
Chong Ahn: Players have the option of “wooing” one or multiple
companion(s) throughout the game. Users are not limited to a specific
partner type and can choose from a number of different females, males,
and even a cat girl companion by carrying out specific deeds for them,
saving them from distress, etc.
Every action has a consequence and the decision to obtain a partner
(and any other decisions for that matter) impacts the life of your
character in the game.
DHGF: It seems like WotS3 is trying to meet a
happy medium with mechanics introduced in the first two titles. Is this
balancing based on player feedback from what they did or did not like
in the original titles? Being the third game in the series, how hard is
it for the team to develop the game to move forward with revised and
fresh ideas while maintaining everything that players enjoyed in the
first two?
Chong Ahn: Yes, the players’ comments and users’ feedback had a
big part in the development process of Way of the Samurai 3. Much time
and effort was put into developing the title, and with a talented and
creative staff at Spike, we were able to create a game that took all
the best elements from the first two installments of the series
combined with new and innovative features that would cater to and
please all fans and new players of the series.
DHGF: WotS
always involved deep sword gameplay. What new techniques can players
expect to see in their protagonist’s arsenal this time around? The
series has also always been known for its rich amount of unlockables
and weapon customization and it appears from the Japanese version that
players can now even fight unarmed, with spears and custom weapons.
What weapon types and blacksmith options do players have at their
disposal in WotS3?
Chong Ahn: Besides the combination attacks that you will be able
to deal (as in most titles), this version has several systems in play
that will offer new levels of ‘combat’ that can alter the outcome of
the title. Some of these include the “Unsheathing” and
“Dogeza/Apologize System”. The former is just as it sounds, with the
player being able to unsheathe their weapon, showing intent to fight.
This can also be used during Free and Event cutscenes, adding a new
level of drama to the title. The latter is a respect/mercy type system,
where one can, for example, beg for one’s life, if you are about to be
killed (or vice versa). These variations will create unique scenarios,
decisions, etc for the player to make, creating a varied experience for
all users. Another new feature is the blunt attack, which can change
the outcome of certain encounters. Instead of killing an opponent, NPC,
etc. (a killed opponent will not be able to return), you can use the
blunt attack to temporarily disable and ‘knock out’ your opponent
without delivering the killing blow.
Players will also be able to create their own personal unique
weapons from over 200 different parts and materials, while also
discovering new abilities and skills with increased use with a specific
weapon.
DHGF: The major gameplay mechanic in Way of the Samurai is
easily in the player having the freedom to act how they wish and affect
the world around them by their choices. How does this play out in Way of the Samurai 3? Does it still remain mostly on conversational choices or will there be more to this mechanic in WotS3?
Chong Ahn: The original feature of conversational choices and
branching storylines will remain intact in this title, but with the
addition of the “Unsheathing” and “Apologizing” systems previously
mentioned, Way of the Samurai 3 will give players much more control and
freedom this time around.
DHGF:
Another change for the series seems to be there is now no limit to the
number of days the player can live out a single storyline. Does this
mean a player could potentially never reach an ending if they choose?
Is there any motivation for the player to finish the game quicker or
play it out as long as they can?
Chong Ahn: With Way of the Samurai 3’s unique game play features
and freedom that it gives to its players, the possibilities are endless.
Also, with over 20+ different endings, both a quick play through
and long sitting can lead to different choices, new paths, and
ultimately a new outcome.
DHGF: Of course, with the jump to the Xbox 360, downloadable
content has the ability to come into play. Does the company have plans
to release DLC for the title such as customization options, more
gameplay scenarios or extra modes? Will the title utilize the Xbox LIVE
service in any other way?
Chong Ahn: Yes, there will be DLC available for Way of the
Samurai 3. Players will be able to choose from and download multiple
character avatars, weapons, backgrounds of each clan, and much more.
DHGF: We really appreciate your time. Is there anything you would like to say to the longtime fans of the Way of the Samurai series as well to those who are still unfamiliar with the series?
Chong Ahn: The consequences of your actions will determine your fate. Your choices define you.
UFO Interactive will be releasing Way of the Samurai 3 for
the Xbox 360 on Oct. 13. The title will be releasing on the Playstation
3 on the same date and will be published by Agetec Inc.
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