Summary
- Release Year: 2011
- Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
- Developers: Omega Force
- Publishers: Koei Tecmo Games
Samurai Warriors: Chronicles – A Chronicle of Epic Battles on the Nintendo 3DS
When the Nintendo 3DS launched in 2011, it brought with it a launch title that showcased the capabilities of the new handheld console: Samurai Warriors: Chronicles. This hack and slash game, part of the long-running Samurai Warriors series, introduced several new features that set it apart from its predecessors, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
A Tale of Two Warriors
Unlike previous Samurai Warriors games, where the player chooses a hero and focuses on their story, in Chronicles the player chooses a male (wielding a dai-katana and rifle) or female (wielding dual swords) character which they play as a primary character in every story battle, following their own story and changing around different armies. This gives the game a more personal feel, as the player gets to experience the story from the perspective of their own created character.
The story of Chronicles is set during the Sengoku period of Japanese history, a time of great upheaval and warfare. The player’s character is caught up in the conflict, and must fight their way through hordes of enemies to achieve their goals. The game features a variety of historical characters, including Nobunaga Oda, Kenshin Uesugi, and Shingen Takeda.
Hack and Slash Gameplay with a Twist
The gameplay in Chronicles is similar to other Samurai Warriors games, with the player controlling one of a variety of characters and fighting their way through hordes of enemies. However, Chronicles introduces several new features that make it stand out from the crowd.
One of the most notable new features is the use of the Nintendo 3DS’s dual screens. The top screen displays the main game, while the bottom screen is used to display maps, KOs, and mission data. This allows the player to keep track of the battlefield and their objectives without having to pause the game.
Another new feature is the ability to switch between four characters during battle. This allows the player to adapt to the changing battlefield conditions and take advantage of each character’s unique abilities. For example, the player can switch to a character with a long-range weapon to take out enemies from afar, or to a character with a powerful melee weapon to break through enemy defenses.
A Chronicle of Content
Chronicles features a wealth of content to keep players entertained for hours on end. The game includes a story mode, a free mode, and a challenge mode. The story mode follows the journey of the player’s created character, while the free mode allows the player to choose any character and battle on any stage. The challenge mode offers a variety of challenges for the player to complete, such as defeating a certain number of enemies within a time limit.
In addition to the single-player content, Chronicles also features a multiplayer mode for up to four players. In multiplayer mode, players can team up to take on hordes of enemies or compete against each other in a variety of game modes.
A Visual Feast
Chronicles is a visually impressive game for the Nintendo 3DS. The character models are detailed and expressive, and the environments are lush and vibrant. The game also makes good use of the 3D capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS, creating a truly immersive experience.
An Epic Adventure
Samurai Warriors: Chronicles is an epic adventure that will appeal to fans of hack and slash games and Japanese history alike. With its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and wealth of content, Chronicles is a must-play for Nintendo 3DS owners.
Score: 8.5/10
Review Score
8.5/10