Samurai Warriors: State of War (2005)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Samurai Warriors: State of War – A Strategy-Action Hybrid That Will Keep You Hooked

Released in 2005 for the PlayStation Portable, Samurai Warriors: State of War is a unique blend of strategy and action that sets it apart from other games in the Samurai Warriors franchise. While it is based on the original Samurai Warriors game, State of War is not a straight conversion and features several new elements that make it a more strategic and challenging experience.

Gameplay

Samurai Warriors: State of War is played in two main stages: the Strategy phase and the Action phase.

Strategy Phase

The Strategy phase takes place on a map divided into colored squares. Players take turns moving their character around the map, with the terrain affecting how they can move and act. For example, forests can provide cover from enemy attacks, while rivers can slow down movement.

During the Strategy phase, players can also issue commands to their troops, such as attacking enemy units or capturing strategic points. The goal of the Strategy phase is to position your forces in a way that will give you an advantage in the Action phase.

Action Phase

The Action phase is where the real-time combat takes place. Players control a single character and must defeat as many enemies as possible within a 60-second time limit. The Action phase is a fast-paced and chaotic affair, and players must use all of their skills to survive.

Characters

Samurai Warriors: State of War features a cast of 25 playable characters, each with their own unique weapons and abilities. Players can choose to play as one of four main armies: the Takeda (Western), Uesugi (Eastern), Nobunaga, or the solo army. Completing the game with these four factions unlocks the final stage in the game.

Game Modes

Samurai Warriors: State of War features three main game modes:

  • Story Mode: The main campaign mode, in which players follow the story of one of the four main armies.
  • Free Mode: A mode in which players can select any character and stage to play.
  • VS Mode: A multiplayer mode in which two players can battle against each other.

Reception

Samurai Warriors: State of War was met with positive reviews from critics, who praised the game’s unique blend of strategy and action. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

Samurai Warriors: State of War is considered to be one of the best games in the Samurai Warriors franchise. The game’s unique gameplay formula has been praised by critics and fans alike, and it has served as a model for future games in the series.

Conclusion

Samurai Warriors: State of War is a must-play for fans of the Samurai Warriors franchise and for anyone who enjoys a good strategy-action game. The game’s unique blend of gameplay elements makes it a truly unique and enjoyable experience.

Additional Details

Guest Characters

In addition to the 25 playable characters from the Samurai Warriors franchise, State of War also features three guest characters from Dynasty Warriors 4: Zhao Yun, Xiahou Dun, and Lu Bu.

New Features

State of War introduces several new features to the Samurai Warriors franchise, including:

  • Terrain Effects: The terrain on the map can now affect how characters move and fight. For example, forests can provide cover from enemy attacks, while rivers can slow down movement.
  • Unit Commands: Players can now issue commands to their troops during the Strategy phase. This allows players to control the flow of battle more effectively.
  • Time Limit: The Action phase now has a 60-second time limit. This adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the combat.

Historical Setting

Samurai Warriors: State of War is set during the Sengoku period of Japanese history, a time of great political and military upheaval. The game features many of the famous samurai warriors of the period, such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Critical Reception

Samurai Warriors: State of War received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game’s unique blend of strategy and action. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Awards

Samurai Warriors: State of War won several awards, including:

  • IGN: Best PSP Game of 2005
  • GameSpot: Best PSP Game of 2005
  • Famitsu: Gold Award

Legacy

Samurai Warriors: State of War is considered to be one of the best games in the Samurai Warriors franchise. The game’s unique gameplay formula has been praised by critics and fans alike, and it has served as a model for future games in the series.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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