iPhone game of the day: Samurai II: Vengeance

Game: Samurai II: Vengeance
Price: $2.99
Size: 82.2MB
Buy it now from the iTunes Store:US/UK

Was there a Samurai I? Does it even matter? Probably not, since this is a game in which you run about the place, hacking and slashing any fools that get in your way. One doesn't really need a reason for that.

Samurai II is a hack n' slash game, and quite a violent one at that. The game frequently treats you to execution kills in which you lop off a head or cut a guy clean in half. The combat is a simple case of virtual button mashing, with commands for light and strong attacks, as well as a handy dodge roll to avoid incoming blows. Every now then you'll need to pull a switch to move along, but it's mostly all about the violence.

The game's biggest draw is its visual prettiness. This is a damn fine looking game with some wonderful cel shaded visuals. The environments are particular striking, with colors that really pop out on your iPhone's small screen. Graphics don't make a game, but they can help, and Samurai II's graphics are invaluable.

It's a fairly repetitive game, but for $2.99 you'll definitely get your money's worth. The production values are ace and the bloody action is suitably satisfying. Hack n' slash fans could easily spend their cash on worse things.

Nov 2, 2010