80%PlayStation 2

Alternative
09/04/2020
7h00min
84%

90%PlayStation 2

Around the era of samurai action games the likes of Onimusha, I came across this game randomly through a friend and enjoyed the hell out of it. Revolving around historic figures Yoshitsune and Benkei, this was a great game for those who enjoyed Onimusha. Unfortunately, the PS3 follow-up was a hot mess and a hot meme (google Genji crab). I'd recommend this entry over the PS3 one.

80%PlayStation 2

It's refreshing to play a game that is just good at being a game and not some live-service abomination with tons of microtransactions. Genji is not an amazing game but it is entertaining, looks good, and has enough depth/challenge for both casual players and more hardcore players (although this game never becomes very difficult). Unfortunately the game is kind of short so don't pay too much for it. It's also unfortunate--not awful, but merely something to note--that the fact that there are two playable characters is never utilized in the boss fights. The other playable character will sometimes bust into the same room as you in a cutscene and interact with you, but they never fight alongside you at the same time (technical limitation maybe?). The story also has some unresolved plot points (hopefully they are resolved in Genji: Days of the Blade).

70%PlayStation 2

really solid gameplay and presentation, but the game is too short, pacing problems abound and it never really hits it's stride. extra cool points for the unique kamui system. being able to one shot enemies if you time it right is really satisfying! still, hard to recommend as more than a rental. even if you go for the extras.

90%PlayStation 2

My early rating is based on what I have so far played, and it is a wonderful game. I suppose it might get some bad reviews because all the voice acting is in Japanese, but all the menus and subtitles are in English. My only grippe if I have one is that Benkei sometimes is unresponsive, walk straight and try to turn and he will continue on, I know the reason is that they were trying to show he was so large that he has difficulty turning quickly, that his own momentum carries him a bit, but a guy that big can put on the brakes and turn quicker. Oh well, big deal, the game is an absolute blast, I am four hours in at this point. Music is great, and the story is A+.

Update: I'm not going to bother with the 100% complete, some items are very difficult to obtain.

70%No Platform Specified

Nicely presented, but ultimately shallow, Genji delivers tame action for the short amount of time it lasts.

In the end, it's Genji's empowering sense of ninja-like flow that makes Kamui use refreshing. But since all those interactions are canned, slowing time eventually becomes plodding and redundant. It's good then that Genji at least features stylish visuals and amazing music. So while the underlying gameplay may not be exciting, the rest of the package still merits trial.