6 Best Games That Let You Play As Historical Samurai

Being able to play as a samurai in any kind of game is always exciting and a most welcome experience. There’s just something about the historical period these famous individuals lived in that can elevate any gameplay beyond perfection. Some samurai games, like Ghost of Tsushima, are set in beautiful open worlds, whereas others focus on hack and slash combat mechanics and smaller settings.

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There are also outstanding RPGs featuring a samurai class, which almost always allow players to make the most out of the combat mechanics present in any title. Here are some of the best games that let players take on the role of a historical samurai.

6

Onimusha: Warlords

A Story Of A Samurai And Evil, Demonic Forces

Capcom’s riveting samurai adventure returns! This version includes the original game’s intense swordplay and dramatic revenge story, plus a host of enhancements. Improved controls allow players to move and fight with analog-stick precision. The crisp, high-definition visuals support 16:9 widescreen as well as the original 4:3 resolution display. A new soundtrack brings the feudal Japan setting to life with an air of authenticity and intrigue. Experience this enhanced version of the best-selling action-adventure classic!

Released

March 14, 2001

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Violence

• Samanosuke Hidemitsu must take on the powerful Genma
• Hidemitsu is granted special powers for his journey

Onimusha: Warlords is set primarily during the famous Japanese Sengoku period and follows the story of Samanosuke Akechi, who is based on Akechi Hidemitsu, a Japanese samurai of the same historical period.

After receiving a letter from his cousin Princess Yuki, Samanosuke will have to start a journey towards saving her while taking on demonic creatures known as Genma. This is no easy task, so Samanosuke is granted special powers by the Oni clan to have a fighting chance against such evil and mighty threats. While they don’t have a lot in common, Onimusha: Warlords is an outstanding title that those who enjoyed Fate/Samurai Remnant might appreciate as well.

5

Samurai Warriors

A Hack And Slash Packed With Action

Samurai Warriors

Always on the battlefield.
Over 90 stages!
New Active Mission System triggers over 500 mission variations!
Train aspiring Warriors in New Officer mode! Co-op, Vs., and 6 new Challenge Modes!
Randomly generated castle maps change each time you play! Look out for giant blades, flamethrowers, and deadly traps!

Released

February 11, 2004

• Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Xbox
• Developer(s): Omega Force
• Genre(s): Hack and Slash, Fighting Game
• Players can use a wide range of combos to defeat their enemies
• The main character is based on Sanada Nobushige

Like Onimusha: Warlords, Samurai Warriors is also set during the Sengoku period, which seems to be a very popular choice for developers who make these kinds of games. The main character, Yukimura Sanada, is based on the famous samurai Sanada Nobushige, also known as Sanada Yukimura, who was prominent during the Sengoku period.

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Throughout the game, players will have the chance to use a wide range of combo attacks that can be very effective against both single enemies and large crowds, dealing maximum damage at every turn. Samurai Warriors not only kick-started a longstanding franchise, but is also among the top 5 titles ever released in this universe, which goes to show just how great it is.

4

Fate/Samurai Remnant

Great Combat Mechanics And A Compelling Narrative

The battle over the Waxing Moon which could grant any and all wishes — the Waxing Moon Ritual. The seven individuals seeking their wish, or Masters, are the bearers of the Ritual. The seven Heroic Spirits, or Servants, are summoned to this world by their Masters. The curtain rises on the battle between the seven Masters with their seven Servants.

Traverse the city of Edo and become victorious in the Waxing Moon Ritual. Fight, explore, converse… Many elements are deeply intertwined in this action RPG!

– Master and Servant work together during battles
Control the Master and Servant during battles and use their bond with each other to survive. Use a variety of attacks to gain an advantage while assessing the enemy and situation of the battle.

– Explore Edo

Yoshiwara, Kanda, Akasaka… Various famous places in Edo will act as the stage of the Ritual. As you explore the city, you may fight with other Masters, or you may also learn things that will help you grow as a Master. You can interact with the people who live in Edo, replenish your energy at a food stall, or play with dogs and cats.

 

Action RPG

Hack and Slash

Released

September 28, 2023

ESRB

T For Teen // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

• Miyamoto Iori was Miyamoto Musashi’s son
• Musashi was a Rōnin

Fate/Samurai Remnant is an outstanding game that does a lot of things better than any other Musou title. Players take on the role of Miyamoto Iori, who, coincidentally, was the real-life son of famed Rōnin Miyamoto Musashi. The main difference between a samurai and a Rōnin is that the former had a master, whereas the latter didn’t.

The plot of Fate/Samurai Remnant is full of interesting twists and turns that keep gameplay feeling fresh while allowing players to enjoy the outstanding mechanics in it. This, along with the compelling narrative that the game offers players, makes for an absolute masterpiece that any fan of the genre must try at least once.

3

Nioh

Players Take On The Role Of A Fictionalized Version Of The Historically Famous William Adams

Ready to die? Experience the newest brutal action game from Team NINJA and Koei Tecmo Games. In the age of samurai, a lone traveler lands on the shores of Japan. He must fight his way through the vicious warriors and supernatural Yokai that infest the land in order to find that which he seeks.

The Complete Edition contains the full game, as well as the three expansions with additional story chapters: Dragon of the North, Defiant Honor, and Bloodshed’s End.

Dragon of the North
This expansion opens up the Tohoku region, where the “one-eyed dragon” Date Masamune is secretly gathering spirit stones.

Defiant Honor
Fight your way through the Siege of Osaka’s winter campaign as you follow the story of one of Japan’s greatest generals from the Warring States period, the brave Sanada Yukimura.

Bloodshed’s End
Join the summer campaign of the Siege of Osaka as the Warring States period draws to a close in this, the final chapter of William’s tale.

Steam Exclusive Bonus
Enjoy wearing the “Dharmachakra Kabuto,” a helmet exclusive to the Steam version of Nioh! You can claim yours by selecting “Boons” from a shrine.

Systems

Released

February 7, 2017

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Violence

• William Adams was known as “Anjin”, which means pilot in Japanese
• There are many useful skills in Nioh that players can take advantage of

Other than Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Nioh is probably the most recent title on this list, as it was released in 2017. It follows the story of William Adams, an Irish sailor who was famously known as Anjin, or “pilot”, among the Japanese community.

Adams is a famous real-life historical figure who lived between 1564 and 1620. Throughout the story, Adams pursues the sorcerer Edward Kelly into the battles that took place in the final years of the Sengoku period. Nioh has some powerful skills that players can take advantage of, similar to Fate/Samurai Remnant. The game was so popular that it even has a sequel that, while rated slightly lower than the first title, still delivers a very enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.

2

Total War: Shogun 2

A Historically Accurate Depiction Of Ancient Japan

In the darkest age of Japan, endless war leaves a country divided. It is the middle of the 16th Century in Feudal Japan. The country, once ruled by a unified government, is now split into many warring clans. Ten legendary warlords strive for supremacy as conspiracies and conflicts wither the empire. Only one will rise above all to win the heart of a nation as the new shogun…The others will die by his sword.

Take on the role of one Daimyo, the clan leader, and use military engagements, economics and diplomacy to achieve the ultimate goal: re-unite Japan under his supreme command and become the new Shogun – the undisputed ruler of a pacified nation.

Total War: SHOGUN 2 features enhanced full 3D battles via land and sea, which made a name for the series, as well as the tactical campaign map that many refer to as the heart and soul of Total War. Featuring a brand new AI system inspired by the scriptures that influenced Japanese warfare, the millennia old Chinese “Art of War”, the Creative Assembly brings the wisdom of Master Sun Tsu to Total War: SHOGUN 2. Analysing this ancient text enabled the Creative Assembly to implement easy to understand yet deep strategical gameplay.

Systems

Released

March 15, 2011

ESRB

Teen // Language, Sexual Themes, Violence

• Players can choose from nine different clans
• Set in the famous Sengoku period

Total War: Shogun 2 is probably one of the most historically accurate depictions of battles in ancient Japan and the factions that were involved in them. The game is set in 16th century feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, which appears to be the center point for most titles revolving around the samurai thematic.

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Throughout the game, players will have the chance to choose between nine major clans, which include the Date clan, the Hōjō clan, the Mōri clan, the Oda clan, the Takeda clan, and many others—all of which were real-life samurai clans that were revered in this particular period. While Total War: Shogun 2 is not one of the best Total War games ever made, it gives players the chance to relive the Sengoku period in all its glory.

1

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

An Upcoming Title That Looks Quite Promising

Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.

• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.
• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.

Released

March 20, 2025

ESRB

Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows will allow players to take on the role of Yasuke
• The game promises fast-paced combat and intricate game mechanics

The Assassin’s Creed franchise, especially in its beginnings, was widely known for being historically accurate in some regards and educating players in some of the most famous landmarks and historical figures present in every title released. While this has mostly not been the case in some of the most recent releases, the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to allow players to take on the role of Yasuke, a samurai of African origin who served under the Oda Nobunaga clan in the early 1580s.

Aside from this, one of the greatest things that Assassin’s Creed Shadows seems to be doing for its community is allowing fans to voice NPCs, which is quite interesting and gives players the chance to feel like they’re part of the game.

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