Let’s be real for a second: Spirit of the Samurai isn’t exactly the type of game I’d usually gravitate towards. It’s got a Soulslike, Metroidvania vibe wrapped up in feudal Japan, complete with undead warriors and stop-motion visuals.
But as I type that description out, I’m thinking that maybe it is actually my type of game. And while it’s true that I’m more of a laid-back kind of gamer, the Spirit of the Samurai demo had me seriously hooked.
Weirdly enough, the demo also reminded me of Deadlight – even though the two games couldn’t be more different. Maybe it’s the side-scrolling action, maybe it’s the moody atmosphere, or maybe it’s just that both games leave you feeling like you’re constantly on the edge of disaster. Either way, Spirit of the Samurai surprised me in the best way possible.
First off, the combat. It’s just… satisfying. Imagine slicing through the undead with the same finesse as a sushi chef cutting through the finest sashimi. That’s how Takeshi, the samurai you play as, handles his enemies – precision, speed, and a whole lot of style.
The combat system takes a bit to get used to (spoiler alert: the right analogue stick is your sword-swinging saviour), but once you get the hang of it, there’s no better feeling than pulling off a parry, rolling out of the way, and striking down an enemy like you’re auditioning for a samurai movie.
The art direction is an absolute masterpiece. Stop-motion? Yes, please. The misty village settings, the lighting, and the way the world is crafted just scream that every frame was created with a deep love for the theme.
Now, full disclosure: the demo is short – too short. I was just getting into the rhythm of things, and then bam – it was over. But even in that limited time, the attention to detail was evident.
From the way the village is lit to the intricate character designs, Digital Mind Games – an animation studio turned game developer – poured their expertise into every pixel.
And yes, you only get to play as Takeshi in the demo, but when the full game releases, players will be able to take on the role of three unique characters. Plus, the game promises a combo system that lets you customise moves, which is basically the build your own burger equivalent for combat systems – something for every taste.
That being said, this game isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re going to die. A lot. But hey, what’s a few (hundred) deaths in the grand scheme of things?
The combat is also smooth yet challenging, and there is plenty of that “just one more try” kind of frustration to go around. There’s a tangible weight to every movement, every swing of the sword, and it feels like every time you narrowly avoid death, it’s by the skin of your teeth.
BOTTOM LINE:
I went into The Spirit of the Samurai thinking that I wouldn’t really like it and walked away genuinely excited for more. If the full game delivers on the promise of this demo, I’ll be the first in line.