New sword-fighting games look sharp
By Stephen Ryan
CNN Headline News
(CNN) -- Grab a blade -- and maybe some bandages -- because there are two new sword-fighting games on the market. In one, you find yourself slicing and dicing ruthless gangs in feudal Japan. In the other, you slash hordes of demons intent on finishing off humanity.
First up is Capcom's "Way of the Samurai 2." It's set toward the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate's dynasty. The shogun is scheming to annex new territories to counter the threat of foreign powers. And he wants to move on the town of Amahara. However, the Amahara magistrate's office rules with an iron fist in an effort to keep him out. At the same time, the Aoto Gang also wants to rule the town. Then one day, a lone samurai, who can tip the balance of power in either direction, arrives.
One cool thing about "Way of the Samurai 2" is that your decisions and interactions with people can change the outcome of the game. You can increase the power of the magistrate's office, the Aoto Gang, or the townspeople by cooperating with them, using their stores and other such actions. When the townspeople grow more powerful, goods become cheaper and increase in variety. On the flip side, if you repeatedly act like a villain you may also find yourself barred from using some of the town's amenities. That's something the shogun would love.
"Way of the Samurai 2" has several swords and similar weapons at your disposal. But it's up to you to buy them, train with them and use them. Be warned, learn the various fighting moves, or you could end up looking like something with which a blender has had its way.
Next up is Taito's "Bujingai: The Forsaken City." The story begins in the 23rd century, when an attempt to develop a clean source of nuclear power goes terribly wrong. Seventy percent of the Earth's population is killed instantly. Those who survived were graced with supernatural abilities. But over time, they too began disappearing mysteriously.
Soon afterward, demons appeared to dominate Earth and enslave the remaining survivors. After centuries of honing their supernatural skills, only the greatest warriors remained. And you are among them, charged with the responsibility of reclaiming Earth.
"Bujingai" mostly revolves around combat. The story does not vary much and follows a single track. Either you win or lose. The cool thing is that you have a variety of characters to choose from, each with a slew of swords and spells to use.
 Taito's "Bujingai: The Forsaken City" |  |
The environment adds a sense of realism to "Bujingai." As Taito puts it, "Free your mind." You can run up walls and even fly in some instances. Use the environment to take short cuts, gain a tactical advantage over enemies and search for hidden items.
All said and done, both games offer a new feel to sword fighting. And they both have wonderful graphics. "Samurai" takes you to old-school Japan, complete with dress, weaponry and mannerisms. "Bujingai" puts forth a sense of mysticism with its futuristic setting and wild spells.
