I have to admit, I was oblivious to the existence of Expeditions: Samurai until recently, and that’s not entirely my fault. The gaming landscape is cluttered with titles trying to grab our attention, and sometimes it takes a bit of luck to stumble upon a hidden gem. But, I’m glad I got to experience it, especially since my love for all things ninja and Japanese history knows no bounds. Expeditions: Samurai is a rock-solid RPG that feels tight and focused, yet still offers a lot of room for experimentation, which is a feat in itself.
As I delved deeper into the game, I was impressed by its design, which takes the best elements of the golden age of RPGs and feels like a grounded and engaging story all on its own. The game’s connection to actual history is intriguing, and the fact that it takes creative liberties to make the story its own is a testament to the developers’ vision. The game’s world, based on the story of William Adams, a European navigator who became the first foreigner granted the title of Samurai, is rich in detail and full of interesting characters.
A Different Take on RPGs
What sets Expeditions: Samurai apart from other RPGs is its focused approach to storytelling and gameplay. Unlike some other games in the genre, which throw you into a giant world and say “go have fun,” Expeditions: Samurai feels more contained and situational. Every new story moment feels like it’s placing you in a specific area with limited options for exploration and information gathering, which actually makes the experience feel more focused and engaging. The game’s dual emphasis on diplomacy and combat is also a welcome change of pace, and the fact that you can approach situations in different ways, whether through stealth, dialogue, or outright combat, is a testament to the game’s depth and complexity.
Combat and Character Development
The combat in Expeditions: Samurai is incredibly satisfying, offering a lot of depth and nuance while also giving players a lot of freedom. The game’s turn-based system allows players to execute all their moves before the enemies get their turn, which makes for some strategic and intense battles. The addition of stealth as a combat alternative is also a nice touch, and the fact that players can perform stealth takedowns and split their party to place them in advantageous positions before battles start adds a whole new layer of strategy to the game. Character development is also noteworthy, with abilities based on equipped weapons rather than individual characters, which allows for a bit more freedom and versatility in building your party.
Early Access Woes
Of course, as an Early Access release, Expeditions: Samurai is not without its flaws. Some characters are missing voiceovers, and the VO can sometimes continue playing over other conversations if it’s skipped. Character models for dead enemies can also bug out or repeat death animations if you pick up their bodies and drop them. While these issues are not game-breaking, they do detract from the overall experience and make the game feel a bit rough around the edges.
A Promising Future
Despite its current state, Expeditions: Samurai has genuinely hooked me with its gameplay and presentation. It’s a deep and complex RPG that never feels slow or overly bloated, and its focused approach to storytelling and gameplay is a refreshing change of pace. With more time and polish, this game could become a new instant classic when it finally leaves Early Access. So, if you’re a fan of RPGs and are looking for something new and innovative, keep an eye on Expeditions: Samurai. It’s definitely worth checking out, and I’m excited to see how it will evolve in the future.
As I finish writing this, I’m reminded of the countless times I’ve been burned by promising games that failed to deliver. But, Expeditions: Samurai feels different. It’s a game that’s unapologetically itself, with a clear vision and a focus on delivering a high-quality experience. So, here’s to hoping that the developers will continue to support and polish the game, and that it will become the classic it has the potential to be. Only time will tell, but for now, I’m just excited to see where this journey will take me.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
