Genji

by Sony

Product Features

• It is 1159 AD, and a brutal samurai clan called The Heishi have stepped in to take power after the old nobility fell. With their mystical stones, they rule the land through fear and violence.
• Extensive weapon, armor, and attribute upgrade system enhances your character's strength, defense and health
• Two playable characters, each with his own fighting style, upgradeable weaponry and character development
• Battle mythical enemies and fantastical creatures armed with deadly weapons and magical powers
• Fight in 30 missions across elegantly styled environments of feudal Japan -- with real seasonal changes and authentic Japanese architecture

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009RG8DW
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches ; 5 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: September 20, 2005
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,681 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Genji: Dawn of the Samurai takes you into an action-packed fantasy based on the ancient Japanese tale known as the Tale Of Genji. Set against the beautiful and elegant environments of feudal Japan, "Genji" delivers a story of two noble warriors engaged in a crusade against mythical forces controlling Japan. Genji: Dawn of the Samurai features authentic swordplay choreographed by Japan's leading swordsman, and production directed by acclaimed industry veterans. Authentic swordplay and motion-capture, executed by Japan's leading swordfight composer Over one hour of rich cinematics developed by industry pioneers, telling a dramatic storyline of revenge.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Underated Game., January 9, 2006

By 

President Kang "preskang" - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Genji (Video Game)

I have to admit, I was looking forward to this game over a year ago when the first screen shots and trailers came out. And after buying it and playing it through, this Genji didn't disappoint in the slightest.
First of all, the game looks and sounds fantastic. One of the best games graphically for the PS2. Despite tepid reviews, the action comes pretty fast and furious, despite the ability to pull a Kamui, or slow down time to quickly dispatch your opponent. This is a very cool effect and it doesn't get old. It also helps to practice it as much as possible, because once difficult mode is unlocked, its the only way to survive in absence of levelling up and finding health items.
Speaking of difficult mode, the game has tons of replay value, contrary to what has been mentioned. The RPG elements allow you to search for hard to find weapons and armor in continuous mode, and difficult mode is a real challenge. Mastery of Kamui and Mind's Eye techiniques are a must if you want to survive and finish the game in this mode.
I have to say that my favorite thing about this game is its almost straight action, with some RPG elements to give replay value. There isn't alot of backtracking to add length to the game, not alot of platforming, or puzzles to drive you nuts. So if your into action, or just love Samurai, give Genji a try. You won't regret it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Dawn" of a fun, if brief, gameplay experience..., October 25, 2006

By 

-- "--" (Gondor, IN) - See all my reviews

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Genji (Video Game)

"Genji: Dawn of the Samurai" takes a cue or two from the "Onimusha" playbook, though it actually exceeds the two latest entries in that series. Yes, it's another samurai hack and slash on a PS2 full of 'em, but it's easily one of the best. If you are at all a fan of such action games, or just action games in general, you would be remiss if you skipped "Genji."

The storyline centers around a young samurai and his hulking sidekick as they embark on a mission to collect power-granting magic orbs and defeat the bad guys who would use said orbs to gain ultimate power and bring fuedal Japan to the brink of chaos. This too is standard stuff on the surface, but one peek beneath and there's actually something far more interesting going on. The plot, though ultimately disposable and perhaps a little too long-winded for its own good, is solid and lacks the hyper melodrama found in most games in the genre -- and that's a blessing in its own right!

"Genji" grants you the option of playing as either the aforementioned young samurai, who is speed and finesse incarnate, or his gigantic companion, who makes up for what he lacks in both speed and finesse with titanic strength. The combat in the game is responsive and satisfying, especially when you factor in the special focus mode that allows you, if you're reflexes are sharp enough, to instantly kill several opponents with one good stroke. It's good stuff, to be sure.

The graphics on display are crisp and stylish, even if they do portray a fantastic, slightly anime style ancient Japan that we've already seen before countless times. The sounds effects do their job admirably as well, accompanied by some music that fits the themes of the game perfectly. Excellent cinematics further round out the impressive production values.

The game's primary weakness is its length. This one doesn't last all that long. And, again, the samurai hack-and-slash is a derivitive action sub-genre that holds very few surprises. That said, if you're a fan of these types of games, don't miss this one. It delivers where most falter and languish in mediocrity.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very beautiful game with high production values., September 27, 2005

By 

Helel - See all my reviews

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Genji (Video Game)

This is an excellent game that captures the feel of the samurai very well. It is also the most graphically beautiful game yet on the ps2. Although the lack of Widescreen support is what lets it down. You see the whole game is with Japanese voices witch is great, although if you have a widescreen tv the subtitles will be cut off unless you watch it squashed, this is lazy from the developers, they could have added 16:9 and 480p easily.

The cut scenes are plentiful and very well done, the music is perfect and captures the feel of every scene and mood. Also despite what some people might think this game isn't that short as there are extras after you complete the game much like Onimusha.

The gameplay while not greatly detailed is fun especially the counter hits where you have to press the attack button when you are just about to be struck. You can also shop for weapons and armour and build up your character with exp and levelling.

A worthy purchase and head and shoulders over poorly made garbage like MK Shaolin Monks.