I’m a martial artist; it’s the most prominent of my social identities. I love Japan. Its culture & history are so unique that it fascinates me. Some of the techniques my sensei teaches me are over four hundred years old.

Acquire are one of my favorite video game developers mostly due to their series that focus on feudal Japanese. Namely the original ‘Tenchu’ games, its spiritual successor ‘Shinobido’ & the ‘Way Of The Samurai’ series.

The most recent Acquire game; Way Of The Samurai 3 has already been released in Japan (and is soon to be followed by a ‘plus’ edition). It recently came out in America & first quarter of 2010 the UK gets its release.

There’s a lot in WOTS3 to peak our gaming interests including:

• Custom character creation.

• Branching storylines.

• Hundreds of different weapons.

• Over seven hundred moves.

• AI companions with unique abilities (including catgirl Nya-Nya & ghost O-Tei).

• The choice to kill or spare opponents.

• The ability to draw a weapon at any time – even during & influencing cut scenes.

• Finally; the ability to beg for mercy if a fight isn’t going your way.

As a martial artist, a lover of Japan and lover of gaming I’m going to be keeping my eyes on Acquires newest game. Hopefully, now you’ve read this article, you will too.

Filed under: Features, Games, Release Dates, W