Seven Samurai 20XX Preview

Developer	Sammy Studios
Publisher	Sammy Studios
Genre	Action
Release Date	10/20/03

Why settle for one, when you can have seven?

Like a punch in the gut, Sammy Studios shocked gamers announcing their plan to adapt a film, directed by the late Akira Kurosawa, into video game form. However, this isn't just any Kurosawa movie. This is his most critically acclaimed movie of all time. This movie is the 1954 smash-hit, The Seven Samurai. And who better to put at the reigns of this project than the masterful director's own son, Hisao Kurosawa. But with most great things, there's usually a catch. This catch just happens to be a tad far-fetched. First imagine a huge intergalactic land, filled to the brim with post apocalyptic destruction. Now think of how it would look after a horde of robot invaders had their way with it. Intrigued? You should be.

"It becomes you"
As most Kurosawa fans have kissed all hope of fighting along side the legendary Toshiro Mifune good-bye, there are still many reasons to give Seven Samurai 20XX a look. The player assumes the role of the very young and agile samurai Natoe. If you fail in your tasks, the last human city will fall and the world, as you know it, is over. Have no fear though. These aren't the usual run-of-the-mill, katana wailing samurai that fans have grown accustomed to. These are electronically enhanced warriors with crazy, huge weapons that store potential uber power-up possibilities.

An example of this power-up system is Natoe's ability to whip out a second katana and double his current strength, speed, and damage while fighting. Not only is this an effective way to fight off the numerous waves of baddies, but it also just looks insanely awesome. Although, don't expect to run around an entire level wielding two swords and hacking robots like some sort of deranged Anakin Skywalker. Like most great power-ups, it will only last the character a few brief moments of destructive bliss. A bar will indicate when the ability is charged up enough to use, or if the character is running on dead empty. The question still remains if the bar will fill up on it's own over a period of time, or if killing enemies is a necessity.

Other movements for the character are very basic for a 3rd person action game. Using the left analog stick, you can guide your character around the screen and face an oncoming enemy. Along with running, your samurai can slash, dash, block, parry, jump, and double jump. This will add to the strategic possibilities when fighting different types of enemies. During the first levels, merely running up to the enemy and hacking him to bits will be all that is needed to advance, but as you get further along in the game you'll discover enemies that can easily dodge your attacks and return a blow with the slightest of ease. This will require you to utilize all your movements to defeat what may come at you.

"Again we remain...again we are defeated"
As much as it sounds like another hack-and-slash clone, Sammy promises to deliver an original gaming experience. To start off, major talent has been called in to head up the artistic and musical parts of the game. Designer and artist Moebius, of The Fifth Element fame, will create all character and some environment designs. The other especially talented person assigned to the game is musical composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, the man behind The Last Emperor's soundtrack.

While the artistic and musical approach to the game seem to be in safe hands, gamers know that it takes more than fancy bells and whistles to sell a game. It requires solid gameplay and a sense of originality. For Sammy to accomplish this, they have crafted numerous levels that range from enclosed buildings, to huge outdoor wildernesses to fight the invaders in. Once Natoe starts battling his way through his missions, he will eventually uncover fellow samurai to help aid him in his quest to rid the town of robot attackers. The choice of seven different samurai will inevitably become available for gamers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. It's up to you to decide what samurai best suits the level you're currently in.

Along with single player mode, three more modes will find their way on the game. Coliseum Mode is an endless gauntlet of enemies to see how your fighting skills stack up with the toughest of tough. A definite crowd pleaser will be the 2-player versus mode. This will allow a friend to join the fun and test his skills against other human opponents. However, no co-op has been announced and it doesn't look like it will be in the future. Lastly, a Record Mode is available to help keep track of your stats as you advance in the game. With the addition of this mode, gamers can almost expect some unlockable secretes to be discovered, with enough kills that is. Who knows, maybe Sammy will pay homage to the Kurosawa film fans out there and include some playable models of the original 1954 movie samurai. Here's hoping come Winter.

Preview by Erik Waters