Arcade Beat Em Ups are things you rarely get to play in this day and age. What was once the norm is now lost to the sands of time, except in places that still have arcades. In an attempt at reviving this game style, Wako Studios has done it with Samurai Riot. Playing this game, I felt like I was standing at an arcade cabinet playing through a brutal game, where quarters would start vanishing the longer I played. A tried and true Side-Scroller that will send you back to a time, where you didn’t always have your own systems to play, a simpler yet more troublesome time.
This game might take on the guise of an arcade cabinet but it is actually far deeper. You have two characters Sukune and Tsurumaru who both play quite differently. Sukune has a magic kitsune and fights barehanded, so clearly, she isn’t always so strong against all the armed opponents. Tsurumaru has a katana and grenades, which makes him the stronger choice. You also get to select different styles which affect your strength, lives, and other aspects. Play the game enough, and you can unlock and level up the styles.
There are eight different levels with actual story intertwining them all together. You even get to make choices which change how things play out. The coolest thing about this game though is that there is in fact co-op. While it is only local, it still allows for a fun experience. You can both play as a character and work together to complete the game. It adds another layer and makes it feel even more like you are in an arcade playing together.
It would be interesting to see online multiplayer implemented in the future. But local co-op really is just the best. As you progress you can even disagree with the choices made and fight it out. This game is a fluid story that can certainly change depending on your choices, and with 8 different endings, there is so much fun to be had. This game certainly isn’t a one and done game, as if you grew up on this style of game, you will be yearning for more.
Samurai Riot is certainly a nostalgia-driven game, but it has amazing artwork and a compelling story. The characters each play differently and you need to work fast to take down waves of opponents. This game is brutal and unforgiving in the best types of ways, and if you enjoyed arcade games in your youth, it is one to try out at least. Plus, you can play for hours and only buy it once, no quarters required!
Samurai Riot is available on Steam right now. Put away your quarters, and travel back in time, save Japan, and have fun like you used to when you were a kid!
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A code was provided by the publisher.