Throwback to Mid-90’s and you’re ready to move past that 8-bit system using cartridges. You head out to Electronics Boutique to pick up new a new video game for your sexy as hell Sony
PlayStation. You browse your choices, survival horror Resident Evil or puzzle adventurer Tomb Raider and loved fighting games like Tekken and Streetfighter, and you played some awesome car demolition games like Twisted Metal (see Twisted Metal 2 Review) and Gran Turismo, but along came a game that was unconventional that you wanted to play since the PlayStation was not bound by cute characters, possessive corporate overlords not allowing blood and gore to be on their system. So, you browsed the selections and found a unique fighting game with a great looking cover and said, why the heck not! ENTER THE BUSHIDO!
“Bushido Blade” is a unique and innovative fighting game developed by Light Weight and published by Square (now Square Enix) for Sony. It was released in 1997 in Japan and North America, and later in Europe. Immediately you see what sets “Bushido Blade” apart from other fighting games of its time is the realistic and strategic approach to sword combat!
WHY IT’S RATED PRETTY DAMN GOOD
Realistic Sword Combat: Unlike traditional fighting games that rely on health bars and predetermined moves, “Bushido Blade” aimed for a more realistic simulation of sword fighting. Players could inflict different types of injuries, affecting their opponent’s movement and abilities. Swing at the arm, damage the arm, hit the leg and your opponent is limping or kneeling, the body parts are affected.
No Health Bars! The second thing you might notice is that you can’t find your health bar? How long will I last, or where is the heart up so I could keep my character alive and going. But instead of traditional health bars, the game introduced a unique system where a well-placed strike could end a match in a single blow. This added an element of tension and strategy, as players had to be careful and precise in their attacks and defenses.
Multiple Characters and Weapons: The game featured a roster of characters, each with their own unique weapons and fighting styles. There were various traditional Japanese weapons to choose from, including katanas, naginatas, and more.
Interactive Environments: “Bushido Blade” featured interactive environments that could be used strategically during battles. Players could maneuver around obstacles, and the terrain could affect the outcome of a fight. How about the beautiful battle in a Lady Snowblood like setting (very similar to Kill Bill Volume 1’s fight between the Bride and O-Ren Ishii.) Or consider how you could run away from your opponent and climb onto a higher area to change the battles setting. A great and unique add to an already interesting game.
Story Mode: The game included a story mode that followed a narrative based on the characters and their relationships. The story unfolded differently depending on the player’s choices and actions during battles.
Two-Player Mode: In addition to the single-player story mode, “Bushido Blade” offered a two-player mode, allowing friends to engage in one-on-one battles. This was one of the best parts of the game, it wasn’t going to
be a long battle, or one with counters and movements, but it was great to finally have a realistic sword fighting game where a killing blow could be dealt with one swing of your katana! Speaking of which…
Critical Hits and Instant Kills: The game introduced the concept of critical hits and instant kills. A well-timed and well-placed strike could lead to an instant victory, further emphasizing the importance of skill and precision in combat. Precision striking and timing has always been a key in most fighter games, but now, one correct swing could execute your enemies.
Secret Weapon! How about throwing sand in someone’s face! Or maybe throwing your dagger from your hakama at your opponent? AWESOME!
LEGACY OF THE BUSHIDO
Highly reviewed and worth the $39.99 when it first came out, “Bushido Blade” will always hold a place on Gamers shelves for its innovative approach to the fighting game genre, emphasizing realism and strategy over flashy moves and combos. It remains a cult classic among fans of martial arts and samurai-themed games. The sequel, “Bushido Blade 2,” was also released, expanding on the concept with new characters, weapons, and features. Bushido Blade legacy can be seen in titles that prioritize realism, strategy, and player agency in combat. While there might not be direct replicas, the influence of “Bushido Blade” can be felt in games that
seek to innovate within the fighting genre, offering more dynamic and strategic combat experiences. And coming out of the Nintendo and Atari era, it was a breath of fresh air to play a game that was truly a unique breath of fresh air!