10 Best Samurai & Ninja Video Games Of All Time

6. Samurai Warriors 5

ninja gaiden
Koei Tecmo

If you’re a fan of Dynasty Warriors, you’ve likely heard of Koei-Tecmo’s sister series, set in feudal Japan: Samurai Warriors. Initially just an absolute spin-off of the original series, but with new stages, characters, and weapons, the latest entry in the franchise, 2021’s Samurai Warriors 5, has really expanded itself out to become a more unique thing.

The first three games in the series were, honestly, nothing special compared to the original Dynasty Warriors. The fourth in the series was the first one to score higher than middling reviews in a decade. Koei-Tecmo sat on the franchise for around 7 years and came back strong.

Samurai Warriors 5 may have a big ‘ol Five in the title, but it’s actually more of a reboot than a sequel. With new musical stylings, a totally new art style, and some new, interesting mechanics - the fifth game really reinvents the series.

Let’s be honest - if not for 5, this franchise wouldn’t be on this list. But thanks to the latest in the series it’s worth picking up and getting your hack-and-slash on!

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Author of Escort (Eternal Press, 2015), co-founder of Nic3Ntertainment, and developer behind The Sickle Upon Sekigahara (2020). Currently freelancing as a game developer and history consultant. Also tends to travel the eastern U.S. doing courses on History, Writing, and Japanese Poetry. You can find his portfolio at www.richardcshaffer.com.