25 Best Ninja and Samurai Games of All Time
There have been some great Samurai/ninja games over the years, and I’m going to talk about some of my favorites. Check out 13 of the best Ninja and Samurai Games out there. Quick disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors is based on the Chinese dynasty and not samurais or ninjas, so we’re not including it.
Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is an anime-style video game based on the popular anime series of the same name. Players control Afro Samurai, a sword-wielding samurai who is on a quest for revenge against the man who killed his father.
The game features fast-paced action-packed battles, where players must use their skills to defeat enemies.
The game’s art style is heavily influenced by Japanese anime, giving it a unique and visually stunning look. Afro Samurai is a great game for fans of anime and action-adventure games.
Brave Fencer Musashi
Brave Fencer Musashi is an action-role-playing video game set in a fantasy world. Players control the protagonist, Musashi, who must save the kingdom from an evil emperor.
Musashi has a variety of weapons and skills at his disposal, including the ability to absorb the powers of defeated enemies. The game has a mix of action-packed battles and exploration, as players travel through various environments to complete their quests.
Brave Fencer Musashi is a fun and exciting game that is perfect for fans of action-role-playing games.
Samurai Gunn
Samurai Gunn is a fast-paced multiplayer game that takes place in feudal Japan. Players control samurai warriors and must battle each other to become the last one standing.
The game features a unique weapon system where players can only use their swords three times before having to reload. This adds an element of strategy to the game and requires players to think about their moves carefully.
Samurai Gunn is great for casual players and for those who enjoy fast-paced action games.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin
Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin is an action-adventure video game set in the 19th century of Japan, during the Bakumatsu period. The game features samurai warriors, historical figures, and legendary warriors who use their skills to navigate through the game’s open world environment.
Players take on the role of Ryoma Sakamoto, who must defend his country from foreign invaders. Ryu Ga Gotoku Ishin is filled with action-packed battles, exploration, and puzzle-solving.
The game has an engaging story and captivating characters that will leave players hooked from beginning to end.
GetsuFumaDen – Undying Moon
GetsuFumaDen Undying Moon is an upcoming action-role playing game (RPG) for the PlayStation 5. The game is set in a fantastical world filled with mythical creatures and powerful magic.
Players will control Fuma, a powerful warrior who must journey through dangerous lands and face powerful enemies in order to save the world from an evil force. The game features fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat, as well as a unique art style that is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese culture.
The game promises to offer players a thrilling, action-packed adventure that will keep them engaged from start to finish.
For Honor
For Honor is a multiplayer, action role-playing game that takes place in a medieval world. Players choose between three different factions (Knights, Vikings, and Samurai) and engage in intense battles both online and offline.
The game features a unique combat system that emphasizes strategic play, allowing players to choose their own tactics and weapons to use in combat. The game is also known for its beautiful graphics, captivating storyline, and engaging multiplayer mode.
The game’s community is active and competitive, with players regularly engaging in duels and battles to determine who is the best warrior in the land.
Kenshi
Kenshi is a single player, open world role-playing game (RPG) set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players create their own character and explore a vast world filled with diverse landscapes, hostile factions, and ancient ruins.
Players can form alliances, recruit followers, and build their own settlements. The combat system is turn-based and features a unique, strategic approach to fights. The game is known for its deep and complex character development, as well as its rich lore and immersive world.
The game also features a sandbox-style play where players can pursue their own goals and objectives without being limited by a specific story or quest line.
Kessen
Kessen is a tactical role-playing game that was first released for the PlayStation 2 in 2000. It was developed by Koei, a company known for its strategy and simulation games.
The game is set in feudal Japan and follows the story of the famous historical figure, Nobunaga Oda, as he rises to power and battles against various warlords to unite the country.
Kessen is known for its real-time battles and detailed graphics, which create an immersive gaming experience. The player can control their army by issuing commands, such as attacking or defending, and can also make use of special abilities to turn the tide of battle. The game also features a branching storyline, with multiple endings based on the player’s choices and actions.
Overall, Kessen is a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs, historical games, and Japanese culture. Its compelling storyline and engaging gameplay make it a classic of its genre.
Samurai Jack – Battle Through Time
Samurai Jack Battle Through Time is an action-adventure video game based on the popular animated series “Samurai Jack”.
The game follows the titular samurai as he travels through time, fighting against the evil Aku and his minions. Players can use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat enemies and solve puzzles.
The game features a unique art style, inspired by the series, and an original story that takes place after the events of the TV show. Battle Through Time offers fans of the series a chance to experience the world of Samurai Jack in a new way, while also serving as a great introduction to the series for new players.
Samurai Shodown
Samurai Shodown is a fighting game series that has been a staple in the gaming community since its debut in 1993.
The latest iteration, simply titled “Samurai Shodown”, was released in 2019 and features updated graphics and gameplay mechanics. Players choose from a roster of samurai, ninja, and other warriors, and engage in one-on-one battles using a variety of weapons and special moves.
The game’s unique weapon-based combat system sets it apart from other fighting games and makes for intense, strategic battles.
Total War Shogun
Total War Shogun 2 is a real-time tactics and turn-based strategy game developed by The Creative Assembly.
The game is set in medieval Japan and players take on the role of a clan leader, seeking to unify the country under their rule.
The game features both single-player and multiplayer modes, with players engaging in battles, diplomacy, and resource management. Shogun 2 is widely praised for its attention to historical detail, deep gameplay, and intense battles.
Katana Zero
Katana ZERO is a stylish action-platformer video game developed by Askiisoft. The game is set in a neo-noir world and follows a samurai assassin on his missions.
The gameplay revolves around fast-paced sword fighting, puzzle solving, and making choices that affect the outcome of the story. The game features hand-drawn graphics, an atmospheric synth-pop soundtrack, and intense action sequences.
With multiple endings and branching storylines, players can experience the game differently each time they play.
SAMURAI WARRIORS 4
It was the 10th anniversary of the Samurai Warriors when series came out in 2014. It’s a hack and slash. It is very much like dynasty warriors. This is as close as we get on the list. Samurai Warriors 4 got a lot closer to the Dynasty Warrior’s formula than the previous game. Particularly in the way that it does the story.
Now, if you’re interested in Samurai and want to play a Dynasty Warriors type game, it’s an obvious one. It was first out on PlayStation 3 but then did come out on PlayStation 4. So, it’s still something you can play if you want. It is a good game. It was the highest-rated entry in the entire series, and the PlayStation 4 version had some updates that made it better.
ARAGAMI
In my view, this game is highly underrated. Despite its release on various platforms in 2016, it failed to gain the recognition it deserved. This action-adventure stealth game is characterized by its unique style and a wealth of exceptional abilities.
For instance, the protagonist can teleport by harnessing shadow energy, which is charged by standing in shadows. It’s an entertaining game that deserves more recognition as it’s one of the finest stealth games of the recent console generation.
Additionally, it was re-released on Switch in 2019 and has a prequel DLC, making it a complete and fantastic game. I strongly suggest giving it a try as not enough people have played it.
MARK OF THE NINJA
Mark of the Ninja is a side-scrolling, stealth-action game. Players control a ninja who is on a mission to uncover the truth behind a mysterious mark that has appeared on his back.
The game features a unique 2D art style, challenging stealth-based gameplay, and a deep, engaging storyline. Players must use their ninja skills to remain undetected, avoid enemy guards, and complete objectives.
The game also features a variety of weapons, gadgets, and upgrades that can be used to aid players in their mission. The game’s intricate level design and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the stealth-action genre.
NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER
Basically, the point is you create your own ninja, and you play in teams of four, against other players online. It looks very different from many Naruto games because the backgrounds are very cartoonish and the type of game. It’s not an action-adventure. It’s basically a fighting game.
It is not the most advanced fighting game you’re ever going to play. However, it is an incredibly fun game, and it is unique. In some ways, it vaguely reminds me of if Power Stone were much bigger, like in scale but not entirely. It’s incredibly fun though, give it a shot, it’s out on pretty much everything.
TENCHU Stealth Assassin
It is a third-person action-adventure stealth game series that we’ve seen a couple of entries over the years. The first being Stealth Assassins, the second being Shadow Assassins.
The first game I can remember playing the hell out of because it was one of the better-looking games, which is funny when you look back on it now. But the second part was an exciting take on the type of formula is established. You can see some of the facts that Sakura is a bit of Tenchu’s descendant in some ways.
In that series has some bearing of influence over the formula they used in that game. Little harder to play these, though. Shadow assassins was a PSP game.
SHADOW TACTICS: BLADES OF THE SHOGUN
It is possibly one of the coolest ideas on this list. It’s a stealth-based real-time tactics game set in the EDO period of japan. It’s very much like Desperados if you’ve ever played that. You have a set of heroes with different skills that you have to apply to different situations.
It’s an excellent game and probably one of the more innovative ideas on this list, not that automatically makes it better than every other game. It’s certainly something unique, and I love Desperados, so I’m sort of partial to the type of gameplay this uses. It just applies it to the sort of samurai idea incredibly well.
BUSHIDO BLADE
Bushido Blade was a fighting game. It was a square soft attempt at creating a new fighting game franchise. Now they did make two of them, Bushido Blade and Bushido Blade 2, and they had a unique damage system that did lots of different things based on where you hit somebody.
It had a lot of swordplays. There is a fair amount of exploration, which is not something that you usually see in a fighting game. It also took a few risks with the gameplay injecting some stuff that you don’t usually see in fighting games that I think both made it an exciting and enjoyable game. It is also made it hard for you to succeed because it was a bit different.
I would say that’s not a bad thing in this game’s case and if you have the ability to go back to the PlayStation and give it a spin. I think you’ll see exactly what I mean. It’s a pretty innovative fighting game.
NINJA GAIDEN SERIES
We are referring to the updated version, not the outdated one. The latest version is a blend of hack and slash gameplay, which takes a bold approach compared to the first installment and enhances the combat system in the second. This allows for dismembered enemy bodies.
This game is less focused on stealth compared to other games in the market. The player takes on the role of a powerful ninja who doesn’t mind being seen. The game features some wild and violent scenes, including dismembering enemies.
It’s also known for its gory elements, but that’s not the main reason for playing it. It’s simply an exciting feature.
NIOH and NIOH 2
NIOH 2 is part of an impressive souls-like series that sets itself apart from others by establishing its own unique identity. The first game had a well-defined protagonist, while the second installment allowed players to create their own character.
Although the second game mostly served as a prequel, it also included elements of the first game’s story. It was larger in scale compared to the original, which is often the case with sequels.
NIOH 2 enhances the elements that made the first game successful, without ruining any of its positive aspects. It delivers exactly what fans expect from this genre of game, and I am eagerly anticipating the potential release of NIOH 3.
ONIMUSHA
The origin of the game Onimusha lies in the creation of Sengoku BIOHAZARD, which was a concept for a Resident Evil game set in the Sengoku era with elements of ninjas and weapons such as swords and shurikens.
I find this to be a thrilling idea, and it has proven to be successful. Onimusha may have a more action-oriented approach than Resident Evil, but as a franchise, it has proven to be worthwhile. The series has a variety of titles and has recently been remastered for the PS4.
It was originally developed for the PlayStation and later moved to the PlayStation 2. It has since been available on all generations of consoles, and it’s not hard to understand why. Who wouldn’t want to play as a samurai battling demons?
WAY OF THE SAMURAI
Way of the Samurai is an old PS2 action-adventure game with a few sequels, but the original stands out. The game allows for radical changes to the story and culminates in six different endings.
Despite its age, it was a high-quality game with stunning graphics and enjoyable combat, often accompanied by fantastic music. I have fond memories of this game and wish it would be ported to current consoles.
SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE
This fantastic entry into the soul-borne genre incorporates innovative ideas inspired by Tenchu and offers a unique rhythmic fighting style that is both familiar and fresh. The visuals in this game are stunning and it is considered a masterpiece by many.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an action-adventure video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Activision.
The game is set in a fantasy world of ancient Japan where players take on the role of a one-armed wolf who is on a mission to save his lord and reclaim his honor. The game features fast-paced combat, challenging boss battles, and breathtaking landscapes.
Players must master the art of combat and stealth to overcome their enemies and progress through the game. The game also features a unique death mechanic where players can revive after dying and try again, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game.
With its beautiful visuals, immersive storyline, and engaging gameplay, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a must-play for any fan of action-adventure games.
GHOST OF TSUSHIMA
Finally, at number 1, we have Ghost of Tsushima. What can you say about this game? This is just a phenomenal game. One of the biggest and most beautiful open worlds I’ve ever seen.
It emulates the look and feels of samurai films. It gives you a lot of different options as to how to play. I particularly like pulling some stealth in it. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that they have announced a new add-on that’s going to give co-op to players who enjoy this game, which is, in my opinion, just a phenomenal development.
It is a specific co-op experience with the class-based development of the combat system. It has both story and wave-based survival missions. Honestly, I think it’s going to be cool. I’m looking forward to it a lot.
The main game itself is phenomenal, and I’m excited to play any add-on to it, especially a free co-op add-on because we don’t get this type of update in many games very often.
Bonus
We also have a couple of bonus games for you. The first one is going way back to 1991 LEGEND OF THE MYSTICAL NINJA, a goofy action-platformer that I honestly wish there were more games like.
Next is GENJI: DAWN OF THE SAMURAI, which was a PlayStation 2 game. A hack and slash with a couple of different characters with different abilities and statistics.
Finally, Metal Gear Rising Revengeance is probably the only mention of like a technological samurai game, but it’s tough to call it anything other than that.
He’s very much of sort of ninja/samurai, and you’re using a ninja sword to ninja sort people in half. It’s an insane metal gear game like every other metal gear game.
That’s all we’ve got, did you play any of these Ninja and Samurai Games?
