The Way of the Samurai: The best Japanese atmosphere games
Good video games help not only to have high-quality entertainment, but also to learn more about history, science and other cultures. Japan is often the focus of developers. Thanks to exciting and well—developed visual and setting projects such as Assassin's Creed Shadow, you can visit different parts of the country in different historical periods - from modern Tokyo to feudal domains. Which games will help you go to the Land of the Rising Sun — read in the Izvestia article.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Screenshot from the game Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Genre: JRPG
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
When it was released: 2020
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
After the hilarious six-part yakuza adventure and the prequel starring Kazuma Kiryu, it was difficult for players to imagine a replacement for the iconic hero, especially considering that Judgment failed to capture the fans as much. But Ichiban Kasuga turned out to be the real embodiment of charisma. The Japanese culture of everyday life is presented in all its glory according to the classics: you can taste local cuisine, participate in mini-games and discover areas inspired by real Tokyo locations.
Nioh 2
Screenshot from the game Team Ninja
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Team Ninja
When it was released: 2020
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
The second part takes place in Japan in the late 1500s, right before the events of the original Nioh game and the siege of Osaka. Historical figures from the Sengoku era, Oda Nobunaga, Takenaka Shigeharu and Saito Dosan, do not just appear as NPCs, but participate in the plot and can accompany the gamer on missions. Although this is not a typical soulslike, the game has many similarities with this genre. The user will find a wide range of weapons, interesting combinations of abilities and hordes of challenging enemies. To experienced Nioh fans, the sequel may seem even more jaw-dropping.
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Screenshot from the Capcom game
Genres: adventure, visual novel
Developer: Capcom
When it was released: 2021
What to play on: PC, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
One of the most highly acclaimed parts of the cult legal series The Great Ace Attorney. Players will explore not only Japan, but also England, diving into the intricacies of court cases. This is an excellent choice for fans of detective stories with sharp plot twists: you have to collect evidence, interrogate witnesses and solve crimes in the role of a novice lawyer Ryunoske.
Shin Megami Tensei IV
Screenshot from the game Shin Megami Tensei IV
Genre: JRPG
Developer: Atlus
When it was released: 2013
What to play on: 3DS
A classic turn-based RPG in which the medieval Mikado kingdom and an alternative Tokyo are intertwined. The main character, a warrior named Flynn, goes to the capital to stop a mysterious Black Samurai. The game is complex and atmospheric, so it's worth paying attention to when exploring the series.
Trek To Yomi
Screenshot from the Trek To Yomi game
Genre: Action
Developer: Flying Wild Hog
When it was released: 2022
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
A cinematic action game that takes the player back to Japan's past. The beautiful visual, dark soundtrack and dramatic story make the project truly atmospheric. Together with the young samurai Hiroki, players embark on a dangerous journey to protect their loved ones from demons. Trek To Yomi allows you to dive deep into the era of feudal Japan and understand the philosophy of the medieval Oriental warrior.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Screenshot from the game Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Genres: real-time strategy, tactics, action
Developer: Mimimi Games
When it was released: 2016
What to play on: PC, Xbox One, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4
The game takes place in Japan at the beginning of the Edo period. This is an isometric stealth strategy where the user has only a few fighters at their disposal to capture fortresses and camps. Each character is unique: Yuki is a thief who silently eliminates enemies, and Mugen is a samurai who can destroy entire groups with a sword. The difficulty of the game increases with each level, and all the missions are real puzzles.
Tokyo Jungle
Screenshot from the Tokyo Jungle game
Genres: survival, horror
Developer: Crispy’s!
When it was released: 2012
What to play on: PlayStation 3, PS Vita
An unusual horror about post-apocalyptic Japan, from which the entire human population has disappeared. Tokyo is captured by wildlife and animals. You can control different animals: from predators to pets. To unlock new creatures, you need to complete tasks. The game is not easy, but it is very exciting due to the original idea.
Rise of the Ronin
Screenshot from the game Rise of the Ronin
Genres: action-RPG, adventure, open-world
Developer: Team Ninja
When it was released: 2024
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 5
A samurai RPG set in the open world of the 19th century with dynamic battles and a variety of weapons. Rise of the Ronin is often compared to Ghost of Tsushima, but it has a lighter atmosphere with hints of humor and situational absurdity. The project has everything to please fans of samurai themes: a large map, freedom of action, rich historical content and enjoyable gameplay.
Ghost Of Tsushima
Screenshot from the game Ghost Of Tsushima
Genres: action, adventure
Developer: Sucker Punch
When it was released: 2020
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
An immersive adventure through Japan's samurai culture, visually stunning and emotionally intense. Players try on the armor of samurai Jin Sakai and defend the island of Tsushima from the Mongol invasion. Fighting is only part of the gameplay, most of the fun can be gained by exploring an open world filled with natural beauty and Japanese aesthetics.
Persona 3 Reload
Screenshot from the Persona 3 Reload game
Genre: JRPG
Developer: P-Studio
When it was released: 2024
What to play on: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Persona is a cult JRPG in the style of urban fantasy, and the third part is one of the most powerful games in the entire series, besides receiving a modern reissue. Gamers explore the Tartarus Tower while simultaneously living the everyday life of an ordinary Japanese schoolboy on Tatsumi Port Island, reminiscent of real coastal Japanese cities with their cultural identity and atmosphere.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Screenshot from the game Ghostwire: Tokyo
Genre: Adventure
Developer: Tango Gameworks
When it was released: 2022
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Ghostwire: Tokyo takes players to an empty metropolis where reality is intertwined with myths. Mysterious entities roam the streets, and the hero will have to use the elements to uncover the fate of the disappeared inhabitants. Among the recognizable locations are the Tokyo Tower and the legendary crossroads in Shibuya, immersed in a mystical atmosphere.
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