This game was a pleasant surprise.
User Rating: 8 | Onimusha: Warlords PS2
At first glance you might not think much of this game, "Resident Evil..... with samurai.... Spare me." Hold off on that call for just a bit and progress through a couple of levels. At first the tank controls feel unwieldy and the lack of camera control can be a turn off, but once you've slain your 5th or 6th enemy you begin to realize it works! The key is in the R1 button; Holding it will turn Samonosuke toward his opponent and lock him there. While holding the R1 button you can then quickstep forward back and side to side (ditching the tank control). With the R1 button you can circle strafe around your opponent while still facing him. There are two attack buttons: one is for standard attacks and the other is for special attacks related to the different weapons you acquire. You can only pull a 4 to 5 move combo with the standard attack button. You might mistake this for a hack and slash title, but when you face the tougher enemies you begin to realize it combat is more about timing your strikes than just pounding on the attack button. The block button will be your best friend. This system allows for a surprising amount of versatility and as a result, combat is almost never tedious or boring. On top of this unique combat system is a decent adventure element that keeps you pushing forward. The box puzzles are not too hard but not too easy, and there are a series of books that you collect to decode a message (This is more exciting than it sounds). The story when told in cut scenes is pretty lame, but when you discover it through writings that you find it is much more interesting and satisfying. I can only think of a few moments where the static camera gets in the way, but for the most part it works very well and shows you what you need to see. The only real problem I have with this game is that it is too easy and too short. You'll probably beat it in less the 9 hours, but it will be well worth the effort. 
