Review by: Michael Tham

SNK has always been known for their 2d fighting games. Sadly, IMHO, they have always failed to match Capcom, especially in the gameplay department. Now, SNK has ventured into the RPG genre with their much hyped and long awaited Samurai Spirits RPG. There are three stories in the game but sadly though, the Saturn version has only stories one and two. You have six choices for your main character ; Galford, Haohmaru, Genjuro, Ukyo, Nakoruru and Cham Cham. You then select your other two characters from the remaining five as well as Rimururu and Kyoshiro. If you play as Genjuro, its one man show all the way :(. In story two you are limited to 2 characters and the third is a new character made for the RPG ( who is very uncool and boring )

Graphics 7/10

Quite disappointing. The early screenshots showed detailed graphics and raised my expectations. Though there are some nice graphics, most of the time they range from outstanding to 16 bit. There is a distinct lack of movement in the background and are very bland unlike those found in Magic Knight Rayearth. You get the fell that SNK could have done a hell lot more with the graphics. More frames should have been added and more variety to the enemies and townsfolk. Average stuff.

FX 7.5/10

A lot of voices in the game. Unfortunately, it takes 2-3 seconds to load the speeches during conversations. The battle sounds are quiet realistic but lack the 'oomph' and need more variety.

Gameplay 6.5/10

First complaint : Slow loading! I could not believe my eyes when i entered my first building in the game. It took 3 seconds to load! What is wrong with SNK ? I have played so many RPGs and i have not come across anything so absurd! What's worse, it takes 8-10 seconds for the battles to load! Arrrggghh! Now no one has any reason to complain about Albert Odyssey's loading. The battle is down Final Fantasy style and the moves are from the Samurai Spirits games. One plus : u can choose to have to perform the moves manually just like in the SS fighting games! The mazes are boring unlike those in Shining the Holy Ark.

Replay Value 7/10

The different storylines for different characters is a plus but who'd want to endure so much loading just to see a different storyline ? Besides the ending's the same. Try to add up the time spent on loading !

Summary : An average RPG hampered by unforgivable loading. I advise most people to stay away from the game unless you are a Samurai Spirits fan. Get Slayers instead. If you have any questions, mail me or look me up on the undernet at #segachat.