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In the early 1990s, the action-platformer genre was crowded with mascots and brawlers, but few titles possessed the stylistic flair and atmospheric depth of First Samurai. Developed by the British studio Vivid Image, this title emerged as a standout gem of the 16-bit era. Often referred to by its alternative name, The First Samurai, it managed to blend traditional Eastern themes with a surreal, time-traveling twist that kept players on their toes. While it began its life on European home computers, its reach eventually expanded globally, bringing its unique brand of sword-swinging action to a wide audience of console and computer gamers alike.
The narrative of First Samurai is a classic tale of revenge draped in mystical overtones. The story begins in a beautifully rendered representation of feudal Japan. The protagonist, a noble samurai, witnesses the tragic death of his master at the hands of the malevolent Demon King. Before passing away, the sensei’s spirit is channeled into a mystical sword, providing the protagonist with the power needed to pursue his foe.
However, the Demon King is not easily cornered; he escapes through a temporal rift, forcing the samurai to pursue him across various time periods. This journey takes the player from the tranquil temples of ancient Japan to the grimy, neon-lit streets of a futuristic city and even more abstract, surreal environments. This transition from historical fantasy to science fiction provides a refreshing aesthetic variety that was quite ambitious for its time.
At its core, First Samurai is a 2D action-platformer that emphasizes both combat and exploration. Unlike many other games of the era where the player is constantly armed, this game utilizes a unique "Sword Energy" mechanic. The player starts with a powerful magical blade, but taking damage or performing certain actions can cause the sword to be lost. When disarmed, the samurai must fight with his bare hands—using punches and kicks—until he can collect enough magical energy (often found in pots or dropped by enemies) to reclaim his weapon.
Level progression is not always a straight line from left to right. Players often need to find specific items, such as keys or explosives, to clear obstacles and reach the level's boss. The game also features a variety of hidden areas and bonus objectives that reward thorough exploration. Combat is fast-paced, requiring players to master the timing of their strikes and jumps, especially when dealing with the game’s imaginative bosses that range from giant mythical creatures to high-tech machinery.
This game was released on several platforms, including popular European home computers and the premier 16-bit console from Nintendo.
First Samurai is remembered fondly as one of the peak achievements of European game design in the early 90s. Upon its initial release on the Amiga and Atari ST, it received critical acclaim, even winning "Game of the Year" awards from prominent publications like CU Amiga. Critics praised its high-quality sprite work, fluid animations, and its distinctive sound design, which utilized digitized speech and atmospheric music to great effect.
The 1993 SNES port, published by Kemco, helped solidify the game's reputation in North America and Japan. While the console version underwent some changes to fit the hardware, it retained the soul of the original. Today, the game is viewed as a cult classic, representing a time when developers were unafraid to mix genres and settings to create something truly memorable.