Sword of the Samurai

Sword of the Samurai is a fascinating blend of strategy, role-playing, and historical adventure set in feudal Japan. Released in 1989, it puts you in the position of a samurai attempting to increase his family's influence while navigating battles, politics, marriages, rival clans, and the rather serious business of staying alive. Winning a duel is useful, but knowing when to fight, whom to trust, and how to build your reputation can be just as important. The game gives the player considerable freedom, allowing campaigns to develop in unexpected ways rather than following a rigid story. Its graphics are modest, but the depth of the underlying systems makes that easy to forgive. Sword of the Samurai has the unusual ability to turn a historical simulation into something that feels personal. One minute you are planning a military campaign; the next, you are worrying about family politics. Apparently samurai had busy weekends too.