Genji: Days of the Blade

Some elements of this samurai epic are much improved over the first tale in the saga, also set in feudal Japan. The developers at Sony Computer Entertainment have enhanced the fluid movements of the dual-sword-wielding Genji and his comrades and made fast-switching between the four warriors integral to succeeding in the game. The story is simple but effective, and the adequate script shines because of some truly excellent voice actors. A couple of problems conspire to make game play less enjoyable, however. First is the camera, which you have no control over, and which too often prevents you from seeing what you need to. The second, related problem is that even though you have a map of the area you’re travelling in, it’s often unclear what path you’re expected to take. It looks pretty on the PS3, but Genji: Days of the Blade is not as polished as it could have been. Rated teen.