Samurai Warriors: State of War

If it’s excitement you seek, then travel back in time to feudal Japan, a time of unrest and civil war, with Samurai Warriors: State of War. As one of the legendary military commanders who tried to restore order to a lawless land, you’ll have your hands full as you engage in relentless arcade-style combat, ranging from vast battlefields to sieges of treacherous castles. Whichever of the six characters you choose at the start of the game, each comes with a signature range of weapons and skills that extend beyond the game’s traditional armament of katanas and shuriken. Once you’ve lead a warlord through one of the paths available in Story mode, you’re free to embark on another or pick one of the many additional characters and story paths that are gradually unlocked. Either way, there’s plenty of butchery awaiting you as scene after scene is screen-full of enemies.

Aside from the all-new story structure mentioned above, exclusive PSP features (the series has previously made a blood-soaked appearance on home consoles) include a revised and more powerful bodyguard system, with 200 such characters from which you choose just one who to fight alongside you, increasing both his skills and your stats as he does so. Busy PSP owners will also appreciate the introduction of a short-term play option (to complement the standard-length affair) which breaks the action up into smaller strategic and action segments – perfect for that short bus ride to work or school. And, finally, competitive multiplayer combat is assured through up to fourplayer wireless support.

The slaughter begins anew on the 24th of March.