Sakura Samurai Hands-On: Punch-Out in 3D
By:
Andre Segers
|
December 15, 2011, 12:01 pm

What it is...

Sakura Samurai is an action game that plays like a 3D version of Punchout, with some light RPG elements sprinkled on top. The core of the game revolves around battles you access through an overworld map. Once you’ve selected one, you’ll be whisked to a 3D arena full of baddies. 

The combat itself generally focuses on just one enemy at a time (similar to Z-targeting in Zelda, only automatic). While you have full control of your character, she moves rather slowly, so it’s more about getting into position than it is actually travelling around. 

Once in front of an enemy, you can attack, evade, or block, but you’ll only want to attack when the enemy is vulnerable, generally right after you dodge or block their attack. Now, similar to Punch-Out, the direction you dodge--or the decision to block--is dictated by the type of attack your enemy is using, so you have to pay close attention to their battle-stance in order to react appropriately.

Now one very important aspect to Sakura Samurai’s gameplay is earning Precision Points. Basically, the longer you wait to dodge an attack (ie, the better you time it) the more precision points you’ll earn. Besides charging up your special attack meter, they can also be traded in at villages to get some cash. And that’s where some of the RPG mechanics come into play. You’ll encounter villages as you traverse the world-map, where you can engage in side-quests or purchase items to be used in battle. Items like the Whetstone restore your sword’s strength if it becomes dull from too many blocked attacks, while others will restore your health, or can be used as projectiles against enemies.

The 3D visuals look great, with a strong art style that might fool you into thinking this is a full-retail game. The sense of 3D is also well done; I especially liked how the sheathed sword on my  character’s back appears to actually jut out from the screen. It was very cool.

Early thoughts...
I’ll be honest: I was pretty terrible at this game. Pattern recognition and timing are some of my weak-points, so I found Sakura Samurai to be a little frustrating at times. But so was Punch-Out Wii, which I quickly learned to love. And in many ways, Sakurai Samurai feels like its spiritual successor with even more depth, so I’m eager to sink some more time into it. And fortunately, the wait shouldn’t be too long as it’ll be launching within the first quarter of next year on the Nintendo 3DS’s eShop channel.

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Background Check: Andre
Considering how Punch-Out!! was my second favorite NES game of all-time, I've long been a fan of that type of ‘dodge and attack’ game. And as of late, small, focused, and fun downloadable games have been eating into the time I spend gaming, maybe because they can risk being innovative.

Similar Experiences
Punch-Out!!: Please, sir, I want some more.
Punch-Out Wii: What's your favorite game? Mine's chocolate!