We're four months into 2012 and there has been just about nothing surprising. The Wii U's hardware isn't very powerful, Sony and Microsoft are taking further steps to combat piracy, and the sky is blue. Oh wait, there's a new game announcement and you probably weren't expecting it. So much for my argument!
XSEED Games have announced Way of the Samurai 4. At launch it will be exclusive to the PlayStation 3, and it will bring the same level of over-the-top action that we've seen in previous releases. Actually, it might be a bit closer to Saints Row than your average samurai game (if there is such a thing).
Localization Specialist Tom Lipschultz has stated that customization and choice will play a huge role in the game. You'll be able to change how you look, how you kill, and most of all what you do. I don't know about you but I'll be at the local bar with my bushido blade flirting with the cuties.
Way of the Samurai 4 will be developed by a new studio for its first time since its inception in 2002. You might recognize XSEED Games from Trails in the Sky, the Ys series, Lunar, Wild Arms, and a volume of other popular Eastern-style games. Their résumé is strong, so this could be just the thing that the series needs to make a mark.
A release window is currently unknown. Stay tuned for more details.