Sengoku Basara 4: Sumeragi

How do you take one of the best hack-and-slash games ever made and make it even better? By coming up with one hell of an expansion pack, of course! Sengoku Basara 4: Sumeragi takes the base game to new heights with new characters, a higher level cap, and dozens of new stories.

With a roster of 40 playable characters, each wielding unique weapons and abilities, the game ensures there’s always something new to try – which is great, considering most players would have likely finished the base game before jumping into an expansion. Combine that with the revamped Battle Roulette system and the insane level cap of 999, and you’ve got a game that’s as expansive as it is chaotic.

The Art of Combat

It should come as no surprise, but the best part about Sengoku Basara 4: Sumeragi lies in its combat system. Battles are fluid, flashy, and endlessly satisfying. Every character feels equally spectacular and versatile. Whether you’re slicing through hordes with Yukimura Sanada’s fiery spears or wreaking havoc with Yoshiteru Ashikaga’s regal swordsmanship, every attack feels impactful and worthy of the Sengoku Basara series.

What sets Sumeragi apart from similar games, such as Dynasty Warriors, is its emphasis on personality. Characters don’t just fight; they express themselves through their moves and dialogue. It's something that Koei Tecmo would later develop better with more modern Warriors games, but Sengoku Basara did it first (and perhaps did it best.)

More than Battles

While the combat is the star of the show, Sumeragi’s depth doesn’t stop there. The new modes and challenges breathe fresh life into the game. Extreme difficulty settings cater to hardcore players seeking a real test, while the additional anime routes inject more narrative content for fans who crave story alongside their action.

The customization options are another highlight. The expanded weapon parameters and personal inscriptions let you tailor your characters to your preferred playstyle. This level of customization adds an extra layer of engagement, making every victory feel earned and personal. Compared to other hack-and-slash titles, this level of player agency is a rare and welcome feature.

Amidst the Fog of War

One thing that always brings Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors games down is the game's visual department. That's not the case for Sengoku Basara 4: Sumeragi, fortunately. From the vibrant color palette to the intricately designed characters, every visual element oozes style.

Also worth praising is the game's audio. The soundtrack, with its mix of traditional Japanese instruments and modern rock influences, perfectly complements the action. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible, perfectly complimenting the on-screen action.

That said, the game isn't without its quirks. While it generally runs smoothly, some of the larger battles can strain the hardware, leading to occasional frame drops. I expected the expansion would ease these slowdowns a bit. Unfortunately, the opposite happened. The game runs a bit less smoothly than its base release, though major slowdowns remain a rarity.

Pros

• Thrilling, fast-paced combat
• Diverse and memorable character roster
• Extensive customization options

Cons

• Occasional performance hiccups
• Overwhelming for newcomers
• Limited appeal outside of hack-and-slash enthusiasts

Sengoku Basara 4: Sumeragi is an action-adventure that takes the player back to the times of feudal Japan. Choose your extraordinary fighter and set out to explore the game's open world. The story and plot are based on real historical events of the Sengoku period. However, unlike reality, the characters in the game can use elemental abilities and ninjutsu techniques.

Pros of the game:

• Extensive list of characters, each with a unique set of skills
• Free movement on locations in the open world