Genji: Dawn of the Samurai

Genji: Dawn of the Samurai (PS2, 2005) is a cinematic action-adventure steeped in Japanese myth, loosely inspired by The Tale of the Heike. As legendary warrior Yoshitsune or hulking monk Benkei, you slash through feudal-era enemies with flashy, combo-heavy combat and trigger Kamui mode for slow-motion finishers. Its stunning art direction (cherry blossoms, moonlit castles) and epic boss fights shine, though repetitive combat and a short campaign hold it back. A flawed but beautiful samurai fantasy.