Summary
Samurai are some of history’s most captivating figures — stoic do-gooders committed to honor and justice who can deftly slice people in half. What’s not to love? It’s no wonder storytellers have long been fascinated by them, leading to some of thegreatest films ever made.
Naturally, video games have followed suit. This comes as no surprise, really. Who wouldn’t want to control a samurai living in the fascinating feudal era of Japanese history? With so many incredible games featuring a neverending supply of samurai, narrowing down the best of the best is no easy feat.
This first entry is based on a historical figure — or rather, two. Sakamoto Ryōma was indeed a real samurai from 19th-century Japan. While the game takes plenty of creative liberties with its late-stage Edo Period setting, it’s surprisingly more accurate than one might expect from aYakuzaspin-off. That said, it merges Ryōma with another famous samurai, Saitō Hajime, creating a unique blend of two legendary warriors who just so happen to look likeYakuzaprotagonist Kazuma Kiryu.
But honestly, does historical accuracy even matter when the game lets players step into the shoes of a gun-wielding, disgraced rōnin who is electrifying at karaoke, makes a mean bowl of udon, and can slice cannonballs in half?
Samanosuke Akechi is also based on the real-life samurai Akechi Hidemitsu from Japan’s Sengoku period — that’s the 15th and 16th centuries, for those not versed in Japanese history or too lazy to Google it.
As far as the history books go, the real Akechi was probably never teleported to 2004 Paris for crazy escapades withJean Reno. What is certain, however, is that he’s one handsome devil with his looks modeled on Takeshi Kaneshiro, who also voiced him in the Japanese version.
The Steel Samurai is an iconic part ofPhoenix Wrightlore. This fictional warrior stars in the in-universe television showThe Steel Samurai: Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo, atokusatsu-styleseries that makes its debut under grim circumstances — a murder on set, with the lead actor accused of the crime.
With a design that pays homage toUltramanandKamen Rider, this metal-masked hero strikes a perfect balance between goofy and undeniably cool. And if nothing else, he easily takes the crown for the most catchy theme tune on this list.
It wouldn’t be a best-of list without a controversial pick, andRaiden is here to carry that burden. Like any self-proclaimed samurai from the West, he taught himself the ways of the blade — mostly by watching a ton of samurai movies. While he leans more ninja-like in the earlierMetal Geargames, that all changes afterMetal Gear Solid 4and his solo outing,Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
These games see him fully embrace the samurai fighting style. Sure, most fans will argue that Jetstream Sam is the true samurai of the series — but Raiden might have a thing or two to say about that.
Japan’s first weeb, the inspiration behind the hit seriesShōgun, and the main protagonist of the firstNioh game— William Adams has quite the storied legacy. Becoming the first Westerner to be granted samurai status will do that.
InNioh, his character is given a complete badass makeover. Instead of an English navigator, he’s reimagined as an Irish pirate with the ability to commune with guardian spirits — oh, and he’s also immortal.Just a slight embellishment, but who could complain when given a character design like that?
Baiken was originally conceived as a stubble-bearing male ronin, inspired by the mangaBlade of the Immortal. However, after the series creator realized there were too few women in the game — and in fighting games in general — Baiken underwent a transformation. She lost the beard, an arm, and an eye, emerging as the fierce,tomboyish warrior players know and love. Her devoted fanbase even follows the mantra, “No Baiken, no Buy-ken,” refusing to purchase any game that excludes her.
As an amputee, it’s refreshing not to see her stories revolve around it. Instead, she’s a chain-smoking, swagger-having anti-hero who defies expectations at every turn.
Mitsurugi is such a revered figure in theSoulcaliburfranchise that he’s the only character to appear inevery main entry. In typical samurai fashion, he’s on an honorable quest to become the strongest warrior, challenging anyone who enters his 2D plane of view.
Like many on this list, Mitsurugi is believed to be inspired by the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. He also bears a striking resemblance to actor Toshiro Mifune, who famously portrayed Musashi multiple times. It’s a low-stakes conspiracy fans are all happy to believe.
sekiro
First-timeSekiroplayers will soon become familiar with Genichiro Ashina — he’s the game’s first trulyunforgiving bossand test of how well the player has adapted to the game’s mechanics. What makes Genichiro stand out is how well he’s crafted as a sympathetic villain. His tragic backstory, fueled by desperation to save his homeland, drives him to increasingly ruthless means.
But every moment he appears on screen, players know it’s time to buckle up for one hell of a white-knuckle ride. And all that sympathy they once had for him as a character will evaporate after he’s annihilated them for the thousandth time.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mongolian invasion of Japan in 1274,Ghost of Tsushimais a feast for the eyes. But its greatest strength lies in its protagonist, Jin Sakai — the titular Ghost. Like most samurai across fiction, Jin is bound by honor, but after witnessing the Mongols exploit the samurai code to slaughter his people, he begins to abandon tradition in favor of more ruthless tactics.
This inner conflict shapes him into a deeply complex figure — one who questions the rigid constraints of the samurai way while still embodying its core virtues of justice, courage, and benevolence.
Cyan is as traditional as they come — so much so that, in the English version, he speaks like a character straight out of a Shakespearean play. This was a clever touch by the translators, who aimed to preserve the essence of his archaic samurai speech, a fundamental part of his character and a major source of his charm.
But, for someone who often draws chuckles from players, Cyan’s story is rooted in tragedy. In many ways, he has more in common with Shakespeare than he realizes. Yet, despite hisstoic and wounded nature, he’s so effortlessly likable that most can’t help but love him.
