Over the last couple of years, the Nintendo Switch has become a phenomenal platform for beat-em-up games. Between Streets Of Rage 4, River City Girls, Final Vendetta, and many more. Now, we have a new challenger entering the beat-em-up arena on the console. Say hello to Samurai Riot: Definitive Edition! 

Developed by Wako Factory, you play as Sukane or Tsuruamaru as you traverse your way through a tale with multiple choices that can lead to eight different endings. Originally released on Steam in 2017, Samurai Riot: Definitive Edition adds new animations, dialogue, improved stability, and optimization to its console release. Does it manage to hit all of its ambitions and stand with the other beat-em-ups on the platform? Allow me to explain.

Two characters and dozens of paths to take as a samurai.

There are a couple of significant elements that stand out to me in Samurai Riot: Definitive Edition. First is the art direction and level design. They are gorgeous in their unique detail and animation. Each level and enemy feels calculated from an aesthetic standpoint and a gameplay one. It leads to each level avoiding feeling stale. Which is pivotal for repeat playthroughs that this game encourages. 

Speaking of replayability! The game gives you plenty of reason for multiple playthroughs with two characters, Sukane or Tsuruamaru. Sukaneis speed focused, and Tsuruamaru is more technique focused. Each character feels wonderfully different in their move sets that play to their strengths. 

And you’ll need to master both to go through every major decision to find every ending. There is a lot to discover story-wise, and it feels great to see a game where each story decision does lead to different consequences. Instead of just a character feeling one way or another emotionally about your decision with no effect on the story. 

Glitches and issues are a burden.

Unfortunately, it’s time to discuss the major issue holding back Samurai Riot: Definitive Edition. I’m usually lenient to glitches and bugs with indie games. Smaller studios have a tinier team working on every element from conception to release. 

The problem here is that the glitches and crashes in this game are file-breaking. On three occasions through three playthroughs, I had the game crash and launch me back to the Switch home screen. In each instance, I lost significant time and progress with each crash.

Couple this with enemies clipping into environments and hitbox detection not working in random instances, and you have a frustrating experience for a good game. Now, this can be patched and fixed in the future. And I hope Wako Factory does! They have a unique beat-em-up on their hands here. But the glitches are an important factor holding it back.

Final Thoughts

Samurai Riot: Definitive Edition has good ideas and a solid core. Each protagonist feels unique in gameplay. Plus, the story choices do have consequences and manage to give the player multiple endings for massive replayability. 

But the game-breaking bugs are a critical issue that needs addressing. No player wants to have their game crash on them to lose potential hours of progress. Especially, if it happens multiple times in one playthrough. 

Ultimately, the game is a mixed bag of solid ideas brought down by technical issues. With patches in the future, it can reach its goals and stand with the other great beat-em-ups on the Switch. 

Samurai Riot: Definitive Edition is available now on Nintendo Switch and PC.