It's built from the ground up for modern platforms, but Ishin is actually a remaster of a Japan-only PS3 game released back in 2014. So the presentation feels a bit dated compared to the Yakuza series' recent releases; but while 19th-century Kyo might not be as bustling as contemporary Tokyo, there's still a liveliness to it.
Merchants hawk their wares on poles and samurai freely roam the streets carrying katanas. Many are masterless ronin, while others maintain order as the feared Shinsengumi paramilitary police. It's this group that protagonist Ryoma infiltrates on a quest to find his patriarch's killer.
There's some fascinating insight into Japanese history here, helped by a glossary in the pause menu, although it's often light on detail...and Ishin is just as guilty as the mainline series of having very wordy cutscenes.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Stuff UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Stuff UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess - It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year
It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year.From its colourful costumes to a pastoral message of healing nature, Kunitsu-Gami is proudly Japanese in its inspirations. Your masked warrior is on a mission to help a divine maiden purge a mountain of an evil 'defilement'... but this is no Link/Zelda dynamic: you'll also rely on villagers to help you beat back monsters.
Tesla Model 3 (2024)
This is much more than a simple mid-cycle refresh for Tesla's most affordable electric vehicle: now smoother and quieter than ever, the updated Model 3 does everything you could want from a family car.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
This is the best iPhone Apple has ever made.
Cygni: All Guns Blazing
Is this just a nostalgia trip, or does it genuinely offer something new to make it as memorable as the top-down shooters of yesteryear?
Scott Contessa Voltage eRide 910
This is an electric trail bike designed with women in mind – not that you’d know that just by looking at it, because thankfully Scott hasn’t adopted the insulting ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach that many brands take.
Squareless whisper
This budget smartwatch sequel from the Nothing sub-brand no longer looks like an Apple Watch wannabe... but can it improve on the original?
THE MUSICIAN
SENNHEISER HD 490 PRO
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EVO ONE
Considering how much the Evo One costs, slicing and dicing your veggies on it probably isn't the smartest idea.
WEAR IS THE LOVE Google Pixel Watch 3
Anyone who’s ever strapped on one of Google’s wearables will recognise the Pixel Watch 3.
THE CREATE ESCAPE
Don’t let the end of summer bring you down – find joy in making stuff. Whether you’re a podcaster, streamer, designer, musician or any other kind of creator, here’s the clever new kit you need…
