A core part of a video game, or any story for that matter, is the setting. Fictional worlds are a dominant form of storytelling, yet creating a narrative that takes place in real-world history is just as viable. There is a lot of human history for any game to adapt, and Japanese history is one such domain that many games dabble in.

Feudal Japan has spawned many beloved and famous elements, from movies, to video games, to comics. The setting is a hotspot for action games, given the abundance of conflict during the period. However, there are also video games set in feudal Japan that don’t involve as much action, but can still offer a great experience.

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10

Rise Of The Ronin

Set During The 1800s

Action RPG

Adventure

Open-World

Systems

Team Ninja, as a Japanese company, has a history of making games associated with Japanese culture and elements. Rise of the Ronin takes place hundreds of years ago, during the 1800s.

Players can explore the open world using the normal weapons associated with Japan. The combat is fast-paced and action-oriented, as per usual for Team Ninja. The gameplay is like a combination of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty/Nioh mixed with Ghost of Tsushima, fighting across the increasingly modernized landscape of Japan. Players can traverse the quieter countryside or the bustling urban areas.

9

Like A Dragon: Ishin!

Set During The 1860s

Released

February 21, 2023

The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series is best known for taking place in contemporary Japan. Often set in Tokyo, the series also visits various other locations for the story’s locale. However, Like a Dragon: Ishin! takes a different approach as a spin-off. It is set over a century ago, when Japan began to open up to the world.

As a result, there are various aspects of modernism as well as traditional Japanese elements. Most notably, players can use various swords, as well as firearms. It might not be as early in Japanese history compared to some other games, but it should be experienced for anyone looking for such a game.

8

Onimusha: Warlords

Set In The Sengoku Period

Capcom has a history of creating games with a fixed camera angle, and Onimusha: Warlords is another title to fall under this category. Set during Japan’s Sengoku Period, Onimusha: Warlords plays like a combination of early Resident Evil and Devil May Cry games.

Players travel through tight, concise areas, with movement speed, item usage, and puzzles reminiscent of a Resident Evil game. The combat is mainly executed via melee, reminiscent of Devil May Cry’s swordplay. Players battle against various types of enemies, ranging from easily defeated, to challenging adversaries. These enemies drop different souls that are used as money or as currency to upgrade weapons, or that can restore the player’s resources.

7

Shadows Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun

Set After The Unification Of Japan

Real-Time Strategy

Tactical

Action

Adventure

Indie Games

Released

December 6, 2016

Developer(s)

Mimimi Games

While feudal Japan might bring about connotations of the action genre, what with the samurai and warring, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is instead a real-time tactics game. Set in feudal Japan but after the unification of the country, the game revolves around a plot to dethrone the shogun and overthrow his rule.

The game involves various characters for the player to control, and the main gameplay mechanic is stealth. Each of the various characters has different abilities to use, varying from the kind that can kill enemies, to more support-based abilities, such as a disguise or distraction.

6

Nioh 1

Set During 1600

Systems

Released

February 7, 2017

The first Nioh game has a unique approach to its story. Set in the year 1600, players don’t play as a Japanese character, but as an Irish character. However, it is filled with the same high-octane action that other Team Ninja games are filled with.

Players fight their way through the game by facing human and yokai enemies, using a vast array of weaponry. The game has light elements from the soulslike subgenre, with dodging, stamina conservation, blocking, among others. This gameplay takes place in an alternate dark fantasy version of Japan, including notable historical Japanese figures. It’s perfect for anyone who loves challenging, fast-paced action games.

5

Nioh 2

Set During The 1500s

The second Nioh game is a prequel, taking place before the first. Set in the 1500s, players journey through the Sengoku Era, meeting notable historical Japanese figures throughout.

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The gameplay is similar to the first Nioh game, with fast-paced and high-octane action, fighting against numerous foes, be they human or yokai. There is a huge amount of weaponry to use, spanning across different weapon types, such as swords, spears, rifles, bows. For fans of feudal Japan, and especially those who enjoy Japanese mythology, Nioh 2 definitely deserves a playthrough.

4

Total War: Shogun 2

Set In The 16th Century

Systems

The Total War series has involved itself with different historical settings as part of its many games, with Japan being a location for some of the entries. Total War: Shogun 2 returns to Japan after the first game, and is played as a strategy game where players control their forces.

The gameplay features two distinct modes: one where players control their forces and land through turn-based strategy, and one where players control their forces directly via real-time tactics. Players have an array of elements to manage, including the construction of settlements, the prosperity of the economy, the continuation of the military, the growth of technology, and religious beliefs. Players play as one of the various clans, where they can unlock different military units to help further their success.

3

Sengoku Dynasty

Set In The Sengoku Period

Life Simulation

Open-World

Systems

Released

August 10, 2023

Developer(s)

Superkami

There have been various games set in feudal Japan over the years, and Sengoku Dynasty deals in such a setting very directly. As stated in its name, Sengoku Dynasty is set in the Sengoku period, making for a prime game for anyone that wants to play something set in feudal Japan.

The main aspect of this game is the city building. Players can build a village, cultivate it, and see its prosperity. However, there is also combat across the open world that players can explore. It is also available in multiplayer, perfect for those that wish to attempt surviving feudal Japan in a group.

2

Ghost Of Tsushima

Set During The Mongol Invasion

The core premise of Ghost of Tsushima’s plot and setting is the Mongol invasion of Japan. Attempting to first invade Japan by taking the island of Tsushima, the story involves the protagonist, Jin Sakai, attempting to fend off the Mongol forces by whatever means necessary.

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The game lets players fight with numerous weapons, such as a katana, different bows, and various small tools called Ghost Weapons. Players can explore the island of Tsushima and accept quests, discover shrines, relax in hot springs, and generally appreciate the stunning beauty Sucker Punch managed to portray.

1

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Set In A Fictionalized Sengoku Period

While not the most historically accurate portrayal of feudal Japan, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice still takes place hundreds of years ago in the country. Filled with Shinto and Buddhist symbolism, players will be tasked with exploring a region of Japan in order to complete a grand quest for the protagonist’s master.

As a FromSoftware game, combat is a main focus. Players fight numerous human enemies, such as samurai and shinobi, as well as fictional beings, such as spirits and ogres. And of course, there are lots of bosses. The game portrays what historical Japan was like in a darker aspect. It is a grim and gloomy world, but one that still shows off the historical aspects of the country.

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