First Samurai

About

First Samurai is a 2D action-platformer with combat, puzzle solving, and time-hopping levels. You play a samurai chasing a Demon King across shifting environments from feudal Japan to futuristic ruins. The gameplay mixes precise platforming with real-time brawling, requiring timing and strategy to navigate traps and enemies. Each level has distinct visuals and challenges, blending arcade reflexes with adventure game exploration. The game’s time-travel premise lets it bounce between eras without pretension, offering varied settings for its straightforward action. Originally hitting European computers in 1991, it later got a 1993 SNES port that expanded its reach. While the story is simple, the retro charm and escalating difficulty keep it engaging. Its presence on platforms from C64 to iOS shows lasting appeal for players who enjoy no-frills action with a dash of mysticism.

Storyline

The Demon King descends from his mountain domain to you, the First Samurai and your master. Defenceless against the Demon's magic, you succumb to his powers, leaving the your Master to fight the Demon King alone. Your master falls in combat, dying. But, with his last breath, he summons the Wizard Mage. The Demon King fearing defeat, escapes to the future. Tormented, the young samurai seeks the teachings of the Wizard Mage in the ways of magic. Boiled with revenge and armed with a magical sword, the young samurai follows the Demon King into the future and the unknown...