3DS Critic Reviews

While it would have been nice to have a few more stages to clear before the final confrontation, it's hard to fault the game for not wanting it to end, especially when what is here is already so enjoyable. Anyone with a penchant for reflex-based gameplay (and a few digital bucks to spend) need look no further for their next eShop purchase.

Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword is a gorgeous game, and a brilliant addition to the 3DS library. The art style and music transport you to another world, and the combat is more than engaging.

From its simple story yet compelling tactical gameplay to its gorgeous graphics and controls, I was hooked. This is possibly one of the best downloadable titles on the eShop, one that will draw players in with its ever-increasing depth. A must have!

Hana Samurai: Art of the Sword is a compelling action game which favors good reflexes and thinking over simple button mashing. The demanding but entertaining gameplay and a fantastic japanese flavor make for another killer application for Nintendo's eShop.

The demanding play, when coupled with a look and feel reminiscent of The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker, makes Art Of The Sword into an upbeat, watered-down version of Dark Souls.

Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword may not be the prettiest game on the eShop but it sure is one of the most challenging, striking a good balance between difficulty and precision.

Offers five to six hours of enemy chopping, frog tossing fun. That said, we hope we haven't seen the last of this new IP.

Catching and groundbreaking, Sakura Samurai is a great appearance in the Nintendo e-Shop.

An action game in the sense that everything depends on your actions, Hana Samurai is hamstrung only by its length. If it were a bit more fleshed out, this would be among the very best of the 3DS eShop.

Plenty of bang for your buck here. It may not be the longest of games, nor overly feature rich, but it's as enjoyable as it is refreshing to play. Every 3DS owner should give this a go.