Is Japan the new China? It's time for a new Dynasty...

We know what you're thinking. If there's anything last month's trio of Samurai titles were missing, it was horses. No? Well, Koei's giving you 'em anyway - Samurai Warriors has more horses per square inch of battlefield than any man could wish for. And that's a lot of horse. There's plenty more besides, but all you really need to know is that this is long-running slashfest Dynasty Warriors relocated to Japan. Spot the difference? No, neither could we.

There's a tactical aspect to Samurai Warriors, but this ain't a thinker - it's a doer. Swinging your cutting implement of choice is simplicity itself, resulting in a combat system that lets you get on with the job at hand - swishing a mass swathe through rank upon rank of enemies. Combos are executed by tapping out mixtures of the two attack buttons and, with your Musou ability powered-up, you can release a barrage of supercharged hits by holding Circle and steering your character's windmilling arms into the path of your enemy. It's satisfying stuff, with soldiers knocked about like rag dolls in armour or fleeing in terror from your murderous prowess.

Character-wise, there's a roster of suitably angry warlords to pick from that grows each time you finish the game (completing Samurai Warriors only once is like only drinking the skin off the top of a mug of hot chocolate - you're leaving a huge amount untasted). Every character has a story mode path of their own, leading to totally new battlefields or putting you on the opposing side of a battle you've already fought. Replayability abounds, with the 'New General' mode enabling you to train up your own character to use in the other game modes, as well as a series of challenges and a survival and boss battle mode.

Admittedly thrashing thousands of soldiers can and does get a little repetitive, and if Dynasty Warriors failed to ignite your interest, there's nothing here that'll change your mind. But for anyone who finds enjoyment in bashing Japanese soldiers with swords, Samurai Warriors is an appetising cup of sake.

Graphics 70%
Loads of soldiers, not a sign of slowdown.

Sound 70%
Lack of music during stages is a shame.

Gameplay 80%
It's hack and slash - but we love it.

Lifespan 80%
Could take a Ming dynasty to complete it.

Overall 70%
Plenty of options, plenty of characters and enough enemies to fill the Isle of Wight. It's also a serious amount of fun to play.