DESCRIPTION

Feudal Japan meets Soul Train in Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked from Bandai Namco Games. Based on the animé series Samurai Champloo, aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, the game centers on a "lost episode" and features three playable characters.

A conflict is rising in the city of Ezo between the ruling Matsumae clan and the indigenous folks who have lived in the area for generations. Two main characters, Jin and Mugen, begin on different paths, but meet up several times. Players will maneuver them both through each of their stories, hacking through enemies as they go. Another character, Fuu, is a game exclusive.

The "Sidetracked" fighting style can be compared to break dancing with a sword, as the battle sequences are accompanied by rap music that affect the character's moves. Combos based on hip-hop grooves can be unlocked, swapped at will, and linked together to create a slash fest free-for-all.

The tension level of the character also affects combos. The more blows landed increases the tension, and as long as the hits keep going without a knock from an enemy, the level will continue to rise. When the tension meter is full, the character will enter "Tate" mode and this is where the real hard-hitting action begins. In "Tate" mode, a button is shown on screen. Once pressed, the object is to hit an opponent as many times before being hit.

If more than 100 blows are landed, the character will enter "Trance" mode, a flight form where gamers must defeat 100 opponents to earn bonus items and hidden artwork. "Hyper" mode is engaged by performing the highlighted skill in the combo tree, and players can throw super fast punches before an opponent realizes they are getting beaten to a bleeding pulp. More than 50 weapons are available for use, and each character will use the weapons in a slightly different way. ~ Gracie Leach, All Game Guide