Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time — Review

Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time — Review

Sep 13, 2020 0
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There are few cartoons that experience the legacy that Samurai Jack has. Originally ending after only four seasons, with a recent return for an official fifth and final one, Samurai Jack has surely left its mark on anyone who has witnessed the time-travelling samurai. To many fans’ surprise, Adult Swim Games announced back in February that Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time was to serve as an extension to the show’s final season, as a canon adventure that Jack experiences while being sent through a portal during his fight with Aku.  Regardless of whether you are a longtime fan of Samurai Jack or are new to the series, Battle Through Time has something for everyone to enjoy. The art style and performance on display with Battle Through Time are reminiscent of an age gone by, evoking feelings of nostalgia around every corner. The way Samurai Jack plays feels very much like the golden age of B-tier video games that flooded the gaming industry during the late 2000s. Despite the negativity that is usually associated with B-tier games, it is meant with the highest of compliments.  Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time asks players to navigate Jack through multiple time periods and settings, as he faces off against a variety of foes, old and new alike. The level of fan service in Battle Through Time is extraordinary, as each level is loaded with references to the shows five seasons, in both locations and characters. Fan favourites like Sir Rothchild, Da Samurai, and The Scotsman all make appearances throughout each level, rewarding Jack with materials for upgrades, with Da Samurai providing the in-game store for Jack to purchase upgrades.
Upgrade System

Upgrade System

Upgrades in Battle Through Time allow for the usual game mechanics to flourish. Items from health regeneration to strength and defensive boosts can be purchased via gold, along with a variety of ranged and melee weapons for Jack to utilize in combat. Along with his Magic Sword, Jack can master combat with other weapons like swords, axes, clubs, spears, bows, and guns. Each of these weapons have a durability gauge that depletes with usage and must be repaired by Da Samurai —or an in-game consumable — in order to continue using.  The combat in Battle Through Time reinforces a simplified format of ‘rock, paper, scissors’, as certain weapon types are more effective against different enemies. Knowing which weapon to use in a fight can often be the difference between winning or losing, even on the lower difficulty levels. This is because enemy resistance can drastically alter how long it takes to down them with the wrong weapon type. When taking damage, Jack’s kimono will increasingly become more weathered to the point where all that is left is his pants. The kimono represents a visual damage gauge for the players who don’t want to rely on the health bar. The lower Jack’s health is, the less of a kimono remaining. Refilling Jack’s health to max will see his kimono fully restored to his iconic look. 
Damaged Kimono

Damaged Kimono

As previously mentioned, Battle Through Time takes place during the finale of the show’s fifth season, with Jack and Ashi travelling back through time to escape Aku. Unfortunately for Jack, Aku manages to force him into a pocket dimension, separate from the show’s main narrative and entirely under Aku’s control. This element of narrative is what allows Battle Through Time to remain canon, as Jack has to, once again, relive many of the challenges he faced throughout the show’s runtime. Conquering each level will see Jack destroy Aku pendants, the artifacts fueling his nemesis’ control over the dimensions, and bring him one step closer to reuniting with Ashi and defeating Aku.  Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time consists of nine stages, varying in local and enemy type. Players will slash their way through each location, upgrading Jack and facing off against enemies from the show. There are a large number of upgrades players can choose from by spending resources earned throughout the game to level up Jack. It is impossible to fully upgrade him on one playthrough, as the resources found for specific skills are drastically limited in comparison to others. This is unfortunate for players who are experiencing the game for the first time and want to see all it has to offer. The upgrade economy feels as if it is designed for multiple playthroughs, which can be discouraging for some. The multiple route upgrade system works in many genres like rogue-like/lites, but feels out of place in Battle Through Time, making it feel as if the developers can’t decide which audience to placate to.   The nine levels present range in difficulty, regardless of how the player sets the challenge at the start. Even on normal, the difficulty spikes encountered on the final two stages can offset anyone’s enjoyment, both casual players and longtime fans. It is unfortunate that the developer has seemingly disregarded balance towards the end of the game, with enemies crowding small spaces and juggling the player before they can even stand up after getting knocked down. 
Jack fighting Aku

Jack fighting Aku

Before the final fight, Jack is forced to fight off an entire army of Aku’s demons. While that may sound hyperbolic, the reality is that the developer inserted a form of a ‘battle tower’ mechanic before the final fight where Jack faces off against numerous waves of challenging enemies. The issue is that there is no indication of when the waves will stop, with the fight having the potential to take up to 20 minutes just to complete. It is clear that the developer intended to ramp up the difficulty before the game’s climax, however there are right and wrong ways to implement a challenge. The way the developers chose to add a wave-based fight in the middle of the final mission is the opposite of a rewarding challenge and serves only to infuriate the player right before the finish line. All-in-all, Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is an experience worth playing for anyone who has nostalgia of a time when high quality B-tier titles had a home within the industry. The simplistic action gameplay it offers is easy to fall in love with and the title is self-aware enough to know not to overstay its welcome. Although it has problems with finding a perfect balance for its more difficult later stages, determined and worthy players will find the skill to overcome the challenge and escape from Aku’s twisted dimension. Even though a fifth season was released to satiate the fandom’s desire for more Jack, the world could always use more of the time-travelling samurai. Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is a worthy addition to the show’s lasting legacy.   Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time was reviewed on PlayStation 4, but is also available on Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox One. For our latest review, be sure to read Rob’s take on Double Kick Heroes!
Adult Swim Games1 Playstation 4196 Samurai Jack1 Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time1
About author

Daniel Pereira

From a young age I've loved video games and the power they possess in bringing different kinds of people together. I have forged many good friendships through this medium that would not exist without it. I love experiencing a new genre for the first time and finding out it resonates with me. Also, Conker's Bad Fur Day is one of the greatest games of all time. Fight me.

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