Way of the Samurai 4 coming to PSN

Way of the Samurai 4 is finally getting a North American release, more than a year after its initial Japanese launch. The game will be published by XSEED Games this summer, distributed through the PlayStation Network. The game was developed by Acquire and has been out in Japan since March of 2011.

The game takes place in the middle of the 19th century, as a masterless samurai is exposed to a shifting cultural landscape after Japan opens its borders for the first time in centuries. You'll build your own samurai and navigate the tricky waters of political strife between pro-government forces, nationalistic isolationists, and foreign powers with the aid and influence of the British. You can pick which faction to back up for multiple branching paths and endings. And take heart, language purists: the game's original Japanese voices will be intact with English subtitles.

"Way of the Samurai 4 is the latest installment of a prized series that we know will be well-received by fans here," said XSEED director of publishing Ken Berry, in the announcement. "In this new game, much more will be told of the epic battles fought in Japan in a way that further evolves the series, including branching storylines, multiple endings, a unique online element, as well as some random silliness and craziness that players have come to expect of the brand."