Set just after Japan opened its borders to the West in 1853, Way of the Samurai 4 inserts players into a world of opportunity and uncertainty as a masterless samurai looking to make a name for himself and continues the series’ blend of customization, exploration, action gameplay and quirky humor. Taking their place in the overall power struggle amongst the region’s powers, players are given the choice to align themselves with one of three factions: the shogunate pro-government forces, the nationalistic isolationists, and the foreign powers who are directed by the British Navy.