After several months on the market in Japan, Way of the Samurai is making its way to America. Capcom will release the PlayStation 2-only fighting game, which will be rated "M for Mature, in the US this summer.

　　Developed by Acquire, Way of the Samurai 2 will build on its predecessor's mix of fighting and adventure. The game will be set in a war-torn town during the end of Feudal Japan's Edo period. Players will be torn between the town's corrupt magistrate and a group of leaderless ronin. Its story will occur over 10 days (versus Way of the Samurai's two) and will have a much larger cast of characters and a larger slate of side quests. Players will also be able to play as one of three different samurai types--a wandering youth hardened by battle, a fierce warrior with shabby clothing (think Yojimbo), and a modest-but-deadly master swordsman. Among the new features are:

　　Realistic swordfighting action based on traditional Japanese samurai films. Outcomes that are determined by the choices a player makes, which include different scenarios and endings. New sword positions and fighting techniques, which include twin-sword style and quick slash. More than 400 special moves that vary according to the weapon used. The ability to upgrade and collect more than 60 powerful swords by defeating enemies. Blades can then be strengthened at the blacksmith, and new techniques can be mastered. A new one-slash kill system that lets players knock enemies off-balance with a hard attack or counterattack. It then allows them to finish off enemies with a one-slash hit. More interactive settings that let players visit shops, talk to locals, and earn money through jobs or tasks. The abilities to purchase and find an array of rare items throughout the game.

　　GameSpot will have more details on the game as they become available.