Off the top of your head, most of us more 'hardcore gamers' could easily name a hatful of the more well-known and successful games developers. We are all aware of, and have avidly observed, the growth of Rockstar, Activision and Vivendi, whilst noting the continuing development of such household names as Sega, Konami and Electronic Arts. But the games industry has also seen many new developers chance their arm in this competitive market, only to have it torn off at the shoulder by big, shark-like critics and reviewers alike (They don't call me Rob 'Jaws' Byron for nothing). As with my reviewing career, should I continue mentioning ridiculous and untrue nicknames for myself? This has often caused a departure from the industry that is as swift as my cunning wit.

In 2003, in a darkened back street of Tokyo (probably), a new challenger began warming their toes to take their first dip into the video-game market. With a little under two hundred employees working away for two years, Game Republic make their interactive debut with Genji: Dawn of the Samurai, an action-packed historic title following an ancient epic tale of good versus evil.

With the recent success of Kung-Fu Hustle, House of Flying Daggers and Shaolin Soccer, our nation's love of Japanese martial arts and their illustrious ancient culture has been reborn. Genji doesn't do anything to damage this fondness at all. Set your face to 'stunned' from the moment you put the disc in the drive, not because there are naked chicks printed on the disc, but because the introduction to the game is truly awesome. With a voiceover performed in the style of Mr Myagi, a story unfolds that would be more than worthy of the big screen.

It begins, with grass cutting at breakneck speeds, through a heated battlefield where legends of ancient Japan fall at the hands of their adversaries. With the future of the island lying in the balance, the Heishi (the baddies to our younger readers) unleash four warriors who, harnessing the power of the Amahagne stones, swing the battle in the Heishi's favour and cast Japan into darkness. Given out by the Japanese God of weaponry, the Amahagne can make their bearers become all-powerful. Confused by all the names? You will be, as the game's story is both brilliant and mind-numbingly confusing. As a reviewer, I am often asked about the games I am currently playing, and while this would come highly recommended, in explaining its story to people I came close to sectioning myself under the mental health act. But as appealing as spending my remaining days rocking back and forth in a padded room spouting endless nonsense about Amahagne stones is, I had a game to delve into. Besides, a little diversity in our cultural norms is healthy, so clear your mind and prepare to be dazzled by some truly awe-inspiring elements that this game has to offer.

The graphics are simply stunning, the PS2 pushed to its absolute limits; beautifully authentic backdrops coupled with graceful movement and film-worthy storyline clips. Where previous titles have battled with continuity between those parts of the game we play and those where we sit back and watch, Genji blends them together by maintaining a consistently high attention to detail that makes the transition between the two seamless. These are trends that continue when shifting from navigating around the game environment and doing battle with your enemies, which adds a surprise element that heightens the gaming experience and increases your bowel movement. The music is also a major factor in inspiring this gameplay, not that the low pounding beats cause a brown noise-like effect, but the match of culture visually is maintained by the soundtrack. Think Last of the Mohicans meets Jackie Chan, so Last of the Talentless Actors (burn!!).

However, music and graphics alone don't make a success, but in the gameplay department Genji doesn't let itself down. The response to a button press is as you would expect, and if you've ever become frustrated when being attacked from behind (careful), the ability to direct your retaliations in any direction with the use of the analogue stick easily compensates this. The weaponry is extensive, a little confusing in places, but the basic idea of one sword causing more damage than another can be enough to get you through the game. You take control of Yoshitsune, the youngster prophesised to be responsible for the fall of the Heishi, who is amply athletic and can quickly bound around to avoid the advances of his foes. After a few missions, the game opens up a new pathway that really took it over the excellence border for me. Meeting on a bridge, Yoshitsune is faced by Benkei, a seven-foot tall powerhouse who assures our character that he will soon be using the totem pole that is his club to hit us for a convincing six! Despite slicing up everything that has stood in our way with little or no mercy, Yoshitsune takes pity on this lumbering but loveable oaf and explains his plight. On hearing this, Benkei offers his services and by the next save point you will find that you can easily swap between the two characters.

The missions or stages of the game take a typical format; kill several groups of anonymous henchman and you'll be put up against a more powerful creature or warrior. But this works well, and the boss-like creatures are varied in both appearance and difficulty, along with the sporadic nature in which they occur. The gameplay is addictive and developing a technique for timing your attacks can create some impressive displays of martial artistry. But one element of combat is what really makes this game appealing. A press of the shoulder button during battle slows time and beckons your opponents to attack. At the perfect moment, a symbol of the square button appears below your character; time it correctly and you will perform a devastating finishing move that will send most of your opponents flying.

As with most elements in this game, your mastery of the moves progresses with time, aided by the many improvements that can be made by purchasing items from the travelling tradesman. You can also visit the blacksmith, who will take money for various weapons and armour that improves the attacking and defensive elements of your characters' powers. Find some interesting materials on your travels and he may well be able to use them to forge a special order item. Unfortunately, he offers no kind of credit system, so all items will need to be paid for in full. With all chip & pin services banished by the iron fist of the Heishi, you will need to spend your gold wisely, after finding it in boxes, or on the bodies of recently decapitated soldiers. Performing advanced fighting techniques or opening chests can uncover Amahagne crystals, which can be utilised to boost life, attack or defence.

These are the skills that you will need if you want to advance through this title. For, if there is one gripe I have with this game, it is that some of the end of level areas, or stages in the game that require completion before you can progress, are frustratingly difficult. Your opponents often begin with a health bar that exceeds your own by some distance. It's a little off-putting at first, but once you've battled to knock it down, it rejuvenates all the way to how it was when you started. For the first few big bosses, this happens once, but before long you meet characters that can perform this several times. So pad out the area around you for the impending controller-rage and settle in for several hours of trying to defeat the same giant golden eagle or long-hared girly like swordsman. That said, the lifespan of this game would suffer if it was too easy, and as with many combat based games, easily performed albeit impressive fighting techniques will only get you so far.

If you're prepared for a long-haul of surreal but exciting battles, then Genji: Dawn of the Samurai is a worthwhile investment and a fitting testament to show that new games developers can provide as much of a leading title as their well-recognised counterparts, which they do here with stunning looks, great sound and engaging gameplay. All that reviewing of a martial arts game and only one reference to The Karate Kid - better add "wax on wax off", to make it two. That's better!

Reviewed by Rob Byron for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).