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First Cut: Samurai Duel

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2024

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Quick resume

Every strike is lethal in this blood-soaked sword fighting game. Slash, clash, parry, dodge and watch limbs fly. Choose your move carefully - the first cut is also the last.

Global score

89/100

Genres

Action, Indie

Pros

  • Challenging and satisfying combat
  • Beautiful pixel art and gore effects
  • Extensive customization and modifiers
  • Varied game modes including co-op and duels
  • Good value for price

Cons

  • Lack of online multiplayer
  • High difficulty and input-reading ai can frustrate
  • Short campaign length
  • Some levels have visibility issues
  • No level editor or replay system yet

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have control over character customization, difficulty settings, modifiers, and gameplay style, allowing personal freedom and decision-making."

  • Competence
    5

    "The game is challenging with a high skill ceiling, rewarding mastery of timing, spacing, and combat mechanics; players feel effective as they improve."

  • Competition
    2

    "Includes multiplayer modes and leaderboards, but mostly focused on casual duels with friends rather than ranked competitive play."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report addictive gameplay with long sessions, practicing to improve skills and repeatedly engaging with scenarios and duels."

  • Cooperation
    2

    "Supports local co-op and some multiplayer modes, allowing working together, though primarily focused on individual duels."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Offers extensive customization of characters, swords, and game modifiers; players desire level editors and mod support."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Interactions emphasize balanced dueling and mutual respect rather than exerting superiority or trash talk."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Highly immersive samurai combat and atmospheric settings provide strong escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, with no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try different strategies, modifiers, and difficulty levels, exploring combat mechanics and game options."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Some variety in levels and weather effects, but mostly linear scenarios with limited discovery."

  • Expression
    4

    "Character and weapon customization allow self-expression; players can modify colors and appearances extensively."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Set in stylized samurai fiction with exaggerated gore and extras like lightsabers, blending realistic and imaginative elements."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Community and multiplayer modes foster social play, though many players also enjoy solo experience."

  • Growth
    5

    "Strong emphasis on learning, skill development, and mastering combat mechanics over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires continuous focus and attention due to fast-paced, skill-based combat."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some social interaction in multiplayer, but limited emotional or close relationship formation."

  • Leadership
    Insufficient data
  • Progression
    3

    "Players progress through scenarios, unlock modifiers, and improve skills, though no complex item accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find flow and catharsis in combat, but overall the game is tense and challenging."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation from gore effects, pixel art, sound design, and fluid combat animations."

  • Status
    1

    "Some recognition through leaderboards and multiplayer, but mostly individual focus."

  • Story
    1

    "Contains some lore and scenario-based narrative, but story is minimal and secondary to gameplay."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Combat requires tactical thinking, timing, and planning attacks and defenses carefully."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High tension and suspense from one-hit kills and challenging AI create thrilling gameplay moments."

  • Value
    4

    "Players perceive good value for price with extensive content, customization, and replayability."

  • Violence
    5

    "Enjoyment of brutal combat, gore, dismemberment, and blood effects is a core feature."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must avoid death and manage threats carefully, emphasizing survival in combat."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026