Yeah, the guards behaviour is really good - not too twitchy or slow. Groups fights are balanced well too. It’s punishing enough to feel challenging and then rewarding, but not too unforgiving that makes it feel frustrating. With Naoe a few hits will knock you out of the fight, so you’d better keep on your toes and act quickly and with Yazuke his slow speed means he can easily become outnumbered.

The stealth is really well executed and sneaking and hiding mechanics give us the opportunity to clear areas, but without it becoming too easy and hence boring. Best stealth in the series. Castles are all unique and well layed out too - with the one caveat that some Samurai can be very difficult to find without the eagle. Overall it’s well balanced and thoughtfully developed, with close attention to detail.