Super Nintendo · Action / Action-Adventure
First Samurai
Deep cut
| System | Super Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Released | 1993 (originally 1991) |
| Genre | Action, Action-Adventure, Platformer |
| Developer | Vivid Image |
| Publisher | Kemco |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 3 |
Released for the Super Nintendo in 1993, First Samurai is an action game developed by Vivid Image and published by Kemco. This SNES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1991. It blends action, action-adventure and platformer elements.
It landed about 2 years into the SNES's life. Other notable SNES releases from 1993 include Super Mario All-Stars, Secret of Mana and The Lost Vikings.
Vivid Image also made Street Racer for the SNES.
First Samurai is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you've played the SNES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing First Samurai is like
Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.
Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.
First Samurai cheats & codes
48 codes on file (Game Genie, Pro Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Start With 9 Lives | DB6A-676F |
|---|---|
| Start With 2 Lives | D46A-676F |
| Infinite Lives | 406E-D461 |
| Full Weapon Power For Dagger On Pick-Up | D783-0F09 |
| Less Force Picked Up From Baddies | D4C5-AFA5 |
| More Force Picked Up From Baddies | D6C5-AFA5 |
First Samurai walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for First Samurai.
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Mega Man X Classic
ActRaiser Classic
Mega Man 7 Classic
Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure Classic
Flashback Classic
Playing SNES games today
The SNES library has aged exceptionally well, especially its RPGs, platformers and puzzle games. A large selection is available on Nintendo Switch Online, and if you own the cartridges you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88, including online with friends.
First Samurai FAQ
When did First Samurai come out on the SNES?
First Samurai was released for the Super Nintendo in 1993; the original game dates back to 1991.
Who made First Samurai?
It was developed by Vivid Image and published by Kemco.
Is First Samurai multiplayer?
No. First Samurai is a single-player game.
How long does First Samurai take to play?
As an action game, First Samurai typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about First Samurai on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.