Genji is the name of the epic work written in 11th century Japan, during the legendary Heian period'the time that shaped Japan's future with the rise of the Samurai class and the eventual founding of the first martial Shogunate. It was written by a female courtier, Murasaki Shikibu, though some say it might be a conflate work, added to by successive authors. It runs to 1000 pages when translated into English, following the tale of the eponymous Genji and his family, and most literary theorists agree that it is the first modern work that can be called a novel.This rich history makes the making of a game based on the tale of Genji an inspired decision, and the game's subtitle: Dawn of the Samurai, could hardly be more appropriate. The game challenges you to explore beautiful, atmospheric recreations of feudal Japan, and you can play either as Yoshitsune, one of the last surviving warrior descendants of the Genji clan, or as his enormously powerful club-wielding chum Benkei. Gameplay is a delight even to watch, with exciting, satisfying special attacks at your disposal, not to mention radical ninja abilities.The honour of your clan is at stake, and you'll find yourself using both martial and magical abilities as you set out to carve your niche in the world, facing demons and hordes of other lesser enemies. It really is an exquisitely crafted game and very evocative of Japan with misty, mountainous green settings and cut scenes that unfold in lamplit houses of timber and paper.The game is the work of Game Republic, the studio set up by ex-Capcom man Yoshiki Okamoto, the genius responsible for the Japanese publisher's most famous franchises: Street Fighter, Resident Evil and Devil May Cry. As you'd expect from such a distinguished fellow, the game employs a fighting system rich in parries, combos and super moves, and sets out to emulate the fighting choreography of Samurai films. A masterpiece that shows the ageing PS2 platform still has much to offer.