First Cut: Samurai Duel

Set in a stylized feudal Japan, First Cut: Samurai Duel puts you in the role of a swordfighter facing deadly one-hit battles against AI opponents or another player.

Aim attacks and blocks in different directions, then time parries, dodges, and shoves to get past an opponent’s guard. Fights hinge on reading attacks and choosing when to strike, since a single hit can end a duel.

Play duels, a Scenario campaign, or Survival mode against waves of enemies. Customize and recolor pieces of your fighter’s outfit, adjust AI opponents, and enable optional variations such as laser swords, zombies, and different blood effects.

Players who enjoy the game often praise its lethal, timing-focused sword fights, finding them satisfying as they learn to parry and dodge more effectively. Pixel-art scenery, music, animations, and detailed blood effects are also recurring highlights, as are duels and co-op with friends locally. The challenge is divisive: some find mastery rewarding, while others criticize the AI and high-difficulty encounters as unfair or frustrating. Several players also wish for native online multiplayer.