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CRITIK

Samurai Warriors 5

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Samurai Warriors 5
Item: Samurai Warriors 5
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 27, 2021

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperKoei Tecmo Games

Overview

Experience exhilarating action set in a dramatic historical setting in SAMURAI WARRIORS 5. As the latest numbered entry in the SAMURAI WARRIORS franchise, the story, characters, and visuals have been re-imagined to set the stage for a thrilling new series. The story takes place after the Ōnin War during the golden age of the Sengoku period, and features a story that centers on the lives of two of the most representative military commanders of this era: Nobunaga Oda and Mitsuhide Akechi.

Elsewhere

6.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Samurai Warriors 5 are varied. Some critics, such as Nintendo Life, Pure Nintendo, and RPG Fan, praise the story for being enjoyable, well-presented, and easy to follow. They appreciate the focus on historical figures like Nobunaga Oda and Mitsuhide Akechi, with RPG Fan noting the unique approach of portraying Nobunaga in a sympathetic light. The narrative is described as engaging, with stylish cutscenes that bring the characters and plot to life. These positive opinions indicate that the story successfully captures the essence of the Sengoku era and provides an entertaining experience for players. On the other hand, there are critics who express negative opinions about the story of Samurai Warriors 5. Jeuxvideo.com criticizes the lackluster storytelling and caricatured writing, suggesting that the execution falls short of the interesting narrative on paper. GameCritics highlights the lack of rationale for character betrayals and twists, which may hinder the immersion and coherence of the story. Pure Playstation mentions the struggle to follow the major beats of the story due to limited knowledge of Japanese and being focused on maintaining combos. These criticisms suggest that the storytelling and execution of the narrative may not meet the expectations of some players, with issues related to writing, character development, and accessibility. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Samurai Warriors 5 is decent, enjoyable, and well-told, but it may have its shortcomings. Critics like Multiplayer.it and NintendoWorldReport find the storytelling not very exciting or overly captivating, respectively. However, there are also positive opinions from critics like PC Invasion, Gamer Escape, and PlayStation Universe, who appreciate the new narrative direction, engaging storyline, and great characterization through cutscenes and dialogue. The story's focus on the rise to power of Nobunaga Oda and Mitsuhide Akechi, as well as its exploration of the Sengoku era, is generally well-received. While there are criticisms regarding execution and some aspects of the narrative, the overall sentiment suggests that the story of Samurai Warriors 5 manages to provide an entertaining and engaging experience for players interested in Japanese history and the characters involved.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the story of Samurai Warriors 5. Some praise its engaging narrative and portrayal of historical figures, while others criticize its lackluster storytelling and character development. Overall, the story is seen as decent but may have its shortcomings, with mixed opinions on its excitement and captivation. Despite some flaws, the game offers an entertaining experience for players interested in Japanese history and the Sengoku era.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

66%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the gameplay of Samurai Warriors 5, it becomes evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Starting with the positives, many critics appreciate the core hack-and-slash mechanics of the game, which involve battling hordes of enemies and racking up combos and kill counts. The combat is described as satisfying, with fast and frantic action that provides a sense of power and exhilaration. The addition of new features such as Hyper Attacks, Ultimate Skills, and expanded aerial combat options adds variety and strategic depth to the gameplay. Reviewers like Attack of the Fanboy and Starbit specifically mention the satisfaction of chaining together different moves and attacks, resulting in a fast-paced and engaging experience. The ability to switch between characters and utilize unique attacks and skills also adds to the enjoyment, as mentioned by Hardcore Gamer and GamingTrend. However, there are some negative aspects to consider as well. Several critics mention that the hack-and-slash action can become repetitive over time, with some feeling that the game follows the standard Warriors formula without reinventing it. The constant appearance of new objectives, as mentioned by Cubed3 and Pure Playstation, can be seen as both a positive and a negative aspect. While it adds variety and keeps the gameplay dynamic, it can also lead to a sense of annoyance and back and forth travel. The lack of aggressive enemies, as noted by GameMAG, can make the game relatively easy even on higher difficulty levels, potentially reducing the challenge for some players. Additionally, the camera is mentioned as problematic by Impulsegamer and Nintendo Insider, which can hinder the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Samurai Warriors 5 offers a satisfying and enjoyable hack-and-slash experience with a variety of weapons, characters, and combat mechanics. The addition of new features such as Ultimate Skills and Hyper Attacks adds depth and strategic options to battles. However, some reviewers note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time and that the constant appearance of new objectives can be both a positive and a negative aspect. The game's core mechanics are praised for their fluidity and satisfaction, but issues with the camera and lack of aggressive enemies are mentioned as potential drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with many reviewers recommending the game to fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Samurai Warriors 5 for its satisfying hack-and-slash gameplay, fast-paced combat, and strategic depth. The addition of new features like Hyper Attacks and Ultimate Skills enhances the experience. However, some mention that the repetitive action and lack of aggressive enemies can be drawbacks. Overall, the game offers an engaging experience with a variety of weapons and characters, though issues with the camera may affect gameplay.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Samurai Warriors 5, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the critics. Many critics praise the new cel-shaded art style, which is described as refreshing, visually appealing, and reminiscent of traditional Japanese animation. The new character designs are also widely appreciated, with mentions of attractive manga-inspired visuals, stylish cel-shaded effects, and a unique aesthetic that emulates Japanese woodblock prints. The vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and distinct character models contribute to a visually pleasing experience. Critics such as Cubed3, GameSpew, and Digitally Downloaded specifically commend the game for delivering the best-looking Samurai Warriors title to date, with beautiful classical Japanese sumi-e brush and watercolor visuals. However, there are also some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Several reviewers, including GameMAG, The Mako Reactor, and NintendoWorldReport, point out technical issues such as poor anti-aliasing, pixelation, occasional frame rate drops, enemy pop-in, and lower draw distance. The level design and textures of the environment are criticized for being lacking, repetitive, and dull. Some critics, like Comicbook.com and Finger Guns, mention stiff dialogue scenes and stilted cutscene animations as drawbacks. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch version is noted to have downgraded textures and frequent frame rate dips by critics such as Cubed3 and Shindig. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Samurai Warriors 5 has made significant improvements in its Graphics and Visual Design compared to its predecessors. The new cel-shaded art style, manga-inspired visuals, and revamped character designs are widely praised. The game's visual style, influenced by traditional Japanese art, is described as bold, colorful, vibrant, and visually appealing. While there are some technical issues and shortcomings in certain areas, such as anti-aliasing, frame rate drops, and environmental design, the positive aspects outweigh the negatives. Critics appreciate the game's unique aesthetic and commend it for delivering a visually pleasing experience, especially for handheld enthusiasts.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Samurai Warriors 5's stunning cel-shaded art style and manga-inspired visuals, calling it the best-looking title in the series. However, some reviewers point out technical issues like poor anti-aliasing and frame rate drops. Despite these shortcomings, the game's vibrant colors and unique aesthetic make it a visually appealing experience overall.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Samurai Warriors 5 are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its fitting and immersive soundtrack that adds to the overall experience. Critics such as GameGrin and COGconnected highlight the traditional sounding music, with COGconnected specifically mentioning the use of traditional Japanese instruments and motifs. The Mako Reactor and BaziCenter commend the Japanese voice acting, noting that the voice actors have done a commendable job and delivered standout performances. The sound design is also praised by critics like COGconnected and PlayStation LifeStyle, who mention that it enhances the overall experience. These positive aspects contribute to creating an engaging and authentic atmosphere in the game. However, there are some criticisms regarding the soundtrack and sound design of Samurai Warriors 5. DarkZero and Gamer Escape express disappointment with the soundtrack, with DarkZero stating that it is decent but not one of the better original soundtracks. Gamer Escape specifically mentions the loss of electronica-style music from previous entries, considering it an unnecessary change. Jeuxvideo.com points out that while the soundtrack features orchestral music with traditional Japanese instruments, the tracks can become repetitive over time. Attack of the Fanboy and Windows Central highlight the lack of English voice acting, which can make it difficult to understand the characters during gameplay and require reliance on subtitles. These criticisms indicate that there are areas for improvement in the sound design and music of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Samurai Warriors 5 are generally well-received. The game's soundtrack is praised for its fitting and immersive nature, with the use of traditional Japanese instruments and motifs adding to the authenticity of the experience. The Japanese voice acting is also commended for its quality and standout performances. The sound design is noted to enhance the overall experience, creating a more engaging atmosphere. However, there are criticisms regarding the soundtrack, such as its lack of electronica-style music and the potential for repetitiveness. Additionally, the absence of English voice acting is seen as a drawback by some critics. Despite these criticisms, the positive aspects of the Sound Design and Music contribute to a generally positive reception among the reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics generally praise Samurai Warriors 5 for its immersive soundtrack and authentic Japanese voice acting, creating an engaging atmosphere. However, some criticize the soundtrack for lacking electronica music and becoming repetitive over time. The absence of English voice acting is also noted as a drawback. Overall, the game's sound design and music receive positive feedback, though there are areas for improvement.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment regarding the voice acting in Samurai Warriors 5 is predominantly positive. Several critics, such as Multiplayer.it and Noisy Pixel, praise the Japanese voice acting, stating that it is well interpreted and enhances the gaming experience. They specifically highlight standout performances from big-name voice actors, indicating that the voice cast delivers a noticeable and commendable performance. PlayStation LifeStyle also commends the game for its fully voiced cutscenes with English subtitles, stating that the voice acting is well done. SpazioGames simply states that the voice acting in the game is good. These positive opinions suggest that the Japanese voice acting in Samurai Warriors 5 is a strong aspect of the game, adding depth and immersion to the overall experience. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by a few critics. BaziCenter notes that the game lacks English voice acting, which may be a drawback for players who prefer localized voiceovers. Vandal and Attack of the Fanboy also mention the difficulty in following conversations during gameplay due to the Japanese voice acting and reliance on English subtitles. Windows Central further adds that the lack of voice acting in other languages can be challenging, especially during hectic action sequences. These negative opinions highlight the potential limitations and accessibility issues that may arise from the game's exclusive use of Japanese voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Japanese voice acting in Samurai Warriors 5 is well executed and enhances the gaming experience. The positive feedback from Multiplayer.it, Noisy Pixel, and PlayStation LifeStyle, among others, emphasizes the strong performances and the positive impact on immersion. While there are some concerns raised by BaziCenter, Vandal, Attack of the Fanboy, and Windows Central regarding the lack of localized voice acting and potential difficulties in following conversations, the overall sentiment remains positive. The voice acting in Samurai Warriors 5 is generally well-received, contributing to the overall enjoyment and authenticity of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Samurai Warriors 5 for its stellar Japanese voice acting, highlighting standout performances and immersive cutscenes. Some critics mention drawbacks like the absence of English voiceovers and difficulty following conversations with subtitles. Overall, the Japanese voice acting adds depth and authenticity to the game, despite some accessibility concerns.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Samurai Warriors 5, the PC version seems to have received positive feedback from critics. DarkZero, Eurogamer Italy, Multiplayer.it, and PC Invasion all praised the PC version for its stability, fast loading times, and steady framerate. They mentioned that the game runs smoothly at 60 FPS and handles the large number of characters on screen without any issues. These positive aspects indicate that the PC version of Samurai Warriors 5 is well-optimized and provides a seamless gaming experience. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch version of the game received mixed reviews regarding its technical performance. While Nintendo Insider, Nintendo Life, and Pure Nintendo mentioned that the game runs smoothly without any performance issues in docked mode, Cubed3, GamingTrend, and The Mako Reactor highlighted some drawbacks. They mentioned downgraded textures, frequent frame rate dips, and noticeable fidelity drops in handheld mode. However, it is important to note that these issues were not considered deal-breakers and did not significantly impact the overall experience. The PlayStation 4 version of Samurai Warriors 5 also received a mix of positive and negative feedback. Critics such as Gamers Heroes, Hardcore Gamer, Hobby Consolas, PlayStation LifeStyle, and Player 2 praised the game for its smooth performance, stable frame rate, and absence of slowdown or frame drops. However, GameMAG, GameOver.gr, MGG Spain, and The Mako Reactor mentioned occasional frame rate drops, camera issues, and technical limitations. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus suggests that the game runs smoothly on most platforms, with the PlayStation 5 version being particularly praised for its rock-solid performance. The Xbox One version of Samurai Warriors 5 received both positive and negative feedback. Everyeye.it and Generación Xbox mentioned stable frame rates and no noticeable slowdowns, while TheXboxHub highlighted the game's performance with a large number of characters on screen. However, Windows Central mentioned occasional framerate stutter, character pop-in, and performance issues with enemies ragdolling and blurry/distorted visuals. These issues indicate that the technical performance of the Xbox One version may vary depending on the system's specifications. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Samurai Warriors 5 generally performs well on most platforms, with the PC version being praised for its optimization and smooth performance. While the Nintendo Switch version has some technical limitations, they are not considered major issues. The PlayStation 4 version received mixed feedback, with some critics praising its smooth performance and stable frame rate, while others mentioned occasional frame rate drops and technical limitations. The Xbox One version also received mixed feedback, with stable frame rates being mentioned, but occasional performance issues and visual glitches being reported. Despite these variations, the overall sentiment suggests that Samurai Warriors 5 delivers a satisfactory technical performance across multiple gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Samurai Warriors 5 on PC earns high praise for stability, fast loading times, and smooth 60 FPS gameplay. Nintendo Switch version has mixed reviews due to some technical limitations, while PlayStation 4 version offers smooth performance with occasional frame rate drops. Xbox One version receives mixed feedback, with some stability issues reported. Overall, the game performs well on most platforms, with PC version standing out for optimization and seamless experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the replay value of Samurai Warriors 5, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Starting with the positives, several critics highlight the game's various modes and customization options as contributing factors to its replay value. Eurogamer Italy praises the Citadel Mode for offering a significant amount of content and the ability to revisit levels with different characters, while GameGrin emphasizes the game's replayability with its many choices, the option to rechallenge missions, and a harder difficulty. IGN also mentions the Free Mode and Citadel Mode, which allow players to replay missions with unlocked characters and provide upgrades and customization options. Additionally, Pure Nintendo commends the game for its plenty of modes, objectives, and collectibles that keep players entertained, justifying the purchase. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's repetitive nature and lack of innovation. DarkZero points out that the game may not attract new players due to its repetitive missions and simplistic design. Multiplayer.it mentions that while the game offers two lengthy campaigns and some combat move additions, the action can still feel repetitive, and the lack of artificial intelligence in enemies and bland environments are drawbacks. GamingBolt also criticizes the game for lacking the variety of modes and customization options found in previous entries, which may disappoint long-time fans. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed. While some reviewers appreciate the game's replay value, citing the multiple modes, customization options, and additional content, others express concerns about the repetitive nature of the gameplay and lack of innovation. It is worth noting that several critics, such as Eurogamer Italy, GameSpew, and Vandal, highlight the positive aspects of the game's replay value, while others, like DarkZero and GamingBolt, express disappointment in certain aspects. Ultimately, players who enjoy the Musou genre and appreciate the game's progression system, customization options, and additional modes may find Samurai Warriors 5 to be a satisfying experience with ample replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Samurai Warriors 5 offers mixed replay value, with some critics praising its modes and customization options, while others criticize its repetitive nature and lack of innovation. Fans of the Musou genre may enjoy the game's content and customization, but newcomers might find it lacking. Overall, opinions are divided on whether the game offers enough to keep players engaged in the long run.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Samurai Warriors 5, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to the game. Starting with the positives, several critics praise the game for its polished gameplay and enjoyable combat mechanics. RPG Fan commends the game for being a strong foundation for future entries, while Nintendo Life describes it as a slick and stylish addition to the series. The Mako Reactor also highlights the enhancements to combat and the captivating graphics. These positive aspects indicate that Samurai Warriors 5 offers a satisfying and engaging gameplay experience, particularly for fans of the Musou genre. However, there are also negative aspects that critics point out. GameMAG mentions that the game fails to fully develop the tactical aspect and falls short in delivering a truly engaging experience. PC Invasion criticizes the lack of innovation and movesets, as well as the same price for less content. These criticisms suggest that Samurai Warriors 5 may not offer enough new elements or substantial improvements compared to previous entries in the series. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While some reviewers, such as Cultured Vultures and COGconnected, consider Samurai Warriors 5 to be a visually stunning and refreshing addition to the franchise, others, like Cubed3 and GamingBolt, express disappointment in the game's reduced content and lack of significant innovation. However, there is a general agreement that the game will still be enjoyed by fans of the Musou genre and previous Samurai Warriors titles. The positive aspects of the game, such as its enjoyable combat and captivating graphics, outweigh some of the negative aspects mentioned by the critics.

TL;DR

Samurai Warriors 5 earns praise for polished gameplay and combat mechanics, but falls short on innovation and content depth, leading to mixed reviews. Fans of the Musou genre may still find it engaging despite its flaws.

CRITIK

Reviews

122 reviews found

100

Comicbook.com

PlayStation 4

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Samurai Warriors 5 a rating of 5 out of 5, stating that it is the best action game Koei Tecmo has released in quite a while and offers a fulfilling experience for both new and veteran players.

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100

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Samurai Warriors 5 is a refined, nuanced, and impactful entry in the series, deserving critical praise for its gameplay and narrative. It is Koei Tecmo's finest effort yet and may inspire players to learn more about Japanese history.

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100

GameGrin

Aug 3, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is outstanding and a must-play title.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Jul 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Samurai Warriors 5 is recommended for veterans and those curious about the franchise. The reviewer praises the gameplay, story, graphics, and replay value.

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TouchArcade

Nintendo Switch

Aug 3, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The author gives it a score of 4.5/5.

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Shindig

Nintendo Switch

Aug 22, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Samurai Warriors 5 is a fantastic new direction for the series, with a compelling story, enjoyable gameplay, and stunning visual design. The technical performance on the Switch is a minor drawback, but it is still a highly recommended game.

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Siliconera

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Samurai Warriors 5 offers a compelling story, satisfying gameplay, and a stunning visual style. It provides depth for those looking for it and is approachable for newcomers. It is chaotic yet focused and intriguing.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Aug 2, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Samurai Warriors 5 is a great game that refreshes the visuals and streamlines the roster. It is engaging and should thrill both old and new fans of the franchise.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Samurai Warriors 5 is a great return to the franchise's roots with vibrant character designs and a stronger emphasis on story.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Jul 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Samurai Warriors 5 is an incredibly solid Musou game with a great new look and satisfying combat. It may not bring anything new to the series, but it's hard to deny how much fun it is to play.

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