The consequences of your actions will determine your fate. Choose to fight along side good or evil during the tumulous time of the Sengoku era and carve your name into history. Become a hero or become infamous, the choice is yours.

Take the role of a samurai and choose your own path, blazing a trail of honor, loyalty and respect or one of villainy, corruption and greed. The canonical series, best known for its high level of freedom and play style is back, with improved features, graphics and new game play mechanics sure to please fans of this enduring series.

Can't decide which path to take in Way of the Samurai 3? Help is on hand with The Guide, an official tome delving into the diverse ways the game can be played, offering essential weapons information, unique character insight and an in-depth breakdown of how your choices affect the story for good or for bad.

There's key information on the extensive reward system, background facts on the two warring clans - the Fujimori and Ouka - and how residents of the sleepy village of Amana offer a third side to take.

With so many options available, multiple playthroughs are more than tempting, and hugely rewarding; the strategy guide reveals how each playthrough will accrue Samurai Points and how to use them to enhance and develop skills, gameplay and storyline arcs.

Crucial weapons information is also included, to ensure different styles of skills are honed and each weapon is used to its greatest potential, and customisation options allow the creation of distinctive weapons for the ultimate warrior.

Plus, there's a breakdown of all the job choices available and tips on how to effectively complete each task, and how to recruit a partner to complete multiple tasks.

The digital artbook is a must for any fan. Combining striking pre-production artwork and never before seen design sketches, it truly demonstrates the thought and detail that has gone into the development of Way of the Samurai 3.

"The strategy guide and artbook offer exceptional value for the release of Way of the Samurai 3," says Martin Defries, managing director, Rising Star Games. "Each adds to and enhances gameplay, revealing incredible depth to the overall experience.

"With a game as diverse and open-ended as Way of the Samurai 3, the guide proves essential and unmissable reading."

Key Features:

• The Butterfly Effect – With over 15 different endings, every action you take will cause a change of events to occur, allowing for multiple outcomes and replay-ability. Every action has a reaction and the following consequences open up new paths to explore.
  
• Weapon Customization and Abilities – Craft your own unique weapons from over 200 different parts and materials, creating the ultimate weapon that suits your taste and fighting style. Create lethal blades, spears, pole axes and more while discovering new abilities and skills with increased use. Become a master of one or of many!
  
• Reward System and Samurai Rating – Performing different feats will reward a player with Samurai Points and a Title, which in turn will unlock new features and characters within the game. Fight honorably in the way of the samurai, live your life as a bandit or strive to uphold the government. These choices will net different points and values, encouraging multiple play throughs to unlock all features and content.
  
• The Pen Can Be Mightier Than The Sword – Fight your opposition with force or take the diplomatic route, using subtle gestures like the unsheathing of your sword. With extensive dialogue tree, weapons combo systems and more, this hybrid title delivers on multiple fronts.

Way of the Samurai 3 will retail for $49.99.