Aside from the player's direct involvement in choosing the plot, gameplay in Way of the Samurai focuses heavily on combat. As can be expected from a game set in this specific time period, fighting is done almost entirely with various samurai swords available in the game (there is also available a Naginata and a blacksmith's hammer). Way of the Samurai features over 40 different types of swords, however the player begins with access to only one.

By defeating enemies, the player can then take the fallen character's sword to add to his or her own inventory. The player may only carry a maximum of three swords at a time. Once per game, the player may leave one additional sword with the swordsmith, Dojima, and have it delivered to his or her sword collection. (Wikipedia)

Unlockables

Play as Manji (JP Version)
After accumulating 2000 GP (Game Points), start a new game, name your character ''ma n ji'' and you will start the game as Manji, the main character from the comic series ''Blade of the Immortal''.

If you try to change your character's face or outfit, the character will return to normal.
If you want to bring a sword from the vault, do so before you name the character.

Select the Girl Skin (PAL)
When you win over 3000 points at the story mode, you received a message that allows you to select the girl skin. At the character select screen, push R1+START and your main character will change into the girl skin. This cheat only works after you receive the message.

Unlock Battle Mode(US)
At title screen, hold L1 and R1, then press Circle and Square at the same time. It may take a few tries since it needs to be exactly at the same time. When you get it, you'll hear a chime and Battle Mode(VS Mode) for both 2P and CPU will be unlocked.

Secrets

Falling Cherry Blossom Petals(US Version)
At the title screen, once the petals have stopped falling, press the Square button to make more petals fall. If you hold L1+L2+R1+R2 and then press the Square button, a lot of petals will fall.

Falling Sakura Petals (JP Version)
At the title screen, when there are no falling sakura petals (cherry blossom petals) on the screen, press the Square button to make sakura petals fall from the top of the screen.

Additionally, at the title screen, when there are no falling sakura petals on the screen, hold L1 + L2 + R1 + R2, then press Square button to make a whole lot of sakura petals fall from the top of the screen.

Make it Brighter
Press & hold L1 + L2 then move the left analog in a circular motion. Light will come from your character's eyes (during the FMV too)

13 minutes of pure samurai action: