Fact is never as sexy as fiction. That's painfully obvious when comparing the in-game looks of some of Japan's most famous samurai to their real world appearance.


In Sangoku Basara Samurai Heroes, you take on the role of a historic samurai during Japan's Warring states period. But somehow these famous generals end up looking like characters out of a romance novel.


Let's take a gander at the reality.

Fictional Ieyasu Tokugawa



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In the game, Ieyasu is a youthful samurai who sports red ropes that looks suspiciously like suspenders and takes out legions of armored soldiers with just his fists.

Quote: "May my fists unite all!"





Real Ieyasu Tokugawa






In reality, Ieyasu was a feared and cunning general and adept swordsman who fought in 90 battles. He became the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. He was into falconry and had 19 wives and concubines, one of which he had executed.

Quote: "Life is like unto a long journey with a heavy burden. Let thy step be slow and steady, that thou stumble not. Persuade thyself that imperfection and inconvenience are the natural lot of mortals, and there will be no room for discontent, neither for despair. When ambitious desires arise in thy heart, recall the days of extremity thou has past through. Forbearance is the root of quietness and assurance forever. Look upon the wrath of the enemy. If thou knowest only what it is to conquer, and knowest not what it is like to be defeated, woe unto thee; it will fare ill with thee. Find fault with thyself rather than with others."






Fictional Masamune Date






The fictional Masamune sports a skin-tight set of armor, charming crescent-moon helmet and an eye patch. He wields six swords at a time, tucking them between his knuckles to dish out Wolverine-like attacks.

Quote: "Just you wait... soon you'll feel my claws"





Real Masamune Date






Nick-named the "one-eyed dragon" Masamune lost the vision in his right eye as a child to smallpox. He later either ripped the eyeball out himself or had it gouged out by a retainer.

He went out to be a vicious and ruthless general, leading his first military campaign at the age of 14 wearing a soon to be infamous crescent-moon helmet. Masamune went on to found the city of Sendai.


Quote: "Rectitude carried to excess hardens into stiffness; benevolence indulged beyond measure sinks into weakness."





Fictional Mitsunari Ishida






In the game, Ishida's has a eye-crossing emo haircut, with white hair no less, wears a waistcoat of some sort and comes off as a bit whiny.

Quote: "I come bearing a gift for you... a gift of death!"





Real Mitsunari Ishida






The real Ishida was known as a talented financial manager and leader of bureaucrats. In 1600, Ishida raised an army led by Mori Terumoto, but was defeated. He was caught by villagers while fleeing the area and later beheaded.

Quote: None





Fictional Yukimura Sanada






Sanada's get up includes an open leather jacket exposing his chest and six pack, white pants and red boots. He fights in the game with two spears.

Quote: "Like a whirlpool shall the spirit of fire turn!"





Real Yukimura Sanada






In reality, Yukimura was a brave and respected warrior known as the "crimson demon of war." He was by many accounts the best warrior in all of Japan during his lifetime. He died in battle in 1615, according to one account, badly wounded and too exhausted to fend off his attackers.

Quote: "I am Sanada Yukimura, no doubt an adversary quite worthy of yourselves, but I am tired and will fight no longer. Go on, take my head as your trophy".