Somebody mistakenly posted a query about how to build the best Samurai in Pathfinder... And it got me thinking about how we would do that in starfinder. also I think it would be really interesting to stat out Samurai Jack while we're at it. So far everybody thinks Soldier would be one of the best options I think I agree but there's much to build upon like what theme fits the samurai best for example.
I think a pure operative makes for a better samurai jack. Assuming there is a 'sword' operative weapon. One hit, one kill it sort of his MO after all.
For other samurai though... (entirely IMO)
The fantasy samurai is probably best served by the operative+starknight
The historical samurai is probably best made with a default blitz soldier.
The street samurai - I think someone mentioned a soldier+augmented, but I'm less familiar with that version.
This would be a fun character. I think Garretmander is onto something with operative. Evasion and quick movement fit right in. Go with a detective specialization and think of it as meditating for an insight. There are exploits that reinforce the feel too. The only sword you could use is a sword cane, which means you have a nice sheath for it already.
Strangely, I would go Solarian. Weapon Solarian, with a fire katana or something like that. I would max Strength, and would ignore Dexterity, to stay in line with the very offensive way I see samurais. I would also give him quite some Charisma, because, in my opinion, a samurai is charismatic.
Lawful Neutral or Good. I'd play him as a ronin (as there are no daimyos in Starfinder). Very quick to draw his sword and protect his teammates.
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I've had an idea for a Kalo samurai knocking around for a while. Blitz Soldier, with high strength and dexterity to allow for light armor. Since Kalo have blindsight, you can do some neat things like fight enemies in the middle of a smoke grenade cloud. That sort of trickiness feels very Samurai Jack.
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One of my new SFS characters is a half-orc Star Knight (Hellknight Order of the Pike) Solarian who uses a (stellar weapon) spear. He is somewhat samurai-ish in that he lives by an unshakable code of honor (he is also Death-Touched and worships Pharasma, so he is virulently anti-undead). Thinking about this, it could be fun to lean more heavily on the samurai aspect of the character and have his "spear" be a naganata. Given that some upcoming SFS adventures will be facing the eastern-inspired Girdeon Authority hobgoblins, this might be great roleplay.
Mechanically, it is a tough combo because I'll lose all of my Stellar Revelations until 8th level... but I do gain Heavy Armor Proficiency, Demoralize checks on attack, and, most importantly, the ability to make the Stellar Weapon a Reach weapon once per day... a great image, my naganata energizes, Voltron-like and becomes larger.
As for Samurai Jack... he's clearly a Soldier/Operative in the show... he has training in all weapons, and is skilled in all sorts of subterfuge (plus of course his frequent one-hit kills). He might even have an Envoy level because he can be very diplomatic and cultured when necessary, though I might instead give him Culture and/or Diplomacy through feats or Theme... Dragonblooded seems appropriate in some ways for the improved Culture and Intimidation (also riffing on his noble birth).
Jack (when he first falls through the portal)
Human Dragonblooded Soldier (Blitz) 3/Operative (Daredevil) 7
Str 22 (Mk. 2 ability crystal)
Dex 22 (Mk. 1 ability crystal)
Con 14
Int 10
Wis 14
Cha 10
Speed: 50', Initiative +13
Defenses: KAC 16, EAC 16, Fort 7 Ref 12 Will 12
Combat: Magic Sword +15 AB, 2d6+14 P dmg
Class Features: Weapon Specialization, Evasion, Rapid Response, Quick Movement, Operative's Edge +3, Trick Attack +4d8, Debilitating Trick, Uncanny Agility, Daredevil Skill Mastery
Gear Boost: Melee Striker
Operative Exploits: Jack of All Trades (duh), Uncanny Mobility, Operative's Pounce, Versatile Movement
Feats: Skill Focus (Athletics/Acrobatics), Jet Dash, Versatile Weapon Focus, Step Up & Strike, Enhanced Resistance (Kinetic), Great Will
Gear: Adamantine Sword Cane, Zero Edge (with Fusions: Holy, Merciful, Ulrikka Duster, Durable, Trailblazer, Invigorating, Secured), sandals, kimono, straw hat
As for Samurai Jack... he's clearly a Soldier/Operative in the show... he has training in all weapons, and is skilled in all sorts of subterfuge (plus of course his frequent one-hit kills). He might even have an Envoy level because he can be very diplomatic and cultured when necessary, though I might instead give him Culture and/or Diplomacy through feats or Theme... Dragonblooded seems appropriate in some ways for the improved Culture and Intimidation (also riffing on his noble birth).
Noice! I'm digging all of this, Samurai Jack was my favorite cartoon character as a child, so it's really cool to see how he would fare in this game.
As for Samurai Jack... he's clearly a Soldier/Operative in the show... he has training in all weapons, and is skilled in all sorts of subterfuge (plus of course his frequent one-hit kills). He might even have an Envoy level because he can be very diplomatic and cultured when necessary, though I might instead give him Culture and/or Diplomacy through feats or Theme... Dragonblooded seems appropriate in some ways for the improved Culture and Intimidation (also riffing on his noble birth).Noice! I'm digging all of this, Samurai Jack was my favorite cartoon character as a child, so it's really cool to see how he would fare in this game.
I loved Jack when I was younger, too.
It occurs to me that perhaps I have done a disservice to his martial arts skills. Replace Jet Dash with Improved Unarmed Strike. He would have +15 AB and does 2d6+19 nonlethal Bashing damage.