Quote Originally Posted by Steppe Merc
Weren't Samurai mounted horse archers primarily?
Indeed they were originally, but by the time Europeans arrived around the 16th century they had progressed more towards melee infantry. These roles were made famous by people such as Miyamoto Mushashi, who roamed around looking for individual duals - to exemplify their honour in battle.

Quote Originally Posted by Meneldil
I think the main difference between Mongols and Samurais was that the Samurais' notion of honor was rather on an individual basis, while for the Mongols, it was rather the honor of the whole community.
I would agree with that point and it would seem that the Mongol's "community focus" made them such a formidable enemy in battle, whereas many of their enemies (European Knights and Japanese Samurai) entered battles with a more selfish approach. Not until the introduction of guns and the pike-and-musket battle unit did European knights have to adapt their perception of honour.