Summary

Release Year: 1993
Genres: Fighting
Platforms: 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, Arcade, FM Towns, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo CD, Neo Geo MVS, PlayStation, Sega CD, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii
Developers: SNK
Publishers: BMG Interactive Entertainment, Crystal Dynamics, D4 Enterprise, Japan Home Video Co., JVC, Playtronic, Sega, SNK, Takara, Tec Toy

Samurai Shodown (1993) Review

Samurai Shodown is a weapon-based fighting game developed by SNK and originally released in 1993. It is the first installment in the Samurai Shodown series and was a critical and commercial success. The game is set in feudal Japan and features a cast of 12 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style and weapons.

The game’s story revolves around the evil Ambrosia, who has possessed the body of a man named Shiro Tokisada Amakusa. Amakusa preaches a heretical religion and seeks to shroud the world in darkness. The player must choose one of the 12 warriors to fight against Amakusa and his minions and restore peace to the land.

Samurai Shodown is known for its fast-paced gameplay and unique fighting mechanics. The game features a two-plane fighting system, which allows players to move both horizontally and vertically. This adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay and allows for more complex and strategic battles.

The game also features a unique Rage system. When a player’s health is low, they can enter a Rage state, which gives them increased attack power and speed. However, the Rage state also makes the player more vulnerable to attack.

Samurai Shodown was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and memorable characters. The game was ported to several home consoles and has been re-released multiple times over the years. It remains one of the most popular and influential fighting games of all time.

Gameplay

Samurai Shodown is a weapon-based fighting game in which players control one of 12 characters and battle against each other using a variety of weapons. The game features a two-plane fighting system, which allows players to move both horizontally and vertically. This adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay and allows for more complex and strategic battles.

Samurai Shodown is known for its fast-paced gameplay and requires quick reflexes and precise timing. The game also features a variety of special moves and combos that can be used to defeat opponents.

Characters

Samurai Shodown features a cast of 12 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style and weapons. The characters include:

Haohmaru: A wandering swordsman and the main protagonist of the game.
Nakoruru: A female warrior who fights with a bow and arrow.
Ukyo Tachibana: A swordsman who fights with a kodachi (short sword).
Galford: A British nobleman who fights with a rapier.
Earthquake: A large and powerful wrestler who fights with his bare hands.
Charlotte Christine de Colde: A French noblewoman who fights with a whip.
Hanzo Hattori: A ninja who fights with a kusarigama (sickle and chain).
Genjuro Kibagami: A swordsman who fights with a nodachi (long sword).
Kyoshiro Senryo: A swordsman who fights with a katana (Japanese sword).
Rimururu: A female warrior who fights with a naginata (halberd).
Shiro Tokisada Amakusa: The main antagonist of the game, who is possessed by the evil Ambrosia.
Gaira: A giant crab who serves as Amakusa’s bodyguard.

Story

The story of Samurai Shodown revolves around the evil Ambrosia, who has possessed the body of a man named Shiro Tokisada Amakusa. Amakusa preaches a heretical religion and seeks to shroud the world in darkness. The player must choose one of the 12 warriors to fight against Amakusa and his minions and restore peace to the land.

The story is told through a series of cutscenes that are interspersed between the battles. The cutscenes are beautifully drawn and help to flesh out the characters and their motivations.

Graphics and Sound

Samurai Shodown is a visually stunning game for its time. The characters are beautifully drawn and the backgrounds are lush and detailed. The game also features some of the best pixel art of any fighting game.

The sound design is also top-notch. The music is catchy and the sound effects are impactful. The voice acting is also excellent, with each character having their own unique voice.

Legacy

Samurai Shodown was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and memorable characters. The game has been ported to several home consoles and has been re-released multiple times over the years. It remains one of the most popular and influential fighting games of all time.

Samurai Shodown has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs. The most recent installment in the series is Samurai Shodown (2019), which was released to positive reviews. The series has also been adapted into an anime television series and a manga series.

Conclusion

Samurai Shodown is a classic fighting game that still holds up today. With its fast-paced gameplay, unique fighting mechanics, and beautiful graphics, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre. The game’s legacy is secure as one of the most popular and influential fighting games of all time.