Samurai Spirits Sen (2008)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Samurai Spirits Sen (2008)

Samurai Spirits Sen (サムライスピリッツ閃, Samurai Supirittsu Sen, lit. “Samurai Spirits Flash”) is a 2D fighting game developed and published by SNK Playmore. It was released as an arcade game in Japan in December 2008, and was ported to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation Portable in 2009.

Samurai Spirits Sen is the eighth installment in the Samurai Spirits series, and is a reboot of the franchise. The game features a new cast of characters, as well as some returning favorites. The gameplay has been updated with new features, such as the “Sen” gauge, which allows players to power up their attacks.

Gameplay

Samurai Spirits Sen is a 2D fighting game played on a single plane. Players control one of a roster of characters and fight against each other using a variety of weapons and techniques. The game features a unique “Sen” gauge, which allows players to power up their attacks by filling it up. The Sen gauge can be filled by landing attacks on the opponent, or by taking damage.

Once the Sen gauge is full, players can use it to activate one of three different power-ups:

  • Sen cancel: Cancels the current move and allows the player to perform another move immediately.
  • Sen attack: Powers up the player’s next attack, making it unblockable and dealing more damage.
  • Sen defense: Powers up the player’s defense, making them more resistant to damage.

The Sen gauge adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must decide when to use their power-ups wisely.

Characters

Samurai Spirits Sen features a roster of 16 characters, including:

  • Haohmaru: The protagonist of the series, a wandering samurai with a strong sense of justice.
  • Nakoruru: A shrine maiden from the Ainu people, who fights with a bow and arrow.
  • Genjuro Kibagami: A powerful swordsman who seeks to avenge the death of his clan.
  • Ukyo Tachibana: A skilled swordsman who travels the world in search of worthy opponents.
  • Shizumaru Hisame: A young ninja who fights with a kusarigama.
  • Cham Cham: A young woman from the Kingdom of Siam who fights with a chakram.
  • Earthquake: A large and powerful wrestler from the United States.
  • Hanzo Hattori: A skilled ninja who serves the Tokugawa clan.
  • Jubei Yagyu: A master swordsman who serves the Tokugawa clan.
  • Kyoshiro Senryo: A skilled swordsman who seeks to become the strongest in the world.
  • Mina Majikina: A mysterious woman who fights with a variety of magical attacks.
  • Rimururu: Nakoruru’s younger sister, who fights with a naginata.
  • Shiki: A young woman from the Iga clan who fights with a kusarigama.
  • Wan-Fu: A Chinese martial artist who fights with a staff.
  • Yashamaru Kurama: A skilled swordsman who seeks to avenge the death of his master.
  • Zankuro Minazuki: The main antagonist of the game, a powerful swordsman who seeks to conquer the world.

Development

Samurai Spirits Sen was developed by SNK Playmore, a Japanese video game developer and publisher. The game was directed by Nobuyuki Kuroki, who had previously worked on other SNK Playmore fighting games such as The King of Fighters XII and Fatal Fury: Wild Ambition.

The game was developed using SNK Playmore’s proprietary Neo Geo MVS arcade system. The Neo Geo MVS system was a popular arcade system in the 1990s and early 2000s, and was known for its powerful hardware and high-quality graphics.

Release

Samurai Spirits Sen was released as an arcade game in Japan in December 2008. The game was ported to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation Portable in 2009.

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game were released in North America and Europe in September 2009. The PlayStation Portable version of the game was released in North America and Europe in October 2009.

Reception

Samurai Spirits Sen received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its beautiful visuals, tight controls, and roster of iconic characters. However, the game was also criticized for its lack of online multiplayer support.

Legacy

Samurai Spirits Sen is considered to be one of the best fighting games of its generation. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful visuals have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.

Samurai Spirits Sen was followed by a sequel, Samurai Spirits: Tenkaichi Kenkakuden, which was released in 2010. Samurai Spirits: Tenkaichi Kenkakuden is a more traditional Samurai Spirits game, and features a roster of characters from the series’ past.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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