Games Database
Neo Geo
Beat 'Em Up
| Also for: | Game Boy, Neo Geo Pocket, Sega Megadrive, SNES, 3DO, Neo Geo, Game Gear, Sega MegaCD | ||
| Viewed: | 2D Side-on, Scrolling | Genre: | Beat 'Em Up |
| Media: | Cartridge (also on CD) | Arcade origin: | No |
| Publishers: | SNK
(US) |
Released: | 1993
(US) |
Screens
Summary
Samurai Shodown was the shopiece (get it!) of SNK’s Neo Geo fighting series. Following a fine tradition of ropey sub-plots in 2D fighting games, the world needs saving, and only a lot of ass kicking will do.
This brilliant and innovative fighter pits twelve of the most brilliant and bizarre Ninja and Samurai against each other. The moves are wide-ranging and plentiful, and follow the preferred quarter circle, half circle, hold for two seconds system.
The first thing you notice when playing Samurai is that it is really difficult. Even if you are an experienced fighting games player, there is a notable stepping up in difficulty. Slowly you learn a few moves and you will be rewarded with the odd victory. It’s then that you notice.
There is an intricacy in Samurai Shodown that belies your first play. Under the surface of what seems a standard fighter, a different game is being played. A game of instinctive timing and action that seems impossible to master. This is especially evident when you play a master of the game. Their dominance is unbelievable, pinning you into a corner and delivering a fluent chain of blows that ultimately leads to a bloody death. This is all achieved without the use of chained supers or programmed moves. Pure skill.
The home version of Shodown lacks in one department. The blood has been coloured white and is referred to as sweat. This, however is a forgivable flaw in what is truly one of the all time greatest fighting games.
This brilliant and innovative fighter pits twelve of the most brilliant and bizarre Ninja and Samurai against each other. The moves are wide-ranging and plentiful, and follow the preferred quarter circle, half circle, hold for two seconds system.
The first thing you notice when playing Samurai is that it is really difficult. Even if you are an experienced fighting games player, there is a notable stepping up in difficulty. Slowly you learn a few moves and you will be rewarded with the odd victory. It’s then that you notice.
There is an intricacy in Samurai Shodown that belies your first play. Under the surface of what seems a standard fighter, a different game is being played. A game of instinctive timing and action that seems impossible to master. This is especially evident when you play a master of the game. Their dominance is unbelievable, pinning you into a corner and delivering a fluent chain of blows that ultimately leads to a bloody death. This is all achieved without the use of chained supers or programmed moves. Pure skill.
The home version of Shodown lacks in one department. The blood has been coloured white and is referred to as sweat. This, however is a forgivable flaw in what is truly one of the all time greatest fighting games.