(LAST UPDATE: 7/13/09)
Developer(s): SNK
Publisher(s): SNK
Platform(s): Neo
Geo, Neo Geo CD, Super Nintendo, 3DO, Game Gear, Game Boy, Wii, PS2, PSP, Xbox
360 (XBLA)
Release: August 11th, 1993
Characters:
Haohmaru, Ukyo,
Galford,
Hanzo,
Kyoshiro,
Gen-an,
Earthquake, Wan-Fu,
Nakoruru,
Charlotte,
Jubei, Tam
Tam, Amakusa
Related Games:
Samurai
Shodown 2, Samurai Shodown 3, Samurai
Shodown 4, Samurai Shodown 5, Samurai
Shodown 5 Special,
Samurai Shodown 6, Samurai
Shodown 64, Samurai Shodown 64 - 2, Samurai
Shodown Pocket, Samurai Shodown
2 Pocket, Samurai Shodown Warrior's
Rage, Samurai Shodown: Edge of Destiny, Samurai
Shodown Anthology
Story: Plagues of unknown origin, strange phenomena, repeated outbreaks of war: these were enough to cause panic and plunge people into despair. But one smiled as he surveyed the unfolding chaos rending the world asunder. For this "man," once slain by the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate, hate for the Shogunate is all he possesses along with newly acquired dark powers to bring it down. This "man," Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, unleashes his unworldly forces and spreads his false creed in an attempt to lead the world to ruin. But in the midst of such calamities, there were still warriors who put their beliefs to the test. These warriors spurred by different motives and beliefs converge as if drawn together, battle, and make their way to the source of the chaos.
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Review: Samurai Shodown is a 2D fighting game not unlike Capcom's long-running fighting series, Street Fighter 2, but instead of fighting with fists, the characters in Samurai Shodown (or Samurai Spirits in Japan) use a variety of weapons. Each character of course utilizes their own unique weapon and fighting style. Some of the characters are also based on real-life historical figures such as Miyamoto Musashi (Haohmaru), Amakusa Shirou Tokisada and Hanzo Hattori.
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Samurai Shodown is responsible for introducing the "Rage" gauge (or "POW" gauge) to the fighting game genre. Basically, the more you get hit, the more damage you can deal out... A strategic element of the gameplay that can really turn the tide of a battle. Another unique thing that makes Samurai Shodown different than the rest are characters featured in the background that directly interact with the gameplay. Firstly, the Kuroko (the ump) attentively watches the battle from the sidelines. Kuroko doesn't actually play a part in the gameplay but he does add to the mood and setting of every stage. There is however a character from the background (unnamed) who does interfere with the gameplay. He actually runs through the background, tossing an item into the ring... This item could be food (to increase a players health) or money (for useless points)... Another fun innovation to 2D fighting gameplay that we haven't seen before.
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The characters of Samurai Shodown are colorful, intricately designed, and play their part very well in this epic little game. Some characters have animals that tag along with them, and can even be used directly against their opponent in the midst of battle which is another completely unique gameplay element to the fighting genre. Samurai Shodown, as an arcade game, really stood out among the crowd... It has an exceptional art style, great music, and creates a mood unlike any other fighting game at the time.
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As colorful and cartoony as Samurai Shodown may look, this isn't exactly a game for kids... Samurai Shodown proudly features "deaths" at the very end of (some) battles, if the last move hits just right. If you win with the right "style," your opponent could be cut in half, or have a fatal wound, and drop to the ground after blood sprays into the air. The stylish death at the end of the match is no doubt a nice touch (and is done tastefully), and to me is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game.
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9.5 / 10 |
Closing Comment: The
first Samurai Shodown one of the most innovative titles to come from SNK
in the early days... The first ever Samurai Shodown was the
seed that started a truly memorable 2D fighting series, and Samurai
Shodown 2 built upon everything that was great about this game! ~F.Yagami,
Webmaster
of TFG
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