Profile
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
General: Samurai Shodown is a 2D fighting game much like Capcom's long-running fighting series, Street Fighter 2, but instead of fighting with fists, these characters use weapons. Samurai Shodown is actually called Samurai Spirits in Japan. And if you didn't know, some of the characters in this game are based on real-life historical figures such as Miyamoto Musashi (Haohmaru), Amakusa Shirou Tokisada and Hanzo Hattori.
.
Samurai Shodown is responsible for introducing the "Rage" gauge (or "POW" gauge). The more you get hit, the more damage you deal out... A cool gameplay element unique to the fighting genre. Some characters also have animals that tag along with them, and can be used against their opponent in the midst of battle... Another unique gameplay element to the fighting genre. This game has an exceptional artistic style, great music, balance, and creates a mood unlike any other.
.
Samurai Shodown also features some interesting new visual and gameplay features to increase player's enjoyment, including the Kuroko, "The Ref," who attentively watches from the background, and even a character from the background who runs onscreen, and sometimes tosses an item into the ring, which could be food (to increase a players health) or money (for useless points)... Another fun innovation to 2D fighting gameplay.
.
And lastly, Samurai Shodown also features deaths at the end of some battles, but in a classy way... 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 a nice blood srpay. The stylish death at the end of the match is a nice touch, and probably one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game. Samurai Shodown was no doubt a big influence to future hit weapon-based fighting games, such as Soul Edge.
.
Manufacturer: SNK
Platforms: Neo
Geo, Super Nintendo
Release: 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing Comment: Samurai Shodown was one of the most innovative titles to come from SNK in the early days, in my opinion. The first ever Samurai Shodown was the seed that started a truly memorable 2D fighting series... And Samurai Shodown 2 was even more amazing! ~F.Yagami, Webmaster of TFG
.