Samurai Shodown
Samurai Shodown is a 1993 weapon-based fighting game developed and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade system. Set in 18th century Japan, it revolutionized fighting games by introducing deliberate pacing, weapon combat mechanics, and the iconic Rage Gauge system.
Controls
About This Game
The game features 12 characters including Haohmaru, Nakoruru, and Galford, each wielding historically-inspired weapons with unique reach and properties. Unlike contemporary fighters, Samurai Shodown emphasizes strategic spacing and punishing whiffed attacks rather than combo chains.
Innovations include disarming opponents, context-sensitive blood effects, and the Rage Mode that temporarily boosts damage when health is low. The Neo Geo hardware allowed for detailed sprite work with traditional Japanese art influences.
Praised for its fresh approach to the genre, Samurai Shodown won multiple Game of the Year awards and spawned a long-running series. Its deliberate gameplay and aesthetic authenticity made it a cultural landmark in fighting games.
Related Games
Samurai Shodown II
Samurai Shodown II is a 1994 weapon-based fighting game developed and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade system. The sequel to the groundbreaking Samurai Shodown introduced 5 new characters, refined the Rage Gauge system, and added fatalities - making it one of the most violent fighting games of its era.
Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood
Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood is a 1995 weapon-based fighting game developed and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade system. This radical reinvention of the series introduced a branching storyline, stance-based combat, and the revolutionary 'Rage Slash' system that dramatically altered gameplay dynamics.
Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge
Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge is a 1996 weapon-based fighting game developed and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade system. Serving as the climax of the original Samurai Shodown saga, it refined III's mechanics while bringing back fan-favorite elements like fatalities and a more balanced roster.
SAMURAI SHODOWN V SPECIAL
The definitive edition of Samurai Shodown V with rebalanced gameplay and all 28 characters unlocked. Features enhanced Rage Gauge mechanics and new EX special moves.
SAMURAI SHODOWN! 2 - POCKET FIGHTING SERIES
1999
FightingThe NeoGeo Pocket adaptation of SNK's weapon-based fighter, featuring 12 warriors with simplified controls optimized for handheld combat.
The Last Blade
SNK's 1997 weapon-based fighter set in Bakumatsu-era Japan, featuring 12 swordsmen with unique stances (Speed/Power) and supernatural abilities. Introduces the 'Super Cancel' system and atmospheric parry mechanics.