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.

Platform

Arcade

Year

1994

Genre

Weapon-based Fighting

Developer

SNK

Controls

JoystickMove/Duck/Jump

ALight Slash (Slash Mode)

BMedium Slash (Slash Mode) / Light Bust (Bust Mode)

CStrong Slash (Slash Mode) / Medium Bust (Bust Mode)

DKick / Strong Bust (Bust Mode)

A+BDisarm (When opponent attacks)

B+CWeapon Flipping Technique

Down, Down-Forward, Forward + SlashSpecial Moves

Full Rage Gauge + Strong SlashRage Explosion

Certain Conditions + Specific InputFatality Moves

About This Game

The roster expanded to 15 fighters including newcomers like Cham Cham, Genan Shiranui, and Nicotine Caffeine. Each character received new special moves and the ability to perform two different Super Special Techniques based on their remaining health.

Gameplay innovations included the Slash/Bust weapon mode selection, Rage Explosion attacks, and the debut of the series' iconic fatalities (including decapitations). The Neo Geo hardware pushed sprite animation further with 300+ frames per character and dynamic camera zooms during special moves.

Considered the pinnacle of the series by many fans, Samurai Shodown II won multiple 'Fighting Game of the Year' awards and was ported to 14 different home systems. Its perfect balance of strategy and spectacle influenced all subsequent weapon-based fighters.

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