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.

Platform

Arcade

Year

1996

Genre

Weapon-based Fighting

Developer

SNK

Controls

JoystickMove/Duck/Jump

ALight Slash

BMedium Slash

CStrong Slash

DKick

A+BDisarm (When opponent attacks)

B+CWeapon Flipping Technique

Down, Down-Forward, Forward + SlashSpecial Moves

Start ButtonSwitch Between Slash/Bust/Plus Styles

Full Rage Gauge + Any AttackRage Explosion

Certain Conditions + Specific InputFatality Moves

About This Game

The game features 17 characters including all major fighters from previous installments plus newcomers like Kazuki Kazama and Sogetsu Kazama. Each character now has three distinct fighting styles (Slash/Bust/Plus) with unique move sets and properties.

Key improvements include a reworked Rage system with visible meter, enhanced mobility options (backsteps, short jumps), and the return of dramatic finishing moves. The Neo Geo hardware achieves new visual heights with multi-layered parallax scrolling stages and dynamic lighting effects.

Considered the most balanced entry in the classic series, Samurai Shodown IV successfully merged strategic depth with flashy spectacle. It remains a tournament favorite for its technical gameplay and serves as the narrative conclusion to the Amakusa storyline.

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