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.
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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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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.
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.
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