Neo Geo- Samurai Showdown Review

SAMURAI SHODOWN released on the NEOGEO in 1993, followed by its sequel SAMURAI SHODOWN II in 1994, and the series became a trilogy in 1995 with SAMURAI SHODOWN III. Soon after SAMURAI SHODOWN IV AMAKUSA’S REVENGE came in 1996, and seven years later SAMURAI SHODOWN V was released in 2003, with SAMURAI SHODOWN V SPECIAL releasing the following year in 2004. Never before released to the public, SAMURAI SHODOWN V PERFECT is a mysterious final version of SAMURAI SHODOWN V that is the stuff of legends to SNK fans. Players can select between either Japanese or English MVS arcade versions for each title. Additionally, there are features such as scanlines for that retro flair, save functions, and arcade mode can even be set to FREE MODE meaning no more game overs!

​The game is set in the late 18th century, and all the characters wield weapons. The game uses music from the time period, with sounds of traditional Japanese instruments, such as the shakuhachi and shamisen. A refined version of the camera zoom first found in Art of Fighting is used in Samurai Shodown. The game includes portrayal of blood.
The game became renowned for its fast pace. Focusing more on quick, powerful strikes than combos, slow motion was added to intensify damage dealt from hard hits. During a match, a referee holds flags representing each player (Player 1 is white; Player 2 is red). When a player lands a successful hit, the referee lifts the corresponding flag, indicating who dealt the blow.
A delivery man occasionally appears in the background and throws items such as bombs or health-restoring chicken, which can change the outcome