Samurai Shodown

Thanks to the hard work of SNK, Samurai Shodown has become the emperor of the fighting game empire. Breathtaking graphical deliverance of tactical, cerebral fighting that can be over within the blink of an eye, thanks to the balance and content of Samurai Shodown's gameplay mechanics. I do wish there was more in terms of content that would keep me drawn into their world, but what is there is nothing short of mind blowing.

Samurai Shodown is easy to play yet challenging, the player will need to find the balance between a good attack and defense.

An excellent return for an arcade classic, Samurai Shodown is a reboot that looks sensational, has a wealth of options, plays remarkably well, and possesses deep, hugely rewarding fighting mechanics. The Dojo mode is also superb, ensuring that Samurai Shodown doesn't just push the envelope, but slices it wide open.

Archaic story mode and load times aside, Samurai Shodown succeeds as a fundamentals driven 2D fighting game.

Samurai Shodown is unlike any other fighting game. I love the deliberate combat and how each fighter feels entirely unique. I wish the online was more active, but even the amount of single player modes and promise of new characters means I will be revisiting this for a while. If things like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter feel overwhelming this might be the game for you. It is simple, yet deep in a different sense. It doesn’t require memorization, just good timing and understanding. It felt more user friendly than long string combos and the visceral attacks feel incredible.

Samurai Shodown brings back one of the most challenging fighters ever, making it a bit more accessible but not easier. Lovers of tactical fighting games will love it, but it would have benefited from more contents.

Samurai Shodown is a very different fighter to what you might be used to, but it offers a unique way to play, offering a different approach to the genre.

SNK proves that it can take the fight to Mortal Kombat, Soulcalibur and Tekken. The tactical approach to the unforgiving fighting system is a breath of fresh air.

Though some weak modes dampen the overall package, Samurai Shodown might just offer the best pure fighting game experience in recent memory, for both veterans and newcomers alike.

Easy to play, difficult to master. That’s what Samurai Shodown 2019 is. Each fight is so violent, so intense, smart that you can’t put the controler down. A real must-have for every VS fighting lovers.

A considered fighter that’s wrapped up in a stylish, if slight, package. [Issue#180, p.75]

Samurai Shodown marks the return of a beloved classic, and although not quite as refined nor as deep as its modern contemporaries, the game proves that there’s still plenty of life in the franchise yet. Through staying faithful to the series’ roots, Samurai Shodown offers up a different kind of fighter, one that retains the strategic action and high levels of tension that put this saga on the radar to begin with. Whilst not great, it’s certainly bold and unique.

Samurai Shodown is a good fighting with a nervous gameplay, but with poor graphics.

A video game of fights with a unique spirit and a captivating art. The game leaves aside the basic mechanics to focus on a paused and very technical fighting style.