✓ Trusted sources ✓ How do we evaluate?
This content contains affiliate links — if you sign up through them, we may earn a commission. This does not affect our reviews. How we make money
The 2019 Samurai Shodown is a reboot of the legendary fighting series that combines modern graphics with fun gameplay mechanics familiar from previous entries. Intense samurai duels are entertaining, although some might find them too reminiscent of The King of Fighters. However, the setting in the Japanese Tenmei era suits the game well, and it remains an enjoyable brawler.
The latest Samurai Shodown builds on proven 2D gameplay with 3D graphics. The almost cartoonish characters are fun, but it’s clear the game is based on the original arcade slot machines (slots) concept. That also means simplified controls: Samurai Shodown offers four basic attack types – light, medium, heavy, and kick. In battles, players can also use advanced mechanics such as counters, dodges, and grabs. A key element is the Rage Gauge system, which charges when taking damage. Once full, you can activate rage mode, which temporarily boosts your character’s strength and enables a disarming attack. Each character also has a Super Special Move, a devastating attack that can only be used once per match. The most interesting new feature is the ability to train an AI that observes the player’s fighting style and creates a ghost character that mimics the player’s movements and tactics. Players can then fight their own ghost to improve their skills. Bloody finishing moves, removed from earlier games in the series, have also made a return.
The story takes place in 1787 during Japan’s Tenmei era, which falls between the events of Samurai Shodown V and the original game in the series. The island nation is struck by fires and famine. A mysterious dark force in the form of the spirit Shizuka Gozen threatens all of Japan. Warriors from across the world set out on a path of righteousness. These brave fighters are the core of the Samurai Shodown fighting game. The base game offers 16 characters to choose from, with more available via DLC—both paid and free expansions. Players can try out familiar heroes from the series as well as new and guest characters from other franchises.
The fighting game, which was well-received by critics and earned numerous awards, is available on gaming platforms such as PlayStation 4 (games for PS4), Xbox One (games for Xbox One), Nintendo Switch (games for Nintendo Switch), Stadia, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and even on mobile devices with Android and iOS via Netflix Games. You can buy Samurai Shodown from standard digital stores (PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games, or the Nintendo eShop) for around €50, depending on the store and the edition purchased.
Despite some criticism over the lack of single-player content, Samurai Shodown is a successful return of a classic. The battles offer plenty of room for strategy, and it’s not just a mindless button masher, as it may first appear. It’s worth noting that the game continues to receive regular updates and expansions to this day. Thanks to this, it remains a well-maintained title that is definitely worth playing.
