SLASH! KICK! PUNCH! The Wait is Over! Release the Samurai!
Overview
Back in the day only a few games kept me coming back to my local arcade. Street Fighter was the big thing back then, but one another series ate just as much of my quarters as that other series. I’m talking about Samurai Showdown. The first game reeled me in with its great graphics and unique game play. A 2D character, in a fighter, using weapons was a new concept then, and it worked perfectly. Samurai Showdown 2 remains as one of my favorite fighters of all time. I forgot about that other Capcom fighter when it was first unleashed in my local arcade. After two decent sequels, Samurai Showdown has returned to remind me why 2D fighters, and SNK, are here to stay.
Graphics 8/10
3D can never touch the quality of 2D. All the sprites are big and wonderfully animated. The old cast looks great; Haohmaru and Genjuro look just as good, maybe better, than the previous installments. Same goes for all the other returning characters like Ukyo and Kazuki. The new characters are all well designed. Yoshitora, Nina, and Yunfei are unique and are animated well. Kusaregedo is just plain weird, but a good addition to the roster. Rera has a Nakoruru look to her, but has her own style to keep her different. Rasetsumaru, who looks like an evil Haohmaru, is badass looking. Suija and Enja are similar in looks yet they match their elemental styles. The bosses are a mix bag. Yorozu is a lame boss, in my opinion. Yumeji and Goah are cool; Goah after Rage Explosion is the best. SNK keeps churning out high quality sprites and designs. Some of stages have been seen before, with new ones to compliment the new faces. They are all bright and colorful, but doesn’t distract you from the action. Makes me proud to be a 2D fan.
Gameplay/Controls 8/10
This is Samurai Showdown through and through. Combos, specials, even the Knocking On the Swords supers, its all here. Returning characters seem unchanged, from what I can tell. I was hoping for more new moves, but it’s a minor thing that doesn’t bother me too much. The new characters are fun to use so expect some new favorites. Yoshitora and Nina are a little cheap in their attacks; Nina’s keep away with her arrows and Yoshitora’s sword specials. Enja and Suija feel similar to Kazuki and Sogetsu, but you quickly dismiss it when you start learning their moves and combos. Both solid additions to the action. Rasetsumaru plays more defensive than Haohmaru, with his counters and lag in his moves. A nice change for you Haohmaru vets. Kusaregedo is the awkward character of the bunch so fans of those types should feel right at home. Yunfei seems to be the most balanced of the group, doesn’t really excel in any particular attribute. Yorozu is an easy boss, too easy. Yumeji is a good challenge with her varied attacks and her mimic moves. Gaoh is easy, but the difficulty goes up a notch when he transforms into that Bishamon meets Raikoh (Otogi). All his attacks can be blocked but the chipping damage can take its toll. Moving on, the sword meter under your health bar can increase your offensive damage. Rage Explosion returns along with a brand new system: Concentration One. By holding D you go into a meditation pose, tapping it with a direction causes you to dodge, and use up the energy in your Rage Gauge. When you have meditated enough, your health bar should be blue, do QCB + CD to enter Concentration One mode. Your opponent will move in slow motion, giving you an advantage. Also by tapping BCD simultaneously, you can quickly turn the match around from a losing battle. The controls are just as tight and responsive as ever. Vets will be pulling off moves and combos with no problems, while noobs can jump into the action with ease. Samurai Showdown 5 isn’t the deepest fighter, but strong enough to be worthy of the name.
Sound/Music 8/10
The music is typical Samurai Showdown. These songs would fit in a battle of swords, samurai style. Songs for the new stages are great with the return of some classics. When you are in the heat of battle you realize how well the music works. It fit’s the mood, but you won’t be humming these songs. Kicks, slashes, clashing of swords, it all sounds great and continues that classic feel of the series. The voices are done in Japanese, like it should be, just to complete the overall package.
Replay Value 7/10
With 24 characters to choose from, you have many reasons to play against the cpu. Whether it’s trying out new characters, perfecting your combos, testing your skills, or just enjoying the amazing game play, this game will keep you busy. Bring some friends along and you will be playing for hours. They never played Samurai Showdown you say? It’s the perfect time to show them one of the greatest series of all time. They will be hooked, just like you.
Overall 8/10
Another great installment.
Samurai Showdown will remain one of my favorite series of all time. This latest version is the best I played since 2. A nice size roster with cool new characters, fluid animation, unique new systems and modes, and still just as fun to play as any version. SNK continues to do this series justice and I hope they continue to do so for many years to come. SNK is back folks and if you’re a 2D fan, this is the greatest feeling in the world.
- by Cold Man X
