Samurai Shodown

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  • Sega Mega Drive
    NTSC-U
  • Sega Mega Drive
    NTSC-J
  • Sega Mega Drive
    PAL
  • Sega Game Gear
    US
  • Sega Game Gear
    JP
  • Mega-CD

SamuraiShodown Title.png

SamuraiSpirits MD JP TitleScreen.png

SamuraiShodown MD EU TitleScreen.png

SamuraiShodown GG US Title.png

SamuraiSpirits GG JP Title.png

SamuraiShodown MCD US Title.png

Samurai Shodown
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Mega-CD, Sega Game Gear
Publisher:
Sega Mega Drive
Sega
Sega Mega Drive
Sega Game Gear
Takara
Sega Mega-CD
JVC Musical Industries
Developer:
Licensor: SNK
Original system(s): Neo Geo
Developer(s) of original games: SNK
Sound driver:
Sega Mega Drive
SMPS 68000
Peripherals supported:
Sega Mega Drive
Sega Mega-CD
Six Button Control Pad
Genre: Action[1][2][3][4]

















Number of players:
Sega Mega Drive
Sega Mega-CD
1-2,
Sega Game Gear
1
Official in-game languages:
Sega Mega Drive
Sega Game Gear
  • English
  • 日本語
  • Sega Mega-CD
  • English
  • Release Date RRP Code
    Sega Mega Drive
    JP
    ¥8,8008,800 G-4127
    Sega Mega Drive
    US
    T-103066
    Videogame Rating Council: MA-13
    Sega Mega Drive
    EU
    1184-50
    ELSPA: 11+ OK
    Sega Mega Drive
    PT
    Sega Mega Drive
    UK
    £49.9949.99[7][6] 1184-50
    ELSPA: 11+ OK
    Sega Mega Drive
    AU
    $99.9599.95[8] FSAM01SMC
    OFLC: M15
    Sega Game Gear
    JP
    ¥4,8004,800 T-146027
    Sega Game Gear
    US
    T-103018
    Videogame Rating Council: MA-13
    Sega Mega-CD
    US
    T-60175
    ESRB: Teen
    Sega Mega-CD
    EU
    T-60175-50
    ELSPA: 15+ OK
    Sega Mega-CD
    PT
    Sega Mega-CD
    UK
    £34.9934.99[13] T-60175-50
    ELSPA: 15+ OK
    Sega Mega-CD
    AU
    FSAM01SMR
    Sega Mega-CD
    BR
    R$69.9969.99 063696
    Tectoy: 13+
    Non-Sega versions

    Samurai Shodown, known as Samurai Spirits (サムライスピリッツ) in Japan, is a versus fighting game by SNK, originally released for the Neo Geo in 1993 and subsequently ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Mega-CD, and Sega Game Gear.

    It is the first game in the Samurai Shodown series. It is one of the first fighting games with a focus on weapons rather than solely hand-to-hand combat.

    Story

    Shiro Tokisada Amakusa, slain in Japan in the 17th century by the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate for his part in the Shimabara Rebellion, is resurrected over a hundred years later by the dark god Ambrosia. Driven by his hatred for the Shogunate, he unleashes his dark powers to rain destruction upon the world. A group of warriors converge upon the source of the chaos, each driven by their own motivations. The game takes artistic license to include foreign-born characters (including some from places that did not exist as such at the time), historical figures, and fictional monsters.

    Gameplay

    Mega Drive and Mega-CD versions

    Samurai Shodown MD, Character Select.png

    Character select

    The game is a versus fighting game set in Japan in the late 18th century. All of the characters wield weapons. Compared to other fighting games, its gameplay is focused more on quick, powerful strikes than on combos. The goal is to win the best of three duels against an opponent. Each duel is timed. The winner is the player who depletes the other character's life meter or has the most life remaining when time runs out. In the Mega Drive version, a referee named Kuroko appears during the match and holds flags representing each player. The referee raises a flag whenever a player lands a successful hit.

    Characters move with Left or Right. They backstep or dash with Left Left or Right Right. They jump upward with Up and jump behind and ahead with Up-left or Up-right. They crouch with Down. Using a Six Button Control Pad, characters can slash (or punch if disarmed) with X (weak), Y (normal), or Z (strong) and kick with A (weak), B (normal), or C (strong). Powerful strikes are accompanied by a slow-motion effect to intensify the hit.

    Using a standard control pad on the Mega Drive version, characters slash or punch with A (weak), B (normal), or C (strong) and kick with A+B (weak), B+C (normal), or A+C (strong). On the Mega-CD version, characters slash or punch with A (weak), B (normal), or A+B (strong) and kick with C (weak), B+C (normal), or A+C (strong).

    When characters slash each other at the same time, they lock swords. Players must press the slash buttons rapidly to break the lock, with the player who loses the hold (by not pressing the buttons as fast as the opposing player) having the character knocked back and disarmed. A character can equip his or her weapon again by pressing a slash button while standing next to it. Weapons are weakened each time they hit each other; it is possible for a weapon to break, in which case it is unavailable for the rest of the duel. In addition to their standard attacks, characters can perform special moves using specific button combinations (though many special moves cannot be performed if the character is disarmed).

    Guarding is done by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent. Guarding can be done while standing or crouching. Most attacks can be blocked while standing or crouching, but some attacks must specifically be blocked high or low. Characters can become dizzy and stunned momentarily after taking repeated damage; they can recover more quickly by moving the D-Pad and pressing buttons rapidly. Characters can throw an opponent by holding Left or Right while pressing the medium or strong slash or kick button in close range. Throws cannot be blocked. Each character has a POW meter (also called a "Rage gauge") that fills as the player is hit by enemy attacks or guards against an attack. When the meter is full, the character turns red and attacks with increased strength for a duration.

    Modes

    Samurai Shodown MD, Bonus Stage.png

    Bonus stage

    In the single-player mode, the player faces every character in a randomized order, ending in a fight against the boss Amakusa. The game ends if the player loses a match. The Mega Drive version has unlimited continues, but the Mega-CD version only allows the player to continue up to three times. A bonus stage appears after every three matches where the character destroys straw dummies that pop up in three randomized positions for extra points. A second player can join the game as an opponent by pressing  START  at any time. The Mega Drive version has eight difficulty levels (but the ending for the character is only shown if playing on 4 or above). The Mega-CD version has four difficulty levels (Easy, Normal, Hard, and a "Vs Mode" difficulty that is between Normal and Hard and equivalent to the arcade version).

    The Mega Drive version has a dedicated two-player mode where players can choose a handicap and a stage. The Mega-CD version only allows two-player matches in the standard arcade mode (with players able to choose different characters at the end of every match without returning to the character select screen, to mitigate load times). The Mega Drive version has an additional two-player "Showdown" mode where each player chooses five characters to fight in five consecutive matches.

    Items

    Samurai Shodown MD, Courier.png

    Courier

    In the Mega Drive version, a courier named Hikyaku sometimes runs by in the background to throw items into the stage. There is an option to disable items or change the frequency that they appear. In the Mega-CD version, there is no courier, but items sometimes fall from the top of the screen instead.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Items.png
    Meat
    Restores partial vitality for a character when walked over.
    Samurai Shodown MD, Items.png
    Coins
    Awards bonus points when walked over.
    Samurai Shodown MD, Items.png
    Bomb
    Explodes and damages either fighter if nearby. This item is not present in the Mega-CD version.

    Characters

    Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, Left and Right should be reversed.

    S Any slash button
     LS  Light slash
     MS  Medium slash
     HS  Hard slash
    K Any kick button
     LK  Light kick
     MK  Medium kick
     HK  Hard kick
    Playable

    All of the characters from the Neo Geo game are present except for Earthquake.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Charlotte.png

    Charlotte
    Birthplace:
    France
    Age:
    27
    Weapon:
    Laroche
    Charlotte is a French noblewoman and master fencer.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Splash Fount SSSSS (requires weapon) Charlotte charges forward while thrusting her sword rapidly.
    Power Gradation Left Down-left Down Down-right Right S (requires weapon) Charlotte flies into the air while slashing her sword. The height of the maneuver depends on the strength of the button used.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Galford.png

    Galford
    Birthplace:
    San Francisco, U.S.A.
    Age:
    39
    Weapon:
    Blade of Justice
    Galford is an American who traveled to Japan to become a ninja. He is aided by his pet dog, Poppy.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Triangle Jump D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Galford can jump off the edges of the screen.
    Plasma Blade Down Down-right Right S Galford throws two large plasma kunai across the screen. The speed of the projectiles depends on the strength of the button used.
    Rush Dog Down Down-left Left S Galford sends his dog Poppy to rush over and charge his opponent. The speed and distance traveled by the dog depends on the strength of the button used.
    Machine Gun Dog Down Down-left Left  LK  Galford sends his dog Poppy to rush over and maul his opponent, which knocks the opponent over.
    Diving Dog Down Down-left Left  MK  Galford sends his dog Poppy to rush over and knock his opponent over.
    Ninja Shadow Replicates Right Left Down-left Down Down-right Right S or K Galford splits into four duplicate images, which hover in the air. The images are invulnerable. When the images land, Galford takes the position of one of them: from  LS  (leftmost) to  MS  to  LK  to  MK  (rightmost). The images land automatically after a duration, or the player can land them more quickly by pressing any button.
    Rear Replica Attack Right Down-right Down Down-left Left  LK  Galford disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, landing with a sword slash.
    Head Replica Attack Hold  LK  while being attacked Galford disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, landing with a sword slash.
    Head Strike Right Down Down-right K (close) Galford grabs his opponent and flies into the air, then drives his opponent head-first into the ground. The height of the maneuver depends on the strength of the button used.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Gen-An.png

    Gen-An
    Birthplace:
    Oninakijima, Japan
    Age:
    26
    Weapon:
    Azami (named after his wife)
    Gen-An is a monstrous creature with clawed hands. He is a member of the enigmatic Shiranui clan (a reference to Mai Shiranui from the Fatal Fury games).
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Crawl Down-left or Down-right Gen-An can move while crouched.
    Poison Cloud Puff Down Down-right Right S Gen-An blows a cloud of poisonous gas that knocks his opponent over on impact. The speed and distance traveled by the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
    Slasher Spin Right Down Down-right S Gen-An rolls along the ground while spinning with his claws. The starts spinning upward after hitting his opponent or the edge of the screen. The speed of travel depends on the strength of the button used.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Hanzo.png

    Hanzo
    Birthplace:
    Dewasanchu, Japan
    Age:
    34
    Weapon:
    Unnamed (ninja-style sword)
    Hanzo is an Iga ninja who fights to save his son from Amakusa's control. He is based on the historical figure Hittori Hanzou, like the character of the same name from the World Heroes games.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Triangle Jump D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Hanzo can jump off the edges of the screen.
    Flying Spikeball Down Down-right Right S Hanzo throws a shuriken across the screen. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
    Ninja Exploding Dragon Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+S Hanzo summons a fire dragon, which moves across the ground like a wave and knocks over his opponent on impact. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
    Ninja Shadow Replicates Right Left Down-left Down Down-right Right S or K Hanzo splits into four duplicate images, which hover in the air. The images are invulnerable. When the images land, Hanzo takes the position of one of them: from  LS  (leftmost) to  MS  to  LK  to  MK  (rightmost). The images land automatically after a duration, or the player can land them more quickly by pressing any button.
    Ninja Teleportation Jig Right Down-right Down Down-left Left  LK  Hanzo disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, landing with a sword slash.
    Ninpo Ussemi Chizan Hold  LK  while being attacked Hanzo disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, landing with a sword slash.
    Strike Dash Right Down Down-right K (close) Hanzo grabs his opponent and flies into the air, then drives his opponent head-first into the ground. The height of the maneuver depends on the strength of the button used.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Haohmaru.png

    Haohmaru
    Birthplace:
    Musashinokuni, Japan
    Age:
    25
    Weapon:
    The Fugu Blade
    Haohmaru is a wandering samurai who is searching for strong opponents to hone his skills.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Cyclone Slash Down Down-right Right S (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his katana, summoning a cyclone that rolls across the ground and knocks over his opponent on impact. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
    Crescent Moon Slash Right Down Down-right S (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his katana in a circle around him, then twirls into the air while slashing his katana.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Jubei.png

    Jubei
    Birthplace:
    Tosa, Japan
    Age:
    39
    Weapon:
    The Tokugawa Defender and the Iron Tiger Saber
    Jubei is a ronin who strives to protect Japan from its enemies.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Saber Thrash SSSSS (requires weapon) Jubei waves his sabers rapidly in front of him.
    Gesyer Thrust Down Down-right Right S (requires weapon) Jubei slashes his saber and causes a ripple of fire to roll across the ground. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
    Tsunami Saber Right Down Down-right S (requires weapon) Jubei charges at this opponent with his shoulder, then jumps into the air while swiping a saber.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Kyoshiro.png

    Kyoshiro
    Birthplace:
    Edo (Old Tokyo)
    Age:
    30
    Weapon:
    Kabuki Slasher
    Kyoshiro is a kabuki performer who uses his art to entertain and perfect his own fighting skills.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Crawl Down-left or Down-right Kyoshiro can move while crouched.
    Whirlwind Fan Down Down-left Left S Kyoshiro throws a flaming fan across the screen. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
    Twirling Fan Down-left Down Right Down-right S Kyoshiro breathes fire in front of him, using his hand fan to fan the flame.
    Jumping Lion Down Down-left Left K (requires weapon) Kyoshiro vaults onto his naginata and kicks forward while radiating with fire, which knocks over his opponent on impact.
    Kabuki Crunch Dance Right Left Down-left Down Down-right Right S (requires weapon) Kyoshiro spins high into the air while slashing his naginata around him. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
    Wheel of Smoke Down+ HS  at peak of jump (requires weapon) Kyoshiro spins down while slashing his naginata around him.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Nakoruru.png

    Nakoruru
    Birthplace:
    Ainumoshiri Kamuikotan, Japan
    Age:
    17
    Weapon:
    Nature's Wrath
    Nakoruru is a young girl who strives to protect nature. She is aided by her pet hawk, Mamahaha.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Triangle Jump D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Nakoruru can jump off the edges of the screen.
    Annu Mutsube Left Down-left Down S (requires weapon) Nakoruru flies along the ground while holding her kodachi in front of her. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
    Lela Mutsube Down Down-right Right S (requires weapon) Nakoruru flies into the air while holding her kodachi in front of her. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
    Amube Yatoro Right Down-right Down Down-left Left S Nakoruru calls her hawk Mamahaha to strike her opponent from above.
    Mamahaha Flight Down Down-left Left  LK  Nakoruru leaps into the air to be carried by her hawk Mamahaha for a limited duration. While in flight, Nakoruru can move in any direction using the D-Pad or she can perform a dive attack with her kodachi by pressing any attack button. The distance of the dive depends on the strength of the button used (with any K being equivalent to  LS ), or she can dive directly downward by holding Down with any button.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Tam-Tam.png

    Tam Tam
    Birthplace:
    Greenvale, Ixlpalotal
    Age:
    19
    Weapon:
    Hengei-Hangei-Zangei
    Tam Tam is an Incan warrior who is charged with retrieving the stolen Palenke Stone back from Amakusa.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Moora Gaboora Down Down-right Right S Tam Tam throws a skull across the screen. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
    Paguna Dios Down Down-left Left K Tam Tam splits his legs and moves across the ground while rotating. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
    Paguna Paguna Hold Left for 2 seconds, then Right+S (requires weapon) Tam Tam twirls his scimitar in front of him. He can move with Left or Right while doing this move.
    Ahow Gaboori Right Down-right Down Down-left Left S Tam Tam takes a deep breath, jumps into the air, and blows a fireball diagonally downward. The fireball creates an explosion on the ground that flies up into the air. The height of the jump and distance of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Ukyo.png

    Ukyo
    Birthplace:
    Kogagunmasugimura, Omi, Japan
    Age:
    24
    Weapon:
    Unnamed (made by Tachibana himself)
    Ukyo is an ailing samurai warrior who is fighting to gain a flower for his beloved.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Swallow Swipe Left Down-left Down Down-right Right S in midair (requires weapon) Ukyo slashes his katana in the air, sending a flaming bird flying across the screen. The bird travels in an arc, with the arc being more severe with  LS  and more flat with  HS .
    Snowfall Slash Down Down-left Left S (requires weapon) Ukyo tosses an apple into the air, then slashes his katana rapidly in front of him, slicing the apple (and the opponent, if in range).

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Wan-Fu.png

    Wan-Fu
    Birthplace:
    China (descendant of a royal line)
    Age:
    35
    Weapon:
    Sword of the Emperor
    Wan-Fu is a Chinese warrior who serves the Qing Emperor. He searches Japan for worthy fighters to help him unify his homeland.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Crawl Down-left or Down-right Wan-Fu can move while crouched.
    Confucius Thunder Bomb Down Down-left Left S (requires weapon) Wan-Fu jumps high into the air, then throws his flaming sword downward. He jumps backwards and throws the sword forwards with  LS , jumps forwards and throws the sword forwards with  MS , and jumps far forwards and throws the sword backwards with  HS . He must retrieve the sword after he throws it.
    Confucius Whirlwind Right Down Down-right S (requires weapon) Wan-Fu stabs his sword in front of him, then jumps into the air while holding his sword up.
    Bosses

    In the Mega Drive version, Amakusa is playable in the two-player modes. In the Mega-CD version, he is not playable.

    Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Amakusa.png

    Amakusa
    Amakusa is a powerful sorcerer, resurrected by the dark god Ambrosia. He carries a mystical artifact known as the Palenke Stone. He is based on the historical figure Amakusa Shirou. He is the final boss of the game. He is playable in two-player matches in the Mega Drive version.
    Move list
    Name Command Description
    Triangle Jump D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Amakusa can jump off the edges of the screen.
    Spectre Sphere S during Triangle Jump (requires weapon) Amakusa falls back to the ground while burning like a meteor.
    Forward Warp Down Down-right Right S Amakusa teleports forwards. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
    Backward Warp Down Down-right Right K Amakusa teleports backwards. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
    Dark Thunder Hold  LK  for 2 seconds, then release (requires weapon) Amakusa shoots a sphere of destructive energy from his magical orb. The sphere travels most of the width of the screen before returning to the other side (unless it is dissipated by striking the opponent).
    Underworld Apparition Attack Down Down-left Left S (requires weapon) Amakusa shoots an underworld apparition from his magical orb.

    Stages

    Main article: Samurai Shodown/Comparisons.

    Each character has his or her own stage where battles are hosted.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Charlotte.png

    Versailles
    Charlotte's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Galford.png

    San Francisco
    Galford's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Gen-An.png

    Onigami Isle
    Gen-An's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Hanzo.png

    Yamagata
    Hanzo's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Haohmaru.png

    Gairyu Isle
    Haohmaru's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Jubei.png

    Kochi
    Jubei's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Kyoshiro.png

    Tokyo
    Kyoshiro's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Nakoruru.png

    Hokkaido
    Nakoruru's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Tam-Tam.png

    Green Hell
    Tam Tam's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Ukyo.png

    Gairyu Isle
    Ukyo's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Wan-Fu.png

    Seian
    Wan-Fu's stage.

    Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Amakusa.png

    Nagasaki
    Amakusa's stage.

    Game Gear version

    Samurai Shodown GG, Character Select.png

    Character select

    The game is a fighting game. Compared to the other versions of the game, it has simplified controls and omits some of the characters and special moves. There is a single-player mode where the player chooses a character and fights every other character in random order, ending with the final boss Amakusa. There is no two-player mode.

    Characters move with Left or Right. They backstep or dash with Left Left or Right Right. They jump upward with Up and jump behind and ahead with Up-left or Up-right. They crouch with Down. Characters can slash (or punch if disarmed) with 1 and kick with 2. Slashes and kicks only have one strength, but characters can perform a "power slash" with 1+2, which is a slower but stronger attack.

    Characters lock swords when they slash each other at the same time. The player must press 1 rapidly to break the hold. If the player presses the button fast enough, the opponent is thrown back and disarmed; otherwise, the player's character is. Weapons are re-equipped by standing over them and pressing 1. Characters can perform special moves using specific button combinations (though some moves require a weapon to perform).

    Guarding is done by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent. Guarding can be done while standing or crouching. Most attacks can be blocked while standing or crouching, but some attacks must specifically be blocked high or low. Characters can become dizzy and stunned momentarily after taking repeated damage; they can recover more quickly by moving the D-Pad and pressing buttons rapidly. Characters can throw an opponent by holding Left or Right while pressing the slash or kick button in close range. Throws cannot be blocked. Each character has a POW meter (also called a "Rage gauge") that fills as the player is hit by enemy attacks or guards against an attack. When the meter is full, the character turns red and attacks with increased strength for a duration.

    Items

    Items sometimes fall from the top of the screen during a match.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Items.png
    Meat
    Restores partial vitality for a character when walked over.
    Samurai Shodown GG, Items.png
    Bomb
    Explodes and damages either fighter if nearby.

    Characters

    All of the characters from the Neo Geo game are present except for Earthquake, Tam Tam, and Wan-Fu. Amakusa is the final boss and can be unlocked to play by completing the game with any character or by using a cheat code.

    • Charlotte
    • Galford
    • Gen-An
    • Hanzo
    • Haohmaru
    • Jubei
    • Kyoshiro
    • Nakoruru
    • Ukyo
    • Amakusa

    Stages

    Each character has his or her own stage where battles are hosted.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Charlotte.png

    Versailles
    Charlotte's stage.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Galford.png

    San Francisco
    Galford's stage.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Gen-An.png

    Onigami Isle
    Gen-An's stage.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Hanzo.png

    Yamagata
    Hanzo's stage.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Haohmaru.png

    Gairyu Isle
    Haohmaru's stage.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Jubei.png

    Kochi
    Jubei's stage.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Kyoshiro.png

    Tokyo
    Kyoshiro's stage.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Nakoruru.png

    Hokkaido
    Nakoruru's stage.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Ukyo.png

    Gairyu Isle
    Ukyo's stage.

    Samurai Shodown GG, Stages, Amakusa.png

    Nagasaki
    Amakusa's stage.

    Versions

    The Mega Drive and Mega-CD versions were ported separately and by different companies. Both lack the character Earthquake, likely due to the large size of his sprite, and omit the zooming effect from the original Neo Geo versions, instead employing a fixed perspective. The fatal finishing attacks, where the opponent is sliced in half, are also omitted, but the blood is retained. The Mega Drive version includes the referee in the background of every fight, and the final boss Amakusa is playable in two-player matches. The Mega Drive version is missing the arcade introduction, the character artwork shown after a match, and many of the announcer lines. The Mega-CD version restores these omissions and also reproduces the arcade soundtrack, but the referee is absent and Amakusa is not playable in this version.

    The Neo Geo versions use a four-button layout, where strong attacks are performed by pressing the weak and normal punch or kick buttons simultaneously. The Mega Drive and Mega-CD versions allow for a six-button layout where each strength is assigned its own button (similar to Capcom's fighting games).

    The Super NES port includes Earthquake but has smaller sprites than the Mega Drive and Mega-CD versions. It likewise omits the fatal finishing moves and also replaces the blood with "sweat." Amakusa is playable in two-player matches with a cheat code.

    The 3DO port is the only contemporaneous port of the game to retain the camera zooming and all of the violence from the Neo Geo versions.

    Localised names

    Also known as
    Language Localised Name English Translation
    English Samurai Shodown Samurai Shodown
    English (US) Samurai Shodown Samurai Shodown
    Japanese サムライスピリッツ Samurai Spirits

    Production credits

    Mega Drive version

    • Executive Producer: Nobuyuki Tanaka
    • Producer: Yasushi Okahara, Takahiro Shima
    • Direction: Zizi
    • Main Programmer: Haccyan
    • Assistant Programmer: Yama
    • Graphic System: Hideki
    • Graphic Design: Original from SNK
    • Graphic Design Modify: M.Toshiro, T.Koyama
    • Sound Design: Original from SNK
    • Sound System: Den
    • Sound Arrangement: Shinichi Yamazaki, Kazuhiko Oshikiri, Hideki Nagai, Hiroyuki Takei
    • Collision Tuning: Kuzira, Shikanosuke, Koyaman 3D
    Takara Staff and Takara USA Staff
    • Producers: S.Suzuki
    • Director: T.Ikenoue
    • Production Composers: T.Hocho, K.Kijima, S.Takagi, D.Fowler
    • USA Marketing Planner: T.Kinya
    • Art Work Composers: INTAC I.T.C. Staff
    • Special Thanks to: All SNK Staff, Rika
    • Translated by: Saurus Co., Ltd.
    • Presented by: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Source:
    In-game credits
    Samurai Shodown MD credits.pdf
    [14]

    Mega-CD version

    JVC Musical Industries Inc
    • Executive Producer: Makato Orii
    • Producer: Yoji Takenaka
    • Game Testers: Aki Akaike, Julio C Arreygue, Jeremy Klein
    JVC Victor Entertainment Inc
    • Executive Producer: Harunobu Komori
    • Producer: Toshiyuki Nagai
    • Director: Kazuya Tominaga
    • Co Director: Gaku Sato
    • Assistant: Ryo Misawa
    Funcom
    • Main Programmer: Roar Flølo
    • Cruncher and Realtime Animation Decruncher: Eivind Hagen, Johan Köhler, Morten B Ofstad
    • Other Programming: Anders Dybdahl, Eivind Eklund, Morten B Ofstad, Carl-Henrik Skårstedt
    • Graphic Artists: Joachim Barrum, Torkell Bernsen, Colin McMahon, Tommy Svensson
    • Music and Sound: Kim Jensen
    • Animation Editing: Vebjørn Strømmen
    • Producer: Trond W Larsen
    Source:
    In-game credits
    Samurai Shodown MCD credits.pdf
    [15]

    Magazine articles

    Main article: Samurai Shodown/Magazine articles.

    Promotional material

    Main article: Samurai Shodown/Promotional material.

    Artwork

    Physical scans

    Mega Drive version

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    85 [16]
    Sega Mega Drive
    85
    Based on
    1 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
    50
    [17]
    Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
    60
    [18]
    Consoles + (FR)
    93
    [19]
    Cool Gamer (RU)
    80
    [20]
    Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
    76
    [21]
    Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
    60
    [22]
    Freak (IL)
    88
    [23]
    GamePro (US) NTSC-U
    88
    [24]
    Games World: The Magazine (UK) PAL
    86
    [7]
    Hobby Consolas (ES)
    89
    [25]
    Joypad (FR) PAL
    85
    [26]
    MAN!AC (DE) PAL
    67
    [27]
    Mega (UK) PAL
    79
    [28]
    Mega Fun (DE) NTSC-U
    75
    [29]
    Micro Kid's Multimédia (FR)
    75
    [30]
    Micromanía (tercera época) (ES)
    75
    [31]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
    61
    [32]
    Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
    50
    [33]
    Player One (FR)
    94
    [34]
    Play Time (DE)
    85
    [35]
    Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
    69
    [36]
    Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
    62
    [6]
    Sega Power (UK) PAL
    75
    [37]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    85
    [38]
    Sega Mega Drive Review (RU)
    72
    [39]
    Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
    69
    [40]
    Todo Sega (ES)
    88
    [41]
    Tricks 16 bit (RU)
    85
    [42]
    Video Games (DE) PAL
    86
    [43]
    VideoGames (US)
    70
    [44]
    Sega Mega Drive
    76
    Based on
    30 reviews

    Samurai Shodown

    Mega Drive, JP
    SamuraiShodown MD JP Box.jpg
    Cover
    SamuraiShodown MD JP CartTop.jpg
    SamuraiSpirits MD JP Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Samuraispirits md jp manual.pdf
    Manual
    Mega Drive, US
    SamuraiShodown MD US Box.jpg
    Cover
    SamuraiShodown MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Samuraishodown md us manual.pdf
    Manual
    Mega Drive, EU
    SamuraiShodown MD EU Box.jpg
    Cover
    SamuraiShodown MD EU Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Samurai Shodown MD EU Manual.jpg
    Manual
    Mega Drive, PT

    Mega Drive, AU
    SamuraiShodown MD AU Box.jpg
    Cover
    Mega Drive, AU (Silver)

    SamuraiShodown MD AU Cart Silver.jpg
    Cart

    Mega-CD version

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    Computer & Video Games (UK)
    71
    [10]
    Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
    75
    [45]
    Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
    73
    [46]
    GamePro (US) NTSC-U
    68
    [47]
    Gamers (DE)
    87
    [48]
    Hobby Consolas (ES)
    85
    [49]
    Mega (UK) PAL
    47
    [50]
    Player One (FR)
    90
    [51]
    Sega Magazin (DE)
    79
    [52]
    Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
    67
    [53]
    Sega Power (UK) PAL
    53
    [11]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    68
    [54]
    Videogame Advisor (US) NTSC-U
    42
    [55]
    VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
    80
    [56]
    Sega Mega-CD
    70
    Based on
    14 reviews

    Samurai Shodown

    Mega-CD, US
    SamuraiShodown MCD US Box Back.JPGSamuraiShodown MCD US Box Front.JPG
    Cover
    SamuraiShodown MCD US Disc.jpg
    Disc
    Samuraishodown mcd us manual.pdf
    Manual
    Mega-CD, EU
    SamuraiShodown MCD EU Box Back.jpgSamuraiShodown MCD EU Box Front.jpg
    Cover
    Samurai Shodown MCD EU Disc.jpg
    Disc
    Samurai Shodown MCD EU Manual.jpg
    Manual
    Mega-CD, PT

    Mega-CD, AU

    Mega-CD, BR
    SamuraiShodown MCD BR front.jpg
    Cover

    Game Gear version

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
    68
    [57]
    Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
    55
    [58]
    Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
    73
    [59]
    Sega Game Gear
    65
    Based on
    3 reviews

    Samurai Shodown

    Game Gear, JP
    SamuraiShodown GG JP Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngSamuraiShodown GG JP Box Front.jpg
    Cover
    SamuraiSpirits GG JP Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Game Gear, US
    SamuraiShodown GG US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngSamuraiShodown GG US Box Front.jpg
    Cover
    SamuraiShodown GG US cart.jpg
    Cart
    Samurai Shodown GG US Manual.pdf
    Manual

    Technical information

    Main article: Samurai Shodown/Technical information.

    ROM dump status

    System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
    Sega Mega Drive
     ?
    CRC32
    MD5
    SHA-1
    Cartridge (US)
    Sega Mega Drive
     ?
    CRC32
    MD5
    SHA-1
    Cartridge (EU)
    Sega Mega Drive
     ?
    CRC32
    MD5
    SHA-1
    Cartridge (JP)
    Sega Mega-CD
     ?
    CRC32
    MD5
    SHA-1
    434,423,808 1995-06 CD-ROM (US) T-60175
    Sega Mega-CD
     ?
    CRC32
    MD5
    SHA-1
    434,778,960 1995-06 CD-ROM (EU) T-60175-50
    Sega Game Gear
     ?
    CRC32 98171deb
    MD5 4898db4b63c7024842e748fb81c95a55
    SHA-1 d7330f5abcadb5c199299b24c22334be0072ec80
    512kB Cartridge (US)
    Sega Game Gear
     ?
    CRC32 93fd73dc
    MD5 71b53a4577065e11453928774a7b64b0
    SHA-1 2aaf7b6f9d37275995d4a62bb8a465333d8b0bf4
    512kB Cartridge (JP)

    References

    1. File:SamuraiShodown MD JP Box.jpg
    2. 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-20 09:51)
    3. File:SamuraiShodown GG JP Box Front.jpg
    4. 4.0 4.1 http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/gg/soft_licensee.html (Wayback Machine: 2013-01-01 20:24)
    5. Mega Play, "August 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 40
    6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Sega Magazine, "February 1995" (UK; 1995-01-15), page 94
    7. 7.0 7.1 Games World: The Magazine, "April 1995" (UK; 1995-0x-xx), page 13
    8. 8.0 8.1 File:NewReleasesCatalogueApril-May1995AU.pdf, page 12
    9. https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/2_XPmLVygEY/m/2fcTyybkMLsJ
    10. 10.0 10.1 Computer & Video Games, "July 1995" (UK; 1995-06-09), page 60
    11. 11.0 11.1 Sega Power, "July 1995" (UK; 1995-05-18), page 52
    12. Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1995-08-14), page 16
    13. File:SegaPower 68 jul 95.pdf, page 52
    14. File:Samurai Shodown MD credits.pdf
    15. File:Samurai Shodown MCD credits.pdf
    16. GamesMaster, "March 1995" (UK; 1995-02-16), page 72
    17. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 198
    18. Beep! MegaDrive, "December 1994" (JP; 1994-11-08), page 23
    19. Consoles +, "Janvier 1995" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 110
    20. Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 180
    21. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "November 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 46
    22. Famitsu, "1994-11-25" (JP; 1994-11-11), page 40
    23. Freak, "1/95" (IL; 1995-xx-xx), page 1
    24. GamePro, "December 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 44
    25. Hobby Consolas, "Marzo 1995" (ES; 1995-xx-xx), page 60
    26. Joypad, "Mars 1995" (FR; 1995-0x-xx), page 88
    27. MAN!AC, "03/95" (DE; 1995-02-08), page 61
    28. Mega, "May 1995" (UK; 1995-04-30), page 16
    29. Mega Fun, "02/95" (DE; 1995-01-18), page 96
    30. Micro Kid's Multimédia, "Mai 1995" (FR; 1995-0x-xx), page 62
    31. Micromanía (tercera época), "Febrero 1995" (ES; 1995-xx-xx), page 106
    32. Mean Machines Sega, "March 1995" (UK; 1995-01-30), page 76
    33. Next Generation, "Premiere Issue 1995" (US; 1994-12-08), page 108
    34. Player One, "Mars 1995" (FR; 1995-0x-xx), page 82
    35. Play Time, "3/95" (DE; 1995-02-08), page 110
    36. Saturn Fan, "1995 February" (JP; 1995-01-07), page 33
    37. Sega Power, "March 1995" (UK; 1995-01-19), page 40
    38. Sega Pro, "February 1995" (UK; 1994-12-29), page 34
    39. Sega Mega Drive Review, "2" (RU; 1996-01-03), page 115
    40. Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 86
    41. Todo Sega, "Marzo 1995" (ES; 1995-0x-xx), page 30
    42. Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 151
    43. Video Games, "3/95" (DE; 1995-02-23), page 91
    44. VideoGames, "December 1994" (US; 1994-1x-xx), page 101
    45. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "June 1995" (US; 1995-0x-xx), page 36
    46. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "August 1995" (US; 1995-0x-xx), page 36
    47. GamePro, "September 1995" (US; 1995-xx-xx), page 48
    48. Gamers, "November 1995" (DE; 1995-10-11), page 55
    49. Hobby Consolas, "Agosto 1995" (ES; 1995-xx-xx), page 78
    50. Mega, "September 1995" (UK; 1995-08-31), page 20
    51. Player One, "Novembre 1995" (FR; 1995-1x-xx), page 142
    52. Sega Magazin, "Februar 1996" (DE; 1996-01-10), page 10
    53. Sega Magazine, "July 1995" (UK; 1995-06-15), page 82
    54. Sega Pro, "August 1995" (UK; 1995-07-13), page 65
    55. Videogame Advisor, "Volume 1, Number 3: July 1995" (US; 1995-0x-xx), page 32
    56. VideoGames, "September 1995" (US; 1995-08-22), page 81
    57. Beep! MegaDrive, "January 1995" (JP; 1994-12-08), page 27
    58. Famitsu, "1994-12-23" (JP; 1994-12-09), page 44
    59. Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 88


    Samurai Shodown

    SamuraiShodown Title.png

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    Sega Mega-CD
    Demos: Samurai Shodown (1995)

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    Samurai Shodown/Samurai Spirits games for Sega systems
    Sega Mega Drive
    Samurai Shodown (1994)
    Sega Game Gear
    Samurai Shodown (1994)
    Sega Mega-CD
    Samurai Shodown (1995)
    Sega Saturn
    Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken (1996) | Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits Bushidou Retsuden (1997) | Samurai Spirits Amakusa Kourin (1997) | Samurai Spirits Best Collection (1998)
    Sega Dreamcast
    Nakoruru: Anohito Kara no Okurimono (2002)
    Arcade
    Samurai Spirits Tenkaichi Kenkakuden (2005)
    Unlicensed Samurai Shodown/Samurai Spirits games for Sega systems
    Sega Mega Drive
    Soul Edge vs. Samurai Spirits (1997) | Shin Samurai Spirits Haohmaru Jigokuhen (1998)