Difference between revisions of "Samurai Shodown"

From Sega Retro

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| otherformats={{NonSega|Arcade|3DO|FMTOWNS|NG|NGCD|NGP|SNES}}
 
| otherformats={{NonSega|Arcade|3DO|FMTOWNS|NG|NGCD|NGP|SNES}}
 
}}
 
}}
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{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', known as '''''Samurai Spirits''''' (サムライスピリッツ) in Japan, is a versus fighting game by [[SNK]], originally developed for the [[Neo Geo]]. It is the first in the series, and it is notable for using weapons rather than relying on hand-to-hand combat during battles (one of the first fighting games of its type to do so).
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'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', 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]].
  
−
After being released for the Neo Geo in 1993, ports were made to a variety of platforms, including the [[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Sega Mega-CD]], and [[Sega Game Gear]].
+
It is the first game in the ''[[:Category:Samurai Shodown (franchise)|Samurai Shodown]]'' series. It is one of the first fighting games with a focus on weapons rather than solely hand-to-hand combat.
  
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
−
The story takes place in Japan in the late 18th century. The game takes great artistic license so that foreign-born characters (including some from places that did not exist as such at the time), historical figures, and fictional monsters can be part of the 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.
−
 
 
−
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.
 
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
 
===Mega Drive and Mega-CD versions===
 
===Mega Drive and Mega-CD versions===
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Samurai Shodown MD, Character Select.png|width=200|Character select}}
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Samurai Shodown MD, Bonus Stage.png|width=200|Bonus stage}}
 +
The game is a versus fighting game set in Japan in the late 18th century. All of the characters wield weapons. The goal is to win the best of three rounds against an opponent. Each round 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 single-player story mode, the player faces a series of opponents, ending in a fight against the boss Amakusa. 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 a dedicated two-player mode where players can choose a handicap and a stage. The Mega-CD only allows two-player matches in the standard arcade mode (with players able to choose different characters at the end of every match 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.
 +
 +
Characters move with {{left}} or {{right}}. They dash with {{left}} {{left}} or {{right}} {{right}}. They jump upward with {{up}} and jump behind and ahead with {{upleft}} or {{upright}}. They crouch with {{down}}. Using a [[Six Button Control Pad (Mega Drive)|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. 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).
 +
 +
Characters can guard against attacks by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent. Guarding can be done while standing or crouching. Characters can throw an opponent by pressing the medium or strong slash or kick button in close range. Each character has a POW meter 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.
 +
 +
In the Mega Drive version, a referee appears during the match and holds flags representing each player. The referee raises a flag whenever a player lands a successful hit. In both versions, bonus items occasionally appear during a match: coins that provide extra points and food that restore some life.
 +
 
====Characters====
 
====Characters====
 
Move lists assume the player is facing right. If facing left, {{left}} and {{right}} should be reversed. {{slash}} refers to any of the slash or punch buttons, while {{kick}} refers to any of the kick buttons.
 
Move lists assume the player is facing right. If facing left, {{left}} and {{right}} should be reversed. {{slash}} refers to any of the slash or punch buttons, while {{kick}} refers to any of the kick buttons.
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| desc=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 ''[[:Category:Fatal Fury (franchise)|Fatal Fury]]'' games).
 
| desc=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 ''[[:Category:Fatal Fury (franchise)|Fatal Fury]]'' games).
 
{{MoveListTable |
 
{{MoveListTable |
 +
{{MoveListRow | Crawl | {{downleft}} or {{downright}} | Gen-An can move while crouched.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Poison Cloud Puff | {{QCF}} {{slash}} | 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.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Poison Cloud Puff | {{QCF}} {{slash}} | 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.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Slasher Spin | {{DPF}} {{slash}} | 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.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Slasher Spin | {{DPF}} {{slash}} | 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.}}
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| desc=Kyoshiro is a kabuki performer who uses his art to entertain and perfect his own fighting skills.
 
| desc=Kyoshiro is a kabuki performer who uses his art to entertain and perfect his own fighting skills.
 
{{MoveListTable |
 
{{MoveListTable |
 +
{{MoveListRow | Crawl | {{downleft}} or {{downright}} | Kyoshiro can move while crouched.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Whirlwind Fan | {{QCB}} {{slash}} | Kyoshiro throws a flaming fan across the screen. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Whirlwind Fan | {{QCB}} {{slash}} | Kyoshiro throws a flaming fan across the screen. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Twirling Fan | {{downleft}} {{down}} {{right}} {{downright}} {{slash}} | Kyoshiro breathes fire in front of him, using his hand fan to fan the flame.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Twirling Fan | {{downleft}} {{down}} {{right}} {{downright}} {{slash}} | Kyoshiro breathes fire in front of him, using his hand fan to fan the flame.}}
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| desc=Wan-Fu is a Chinese warrior who serves the Qing Emperor. He searches Japan for worthy fighters to help him unify his homeland.
 
| desc=Wan-Fu is a Chinese warrior who serves the Qing Emperor. He searches Japan for worthy fighters to help him unify his homeland.
 
{{MoveListTable |
 
{{MoveListTable |
 +
{{MoveListRow | Crawl | {{downleft}} or {{downright}} | Wan-Fu can move while crouched.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Confucius Thunder Bomb | {{QCB}} {{slash}} (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}}.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Confucius Thunder Bomb | {{QCB}} {{slash}} (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}}.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Confucius Whirlwind | {{DPF}} {{slash}} (requires weapon) | Wan-Fu stabs his sword in front of him, then jumps into the air while holding his sword up.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | Confucius Whirlwind | {{DPF}} {{slash}} (requires weapon) | Wan-Fu stabs his sword in front of him, then jumps into the air while holding his sword up.}}
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| title=Amakusa
 
| title=Amakusa
 
| screenshot=Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Amakusa.png
 
| screenshot=Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Amakusa.png
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| desc=Amakusa is a powerful sorcerer, resurrected by the dark god Ambrosia. He carries a mystical artifact known as the Palenke Stone.
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| desc=Amakusa is a powerful sorcerer, resurrected by the dark god Ambrosia. He carries a mystical artifact known as the Palenke Stone. He is the final boss of the game. He is playable in two-player matches in the Mega Drive version.
 
{{MoveListTable |
 
{{MoveListTable |
 
{{MoveListRow | 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.}}
 
{{MoveListRow | 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.}}
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{{ginfo|Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Amakusa.png|Nagasaki|Amakusa's stage.}}
 
{{ginfo|Samurai Shodown MD, Stages, Amakusa.png|Nagasaki|Amakusa's stage.}}
 
}}
 
}}
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 +
===Game Gear version===
 +
====Characters====
 +
*Charlotte
 +
*Galford
 +
*Gen-An
 +
*Hanzo
 +
*Haohmaru
 +
*Jubei
 +
*Kyoshiro
 +
*Nakoruru
 +
*Ukyo
  
 
==Versions==
 
==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 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===
 
===Localised names===
 
{{aka
 
{{aka

Revision as of 09:36, 8 October 2023

n/a

  • 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
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[12] T-60175-50
ELSPA: 15+ OK
Sega Mega-CD
AU
Sega Mega-CD
BR 		R$69.9969.99 063696
Tectoy: 13+
Non-Sega versions
No results

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

Samurai Shodown MD, Bonus Stage.png

Bonus stage

The game is a versus fighting game set in Japan in the late 18th century. All of the characters wield weapons. The goal is to win the best of three rounds against an opponent. Each round 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 single-player story mode, the player faces a series of opponents, ending in a fight against the boss Amakusa. 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 a dedicated two-player mode where players can choose a handicap and a stage. The Mega-CD only allows two-player matches in the standard arcade mode (with players able to choose different characters at the end of every match 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.

Characters move with Left or Right. They 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. 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).

Characters can guard against attacks by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent. Guarding can be done while standing or crouching. Characters can throw an opponent by pressing the medium or strong slash or kick button in close range. Each character has a POW meter 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.

In the Mega Drive version, a referee appears during the match and holds flags representing each player. The referee raises a flag whenever a player lands a successful hit. In both versions, bonus items occasionally appear during a match: coins that provide extra points and food that restore some life.

Characters

Move lists assume the player is facing right. If facing left, Left and Right should be reversed. S refers to any of the slash or punch buttons, while K refers to any of the kick buttons.

Samurai Shodown CD, Characters, Charlotte.png

Charlotte
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
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
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
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
Haohmaru is a wondering 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
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
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
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 dagger 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 dagger 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 dagger 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
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
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
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 .
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

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 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 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 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 Amakusa shoots an underworld apparition from his magical orb.

Stages

Main article: Samurai Shodown/Comparisons.

Each character has his or her own stage when faced in the single-player story mode. In two-player games, players can choose the stage in the Mega Drive version, but the stage is always that of the first player's character in the Mega-CD version.

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

Characters

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

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 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
[13]

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
[14]

Magazine articles

Main article: Samurai Shodown/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Samurai Shodown/Promotional material.

Artwork

  • Cover

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
85 [15]
Sega Mega Drive
 85
Based on
1 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
50
[16]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
60
[17]
Consoles + (FR)
93
[18]
Cool Gamer (RU)
80
[19]
Digitiser (UK)
82
[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
31 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]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
75
[49]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
85
[50]
Mega (UK) PAL
47
[51]
Player One (FR)
90
[52]
Sega Magazin (DE)
79
[53]
Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
67
[54]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
53
[11]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
68
[55]
Videogame Advisor (US) NTSC-U
42
[56]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
80
[57]
Sega Mega-CD
 71
Based on
15 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, 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
[58]
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
55
[59]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
73
[60]
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
CD-ROM (US)
Sega Mega-CD
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
CD-ROM (EU)
Sega Game Gear
 ?
CRC32 93fd73dc
MD5 71b53a4577065e11453928774a7b64b0
SHA-1 2aaf7b6f9d37275995d4a62bb8a465333d8b0bf4
512kB Cartridge (JP)
Sega Game Gear
 ?
CRC32 98171deb
MD5 4898db4b63c7024842e748fb81c95a55
SHA-1 d7330f5abcadb5c199299b24c22334be0072ec80
512kB Cartridge (US)

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 10.2 Computer & Video Games, "July 1995" (UK; 1995-06-09), page 60
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Sega Power, "July 1995" (UK; 1995-05-18), page 52
  12. ↑ File:SegaPower 68 jul 95.pdf, page 52
  13. ↑ File:Samurai Shodown MD credits.pdf
  14. ↑ File:Samurai Shodown MCD credits.pdf
  15. ↑ GamesMaster, "March 1995" (UK; 1995-02-16), page 72
  16. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 198
  17. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "December 1994" (JP; 1994-11-08), page 23
  18. ↑ Consoles +, "Janvier 1995" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 110
  19. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 180
  20. ↑ Digitiser (UK) (1995-04-12)
  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. ↑ Game Informer, "June 1995" (US; 1995-0x-xx), page 54
  50. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Agosto 1995" (ES; 1995-xx-xx), page 78
  51. ↑ Mega, "September 1995" (UK; 1995-08-31), page 20
  52. ↑ Player One, "Novembre 1995" (FR; 1995-1x-xx), page 142
  53. ↑ Sega Magazin, "Februar 1996" (DE; 1996-01-10), page 10
  54. ↑ Sega Magazine, "July 1995" (UK; 1995-06-15), page 82
  55. ↑ Sega Pro, "August 1995" (UK; 1995-07-13), page 65
  56. ↑ Videogame Advisor, "Volume 1, Number 3: July 1995" (US; 1995-0x-xx), page 32
  57. ↑ VideoGames, "September 1995" (US; 1995-08-22), page 81
  58. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "January 1995" (JP; 1994-12-08), page 27
  59. ↑ Famitsu, "1994-12-23" (JP; 1994-12-09), page 44
  60. ↑ 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)
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