70
As one of many Ken 'Masters' (very pleased with that one), the initial reaction to Samurai Shodown is a jarring one. Expecting to mow down hordes of AI controlled characters easily and instead getting beaten to pulp in a matter of seconds can be off-putting, to say the least. What quickly becomes apparent however is that gameplay treads the fine and brilliant line of 'easy to play, difficult to perfect'. Once a bit of caution is implemented, not a lot in the genre is as satisfying as a graceful dodge, parry and complete destruction. This is great for forgetting the old ways and embracing the way of the Samurai.
70
This is a solid next-gen upgrade for a solid fighting game. It runs better but its biggest problems remain unsolved. I don’t really see it breaking through to become truly mainstream.
84
Samurai Shodown on Xbox Series X is one for the fans or for those who enjoy games such as The King of Fighters or Metal Slug. While it doesn’t offer next-gen glory on the XSX (e.g. all those bells and whistles of next-gen gaming), it does offer speed and gameplay that runs as 120 FPS that enhances the gameplay of this classic. For newcomers, controls are easy, however the gameplay might be a little tougher to master but nonetheless, it’s a fun game and one that I’m sure fans will revisit many times.
9
Samurai shodown is an amazing little game with unfortunate lack of content for Single player modes. It’s easy to learn, Hard to master technique isn’t for everyone. If you like a fighting game that rewards patience instead of button mashing, Unarming your rivals at the correct moment just to slice off body parts and plenty of “Movie like” moments demonstrating your kill move then look no further than this game. Each character has their own beginning, Middle and Endgame storylines and post credits scene. They’re basic but good enough that you don’t exactly want to skip it. The visuals are exactly the same on the series X as they were when I had it on the ps4, The major difference (HUGE difference) is the loading times. What an improvement! It’s why I upgraded in the first place. I’m not the biggest SNK fan but as I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten to appreciate their games more and more. Each time I’ve gotten the game it’s been on sale. I don’t reccomend it as a $60 purchase since there id not enough content but at $30 it hits the sweet spot. Buy it for the Fighting, Stay for the characters. Story 3/5. Graphics 4/5 Sound 5/5 Move set 5/5. Final score 8.5/10
8
Samurai Showdown returns hard hitting and Beautifully Cell-Shaded. Samurai Showdown takes us on an adventure into the methodical One on One weapon based combat of the Samurai, where every move must be decisive. Each fighter is outfitted with a wild array of visually stunning and powerful techniques and combos. They're important yes, but a strong defense and an eye for openings in your opponents guard is far more important. Button Mashing, and refusing to block tend to get punished hard with a well timed heavy strike, some of which can deplete over a quarter of a life bar, and drop you into the losing corner fast! Likewise well timed defense is often rewarded by creating an opening in the opponents defenses, maybe even giving you time to land one of the Once-A-Battle moves every fighter possesses! Even the fast characters need to think about when to strike and when to block, and if they have a big enough opening for a heavy strike. The soundtrack is well composed, feeling authentic, without compromising the Fighting Spirit needed for satisfying combat. If you're a collector of the franchise, or looking for a fighting game where you feel accomplished when you win a tough fight, this game is a must have addition to your Xbox Series X library.
Samurai Shodown: Special Edition
Released On:
Mar 16, 2021
Metascore
Generally Favorable
77
User score
Mixed or Average
7.0
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
64% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
36% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Mar 25, 2021
85
One of the best entry level fighting games, Samurai Shodown is an excellent return to form for the series. This Xbox series upgrade offers some small but much appreciated upgrades on the original title. Anyone looking to dip their toes into fighting games will do well to start here, that said, there is a lot to dig into after that.
Apr 1, 2021
82
Much like most fighting games, the barrier of entry is low as Samurai Shodown is simple to pick up and play, but there’s plenty of underlying mechanics that will take some dedication to master. While button mashers won’t fair well, Samurai Shodown plays quite differently from many others in the genre. Being full priced still two years after its launch is a little surprising, but there’s also no other fighters on the market that can boast about 120 FPS.
Apr 2, 2021
81
In sum, Samurai Shodown is back and the release for the Xbox Series X does very well for itself. Though a little scant on content compared to some others in the genre, this is still a great game for fans of the franchise or the genre.
Mar 18, 2021
80
With the addition of 120 FPS to an already excellent port, the Xbox Series X enhanced edition of Samurai Shodown is an impressive arcade fighter that shouldn't be missed. The game is still receiving DLC additions to its expansive roster, including more guest characters to join the inexplicable addition of Warden from Ubisoft's For Honor. Even with just the base group of fighters and a couple of button-mashing friends, this edition of SamSho is worthy of SNK's legacy and just a whole lot of fun.
Aug 31, 2021
70
As one of many Ken 'Masters' (very pleased with that one), the initial reaction to Samurai Shodown is a jarring one. Expecting to mow down hordes of AI controlled characters easily and instead getting beaten to pulp in a matter of seconds can be off-putting, to say the least. What quickly becomes apparent however is that gameplay treads the fine and brilliant line of 'easy to play, difficult to perfect'. Once a bit of caution is implemented, not a lot in the genre is as satisfying as a graceful dodge, parry and complete destruction. This is great for forgetting the old ways and embracing the way of the Samurai.
Apr 20, 2021
70
This is a solid next-gen upgrade for a solid fighting game. It runs better but its biggest problems remain unsolved. I don’t really see it breaking through to become truly mainstream.
Mar 25, 2021
67
A little light on content and a touch on the pricey side, Samurai Showdown on the Series could have perhaps been packaged better. But there is no denying the joy offered by its blood soaked and engaging one on one battles.
User score
Mixed or Average
83% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
17% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
May 4, 2022
9
Samurai shodown is an amazing little game with unfortunate lack of content for Single player modes. It’s easy to learn, Hard to master technique isn’t for everyone. If you like a fighting game that rewards patience instead of button mashing, Unarming your rivals at the correct moment just to slice off body parts and plenty of “Movie like” moments demonstrating your kill move then look no further than this game. Each character has their own beginning, Middle and Endgame storylines and post credits scene. They’re basic but good enough that you don’t exactly want to skip it. The visuals are exactly the same on the series X as they were when I had it on the ps4, The major difference (HUGE difference) is the loading times. What an improvement! It’s why I upgraded in the first place. I’m not the biggest SNK fan but as I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten to appreciate their games more and more. Each time I’ve gotten the game it’s been on sale. I don’t reccomend it as a $60 purchase since there id not enough content but at $30 it hits the sweet spot. Buy it for the Fighting, Stay for the characters. Story 3/5. Graphics 4/5 Sound 5/5 Move set 5/5. Final score 8.5/10
Apr 2, 2021
8
Samurai Showdown returns hard hitting and Beautifully Cell-Shaded. Samurai Showdown takes us on an adventure into the methodical One on One weapon based combat of the Samurai, where every move must be decisive. Each fighter is outfitted with a wild array of visually stunning and powerful techniques and combos. They're important yes, but a strong defense and an eye for openings in your opponents guard is far more important. Button Mashing, and refusing to block tend to get punished hard with a well timed heavy strike, some of which can deplete over a quarter of a life bar, and drop you into the losing corner fast! Likewise well timed defense is often rewarded by creating an opening in the opponents defenses, maybe even giving you time to land one of the Once-A-Battle moves every fighter possesses! Even the fast characters need to think about when to strike and when to block, and if they have a big enough opening for a heavy strike. The soundtrack is well composed, feeling authentic, without compromising the Fighting Spirit needed for satisfying combat. If you're a collector of the franchise, or looking for a fighting game where you feel accomplished when you win a tough fight, this game is a must have addition to your Xbox Series X library.
SummarySAMURAI SHODOWN has enjoyed worldwide success as a blade-wielding fighting game series since its first release in 1993. 11 years have passed since the last series installment, and it is now time for SAMURAI SHODOWN to return in a brand-new game featuring high-end visuals and gameplay! Faithfully reproducing the game mechanics and atmosph... Read More
Rated Mfor Mature
Platforms:
- Xbox Series X
Initial Release Date:Mar 16, 2021
Developer:
Publisher:
