Samurai Shodown VI

Review of Newest Game in SNK's Anthology for PS2, Wii and PSP

Aug 2, 2009 Chris Hoadley

Presentation aside, for new players SS6 is a sampling of the characters and play mechanics that defined SNK's weapons-based fighting series.

With the release of Samurai Shodown Anthology on PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, and PSP, North American fans can finally check out Samurai Shodown VI, the latest 2D offering from the series. Known as Samurai Spirits Tenkaichi Kenkakuden in Japan or the shorthand Samurai Spirits Tenka, the game brings has over 40 characters and a new spirits system, though longtime fans might not be happy with some style and presentation changes.

SS6 Gameplay

While other games place a preference on combos, the Samurai Shodown games were about landing single hits for big damage, and a character’s standing heavy slash easily did as much damage as any special or super move. Compared to earlier games, SS6 is faster and more combo-friendly, and single hits aren’t as damaging as they used to be. This makes it easier for new players to get into the system, though longtime fans might not like the more mainstream shift.

Characters wield weapons ranging from Haohmaru’s katana to Cham Cham’s boomerang and monkey sidekick to the exposed bone popping out of giant demon Kusaregedo. However, weapons can also be knocked out of the fighters’ hands if hit by a super move or by losing a button-mashing clash. Bereft of most special moves and meaningful reach, weapon-less characters are placed at a big disadvantage until they recover them on the field.

Super meter is gained from taking damage, and once the meter tops off a characters gets an attack boost and access to a super move for a limited time. Combined with the super's ability to knock out a weapon, this forces players to adjust strategies mid-battle or risk losing momentum.

Characters

Every character from Samurai Shodown I-V makes an appearance, including some who haven’t been seen since the classic Samurai Shodown II. The series’ bosses reappear as well, toned down from their god-like original appearances for competitive play. Developer SNK has done a great job of giving the characters cool designs, unique movesets and dynamic personalities that show during the matches.

However, SNK inflated the roster quite a bit to hit that mark. Some are the “pets” of other characters, like Galford’s ninja dog, whose small size make them frustrating to fight. Others are leftover “Bust” versions of characters from Samurai Shodowns III and IV that either had some sprite editing (like Samurai Shodown V's Rera) or are complete color swaps.

Four new characters are introduced as well. Maid Iroha is as ready for aerial dominance as much as she’s tailored for fanservice. The rifle-toting president Andrew uses a variation of the classic “Ryu” style. Festival extraordinaire Sugoroku wields a shrine bell and a high-risk, high-reward rushdown style, while the puppet Ocha-Maro is a unique mix of Dhalsim and Street Fighter Alpha 3’s Karin.

Samurai Shodown Spirits System

SS6 also introduces the spirits system. Taking a cue from Capcom Vs. SNK 2, these spirits change the mechanics to conform with earlier games in the series. For example, IV spirit gives players SS4 techniques like a gauge-boosting combo slash and a one-time “Bursting Rage” power boost, while VI spirit is new to the series and gives players a more traditional super bar.

Some characters benefit more from certain spirits than others, and some spirits are generally better than other spirits as well. Nevertheless, being able to play SS6 with the mechanics they want is a great option for fans, and it’s unlikely that a match will be decided from the spirit select screen.

Graphics and Presentation

While SS6 was developed on the Atomiswave arcade platform, the sprites are still holdovers from the old SNK Neo-Geo games. While they may not be top of the line, the sprites are still expressive and showcase the characters’ personalities.

Otherwise the presentation is a mixed bag. The stages are diverse and vibrant, but the stage and soundtrack selections are strange: It’s surreal to fight in front of the White House with American standard “Stars and Stripes Forever” in the background.

Some fans may hate that blood and end-of-fight deaths are absent, though the gore has never been as integral to the series as it is to something like Mortal Kombat. On the other hand, SS2 features like items falling onto the battlefield and the hooded judge make a return after a long absence, and SNK continues the series’ tradition of hilariously bad English translations.