Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood

"Let's slice 'n' dice!!!"

I was reluctant at first to rent this game because of all the response I heard about this game being a flop,so i didn't rent it.Then I heard my brother was bringing in this game from the states and I was not happy at all.I didn't want to add a reject to my fighting collection.But when I popped this into the PSX all the bad rumors started to fade.

The first Samurai Shodown for PSX was the fencing pack edition.IT wasn't bad but man what terrible loading times.Now the third installment is on PSX.Is it good?Is it terrible?Well here's what I think.

Graphics:7
Good and bad here.Some frames have been chopped out from the characters but its not noticeable,unless you pause the game during Genjuro's sword upper-cut motion and you see what i mean.Backgrounds are outstanding.They are Excellent,unbelievably awesome and is a work of art.These backgrounds are in motion,changing from its well defined state to another that is either a dark ghosty area or a supernatural realm of spiritual wonder.These changes occur twice or three times a match.You won't find artwork like this in too many fighting games,this display of talent is totally monumental.

Gameplay:8
Snk has brought a relatively impressive system to the fighting world.This is the Bust and Slash modes which is a personality system that changes the character's super/special moves,appearance and color display.This is a really great feature,I find that some players can be a little more dominant in game play against other player using the right optional mode.The system will keep you busy in blocking out the other thing in the game that would anger you,like the missing 100% combos that certain characters have or maybe the slight slowdown{hardly notice it}or lag that some special moves tend to have on the game.The loading times are long but not comparison to the one that the fencing pack had.I think that these few flaws kept people running from this game.I can take it though.No problem.

Music:8
When my brother heard this game from another room he thought that it was a samurai/kung fu film.This game ports some excellent tones fit for a classic.You can literary fell the game's music connect to various character's stage,like Galford's ninja style with a mixture of local jazz and Basara's creepy miserable piece.The music also change similar to the backgrounds,from its beautiful tone are silence.The sound is basically basic.Just listen to the sword slice,chain rattling movements that the characters react when performing.

Characters:8
Returning for another duel are Haohmaru,his arch rival Genjuro,Hanzo,Galford,Nakoruru and Ukyo.Joining are Nakoruru's sis' Rimururu,Basara,Nicotine's descendant Gaira,Hisame Shizumaru,Amakusa{from SS1 as the joke boss}and the new boss Zangura who looks like a grey haired Brolly from DBZ with a sword.I'm sorry some other characters from the pass couldn't make it like maybe Jubei.These twelve are fun to play with especially in the deferent modes,allowing more pleasure in battle.

Overall:7
With twelve armed and ready to battle characters,new personality system,fierce game play,eye-popping artwork of a classic and a few flaws is enough for a honorable battle either you and your friend or computer.Test the game by renting it if you like.But if your a fan of Neo Geo's famous fighting series you owe it to yourselves to bring this to your collection.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/21/01, Updated 09/21/01