Samurai Shodown V

"A Great Game, Fifth time is the charm!"

INTRODUCTION: This is the fifth game in a series of NeoGeo based arcade style fighters. The game takes place entirely in 2D similarly to the Street Fighter series. If this is not your cup of tea then read no further. Also, a special note for hardcore NeoGeo junkies like myself: This game plays almost exactly like Samurai Shodown IV. If you hated Sam Sho IV but loved Sam Sho I or II then this is probably not the game for you. Everyone else, read on!

TOTAL SCORE: 9/10

GAMEPLAY: 10/10 : The most important aspect of any arcade to home transition, is how it made the journey. SNK Playmore delivers an arcade perfect port of Samurai Shodown V complete with tight and accurate controls. I played wit ha Wireless MadCats Mini and found the controls to be 100%. I never missed a move I tried to pull off. The gameplay is simple and exactly what you would expect from a 2D fighter. It features a large character roster, excellent controls, tons of moves of varying difficulty, and a VS Mode that you will never tire of. There aren't many extras included, which was dissapointing to a geek fanboy like me, but not anything that would detract from the gameplay. A "Practice" mode was added to let you bone up on your moves. A move list is included in the game so you don't have to constantly break out the manual. Special moves are accomplished by building up your RAGE meter, which can then be used for a special move or a "Rage explosion" which strengthens all your attacts till a meter runs out. Guard cancels, counters, dash, and retreat are included as extra moves once you master the basics.
The game also features a couple completely new fighters, as you would expect from a sequel. The new characters are well ballanced and fit into the Samurai universe well. 2 small notes: *1* If you are used to playing on a Neo geo you will be used to having all your attack buttons grouped together. For some reason they moved <Strong Kick> to the Right trigger, and made the red button on the XBOX controller <Special Move> This is easily fixed with the games button layout options, which are easy to configure. *2* Special moves are now accomplished by building up the rage meter and then pressing down-to-towards and the <Special move> button. "Fireball" and then special move. This is easy to pull off and is loads of fun seing everyones different special. Some are more powerful than others and some are long distance moves, mid, short, or even grabs...but are all done using the same button combination which ensures all fighters can be equal. Good choice!

STORY: 9/10 : Story? In a fighting game? Well... It had more than I expected it to. The manual features a 2-3 paragraph Bio on every character. Sometimes its a little too much info (One character EATS HIS OWN CHILDREN) But at least it gives you a reason to read the manual. A printed version of the move list is also included next to the Bio. There is a voiced-over intro at the beginning of the game, and at the end of each round your character will "say" something sassy.

GRAPHICS: 8/10 : The graphics get a 8/10 for being completely accurate and faithful to the arcade version. It would have scored a 10 if the graphics had been beefed up for the home edition like Playmore is doing with King of Fighters 94 ReDeux which was developed at the same time. The NeoGeo graphics certainly don't hold up to XBOX normal standards, but they are nice, bright, fluid, and the flame and progectile animations are nice. The backgrounds range from rather blah, to some that are very pretty like the River stage. Backgrounds are a step down from Samurai Shodown IV however which featured transition animations and ambiance touches such as falling leaves. This has sadly been eliminated from Samurai Shodown V.

SOUND: 8/10 : See graphics. They are old, dated, and kinda silly sounding sometimes, but if you have ever played Samurai Shodown before then it will be music to your ears. The nostalgia factor is there and the sounds and battle crys are also accurate.

REPLAYABILITY: 10/10: 2 words for you. VS MODE. I'll say it again, VS MODE! The VS mode alone along with such a vast array of characters makes this something you can always pick up and replay with a friend. The one player mode is as easy or as hard as you want it to be, also accurate to Neo Geo games. You can change your difficulty level easily. You can play through in between 10 mins-hours depending on your skill level and the level on which you set the game.

RENT/BUY: Depends. If you are a neogeo collector or a 2D fighter buff, I would say dont hesitate. $29.99 well spent! However, if you think that Samurai Shodown went down the toilet after the 2nd game, then dont buy it. If 2D fighters arent your bag or you have never played an SNK fighter before then you might want to rent it first.

RECOMMENDATIONS: If you liked this game then you should try other SNK Fighters. Good ones that come to mind are: SNK VS CAPCOM I and II, King of Fighters 94 Redeux, King of Fighters Evolution (3D) or the King of Fighters 99/00 double pack. Skip King of Fighters 01/02/03/04 etc. They just started rehashing the game over and over again with no noticeable differences.

OTHER: For collectors: There are no real "goodies" on this disc. Thank goodness it even exists, I cant believe it came to the states honestly, but don't expect any movies, extras, or really anything that wasnt in the game in the arcade. Also, box art. The case spine looks like it was designed for the blind to find it in the dark. The font is big and goofy. The front is a little dull as well, no cool moves poses or logos, but it was a bargain priced title, so all is forgiven.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/23/06