Samurai Shodown Reviews
SNK's iconic series makes its return in this reboot that's short on features but rich in systems.
Archaic story mode and load times aside, Samurai Shodown succeeds as a fundamentals driven 2D fighting game.
More than just a successful reboot of a forgotten franchise, this is one of the most unique and entertaining new fighting games of recent years.
Samurai Shodown's varied attacks and techniques have plenty of depth for those who dive into multiplayer, though the modes and options are lacking
Samurai Shodown's easy-to-learn controls and high-stakes combat deliver a terrific, strategic fighting game that stands out from the rest.
Samurai Shodown captures the spirit of the older games, veering towards a mix of older and newer series entries. In terms of single-player, but it's a a far cry from Mortal Kombat 11 or even what recent games like Dead or Alive 6 have offered. On the multiplayer side, it offers a solid core, but not much else. It's nice to see SamSho back in the spotlight, but we wish it had a little more to keep us playing beyond just fighting other players.
Above all, Samurai Shodown proves that SNK still has its fighting spirit. King of Fighters XIV wasn't an accident and it seems like any future games won't be, either. Now we just need to get Capcom back on track.
SNK has a lot to celebrate with the release of Samurai Shodown as it’s a triumphant return to form for a series that hasn’t had a mainline release in over 15 years. Not only does it keep the calculated and punishing gameplay in tact, it manages to offer up a great tutorial that allows for newcomers to understand the nuance of its depth.
Samurai Shodown on Nintendo Switch suffers some of the common problems to this kind of ports, like longer loading times or an fps rate more unstable. Even with that, you can play almost perfectly and enjoy its fun and defying combat system, altough some newer and fresher modes would be appreciated.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A game that screams old school fighting. Despite its short character roster, it offers an aesthetic and satisfying experience.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Samurai Showdown is a strong entry into the sea of fighters, showing a lot of love for the original series, while also being able to appeal to newcomers. A few niggles aside, people are going to be playing Sam Show for a long time. EVO just got more exciting to watch!
Overall, Samurai Shodown is very much true to its gaming lineage and works a lot better on the Switch than you would expect. So if you like quick paced fighting games with lots of vicious bladed weaponry and a surprising amount of tactics, then this is definitely worth a look.
Samurai Shodown manages to present a superb alternative to quicker, more bombastic fighters. This comes across as more of the thinking man's fighter, testing a player's reaction time and rewarding those who are able to read their opponents over those who try and go for meaningless combos.
Samurai Shodown makes a fine comeback after a decade: refreshing and still exciting to play, it's the long-awaited title we hoped for.
Review in Italian | Read full review
For those who game on the go, Samurai Shodown on Nintendo Switch is a weighty and undeniably fun-to-play fighter well deserving of your time
Despite some shortcomings, Samurai Shodown doesn't disappoint. Its slow pace belies a depth that rivals any fighting game, while still providing an experience unlike almost any other. If the stunning visuals don't leave you breathless, then the unrelenting tension felt during combat certainly will.
It may have taken a long hiatus, but the return of Samurai Shodown was every bit as good as fans remembered the series to be when it released last year. Even without any new content or the inclusion of the season one characters in this latest port, this release of Samurai Shodown is still worth your attention thanks to the superb gameplay and the added portability that comes with the Nintendo Switch.
Samurai Shodown is a very different fighter to what you might be used to, but it offers a unique way to play, offering a different approach to the genre.
Samurai Shodown is a breath of fresh air to the series, because of its choice to make the battles more of a duel and not a button mashing frenzy – and I respect that. With each character feeling different enough to make your mind race with possibilities of offensive and defensive strategies, it almost fails because of the timing system.