Summary

• Release Year: 2003
• Genres: Fighting
• Platforms: Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Neo Geo MVS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox
• Developers: Yuki Enterprise
• Publishers: SNK Playmore

Samurai Shodown V (2003): A Return to Form for the Classic Fighting Game Series

Samurai Shodown V is a 2D fighting game developed and published by SNK Playmore. It was released in arcades in 2003, and was later ported to the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Windows. The game is the fifth installment in the Samurai Shodown series, and is a direct sequel to Samurai Shodown IV.

Samurai Shodown V brings back the classic side-scrolling action of the previous games in the series, but with a number of new features and improvements. The game features a new cast of characters, as well as a number of returning favorites. The game also introduces a new gameplay mechanic called the “Rage Gauge”, which allows players to power up their attacks by taking damage.

The story of Samurai Shodown V takes place several years after the events of Samurai Shodown IV. The evil warlord Mizuki Rashojin has been defeated, but his followers are still at large. The player takes control of one of several samurai warriors who must travel the land and defeat Rashojin’s remaining followers in order to restore peace to the world.

Samurai Shodown V was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its beautiful graphics, tight gameplay, and large roster of characters. The game was also nominated for several awards, including “Best Fighting Game” at the 2003 Golden Joystick Awards.

Gameplay

Samurai Shodown V is a 2D fighting game played on a 2D plane. The game features a cast of 28 characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The game also introduces a new gameplay mechanic called the “Rage Gauge”. The Rage Gauge fills up as the player takes damage, and can be used to power up the player’s attacks.

The game also features a number of different game modes, including a single-player arcade mode, a versus mode, and a training mode. The arcade mode is the main story mode of the game, and sees the player fighting their way through a series of opponents in order to defeat Mizuki Rashojin. The versus mode allows two players to fight against each other, and the training mode allows the player to practice their combos and moves.

Characters

Samurai Shodown V features a cast of 28 characters, including 24 returning characters from previous games in the series and 4 new characters. The returning characters include Haohmaru, Nakoruru, Ukyo Tachibana, and Galford. The new characters include Asura, Mizuki Rashojin, Yumeji Kurokouchi, and Shizumaru Hisame.

Each character in Samurai Shodown V has their own unique fighting style and special moves. For example, Haohmaru is a well-rounded character with a variety of powerful attacks, while Nakoruru is a fast and agile character who specializes in using projectiles.

Graphics and Sound

Samurai Shodown V features beautiful 2D graphics that are some of the best in the series. The characters are all well-animated and the backgrounds are detailed and colorful. The game also features a great soundtrack that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the game.

Conclusion

Samurai Shodown V is a fantastic addition to the Samurai Shodown series. It brings back the classic side-scrolling action of the previous games in the series, but with a number of new features and improvements. The game features a large roster of characters, beautiful graphics, and tight gameplay. Samurai Shodown V is a must-play for fans of fighting games and samurai action.

Pros

• Beautiful graphics
• Tight gameplay
• Large roster of characters
• New gameplay mechanics

Cons

• Can be difficult for beginners
• Some characters are more powerful than others

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots