# Samurai Shodown: The SNES Port ## Overview This is the Super Nintendo version of the revolutionary arcade fighting game, *Samurai Shodown*. Set in 18th-century Japan, the game pits a cast of unique warriors against each other in high-stakes, weapon-based duels. Players choose from a roster of 11 fighters, including the iconic ronin Haohmaru and the fierce kunoichi Nakoruru, on their quest to defeat the malevolent Shiro Tokisada Amakusa. This port brought the methodical and tense swordplay of the arcade classic to a massive home console audience. ## Background Ported by Takara and released in 1994, the SNES version of *Samurai Shodown* was an ambitious project that aimed to translate the massive Neo Geo arcade experience onto the 16-bit Super Nintendo. Due to the technical differences between the two systems, several compromises were necessary. This version is most famous for its significant censorship to align with Nintendo's family-friendly policies of the era, removing all blood (replacing it with white "sweat") and gory finishing moves. Additionally, the large character Earthquake was removed from the roster, and the arcade's signature camera zoom effect was omitted. Despite these changes, it was a commendable effort to deliver the game's core experience to SNES owners. ## Gameplay The gameplay of the SNES port retains the fundamental strategic elements of the original. Combat is slower and more deliberate than other fighting games, focusing on careful spacing and punishing single strikes. The iconic Rage Gauge is present, powering up a character's attacks as they take damage. The four-button control scheme of the arcade was adapted to the SNES controller, mapping weak and strong slashes and kicks. While the presentation was scaled back—with smaller character sprites and less animation—the core tactical gameplay of outsmarting your opponent and landing a devastating heavy slash remains the heart of the experience.