Samurai Shodown V

About

SAMURAI SHODOWN V is a fighting game released by SNK in 2003. Yoshitora Tokugawa, Mina Majikina and more join the cast of twenty-four warriors. New systems available include the Sword Gauge and Concentration One, for even more sword-swinging action.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 16 reviews

graphics7 positive mentions

Excellent arcade translation with all characters from the series, providing a nostalgic experience for fans.
Gameplay is easy to learn yet offers depth, allowing both beginners and hardcore players to enjoy the game.
The game features responsive controls and a solid online mode, making it a fun experience to play with friends.

Graphics are dated and may not meet the expectations of modern gamers used to high-quality visuals.
Online matchmaking can be frustrating due to a lack of players, leading to long wait times for matches.
Some players may find the controls and gameplay mechanics different from other popular fighting games, which could lead to frustration.

graphics
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
23%
23%
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, especially when compared to modern titles, yet they are appreciated by hardcore fans of 2D fighters for their traditional artwork and character design. While some players find the visuals acceptable for a handheld system, others express disappointment in the lack of sharpness and quality, expecting more from contemporary gaming. Overall, the graphics cater to a niche audience that values classic aesthetics over modern 3D visuals.
- “Strangely, it had good graphics for a primitive handheld system and played well for only having two buttons.”
- “Games like these are specifically aimed at those who have an appreciation for traditional artwork in games and characterisation - something that most will agree SNK are the grand masters of.”
- “Graphics/presentation are good - and again I remind you that I aim this review at hardcore 2D fighting game connoisseurs and budding enthusiasts alike.”
- “The graphics are dated and can't compare in sharpness or quality to those in SF3 or any of the GG games, but then again, if you're a Neo fan you already know what to expect.”
- “I was shocked to learn that even though you have a great console (PS3, Xbox, etc.), you can get games that contain graphics from 8-bit designs.”
- “I personally find that having the color/brightness settings on my TV lower than typical helps as it gives the graphics a less cartoony look and more of a washed out look, which helps give the game the darker, more brooding atmosphere that it lacks slightly compared with earlier games in the series.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay is highly praised for its depth and responsiveness, offering a variety of tactical elements such as dashing, ducking, and blocking that contribute to a fast-paced and engaging experience. Players note that the enjoyment and rewards from the game increase with the time invested, making it a timelessly fun option.
- “There are many elements to the gameplay that make it timelessly fun.”
- “You can dash, duck, retreat, and obviously block, to name a few of the core tactical defensive elements - and these really lay the foundations for some speedy epic gameplay, for which the controls are very responsive.”
- “Gameplay is awesome - depending on how much investment of time you put in, you will get a lot out of this game.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by adjusting the color and brightness settings, which can create a darker, more brooding aesthetic compared to previous entries in the series. The music features a strong variation, with traditional Japanese instruments contributing to both energetic and melancholic tones, effectively setting a haunting and immersive scene. Overall, while the atmosphere may not fully match earlier titles, it still offers a compelling experience.
- “The music is fantastic, featuring a great variation across different stages. Some are up-tempo and energetic, while others are more somber or melancholy. The use of traditional Japanese instruments sets the scene perfectly, creating an almost ghostly atmosphere at times - excellent.”
- “The music is fantastic, featuring a great variation across different stages. Some are up-tempo and energetic, while others are more somber or melancholy. The use of traditional Japanese instruments sets the scene perfectly, creating an almost ghostly atmosphere at times - excellent.”
- “I personally find that having the color/brightness settings on my TV lower than typical helps, as it gives the graphics a less cartoony look and more of a washed-out appearance, which contributes to a darker, more brooding atmosphere that the game slightly lacks compared to earlier titles in the series.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game is highly praised for its effective use of traditional Japanese instruments, providing a varied experience that ranges from energetic to somber, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The sound effects, including the impactful sounds of combat, are also noted for their effectiveness, especially when experienced through a high-quality audio system. Overall, the audio design significantly contributes to the game's immersive experience.
- “The music is good, featuring a great variation. Some stages are up-tempo and energetic, while others are more somber or melancholy. All of this is done with distinct traditional Japanese instruments, which sets the scene perfectly and at times creates an almost ghostly atmosphere - excellent.”
- “The sound and music are very nice, featuring 'chings' and 'changs' of colliding metal weapons, slicing flesh sounds, and monotone spurting blood sounds. All of this is very effective, especially if you have your console linked up to a hi-fi system, allowing you to really feel the bass impact of the body blows or when a body hits the deck.”