Samurai Shodown! 21999

Samurai Shodown! 2

1999 SNK68Worthwhile

Playtime

BriefTypically 1 hour

Playable on

Available on

Game modes

Details

Launch
April 30, 1999
Developer
-
Publisher
SNK
Themes
-
Genres
Fighting

Overview

Samurai Shodown! 2 is a handheld game in SNK's Samurai Shodown series of fighting games. Unlike its predecessor, it was released on the Neo-Geo Pocket Color system, so its graphics were no longer monochrome. It was designed as a conversion from the most recent game in the Samurai Shodown series, Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage, and almost all of its story events, endings and cutscenes are derived from its arcade cousin. Almost all of the characters from Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage are included (the sole exception being Hanma Yagyu). It also re-added two series favorites who were not in the arcade, Charlotte and Yagyu Jubei.

Screenshots

Screenshot for Samurai Shodown! 2
Screenshot for Samurai Shodown! 2
Screenshot for Samurai Shodown! 2
Screenshot for Samurai Shodown! 2
Screenshot for Samurai Shodown! 2

Reception

Overall, Samurai Shodown! 2 has come over quite well to the Switch. If you've played the original, you'll find most everything is in-tact save for the trading card send/receive system (which is understandable). Cards can still be collected in-game, just not traded to friends from what I could tell. I can think of some better fighting games on the Switch...

A commendable attempt to bring Samurai Shodown to an old portable format, even though the limited nature of the Neo Geo Pocket Color at the time does hinder Samurai Shodown! 2's chances of being able to hold much attention today. One for the diehard fans that will appreciate the effort of what was achieved with the hardware.

For better or worse, Samurai Shodown! 2 is exactly what you'd expect from a portable adaptation of the arcade fighting game.

Ultimately, Samurai Shodown!2 is another one of the games that is easy to pick up and play when you have a limited amount of time to play.

With very charming and well-crafted sprites, SAMURAI SHODOWN! 2 leaves Neo Geo Pocket in the past and officially returns to the arena. But the lack of online resources and limitations in the game itself give little reason for anyone who is not an enthusiast to acquire the relaunch. If you are curious about old video games or a fan of the franchise,...