|
The Samurai Showdown series returns complete with online play. For those that don’t know, Samurai Showdown is SNK’s weapon-based fighting game from the early 1990s. Like with most other SNK games, the series still have a loyal following that will be glad to know that Samurai Showdown V is more of the same, but with online play, though the game isn’t the most visually stunning 2D fighter available.
Fans of the series will quickly recognize many of the game’s characters among the over two dozen included. You’ll find the tough boss Gaoh, the skilled swordsman Haohmaru, the ninja Hanzo, and others. The game also boasts some new fighters (unique to SSV) like Mina, an archer, and Yoshitora, a flashy swordsman. SSV, however, doesn’t have the dual abilities for its characters that were found in previous games. Instead, these dual characters are split into two different characters. That said, there are some nuances unique to each fighter and if you’re into the game, it can be a blast to discover them all.
The series’ signature slow pace can be found in full effect in the game. The game doesn’t really reward outlandish combos, but rather tactical hits. This is because there is an attack meter which depletes with each attack and slowly fills back up, forcing you to think through your moves and not just do whatever comes to mind first. You’ll find a plethora of combos, kicks, and slashes in the game. The game also includes a rage meter that fills up as you fight; when it turns red you’re able to pull off a very powerful move. The game also includes a feature called the concentration zone that lets you slow down your opponent when you’re about to be defeated. This creates somewhat of a loose feeling in the game which is in stark contrast to the tight nature of most of the other 2D fighters. It also makes matches a bit more even since your opponent may be able to turn things around.
As I mentioned above, the game includes an online multiplayer mode. We didn’t notice any lag when we played online which is a must for any fighting game. The game makes it easy to find an opponent thanks to the quick match option. It also supports the ability to create a match or use the optimatch feature. If you can’t play online, the game includes an offline multiplayer mode for two players and a practice mode.
The game’s visuals weren’t stunning when the game was originally released in 2003, and don’t look any better three years later. The game’s characters are rather crudely drawn and some of the animations are equally rudimentary. The backgrounds vary a lot in quality; some actually look pretty decent while others make you question why SNK just didn’t remove them. It makes you question how much work they put into this port when it looks like a collection of recycled graphics.
The game’s audio is decent. The background music includes the original soundtrack and a new instrumental backdrop. The announcer does a decent job though it’s nothing exciting. The voice acting is not bad, either. For fans of the authentic game, the Japanese voice work can be used.
Samurai Shodown V isn’t the best looking or most refined fighter available, but it does work well enough including a fully functional online mode. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll enjoy it, but unless you were already a fan, the game probably isn’t for you. That classic SNK charm isn’t enough. -- Jake Wilson, PGNx Media
---- Feb 26, 2006
|
