Samurai Showdown 侍魂 Gameplay Playthrough (with Cheats)

"Samurai Shodown"—known in Japan as "Samurai Spirits (侍魂)"—is a VS Fighting game series developed by SNK. First released in 1993, it was among the earliest titles in the genre to emphasize weapon‑based combat rather than purely hand‑to‑hand fighting.

The series’ narratives are set in 18th‑century Japan during the Sakoku (seclusion) period, with the first four games spanning the years 1788–1789. Creative liberties allow for the inclusion of foreign characters—sometimes from regions that did not exist in that era—as well as mythical creatures. While each installment presents a distinct storyline, they consistently revolve around a core cast of characters and a specific region of Japan.

Samurai Shodown also serves as a cultural showcase, presenting aspects of Japanese language and tradition to international audiences with minimal alteration. Unlike most Japanese fighting games, its characters (and even the announcer) speak exclusively in Japanese, ranging from archaic, theatrical expressions to modern slang—an approach preserved in overseas releases. Dialogue such as victory quotes and cutscenes is subtitled in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, and German. The soundtrack prominently features traditional Japanese instruments like the shakuhachi, shamisen, koto, and taiko, later incorporating enka influences. Several fighters are loosely inspired by historical figures from Japan’s past.