REVIEW:  Samurai Shodown Anthology is a compilation of the original Samurai Shodown series released for the PS2, PSP, and Nintendo Wii. The package contains the following titles: Samurai Shodown, Samurai Shodown II, Samurai Shodown III, Samurai Shodown IV, Samurai Shodown V, and Samurai Shodown VI... all on one disc!


SNK originally announced that Samurai Shodown 5 Special would also be included in this collection, but unfortunately it's missing in action. Samurai Shodown Anthology also marks the American home release of Samurai Shodown VI. Speaking of which, I didn't really get to sit down and fully enjoy SS6 (with English translation at that) until getting my hands on Anthology. So I, like many other fans of the series, have been waiting quite some time for this release.

 

 

To state the obvious, this compilation is a dream come true for fans of the series since the beginning.... What better way to reminisce about what you loved and hated about each installment in the series, and of course play through arcade mode to tackle that computer AI that you love to hate, like old times. Of course, if you somehow missed out on any of the games in this great series, this package is a great way to experience all that you've missed (minus the ass kicking you might've received at the arcade... just saying)!


Since this collection didn't see a release on PS3 or Xbox 360, sadly there's no online mode. Hopefully you have some friends who play as well (or are willing to learn). Options-wise, there's a decent assortment and some extras at least. The "BGM check" allows you to listen to every soundtrack in every game (164 tracks from SS1-SS5 alone), which is pretty awesome for fans of the classic tunes. Soundtrack and voice settings on Samurai Shodown 6 are also a nice touch, and the character color edit for every character in every game is also a blast to play with! I also appreciate the pre-unlocked artwork and endings in the SS6 Gallery... good stuff SNK Playmore.

 

 

The PS2 version is as arcade perfect as you'd expect, though I wish there were a few more graphic settings just for fun. I noticed they used "scan lines" on shadows and certain life bars in the PS2 version (which aren't present in the arcade versions), but they don't make much of a difference really. I'd definitely recommend the PS2 version for the short load times and the best suited controller, but the Wii version should hold up nicely too.


The PSP version is decent, has a variety of graphics settings, and SS1 through SS5 are indeed "arcade perfect" (minus the ridiculous load times). The only problem is: Samurai Shodown 6 on the PSP version is simply no good. The resolution is terrible (and cant be changed like in the other games) and the graphics were downgraded horribly... so if you're looking to play SS6 in all it's glory, you'll need a PS2 or Wii, simply put. On the flipside, being able to play arcade perfect SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4 & SS5 on a handheld simply kicks ass and makes the PSP version worth getting as well!

 

Page Updated: July 20th, 2024 Developer(s): SNK Playmore Publisher(s): SNK Playmore Platform(s): PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo Wii Release Date(s): Mar. 24th, 2009      PS2 / PSP Apr. 7th, 2009           Wii Oct. 1st, 2009           PSN Characters:  Haohmaru, Ukyo, Hanzo, Nakoruru, Genjuro, Kyoshiro, Shizumaru, Gaira, Rimururu, Basara, Sogetsu, Kazuki, Gen-An, Cham Cham, Tam Tam, Charlotte, Galford, Jubei, Rera, Rasetsumaru, Suija, Enja, Yoshitora, Kusaregedo, Mina, Yumeji, Sankuro, Yunfei, Ocha Maru, Wan Fu, Earthquake, Nicotine, Sieger, Mizuki, Amakusa, Iroha, Sugoroku, Andrew, Paku Paku, Poppie, Zankuro, Gaoh, Demon Gaoh Featured Video: Related Games: Street Fighter Alpha Anthology, Samurai Shodown, Samurai Shodown 2, Samurai Shodown 3, Samurai Shodown 4, Samurai Shodown V, Samurai Shodown V Special, Samurai Shodown 6, The Last Blade, The Last Blade 2,    Overall Graphics  8.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  9.0 / 10 Art Direction  7.0 / 10 Customization  9.5 / 10 Options / Extras  8.5 / 10 Intro / Presentation  8.5 / 10 Replayability / Fun  8.5 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  8.5 / 10  Review based on PS2 version       Final Words: I've dreamed about the day that SNK would release an uncut "Samurai Shodown collection"... for years. SNK made my wildest dreams come true, first by continuing this series for as long as they did, and then by officially announcing this generous compilation.  If you didn't know, I do love the Samurai Shodown series (primarily it's earlier titles) with a passion. For the record, Samurai Shodown II and IV are still my absolute favorites, and still two of my all time favorite 2D fighting games. This is a 100% must have package for any fan of the series, and really anyone who likes 2D fighting games and/or weapon based fighting games. For a detailed review of each and every installment of Samurai Shodown, please visit the individual game profiles! ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen    Click Here for all Box Artwork! FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES