Samurai Spirits

Samurai Spirits, also known as Samurai Shodown in the West, is a series of weapon-based fighting games developed by SNK. The series is renowned for its unique weapon-fighting system, high damage output, and tense, thrilling combat. Set in 18th-century Japan, the games blend historical figures and fictional elements, such as Miyamoto Musashi, the Yagyu clan, and Hattori Hanzo, complemented by traditional Japanese music, creating a rich historical atmosphere. The series debuted in 1993, spawning numerous sequels and spin-offs. A notable feature is the 'Rage' or 'POW' gauge, which increases as players take damage, boosting their attack power when full. In 2019, SNK released Samurai Shodown (2019), a mainline installment using Unreal Engine 4, greatly enhancing its visuals. The Samurai Shodown franchise has also expanded into manga and anime, gaining a substantial global fanbase.