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Samurai Shodown VI

Samurai Shodown VI

Console: Arcade
TV Standard: Region Not Set
Developer(s): SNK
Publisher(s): SNK
Release Date: 2005-09-14
Players: 2
Co-op: No
ESRB: Not Rated
Type: Fighting
Samurai Shodown VI screenshot

Samurai Shodown VI, known as Samurai Spirits: Tale of the World's Greatest Swordsman (サムライスピリッツ 天下一剣客伝 Samurai Supirittsu Tenkaichi Kenkakuden) in Japan, is the tenth iteration in the Samurai Shodown series.

The game features new backgrounds with 2D and 3D elements, as well as a returning cast of all 28 characters from Samurai Shodown V Special, 2 sub-bosses from Samurai Shodown V, as well as all 7 characters from Samurai Shodown and Samurai Shodown II that didn't appear in later games, and 4 new characters. It also features a "spirit select" system, which allows players to choose between six different fighting styles based on all previous installments.

Among other series changes, aerial blocking was removed entirely, and the switch-around move, which enabled a player to shift quickly behind the other's back, as well as the dodge (evade, side-step), in which the move virtually brings a semi-3D environment to the defense in attempt to use each sword more effectively.

One can no longer charge one's own "pow" gauge. The off-screen delivery man was omitted entirely from the game. The "CD combo" was added, wherein a player can press the C and D buttons together, triggering a strike that can be followed up by a sequence of button taps.

SNK also added a "suicide" move, wherein one's character forfeits the round. The bonus to this is that the one committing suicide will start the next round with a full "POW" gauge. Certain finishes also enable a "fatality" move in the vein of Mortal Kombat.