Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge

Samurai Shodown IV is a weapon-based 2D fighter set in feudal Japan. You pick from a roster of sword-wielders, spear-users, and other armed combatants, each with distinct movesets and special attacks. Matches play out as one-on-one duels where positioning and timing matter—land a heavy strike at the right moment and you can turn a round instantly. The combat system rewards patience over button-mashing, with mechanics built around reading your opponent and punishing mistakes. This fourth entry wraps up story threads from earlier games, centered on the villain Amakusa's return. Characters range from stoic samurai to more eccentric fighters, all rendered in SNK's sprite work. If you want a fighting game where single hits carry weight and matches hinge on split-second decisions rather than long combos, this delivers that tense, deliberate pace.