ACA NeoGeo: Samurai Shodown

Samurai Shodown is a single-player and two-player weapon-based fighting game. The game is set in the late eighteenth century and follows a group of warriors drawn into conflict as Shiro Tokisada Amakusa attempts to spread chaos under the influence of the dark power Ambrosia. Each fighter has a personal reason for entering the battle, ranging from duty and revenge to ambition, survival, or the defense of a homeland. In single-player mode, the selected warrior fights through the other combatants before facing Amakusa as the final opponent.

The selectable roster consists of twelve fighters, each with a distinct weapon, fighting style, and background. The cast includes samurai, ninja, swordsmen, foreign warriors, and other weapon users, with arms ranging from katanas and rapiers to claws, polearms, heavy blades, and throwing weapons. Although the story revolves around Amakusa’s threat, most of the campaign is structured as a tournament-style sequence of duels, with each character receiving individual scenes or ending material depending on the version.