Samurai Shodown III

by SNK · published by SNK Playmore, D4, Sony Computer Entertainment · Samurai Shodown series

1995 · Wii, PC, PS1, PS3, Saturn, PSP

Fighting Action Single-player Multiplayer Split screen Side view Historical

Samurai Shodown III was to be the start of a bold new direction for the franchise. The most obvious difference between this game and the others in the series is the notably darker aesthetic. The more light-hearted characters (Earthquake, Cham Cham, and Gen-an to name a few) from the previous games have been excised, and even the kabuki master, Kyoshiro Senryo, received a redesign, transforming him from a flamboyant stage performer into a grim-faced, muscular man. All of the characters have been completely redrawn. The animation is very smooth for all characters, another departure from the graphical style of the second game.