Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa’s Revenge

Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa’s Revenge is the fourth in SNK’s flagship Samurai Shodown series of fighting games. Chronologically, it is the second and final chapter of a story between Samurai Shodown and Samurai Shodown II, with Samurai Shodown III being the first chapter. Samurai Shodown! on the Neo Geo Pocket is a monochrome adaptation of this game, and it was followed by Samurai Shodown! 2 on the Neo Geo Pocket Color, which is a 2D adaptation of Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage.

Gameplay:
Among other series changes, aerial blocking was removed entirely. One can also 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.