Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa’s Revenge refines the core mechanics that fans fell in love with in previous installments, offering a blend of precision swordplay and fast-paced action. The hallmark dodge move returns with even tighter responsiveness, allowing players to sidestep incoming strikes and immediately counterattack. This addition not only deepens the mind games between opponents but also rewards timing and spatial awareness in ways few fighters dare to explore.

A standout feature in this installment is the dual-style system inherited from Samurai Shodown III. Each character can be played in SLASH or BUST mode, giving fighters alternative move sets, special attacks, and combo potential. This second layer of customization creates a fascinating dynamic: you’ll find yourself experimenting with different styles of Yagyu Jubei or even testing out Charlotte’s alternate form to see which best suits your approach. The decision between speed and power, or defense and offense, extends the game’s lifespan and keeps matchups feeling fresh.

On top of the traditional arsenal of slashes and lunges, the introduction of “No Contest” moves amps up the drama. When an opponent is stunned under specific conditions, your character can unleash an ultimate-slaughter finisher reminiscent of Mortal Kombat’s Fatalities. These cinematic sequences serve as both a tactical option to seal a round and a visual reward for skillful play. They’re sparingly used in high-level matches but offer a thrilling spectacle in arcade or casual settings.

Beyond individual mechanics, the roster expansion is handled with finesse. Alongside returning favorites like Yagyu Jubei, Charlotte, and Tam Tam—each sporting subtle visual and move-set tweaks—newcomers Sogetsu and Kazuki Kazama introduce fresh matchups and rivalries. The Kazama brothers bring elemental flair to their combos: whirling winds, fire-enhanced slashes, and grappling techniques that surprise even seasoned duelists. Their inclusion broadens the strategic palette, ensuring every bout feels like an entirely new challenge.

Graphics

Samurai Shodown IV’s visual presentation demonstrates SNK’s mastery of 2D pixel art at its peak. Character sprites are richly detailed, with sharp outlines and fluid animations that capture every sword swing and feint. You can practically feel the weight of each blade as it slices through the air, and the impact frames for heavy attacks pop with satisfying clarity.

Backgrounds have also received a significant uplift compared to Samurai Shodown III. From mist-shrouded shrines to blood-red fortresses perched atop stormy cliffs, each stage is crafted with mood and atmosphere in mind. Subtle parallax scrolling and environmental effects—like falling leaves or flickering torches—add depth and immersion without ever distracting from the action in the foreground.

Perhaps most impressive is the attention to character detail across SLASH and BUST versions. Alternative costumes aren’t merely recolors; they showcase different stances, facial expressions, and even special aura effects for certain moves. Seeing Tam Tam transform into his BUST variation is a delight for fans who appreciate small touches that emphasize a fighter’s darker side.

Even on the arcade’s Neo Geo hardware, Samurai Shodown IV runs buttery smooth at 60 frames per second, ensuring that no animation stutters during critical moments. The result is a polished, timeless visual package that still holds up today on modern compilations and re-releases.

Story

At the heart of Amakusa’s Revenge lies the return of the chilling warlock Amakusa Shiro Tokisada, resurrected to unleash chaos upon feudal Japan once more. The narrative, while succinct, is presented through evocative character portraits and brief intermissions that build anticipation for each duel. You’ll witness the motivations of both veterans and newcomers as they converge to either stop or aid Amakusa’s dark ambitions.

The four classic warriors—Yagyu Jubei, Charlotte, Tam Tam, and the enigmatic Earthquake—each have personal stakes that feed into the main plot. Jubei’s unwavering sense of justice propels him forward, while Charlotte’s concern for her kingdom’s safety lends emotional weight to her encounters. Even minor characters are given moments to shine, tying their individual backstories to the central conflict and revealing how Amakusa’s presence disturbs the balance of the world.

The Kazama brothers add another layer to the tale. Bound by blood yet divided in purpose, Sogetsu and Kazuki represent the light and shadow that run through the entire series. Their rivalry feels genuine, instilling a sense of dramatic tension before they even cross blades with the main antagonist. This interpersonal drama enriches the otherwise straightforward rescue-or-destruction plotline.

While Samurai Shodown IV isn’t a deep narrative RPG, its storytelling succeeds in delivering context and stakes for each fight. It strikes a fine balance between concise exposition and letting the on-screen action speak for itself, crafting a memorable setting without bogging players down in lengthy cutscenes.

Overall Experience

Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa’s Revenge stands as one of the finest sword-fighting games of its era, seamlessly building on its predecessors while introducing meaningful refinements. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer drawn in by legendary Neo Geo nostalgia, the game offers an immediately accessible yet deeply strategic experience.

Multiplayer bouts are nothing short of electrifying. The combination of dodge counters, style selection, and No Contest finishers ensures that no match ever feels the same. Arcade seekers will appreciate the tight difficulty curve, while home players can sink hours into mastering each character’s nuances and uncovering every secret interaction.

The audiovisual package remains a highlight: evocative stages, beautifully animated fighters, and a rousing soundtrack that punctuates the clash of steel. Even today, Samurai Shodown IV shines brighter than many modern indie fighters that ape its style, proving that expert craftsmanship never goes out of fashion.

For anyone looking to dive into classic 2D fighting or to round out their SNK library, Amakusa’s Revenge is an essential purchase. Its rich mechanics, striking visuals, and pulse-pounding action combine into an experience that rewards both casual button-mashers and seasoned duelists alike. All hail the return of the samurai, for this chapter may very well be the series at its zenith.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10