Last week, we counted down the best and worst games from the Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting and The King of Fighters franchises. That was a lot of fun, but more than a few people asked: What did Electronic Gaming Monthly think of the other SNK fighters, like Samurai Shodown, World Heroes and The Last Blade? How did those games compare to The King of Fighters?
As it turns out, SNK reviewed a total of twenty games in the Samurai Shodown, Last Blade and World Heroes franchises. This includes most of the mainline games, a bunch of the downgraded 16-bit ports and even a couple versions on handheld systems. Sure, there are a few games missing here and there, but I think you're going to agree that we have a fun list with a lot of amazing games. And, best of all, we're going to end the episode by combining this week's countdown with the one from last week to see the full list of SNK fighting games. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, because right now we're going to countdown the best and worst Samurai Shodown, Last Blade and World Heroes games based on Electronic Gaming Monthly's words and scores. There's no editorializing here, we're just going to see what the critics said back when these games first came out. So, grab your favorite sword, because this is what happens when EGM Ranks Samurai Shodown, The Last Blade and World Heroes.
Samurai Shodown: Warrior's Rage (PlayStation)
#20
“Samurai Shodown: Warrior's Rage is yet another 3D SNK title that just should never have been. It's a huge disgrace to the Samurai Shodown name, and I can't think of any reason why someone ought to pick it up. The graphics are weak and lack detail, the sounds are average and the story is simply tolerable. When it comes to the gameplay, things don't get any better. There's an overall lack of polish that really hinders the fights – animations are often jerky and the control feels loose. Also, to make things more dramatic, the game pauses each time a combatant loses one of the three sections on their life bar. This just breaks up the flow a match might have had. Seriously, who would want that in a fighting game?” (2 out of 10)
World Heroes (Genesis)
#19
“The Super NES version was a good Neo Geo reproduction, but this one completely misses! The action is incredibly slow (and a bit choppy) and the voices are horrendous! All the fighters are still there, but the fun isn't.” (5.2 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown V (Xbox)
#18
“Samurai Shodown V doesn't just look like its decade-old prequels – much of it IS its decade-old prequels, with graphics ripped directly from the earlier games. I'd complain more about this ‘recycling' if the few characters and backgrounds they did add weren't such ugly, uninspired piles of pixels. Still, I can't deny that the gameplay, while uneven and hardly imaginative, can be fun in the right matchup.” (5.8 out of 10)
World Heroes (Super NES)
#17
“Is this supposed to be a fighting game or just another attempt to capitalize on Street Fighter 2's success? While the graphics and sound are okay, the game really takes a dive in game play. The moves are nothing special and they don't animate very well. The pace of each fight is as slow as molasses. After a while I just didn't want to finish a fight. I don't know about you, but you won't find me waiting in line for this one!” (6.5 out of 10)
The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai (Dreamcast)
#16
“One of the best fighting games for the Neo Geo back in the late ‘90s, Last Blade 2 is an excellent compromise between old school SNK fighters and faster-paced, more fantastic Capcom titles on the Dreamcast today. In typical SNK fashion, the dated yet endearing gameplay features a simple parrying system and is focused on close-range attacks rather than repeated projectile tossing. What I really like about Last Blade 2 is the overall style and variety of its characters – it's very much like Samurai Shodown. If you don't care much for flowery presentation, you probably won't get into Last Blade 2, because it's just not as deep as most modern 2D and 3D fighters.” (7 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown III (Neo Geo)
#15
“I've been a big fan of this series, but this game just plain overwhelmed me. Not only is there a huge conglomeration of characters, but they have alter-egos that play differently as well. As a result, the graphics seem to be compromised with fewer colors than before. Samurai Shodown III plays well, but it has too many of those moves that require impossible joystick motions. I have mixed feelings about this game. I like what it has, but wasn't impressed.” (7.25 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown (Game Boy)
#14
“A very good portable version of the Neo Geo arcade smash! Almost everything is here – the fighters, the moves, and the look. This one seemed a lot more fun to play on the Super Game Boy than on the small screen, but nonetheless, fans of the game who are ‘on the go' will not be disappointed with this one.” (7.4 out of 10)
World Heroes 2 (Super NES)
#13
“The Neo Geo madness continues with another excellent conversion of an arcade game to the Super NES platform. One advantage of this version is the ability to play as the boss characters. The speed setting is also a plus and the tug-of-war survival matches have been retained from the arcade. Some moves could have used a bit more animation. Overall, it is a faithful translation.” (7.4 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown (Super NES)
#12
“A very earnest home version of the arcade smash that stays pretty faithful to the original material. Obviously, some will be disappointed because the scaling isn't in this version, and the characters could be a little bigger. But for an adaptation of a Neo Geo title, this one does a very good job. The timed fight mode is a good option.” (7.4 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown (Sega CD)
#11
“It's the game that will not die. Samurai Shodown for the Sega CD is a solid fighting game, but not without some flaws. The first and major one is the character voices. They have too much of a muffled echo to them. Not something you'd want to hear during a good battle. The control is perfect and the music is very good. All the special moves have been included as well. If you're just dying for a new fighting game, Samurai Shodown shouldn't disappoint you.” (7.5 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown (3DO)
#10
“A very faithful home version of the arcade fighter, the only drawback being the voices for some of the characters aren't exactly right. The scaling effect is well done, with easy execution of the moves.” (7.6 out of 10)
World Heroes 2 Jet (Game Boy)
#9
“WOW! I have to hand it to Takara, you really blew old Sushi away. I've never really been big on the countless limitations of Game Boy, but somehow they were able to put in all the moves and simply incredible control. I could not believe a fighting game would ever work for the portables, but this one does. Sure, the sounds are typical Game Boy and the graphics are simple, but it plays and controls better than some 16-bit titles. Hats off to this title, it's a great reproduction of the Neo Geo version.” (7.9 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge (Neo Geo)
#8
“I'm starting to get as tired of the 2D fighting scene as I am the Doom-clone. Outside of the Street Fighter games, everything else seems to lack that certain luster. Samurai Shodown IV, however, made me think differently. Samurai Shodown IV is the best Neo Geo fighting there is. Better than the Fatal Furies, better than the King of Fighters. Samurai Shodown IV looks great. The moves are clean and flashy (just like I like my women). The characters are better animated than any other Neo Geo game, which is a pleasant change. Plenty of techniques and a wide variety of warriors make this a truly great fighting game. Don't pass this by at the arcades!” (8 out of 10)
World Heroes 2 (Neo Geo)
#7
“Neo Geo continues to astound! This is a great fighting game with enough fighters to keep one's interest! My favorite is the witch doctor, Mudman! The Death Match mode is very innovative! This game will occupy two players for days with just its action. Some characters are hard to control, but at least you have a choice!” (8 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown (Genesis)
#6
“For those of you wanting bigger fighters than those in the Super NES version, look no further. The scaling is out, but the graphics are very close to the Neo Geo version, with the omission of the fighter Earthquake. There is some slowdown, and the voices are poor, but the moves are very easy to execute. An earnest translation.” (8 out of 10)
The Last Blade (Neo Geo Pocket Color)
#5
“The Neo Geo Pocket Color is quickly becoming the system of choice for 2D fighting fans. It always amazes me just how much depth SNK is able to give to these little handheld fighters, especially only having two buttons to work with. Last Blade uses a point system, meaning you gain points after accomplishing certain things that will unlock extra modes. The game has more in common with Samurai Shodown than the other Neo Geo Pocket Color fighters as far as the feel and battle system go, so if you long for the breakneck speed of SNK vs. Capcom, you may not be satisfied. Overall, it's another solid Neo Geo Pocket Color fighter.” (8.25 out of 10)
World Heroes 2 Jet (Neo Geo)
#4
“I bought World Heroes 2 and thought it was a good game. Now, after playing this remake, I'm about to toss the old one out! This cart has been retooled to play better and have more moves. There are so many cool additions, it's hard to describe how much is new. I like the many taunts and fake dizzies. The two new characters are a bit too powerful, though. This is one to get if you have a Neo Geo.” (8.25 out of 10)
World Heroes Perfect (Neo Geo)
#3
“Hey, haven't I played this game before? World Heroes Perfect looks just like the previous version of the game that bears its name, aside from obvious background differences. The only changes that really make a difference are in the way the game plays. There are now more offensive and defensive ways to play, opening up all new ways to attack and conquer. Don't be dismayed if you think the game isn't different. It is a better game and worthy of plunking quarters into.” (8.5 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown (Neo Geo)
#2
“Forget Fatal Fury 2 and World Heroes 2, Samurai Shodown has arrived. The graphics are better than any other fighting game for the Neo Geo, with superb sound effects and voices. The many characters to fight with have some of the most creative attacks. You can also lose your weapons and gain them back. Awesome!” (9 out of 10)
Samurai Shodown II (Neo Geo)
#1
“Not only have my expectations for Samurai Shodown II been met, but they have also been surpassed. SNK has taken their best game to a higher plane. Samurai Shodown 2 is loaded with cool new features – new fighters, stunning backgrounds for every character and, best of all, the gameplay is superb! With the new moves, there are tons of new ways to attack. Samurai Shodown 2 is a diamond in the rough for fighting games!” (9 out of 10)
