We Love It's Guide to…
Choose a swordsman in a 2D fighter where spacing, timing, and high-damage weapon strikes can turn a duel in one hit.
Released 18 Jun 2019
Use character-specific Overkill Moves to finish an opponent with a distinct, violent finisher.
Pick fighters with unusual weapon styles, such as an archer, a warrior carrying seven swords, or a fighter wielding a chain-linked shuriken.
Turn a close duel around with a single well-timed heavy strike, where one mistake can cost a large portion of a health bar.
SAMURAI SHODOWN V SPECIAL, which was the last game made for SNK’s NEOGEO back in 2004, finally makes its way onto Steam. It features everything fans expect from a fighting game such as training mode, online matches, etc.
Developed by SNK CORPORATION, Code Mystics · Published by SNK CORPORATION
SAMURAI SHODOWN V SPECIAL is a 2D weapon-based fighting game with 28 playable characters, including returning favorites and earlier series bosses. Each fighter brings a different weapon, reach, and set of moves to their duels.
Combat centers on spacing, timing, and reading an opponent rather than building long combos. Heavy attacks can deal enormous damage, so a single mistake can quickly shift a fight. Rage and sword-energy mechanics add further considerations to when you attack and hold back.
You can play arcade battles, practice in training mode, or face other players online. Character-specific Overkill Moves offer a dramatic way to finish opponents under certain conditions. In-game challenges can also unlock art, and you can choose the menu music.
Players who enjoy the game often praise its tense, deliberate weapon duels, where careful spacing and timing make each heavy strike feel consequential. Reviews also highlight the varied fighters and the pixel-art presentation. Other players find the CPU difficulty or the Steam version’s online and technical experience frustrating, so those points are not universally praised.
| Platforms | Windows |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 18 |
| Age ratings |
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| Controller support | Xbox |
| Controller required | No |
| Content notices |
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