Description

"Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits Bushidou Retsuden," also known as "Samurai Shodown RPG," is a unique departure from the traditional fighting genre associated with the Samurai Shodown series. Released for the Sega Saturn in 1997, this game combines elements of role-playing with the rich, historical backdrop and character roster of its fighting predecessors. Set during the same period as the earlier Samurai Shodown games, this RPG allows players to explore a more expansive narrative-driven adventure. Players choose one of three characters—Haohmaru, Nakoruru, or Galford—each leading distinct but interwoven storylines that explore their backgrounds and motivations deeper than the arcade-based fighters could.

The gameplay in "Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits Bushidou Retsuden" diverges from the typical fighting mechanics of the series, incorporating turn-based battles that still reflect the skills and styles of the characters from the original games. Throughout their journey, players accumulate other familiar characters from the series into their party, each with unique abilities and personal quests contributing to the game's depth. Noteworthy is the game's attempt to merge narrative depth with engaging combat systems, presenting storyline choices that could affect the outcome of the game, providing a rich, choice-driven adventure. Although released primarily in Japan, the game gained a following abroad due to its innovative blend of RPG elements with the established Samurai Shodown universe, marking an intriguing chapter in SNK's celebrated franchise.