Samurai Shodown (also known as Samurai Spirits), released for the Arcade by SNK in 1993, is a classic weapon-based fighting game that redefined the 2D fighting genre. Set in late 18th-century Japan, players choose from a diverse cast of weapon-wielding warriors, including the iconic Haohmaru and Nakoruru. Unlike combo-heavy contemporaries, gameplay revolves around spacing, quick reflexes, and punishing enemy mistakes with massive single strikes.
To play, defeat your opponent in two out of three rounds by draining their health bar. The arcade controls map to the joystick for movement and jumping, with buttons for light, medium, and heavy attacks. In the browser, use the arrow keys to move and block, and the assigned action keys to attack.
Keep a close eye on your Rage Gauge at the bottom of the screen. Taking damage fills this meter, and when maxed out, your character turns red and your attack power significantly increases. Use this burst of power to turn the tide of a match, but be careful not to leave yourself open with easily blocked heavy slashes.

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