Genre: 2d Fighter
Developer: SNK
Publisher: Crystal Dynamics

As one of the first consoles powerful enough to handle even the most intricate 2d graphics, the 3DO has been graced with famous arcade titles that use these capabilities. The 3DO version of Samurai Shodown, unlike the SegaCD, SNES, and Genesis ports, is graphically identical to the arcade version. The massive, detailed, and well animated characters are all present, including the gargantuan Earthquake!

The sound effects were taken directly from the NeoGeo version, and the synth tunes from that same title were recorded and touched up. The results? A better-than-arcade audio experience, which is, unfortuantely, tempered by one point alone: the music and sound effects both sound blurred, fuzzy, or slightly static, depending on your favorite adjective, a point that might annoy different gamers to varying degrees.

Over a decade after their releases, the debate still wages as to which fighter has better gameplay, SamSho or SFII. Fortunately, 3DO owners get to play both in their full arcade glory. SamSho 3DO uses A, B, and C to attack, and when the right trigger is held, the buttons change to kicks, a formula that proves natural almost instantly. Aside from that caveat, this title's gameplay compares favorably to the arcade version, right down to every one of the engine's quirky nuances.

Being the best home version of one of the best fighters ever made deserves, at the very least, an "A" grade, and this title does, indeed, garner that much appreciation from this reviewer. Perhaps the only downside to this port is the fuzzy audio, and rating is pared down slightly as a result. However, hardcore Shodowners will easily overlook this, and will enjoy their favorite fighter at full strength. En garde!