Ring of Steel

 Whether out of boredom, frustration with another project or just on a whim, my tendency to jump from one task to another has been my biggest obstacle to getting anything done.  But every once in a while, those same impulses lead me to something new.

Starting this post way back in April, I worked up a sweat trying out Nintendo Switch Sports' online beta test.  Since we did not talk about Nintendo Switch Sports' online beta test, it suddenly occurred to me to dig a little deeper into my Switch game collection and explore a franchise that I've slept on for too long . . .

Samurai Shodown (1993)

Developed by Hamster for SNK's ACA NeoGeo collection, this port bundles the arcade version of Samurai Shodown with added features for added enjoyment.  In fact the port's so accurate to the arcade cabinet, you need to add 'credits' to keep playing should you lose, though it's easier to just hit Start.

Don't you just love it when they say the title of a game within the game?

And you've gotta love interactive environments.  But here it's more for show than an obstacle to avoid.

Similar to mechanics from recent Street Fighter games, a character's 'Rage Meter' builds up whenever they're hit.  Once activated, the damage output of their attacks is increased.

Samurai Shodown (2020)

This is the very first game in the series that I've ever touched, mostly just fiddling around with the training mode.  And it's only recently that I've started playing in earnest, though I still haven't worked up the nerve to go online.

A prequel/remake of the original Samurai Shodown, the visuals and mechanics of both titles are night and day.  Not only have the usual quality-of-life upgrades been added, but I've had to relearn how to play with my mains.

Though I've aced the tutorials and tweaked the controls, I found myself missing certain moves if not pulling them off by accident.

At least it's not too hard to perform a Fatality.

Truth be told, while my overall experience with SS was satisfying, it wasn't my only reason for picking up a copy . . .

Samurai Showdown! 2 (NeoGeo Pocket Color)

Sold with Samurai Shodown as a pre-order bonus, this emulation of the original cartridge is now available separately and as part of NeoGeo Pocket Color Selection Vol. 1.  This is the first NGPC title I've downloaded.  But like with the others, I bought it on Day 1, sat on it for a year or so, and just started playing it.

The game brings back mainstays like Haohmaru (left) and new faces like Asura (right).

After reaching certain milestones, the player unlocks a card that raises their attributes in different modes and can be viewed in the gallery.

Though the Joy-Cons can be removed from the Switch for 2-Player Mode, they can also stay attached while players control the game from either side.  I only know of one other game that does this, but that's a post for another day.

Samurai Shodown (Game Boy)

Part of a series of 8 Game-Boy-ported fighters from Takara, the game received a localized release.  But the import was cheaper when I bought it.  Anyway . . .

Not that it makes a difference for someone who doesn't read Japanese, but I appreciate they threw in a story mode (unlike the original game).

Playing on my original Game Boy under a kitchen lamp, of course this looks like those Tiger handheld games you've probably had as a kid.  What I like about it, though, is that instead of interactive stages we get random power-ups falling from the sky.

They even throw in a minigame where you slice and dice strawmen against the clock.

And that about does it.  Join me next time on another belated blog to see what I'm playing now.  Different time, different heap.  Have a good one.