Samurai Shodown! - Pocket Fighting Series (Japan, Europe) (En,Ja)

Samurai Shodown! - Pocket Fighting Series brings SNK's weapon-based fighting franchise to the Neo Geo Pocket system. This is an official port originally released in Japan in 1998 and hitting Europe later, developed and published by SNK themselves. The game runs on the original monochrome Neo Geo Pocket hardware and also works on the later Color model, making it one of the earliest fighters available for the handheld. It's a condensed but faithful take on the series, designed for quick matches on the go.

In this 2D fighter, you choose from a roster of classic Samurai Shodown characters like Haohmaru, Nakoruru, and Ukyo, each with their own weapon and special moves. The core loop is standard for the genre: you face off against an opponent in a best-of-three-round match, using the directional pad and two action buttons to execute attacks, blocks, and special techniques. The controls are simplified compared to the arcade versions, with a focus on four-button layout adapted to the Pocket's limited buttons. There is a power gauge that fills as you land hits, allowing for a super move once full.

Today, this title stands as a solid portable fighter that captures the essence of the original Samurai Shodown games despite the hardware limitations. The sprite work is detailed for its time, and the gameplay remains responsive and fun for short sessions. It's a nice piece of SNK's handheld library, though it's more of a curiosity for series fans than a deep competitive fighter. If you enjoy retro fighting games and want something that fits in your pocket, this is worth a few rounds.