Samurai Spirits: Zankurou Musouken

Samurai Spirits: Zankurou Musouken, also known as Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood, is a fighting arcade game developed by SNK and released in 1995. It is the third installment in the Samurai Shodown series. Chronologically set between the events of Samurai Shodown and Samurai Shodown II, the game follows the journey of Shizumaru Hisame and various warriors as they seek out the powerful swordsman Zankuro Minazuki for their own reasons. The game features a darker aesthetic compared to its predecessors, with redesigned characters. A key feature is the introduction of two selectable fighting styles per character: "Slash" and "Bust", each with its own unique moves and playstyle. The control scheme was also revised, with three buttons dedicated to weak, medium, and strong slash attacks and one button for kicks. While innovative in gameplay, the game was met with some criticism due to balancing issues and bugs. Despite this, its distinct combat system and dark atmosphere have made it a popular entry among fans. It has been ported to multiple platforms including Neo Geo, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn.