Samurai Shodown II Online

About Samurai Shodown II

Samurai Shodown II (1994) is SNK's weapon-based fighter at its best. Set in Japan at the end of the 18th century, it gathers swordsmen, ninjas and warriors from around the world to stop the dark priestess Mizuki. Every fighter carries a weapon – katanas, spears, claws, a giant hammer – and a single clean slash can take a huge piece of your opponent's life.

The fighters

Favorites from the first game return – the wandering swordsman Haohmaru, the Ainu priestess Nakoruru and her hawk Mamahaha, the elegant Ukyo Tachibana, the American ninja Galford – joined by newcomers like Genjuro Kibagami, Haohmaru's ruthless rival, and the cat-girl Cham Cham.

How it plays

• Heavy slashes do enormous damage – patience and spacing matter more than long combos.
• The rage gauge fills as you take hits; at full rage your attacks get much stronger.
• Weapon-break specials can knock the weapon out of your opponent's hands.
• New movement such as rolls and ducking under attacks makes defense more active.

Best characters

• Haohmaru – huge damage and simple commands.
• Nakoruru – fast and tricky, with her hawk.
• Genjuro – aggressive, with dangerous card-like slashes.

Tips

• Do not swing wildly – a missed heavy slash leaves you wide open.
• Fight carefully at low health: full rage can turn the round.
• Learn your character's best anti-air; jumping in is risky against good players.

More SNK fighters: The Last Blade and The Last Blade 2. See them all on the SNK fighting games hub.