Review
The fourth offering in the Samurai Shodown series is, in some ways, what Samurai Shodown 3 should have been and more. The balance issues and bugs that plagued Samurai Shodown 3 have been fixed, the fighting engine tuned up, and the graphics completely redone. The end result is a game that's high in both entertainment and production value.
Samurai Shodown 4's graphics are gorgeous, and represent the biggest jump of any Samurai Shodown game from its predecessor. The game's backgrounds have a lot of detail, and are some of the best 2D fighting backgrounds you'll ever see. The moonlit beach background is particularly impressive, with vivid, contrasting red and blue working with wave animations to bring the whole scene to life.
The game's character animation and art have also been totally redone since Samurai Shodown 3, and now the characters have an interesting edgy style that almost looks polygonal. Their animation sequences are exceptionally smooth throughout, without a hint of jerkiness in any character movements. Overall, the game's graphics are of exceptional quality and will be a visual treat to even the most jaded of 2D fighter fans.
The game's sound and music manages to uphold the series' high aural standards. Both are done in an understated way that manages to fit in with the game's mood nicely. The songs range from eerie, atmospheric melodies to fast, rock-inspired tracks.
The series' fighting systems have always been deep, but Samurai Shodown 4's seems to have more depth than those of its predecessors. This is due in no small part to the extras the game includes in addition to the basic fighting system. For example, you can forfeit a match by committing suicide. While this seems pointless, you do get an advantage the next round by starting with a full power meter. You can also have your character throw his or her weapon away voluntarily in a taunt, giving you the chance to humiliate your opponent by beating him or her unarmed.
Other interesting options include your ability to call on a rage gauge and the deadly strike. The rage gauge starts off at a length determined by your health and power meter level, and slowly drains. While the gauge lasts, your character is considered to have a full power meter regardless of desperations used. The deadly strike can only be used once and must be used right after the rage explosion move. If successful, it can take a massive amount of damage off your opponent. These extras add to the game's already impressive fighting system to make for a very engaging experience.
Samurai Shodown 4 also introduces a unique story element. After you pick a character in single-player mode, you have to compete with another character in a bid to get to the end first. Each character can continue an unlimited number of times, but has a set amount of time to beat the game in order to resolve it successfully. This structure, when combined with the replay value of 17 characters available in either slash or bust mode, gives the game a lot of lasting appeal.
Samurai Shodown 4 is a worthy entry to the Samurai Shodown series. With a deep fighting system, appealing gameplay and exceptional graphics, all fighting fans will find it to be very enjoyable.
Graphics 
The game's use of colors is impressive, and combined with the fluency of the character animation, makes for an incredibly visually appealing game.
Sound 
Samurai Shodown 4's sound effects and music fit the game's mood perfectly.
Enjoyment 
The fighting system is deep and engaging, with lots of options to explore.
Replay Value
The game offers 17 characters playable in either slash or bust mode, making for a lot of replay value.
Documentation 
Fair documentation.
