A.B.I.torial: Samurai Shodown, Philosophies of Death

[@AnthanKrufix]

_Mortal Kombat:_ Look at how much this attack hurt the victim! _Samurai Showdown:_ Look at how much this attack hurt the attacker.

[@austinreed7343]

Anthan Krufix Eternal Champions: It hurt both the attacker and the victim. I feel like more games that capture both would be good.

[@chidori7234]

Mortal Kombat: oHmYgoD hE jUST rIPPED hIS iNTEStiNES oUT!!!11!!11!! (super edgy music plays in the background) Samurai Showdown: Life is precious, life is fragile, life is uncertain. Death is a part of life. Death is consequential and has weight. Death is inevitable and is lurking, and may strike at any time (traditional, calm, Japanese music plays in the background) lol I haven't even played SamSho

[@mecha1153]

This doesn't make either game better than the other, they shouldn't even be compared

[@Unfunniest_Asian]

@@mecha1153 Of course it isn’t a measure of which game is better overall, it’s just a measure of which game is more meaningful and mature with its violence. I don’t know why you think they shouldn’t be compared though, both games are 2D fighting games with limited movement.

[@blaze6477]

@@Unfunniest_Asian I know why shouldn't they be Compared?

[@javisarias]

Death in Samurai Shodown is about their characters. Death in Mortal Kombat is about gore

[@DaWinglessFly]

Truer words never been spoken.

[@austinreed7343]

@@DaWinglessFly Death in Eternal Champions is about both.

[@DaWinglessFly]

Austin Reed very true

[@jeangentry6656]

Fair, but the fatalities in MK can give you insight into the characters, for example, Scorpion's fatalities often deal with fire or Hell, which makes sense, given he is an undead Hellspawn. Lui Kang is a Shaolin Monk, so his fatalities often involve dragons, etc.

[@austinreed7343]

Jean Gentry Yeah... but moreso their powers than anything else... Nobody seeks to show a bit of restraint anymore. Not even against their own relatives.

[@fujiwaraasakisvodch.1815]

The fact that they managed to give character to the Warden from For Honor, a literal faceless blank slate of a character, is incredible.

[@danielsniff6405]

I mean, the warden kind of has character in the story mode.

[@BestWayKilla]

If you played For Honor, you'd know quite well the Warden, along with every other character model you can play as, has plenty of character.

[@MrPokination]

@@BestWayKilla which is a shame that none of that expression comes across in the actual gameplay. Like it does in, idk, literally any other fighting game

[@BestWayKilla]

@@MrPokination Have you ever actually played For Honor? If you haven't noticed the expressiveness in the gameplay, then you aren't playing it the right way. The game has executions and taunts specific to every class, and in general they all play uniquely different from each other.

[@harrylane4]

@@BestWayKilla it’s not very expressive outside of executions lol. They’re all pretty generic outside of their design. And a lot of the executions are just “silly shot for the sake of being silly.” The bagpipe execution, which undercuts the victim’s characterization for the sake of a joke, for example.

[@felman87]

I never realized how much depth Samurai Shodown had.

[@rampant1apart]

It coaches in a elegant simplicity. “Mess up, lose half your life bar.”

[@TapDat52K]

"If it bleeds, It can be 2 Hit KO'd"

[@5pydieman]

It's brutal 🥴

[@bruceleeds7988]

if you are wanting to be a pro fighting gamer and struggle with your footsies, I recommend buying Samsho.

[@nickromano3087]

It's probably the best 2d title available. Of course, therefore, no one plays it

[@strippinheat]

I think since Rimururu is childish, she doesn't understand the weight of death. To her, it's more like a game and she just wants to do what her big sister does without understanding how gruesome her actions are. Galford is the "my justice is true justice" type so anyone that he fights is not just simply because he's fighting them. That's how he can justify his violence against anyone. And I swear there was a time just after Rimururu was released when she and Nakoruru couldn't get kill animations on each other. They can now, but maybe it was changed in an update, because I swear I did the usual triggers immediately after her release and it wouldn't work. It would make sense if they couldn't kill each other being sisters, and that would be story telling through gameplay. Unlike some other game where a character can rip his wife or daughter's torso off, or a bunch of soldiers would gladly murder their superior officer after losing against the most evil entity in the world just because he won and went forward, down, down on their stage.

[@kyshowman6847]

I rather they keep that in to further story telling and relations like the small changes to certain Astral Finishes in Blazblue.

[@alanricarte3465]

Actually, both of them were killable since their launch in the New game.

[@Suika_Ibuki_The_Drunk_Oni]

It really is sad. She doesn't realize the weight of what is happening...Until she happens to lose. And at that point it is way too late.

[@Jimmeeehhh]

@@kyshowman6847 I don't remember seeing something like that. As far as I know, Ragna is willing to disintegrate Noel/Jin/Celica just as much as he'll delete someone like Terumi.

[@nellancaster]

I did a quick research, and found out that that thing about Nako and Rimu being unkillable is in Samsho IV. Thing is, both of them can't be killed not just by each other, but they just _cannot be killed_ in general. It's more of a censorship thing, and I highly doubt it carries over to SSVI.

[@CarlosMedina-mx1jl]

The fact the this video didn't get age restricted, really says a lot on Samurai Showdown's portrayal of death

[@mythosinfinite6736]

The beauty of the moveset of a fighting game character is the idea that it's a simple summary of an entire character. You're not picking tools, you're picking the character that stands out to you at most or who you have the most attachment to, and for 2-5 brief minutes of combat, you experience a non-stop torrent of expression; you become that character, and to effectively win, you have to train hard enough to understand them. A well-designed moveset teaches you about the character as you train with them; a bad one is only a function. "The answer lies, in the heart of battle. Talk is cheap; our fists are enough." -Ryu

[@Canalbiruta]

Crazier than that, is that this doesn't apply only to fighting games. Valorant has been a very similar experience.

[@TheMoonHut]

One thing I think is worth mentioning regarding the philosophy of death in Samsho is Ukyo's existence and how it ties into the themes. He was one of the series' original characters, and in the first game acted as a sort of rival to protagonist Haohmaru in the first game (though this plot point was later dropped in the sequels). One of his defining character traits is that he has tuberculosis and is living on borrowed time before it becomes fatal. I feel that he symbolizes the Buddhist philosophy strongly in how despite the impermanence of his life he remains a disciplined warrior who fights decisively. He is going to die regardless of if he fights or not, but he doesn't use that as an excuse to lash out like a wild beast and recklessly puts himself in danger, or use unnecessary brutality to 'make others suffer like him' or anything like that. He retains a gentlemanly demeanour and a sense of cordiality in the face of his imminent death, whether it be on or off the battlefield, recognizing that life is impermanent and fleeting, but taking it with a relative sense of acceptance and peace

[@nellancaster]

This... actually makes me view Samsho's depiction of violence and death in a different light. Hell, this makes me view the entire series differently. It's really neat.

[@Vesperitis]

The difference between MK and SamSho is that MK emphasises on VIOLENCE, not death.

[@ratedr7845]

No shit, it's like dragon ball, but I don't think it's a bad thing

[@austinreed7343]

Vesperitis MK also emphasizes torture starting with 9.

[@NephyrisX]

Fun fact about the Bushido code; while some aspects of it were used during the Edo period, the entire philosophy itself wasn't even a thing until some guy wrote a book on his own interpretation of the samurai code of honour and called it Bushido in 1899. Japan then just went with that version and popularised it. So yeah, the Bushido code isn't even that accurate to how samurai conducted themselves back then.

[@Lethargy514]

@@ratedr7845 It's bad when it's tasteless and all it markets. Even dbz has more marketing beyond violence. Take the gore away from Mortal Kombat and I bet that player base would dwindle hard.

[@ratedr7845]

@@Lethargy514 yeah, I'll admit it's a problem if it's the only thing they have, and how is it "tasteless"?? The goal hasn't changed since the mortal kombat, violence.

[@sonnytapman]

This. THIS. This is that good shit. Way to knock it out of the park, my man.

[@sinuhezarzuelero6054]

Agreed. Though I don't like using profanity, I have to agree with you. This is, indeed, that good shit.

[@austinreed7343]

The MK-styled Nakoruru super was hillarious.

[@ADTribalChild]

I was expecting one of those fix camera mods I've been seeing on KZbin since MKX dropped.

[@Rhannmah]

10:57 not perfect? Galford is American. This is the singlemost accurate description of America I can think of. It applies so well it's scary. America, always a hand outreached; sometimes benevolently opened, sometimes clasped on a gun, but always, in "Justice".

[@axelwust9376]

When you talk about character, I came to a realization for quite a while that MK doesn't care for Characters beside how to market them. They don't care if Sindel's new personality clashes with her old one, they want more people go YASS KWEEN and play her more. This is why they focus so much on violence. That's what the game basically became, a big marketing ploy.

[@musicmodjoe2139]

MK used to care about its characters, the key words are used to. This slowly died down over the years, you can see that between mk1-4 you built a world, factions, characters and their moveset. Between mkda-mka you built a world, factions, characters and their moveset while a slow pecking order of "who's relevant?" began to form (see how most mkda and mkd new characters were scrapped and became jokes, like hsu hao). MK shaolin monks marks the beginning of mk's storytelling downfall (our characters are cardboard cutouts in thsi game), mk vs dc building to the collective gasp that is the netherealm titles (injustice 1,2 included).

[@austinreed7343]

music mod joe Even the older NRS games were truer to the characters. Nowadays they can’t even remember who Sindel is.

[@musicmodjoe2139]

@@austinreed7343 I disagree, the writing in early nrs was basicly turning every character into a very basic character in his communication with the cast. Sindel's mk11 persona was slowly built over the course of mk9-10. Nrs had the opportunity to bring old sindel back (there was backlash from the leaks at the tome and than we saw her ingame and in the arcade story), they chose to continue with her evil queen spiel from mk9-10.

[@austinreed7343]

music mod joe Even then, MK9’s arcade mode ending showed the old Sindel. It wasn’t until 11 where the different persona completely took over.

[@aaronatkinson3050]

Mortal kombat may have changed but samurai shodown didn't that's way I think samurai shodown is better than mortal kombat in my opinion

[@WolfMordred]

Finally someone analyzing fighting games for something more than their mechanics. Thanks, this video is gold.

[@danielramsey6141]

10:58 I just realized something. Galford's American. And your comment about Americans being All too happy about dispensing "Justice" is very emblematic of the Hypocrisy that Americans display! That's Very suitable in the case of his character! I know there's another American Character or Eurpoean character in this game, but it makes sense in Galford's case! Back in the early 70s, 80s, and 90s. Martial Arts films and movies took Theaters by storm and widely introduced so many people to martial arts, so much so that it made us very eager to perform the same acts. The Ninja Movies of the past are a Heavy reminder of this and I feel Galford is a representation of this Era, where Ninjutsu was not really a form of Duty, but more of a tool to use for Revenge, to act out aggression against someone. Hell, Samurai Cop is the biggest examples of failure to understand Samurai Ideology (while being Hilariously Inept). Honestly, when it comes to Americans and the History of violence that we encourage. Well, we look like Gun-wielding Idiots. And that's not far from the truth :)

[@migueeeelet]

That is surprisingly appropiate!

[@sanko111]

HEY POPPEEEE!!!!!

[@kite0impulse]

Man, never thought about it before but this sounds spot on

[@JayOutOfHell]

Oh shit you right

[@Release_the_Bees]

I was just about to say that Galford is a commentary on Americans and more perfect that ABI thought but it looks like you beat me to it.

[@novriltataki]

You've finally made this video after like 2 years of wanting to do it

[@SugarPunch]

I just want a Steam port, man =(

[@sanko111]

@@SugarPunch We all do :(

[@YouSoSpice]

dude I've been watching your GG videos since I was a wee tot

[@hadoke]

@@SugarPunch My dumb ass could not wait to embrace death and now I'm stuck with a port with a piss poor online community where I get matched up with someone from China who claims to have 4 bars but somehow plays like -1 and a half bar. Fuck my life.

[@BossBasher]

@@SugarPunch it's fine bro, just get your fibre optics and play it on your iphone using stadia

[@LucasKelleher]

"Story, characterization, and grand sweeping themes aren't important in fighting games" - I hear this all the time too and also strongly disagree with it. Personally I think that the incentives to make an esports platform greatly outweigh incentives to make a good standalone game, so story and theming get left behind.

[@ButterStick64]

Agreed. Just because it’s a fighting game, doesn’t mean that it can’t do as much as any other genre of game. Genre can never limit the quality or capability of art under it.

[@rai_harn98]

This is the video I've been waiting for ever since you teased it at the end of Mortal Kombat 11 analysis

[@easygoingdude9990]

Same dude

[@AAAAAA-bm9qd]

God that video still makes me think

[@MegaLagann]

For the record Akira Kurosawa didn’t direct Harakiri, it was Masaki Kobayashi. Still one of the best samurai films regardless.

[@theyakkoman]

Saw that film for the first time this year. It won't be the last. Talk about a masterpiece.

[@jacobfoxfires9647]

It does the best in not focusing on the blow and instead looks to the results of the killing blow. How the characters act to show them why they had to kill outside of mindless violence. And that’s probably why Samurai Shodown can make characterization work with death unlike what happens in Mortal Kombat that took any possible look for characterization and just replaces it with just pure gore with no forethought besides how they did it.

[@Ihavenolifeorvideos]

"All creature will die, and all the things will be broken. That's the law of samurai." --Yagyuu Juubei, Samurai Shodown 2

[@Nekusa]

all my homies who played street fighter and mk has difficulties beating me in samsho. they all focus on combos and special moves. i simply attack them with precision. usually i just stand still and time every move they do based on animations. also thank for reminding me of bushido's blade. i used to play it a lot on ps1 years back

[@Ramsey276one]

There’s a new HEMA community inspired game like Bushido Blade! I forgot the name...

[@Ramsey276one]

Hellish Quart! Then next Bushido Blade... we hope!

[@Nekusa]

@@Ramsey276one i gotta check that out

[@huevonesunltd]

That's because MK and SFV (SFV in particular) are games that favor knowing framedata,setups and all of that stuff instead of pure fundamentals, you can win against most people with that stuff if they don't know what you are doing, you can beat people with constant 50/50's and taking advantage of opponent's not knowing specific stuff, the mind games only happen at the higher levels when both players understand each other's characters specifics. But in SamSho you can jump straight into the mindgames without the framedata "requirement", this is because of the pushback, the animation when you hit a blocking opponent and the deflecting mechanic. In Samsho it's an universal mechanic to say "screw your framedata" to any move. In Samsho you have to commit to decisions instead of being too comfortable if you test it in the lab, it's the most old school game in modern fighting games. Remember the first Samsho tournament? , all the OG old school players from classic SF2 dominated everyone else, samsho is barebones fundamentals. There are not many fighting games like that nowadays, the closest i can think of is Koihime Enbu but not quite.

[@cherryboywriter6299]

To quote one of my favorite manga on death, "Death is something humans fear and detest. However, humans linger beyond it as well. Death is a mirror for humans." -Jujustu Kaisen

[@tn1881]

The original title of Samurai Shodown is SAMURAI SPIRITS, so this is not a profession but a way of life. In 5c, a Shinto priest teaches soldiers martial arts and norms to maintain security around the shrine. On 7c, Otomobeno Hakama sets an example for patriotic soldiers. Otomono Yakamochi sets an example of loyalty. In 8c, tsuwamo no michi (Way of strong soldier) is recorded as a samurai norm in Nihonshoki. This will later become bushido. On 13c-14c, war chronicle Taiheiki, Heike Monogatari, etc. are read as samurai textbooks. The contents of the book become general knowledge of Japan as Kabuki, Noh, and haiku. Mononofu (samurai's ancient language) no michi (Way of Mononofu) is recorded as a samurai's norms and morals. The word Bushido is recorded in Takeda's military study book Koyo Gunkan. On 16c. In 17c, military scholar Yamaga Soko (1622-1685) proposed Shido, the predecessor of Bushido. 47 The Ronin is receiving his teachings. Musashi Miyamoto wrote Gorin no sho. Tsunetomo Yamamoto wrote Hagakure on 18c. Daidoji Yuzan (1639-1730) wrote Budou shoshinshu. Yamaoka Tesshu 1836-1888) wrote "Bushido". Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933) wrote Bushido The Soul of Japan. As a diplomat, he was often asked by Westerners, "Why do Japanese people have high morals even though they are not Christians?" He wrote a book to explain to Westerners the morals that the Japanese norm. Around 1970, many cultures were destroyed by the Communist Cultural Revolution. East Asian Communists continue to do the same. They began to promote the theory that Bushido was conceived by Inazo Nitobe and did not exist before. He made many similar theories and promoted them, but they were refuted by the primary sources of history and the development of science and technology by experts. Communists did not stop advertising, so their theory was to be used for dupes. Their past claims were "The Soviet Union is a utopia," "North Korea is a paradise," and "Bushido is a myth." In recent years, they have said, "Australian inhabitants interacted with the Ming dynasty." "Genghis Khan did not exist." "Sun Yat-sen says Yuan dynasty is a Mongolian country, so remove him from the textbook. "The Mongolian language is inefficient and should not be taught at school." This activity also started in the United States. There is a theory that the contents of Bushido are different from the old days, but the samurai of Taiheiki of war chronicle of 13c-14c is a model of the samurai of composition. This is also linked to cultures such as Kabuki, Noh, haiku, and tea ceremony. The character of the samurai is also present in the records of Chinese history, Korean history, Southeast Asian history, and missionaries. Removing only Bushido, like the Communists, creates many contradictions.

[@Wlightning25]

The bonus clip at the end was amazing!

[@Diorphe]

Do you know where is from?

[@Wlightning25]

The commentary is from frosty faustings XII top 16. I don't know which movie the video is from though

[@Diorphe]

@@Wlightning25 thanks the movie es "Sanjuro" if you want look for the "duel scene"

[@nick-playercharacter8583]

I remember the point where the brilliant use of death in the new SamSho really struck me. It was the reveal trailer for Kazuki and I just saw him roar while the screen filled with flames. Out of context, it's just your typical anime action shot. However, having the context of how Samurai Shodown builds around the theme of death and how throughly almost every character commits to that theme, that scene set ablaze genuinely terrified me to my core. I fully believe that Kazuki will set someone on fire and burn them into a charred husk. I believe that it will be agonizing and cruel rather than just a fight scene where fire looks cool. I believe that live will end in battle.

[@kiranv2085]

I first saw that animation on his finisher of Samurai Shodown 4.. And yeah, seeing that just makes you feel that anyone who got caught up in it would get burned to a crisp.

[@OccuredJakub12]

You know what would be an incredible twist that could make Rinoruru make sense? If Rimururu turned out to actually be a, stay with me here, a delusional psychopath who dispensed violence casually and innocently, completely oblivious to the pain that she caused to others. This would also give Nakoruru a good reason to want to kill her sister: if there's no other way to stop her callous rampages... You wouldn't even need to change her personality all that much, the writers would only have to recontextualize her actions and acknowledge the weirdness that comes with a cutesy anime girl being plopped down in this kind of a game. And, this would also give her a unique thematic connection to death: she would see it as nothing important, as just a game and in a way deliberately betraying the philosophy of the game while also kind of totally supporting it. Also, also, her ice powers would take on a symbollic meaning: showing that she's actually, literally, a cold-blooded killer. As for Galford, dispensing a vauge idea of justice by going around and killing whatever foreigners stand in his way while obliviously presenting himself as a "hero" is probably the most American thing since apple pie.

[@Komatik_]

I fear no man, but... that thing... It SCARES ME.

[@thatCHSound]

This is 100% my interpretation of Rimururu as well. The genuine joy she seems to have during her fights, is a stark contrast to her peers Shizumaru/Nakoruru who seem genuinely horrified by the violence they’re capable of. To her, defending nature with her spirit friend is a fun game, and she’s good at it. It adds a little weight to Nako & Rimu’s relationship since Nako probably realizes that Rimu doesn’t grasp the weight of her actions and Nako is genuinely worried about what will happen if Rimu continues as she could end up more callous than Rera. The main thing about Rimu’s characterization that is heroic is her proximity to Nakoruru. /end headcanon

[@HaipaSonikku]

I'm from back in the day. Samurai Shodown was very popular at the time. The reason why Mortal Kombat caught a lot more controversy was simply due its photo realistic depicted style graphics, unlike Samurai Shodown's non photo realistic style. Anatomy was the new wave of the 4th generation as it was the first gen to graphically display human anatomy accurately. Anime style art wouldn't start to take off into the mainstream here in the United States until 1998 with Pokemon.

[@rhettoric5796]

Fighting can be a vehicle to express things, and the same can be said for fighting in fighting games. Many people don't understand that. I'm really glad you do.

[@SonikkuXenoHearts3587]

11:26 I used to think like this until your videos show me what fighting games can be like if the developers work hard enough and care about the characters and world that they created

[@wally540]

This might be my favorite video on fighting game design I've seen. I feel strongly fighting games, having to thrive in an environment where most people won't see the "story mode" or whatever to get a character's backstory and motivations, must still convey information through each character's visual design, animation, or even basic mechanics more strongly than other mediums or genres. You expressed everything I feel, and centered it around one of my favorite games. Awesome.

[@Shad809]

Not only has this helped me understand and appreciate the themes of SamSho, it’s also been a great tutorial for the mechanics of V Special in particular. Had no idea how stuff like Concentration worked before, so thanks for not only teaching me the thematic depths of the game but also the mechanical depth as well.

[@PChamileon97]

it doesn’t matter if it’s a Fighter....Shooter...or RPG. A game’s success rests 1% on game mechanics and 99% on the characters. Not just His or Her moveset, but rather. Who they are. Who is he? Why does she chase Soul Edge/Calibur? What’s his reason for entering this tournament? A character, INCLUDING backstories, is what makes ANY game work.

[@kadosho02]

Nailed every theme, character involvement, emotion, connection, and energy. SamSho has so many layers, it is a work of art, past, and present.

[@MagmaMKII]

Compare this with Mortal Kombat, which is super violent just for the sake of being super violent.

[@austinreed7343]

Magma MK-II It used to be based around gladiator culture... Now it just emits squishy noises without effort, in an attempt to rip people off.

[@Ramsey276one]

That ending bit was a HILARIOUS surprise!

[@projectknm8670]

*_Claps Furiously_* Very insightful analysis.

[@DarkErdrick]

A small note: one of the movies mentioned, Harakiri (1962), was not directed by Akira Kurosawa, but by Masaki Kobayashi. Worth noting because it's one of the most "anti-samurai" samurai dramas ever made~

[@HenryXLII]

And I am now completely sold on Samurai Showdown!

[@Flow764]

I wonder how much of this was real samurai philosophy and how much is Taishō period romanticizing.

[@virgilthemob1242]

This. A samurai is a soldier and I doubt that they would be any more concerned with philosophy and religion than the average European knight when faced with life-threatening situations. Sure, it's a cool philosophy as far as fiction is concerned, but it doesn't translate too well into real life.

[@MundaneAxiom]

Oh a lot of this is anachronistic, but SamSho isn't out to create a historically accurate depiction of samurai, it's trying to translate the figure of the Samurai, as it exists in the cultural canon, to life faithfully through a fighting game. The game deviates from reality in a lot of over-the-top ways partly to establish some distance from reality, to allow itself room for this idealization.

[@ZenPaladin]

Well philosophy and reality are always different things right? Just because not every Samurai believed in Bushido or followed it doesn't mean it didn't impact their lives.

[@matrix3509]

@@virgilthemob1242 If a samurai wasn't concerned with philosophy or religion, then they wouldn't have spent their entire lives learning it along with a myriad arts. A samurai wasn't a soldier. A samurai was a minor noble, or at their lowest, part of the gentry. As such they were expected to display the education and class that comes with the title, and lay down their life for their daimyo should the need arise.

[@OccuredJakub12]

Well, bushido is inspired by buddhism to an extent, right? So, think of this as analogous to medieval knights and Christianity: maybe it didn't fully influence them, especially in the chaos of a battlefield, but it still must've defined their beliefs and attitudes towards violence.

[@Lazypackmule]

Well shit, I never played much of V, but now I'm kinda disappointed that mechanic didn't return

[@ReeceHoward06]

V is dope! I think that's the one fans shitted on back in the day though.

[@keo_bas]

Mostly because v was not developed in house. Snk outsource it to Yuki entertainment who will go on to become Examu/team arcana.

[@Aliraldd992]

Never played samurai showdown, but still the video is intresting

[@MageKirby]

It's a great and fun fighting game. Especially for people new to the genre. It did lose it's timing to have a good pc release and I hear the online isn't very good.

[@ArpeggioPegasus]

SamSho is great for anyone who hates having to learn combos. It's the perfect game if you want to punish all day.

[@ИльяКривошей-й5п]

@@MageKirby online in pc port of ss5sp is extremely good. I've even managed to get a couple playable Saint Petersburg - west coast matches.

[@ReeceHoward06]

If you're a Street Fighter or King of Fighters fan, try Capcom vs Snk 2 as it has quite a few characters from Samsho and Last Blade. They play faithful to their native series. If you like how they play there, you will LOVE the SamSho and The Last Blade games.

[@piwithatsme]

If you can get your hands on fightcade then i suggest giving samsho 5 special a try. This game can look very dull if you haven’t played it

[@soversetile]

I really appreciate how you used core bhuddism beliefs and stayed very accurate on the concepts used in game.

[@galacticpool1262]

After the mk11 video, I'm glad you did this video. You seem happier and more passionate talking about samurai shodown.

[@literallyshaking8019]

Bushido Blade is one of the absolute best, most unique fighting games I’ve ever played, and I’m astounded there hasn’t been modern attempts to try and remake it.

[@przemysawseredyszyn1405]

Have you seen the Hellish Quart?

[@literallyshaking8019]

@@przemysawseredyszyn1405 I haven’t, but I just checked it out and it looks awesome. Thanks for the heads up!

[@TomboTime]

Does story matter in a fighting game? ehhhh . . . . sometimes? maybe? does characterization matter? ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY. before movesets, before frame data, before any mechanics whatsoever, the first thing a player knows about their roster is their name and their aesthetic. It's SOOOOO important for characters to have appeal: it's literally what defines character loyalists. If none of the characters are appealing you're gonna have a hard time finding a character you identify with.

[@Nostroman_Praetor]

...And thats why the Warden, a guest character in samurai shodown from For Honor, fits into this idea so well. He gets by with a simple moveset only having two specials because it works and helps lets him win and Samsho is more about normals anyway. As to his perspective of death, he would rather beat you effectively and soundly with a catapult strike that would kill you almost instantly rather than look you in the eyes and plunge his longsword through your chest. He doesn't have time for that on the battlefield and he has a war to win for his people, he can't pick out every head that rolls behind him. Interesting that your video on Shodown changed my perspective on a different game from which this guest character comes from

[@MrTheil]

IT’S HERE BABY

[@tyrfang]

"You only live once!" "No, you only die once."

[@Ramsey276one]

USUALLY...

[@saber5785]

Underrated video here, deserves way more attention.

[@yoshinpixels9924]

MK and Samsho are two different answers to the question "What is in the heads of these characters?" Samsho: Philosophical musing on the nature of violence and death MK: BRAIN BITS YEEEEEEE

[@TheDarioushurt]

you fools in here are trying way to hard to sound smart

[@ShrekFhiyona]

​@@TheDarioushurtmore like they are joking about it.

[@talorzwilliamz4134]

You're doing great on the Buddhist philosophy

[@ekx5120]

More of this, more of you. Love this deep content. You and Core-A Gaming are the best at fighting game content.

[@vichyssoise80]

I've played the series since its first incarnation in the arcade, and now this video makes me appreciate it even more. And the statement about some not caring about story really hit home.

[@Ramsey276one]

The SamSho saga is art There’s your evidence

[@JoseHdEs]

I'd had in my mind for some time., that very same observation about the camera in the super special movés being too focused on the fighter's face. It always breaks my heart finish a round with Nakoruru's special and get that look on her face.

[@ItsCjhoneycomb]

Honestly... This is one of the best fighting games I've ever played... and i've played all of them. It is wildly underrated.

[@nayannmartinelli300]

Unfortunately never had the chance to play a lot of this series, but the little I played made quite a impression, as did your vid :)

[@Ali-fs7ze]

I remember watching that last clip live when it happened. I was losing my shit the entire time. Great video. SNK games always have the best game design in the fighting game space, especially their non KOF games. So much style and character in just how their games play. I'm always floored by how amazing Garou is in every aspect, from the streamlined and intuitive core game loop to the insane attention to detail and the game Juice. And a SamSho match between two masters is always a sight to behold. How they made a game where a giant goofy Youkai fighting an anime womanizer with 7 swords looks like a gritty battle for their lives is beyond me. Far from Capcom just randomly changing all their mechanics everytime they make a game cause "Gotta make it new".

[@carlosaugusto9821]

Alright but Snk fg's actually change more than Capcom fg's. That's actually one of their notorious high points that set them apart from Capcom in the 90s.

[@Ali-fs7ze]

@@carlosaugusto9821 I didn't say SNK didn't change, All FGs change, I said Capcom was random. They just went "YOLO" and added Roman Cancels to SFIV.

[@ameernurhaqeem9738]

@@Ali-fs7ze snk always try something new for mechanic like kof change mechanic every game lol kof 14 is mechanic is good but i hope they could make kof 15 has new mechanic and can do combo like kof 13 but longer

[@romantisanon4647]

Uber underrated video. Brilliant work.

[@JXDemon21]

After the MK11 video I was honestly waiting to see the themes of Samurai Showdown and man I wasn't disappointed. Now I just need to get the Switch port of this as its my only option to play the new SamSho.

[@ArcCaravan]

Love these analyses on Fighting Game characterization. Excellent.

[@Kusanagikaiser999]

YESSS FINALLLYYYY!!..........thank you. I been looking for this video for so long, and it didn't disappoint. While MK is just gore for the sake of gore, and all characters are blood thirsty assholes in gameplay despite their stories says they SHOULDN'T......Samurai Shodown is all about characters and acceptance of death in a battle field, all shows us how they interact with this, who wants to inflict death and who regret to, let be all about their personalities not about the gore. I always love that about SS but seen this video open my respect even deeper, never expect SNK will go that deep.....I really think SNK have done my 2 favorites samurai games in the fighting game genre, with Samurai Spirits and Last Blade (miss you soo much you underrated unappreciated master piece), both have the similar approach to death, just Last Blade is a bit flashier and traditional as a Fighting game, Samurai Spirits is wayy more deep, I never understood the philosophy of the Rage bar until today and is a genius move also that one in SSV is amazing, the clam sacrifice idea is super cool, wish the new Samurai Shodown have it. Anyway another magistral video about Fighting games, still hope you make a deep analysis about Guilty Gear XRD, before we get to Strive..............also Last Blade XD (I just want people to know about that gem).

[@professionalfangster1510]

Now I want to play this game.

[@beiwubsnsod7378]

So samsho is basically taking street fighters neutral game of patience and amping it up to 100

[@sephytcd8349]

People who say that themes lack a point to just mechanics and competition fail to realize these are still games with goals, not just to fulfill a niche. These things are important in helping fighting games stand out not just in the land scape of fighting games but to newcomers as well. Fighting games aren't just fighting games, they're games about various, things. I don't think its bad that fighting games sometimes intend on not taking that stuff seriously and just wanna make it play solid but when a game gives you a little more, it should definitely be appreciated, cause it makes it an experience AS A GAME impactful

[@ameernurhaqeem9738]

Oh yeah snk dev kuroki said samsho 2019 is not an esport focus they want samsho to be just fun to play but of course people want some of esport of it so snk do it

[@warrenbradford2597]

As fighting game developers, we should focus more the experience than just worrying about balancing issues.

[@Razkunn]

"this is the most fine tuned Buddhist mechanic" (including the voice delivery) I can't watch the video for the past 10 minutes, because I barely managed to type this in in my fits of laughter. Very interesting video, I was only aware of Samurai Showdown's existence, never even saw a single arcade of it in my youthful days.

[@AquaMarina369]

Samurai Showdown is a game I haven’t really thought about picking up before but... this video single handily made me both want to play it but also incredibly respect it. ^^ the sheer depth of how it showcases its philosophies is incredible and you did such an amazing job showing and explaining them.

[@carlosaugusto9821]

You probably wont like it because it's way different from your fg experiences anyway. I dont even need to know your personal experiences... since SS is literally different from any other fg. And it's a kind that wont easily please whoever doesnt have past experiences with the series. Besides all that there is the bad netcode.

[@tornadoandy123]

This is probably one of my top favorite analysis videos on a game I've seen thus far. The way you bring out the philosophy of Bushido and make it so theatrical, I love it! SamSho is an intense game. Now... If only SamSho's online (on PS4) wasn't a wasteland right now. Got into the game WAY late, so that's my fault...

[@KuroNoTenno]

It's SNK's fault more than anything, because they couldn't be bothered to use a good netcode for their game.

[@Kira_Official_]

For anyone who says that characters don't matter in a fighting, let me point to you to all of the reaction videos that were made, when it was revealed that for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, every single character ever featured would be joining the roster. Let me also point to the time the FGC, got really upset when their favorite characters were called "functions" for Marvel Infinite. It didn't matter that a character played like Magneto, people wanted to play as Magneto. Also, why did so many people play Dragon Ball FighterZ again? Was it really just because it was a three vs three fighter? Nah man, it was because you could play as your favorite characters in a Dragon Ball fighting game. Characters actually matter a lot for fighting games. One of the main reasons a buddy and I played Blaz Blue Cross Tag, was because it had Persona 4 characters. So yeah, characters matter a lot, and fighting games need to be able to show character through gameplay.

[@ArmoredGriffon]

And this right here, is why Samurai Shodown is my favorite fighting game after Guilty Gear.

[@cottonmouthaudio5041]

I feel like if Mortal Kombat were to follow the same logic of characters having different reactions to death, Johnny Cage would go catatonic once he realised how real it just got.

[@austinreed7343]

rando of blood The original thematic elements of Mk indicate that the cast are entertaining a higher power. The series is based around Roman gladiator culture.

[@Enixon869]

MK9 played with that just a little bit near the start of it's Story mode where after beating his first opponent, I think Baraka (who Johnny also thinks is just a guy in really good monster costume) is told to "Finish Him" and gets shocked and outraged at the idea "Finish Him? Yeah right I'm not killing anyone" but that line is about all it dwells on it.

[@Ragnorok64]

Man, I had skipped past this vid when it first came out then the KZbin algorithm decided to step in and not push your content to me, despite being subscribed. I regret not watching this one on release because it is a fantastic video and broke down mechanics I didn't even know were in the games.

[@Connore540]

I've played so many matches of Samsho V Special with my friends and somehow we NEVER noticed the rage and meditation differences per character. Amazing video as always. Really made me think about storytelling in games relating to gameplay

[@rubenanthony7292]

You just made me respect a game series i never liked enough to buy the game and give it another try. You're awesome

[@loganboyd6609]

Finally a game that cares about my time and effort fuck killer kombat 11 I think I'm going to play more samurai showdown now cuz I'm done with killer combat at this point samurai showdown has shown that there is something worth caring about

[@Siinory]

You have opened my eyes on how the series has to be played and understood. I have a way greater appreciation for the series now, thank you!

[@azuredragon8388]

I was expecting this to be grim but you definitely made this game shine way brighter than I ever expected. I've come to expect these videos to be a funny but insightful learning experience about the art of gaming in general so this is just the same thing except more concentrated and serene. Hell, this gives me an idea for a samurai character ive been struggling to make

[@Isk_98]

This video is so *Underrated*

[@zeetch4575]

I've watched this video like 5 times and I still love every bit of it

[@AntonioCardenasT]

Galford is american right? If so, that explains perfectly why he kills indiscriminately in the name of justice with such glee. Also Rimururu us a child so she probably doesnt understastand the consequences of her actions.

[@samfivedot]

All creatures will die and all the things will be broken. That's the law of the samurai.

[@realfromtherealreality4148]

Great video ! ^^ Though a character pumped to kill ennemies in the name of "Justice" doesn't really feel that out of place or unrealistic, especially after witnessing Seryu for Akame ga Kill taking this concept to the extreme, but I can understand the criticism since the game is supposed to be morose and a loud character can clash with the ambiance if done poorly.

[@THOUSANDSofAPOLOGIES]

2:00 "Harakiri" (1962) was not directed by Kurosawa but Masaki Kobayashi, the director of "Kwaidan." It's one of my favorite movies and I heartily recommend it for anyone who wants to see a Japanese class-conscious period film.

[@rampant1apart]

@ SugarPunch Design Works Do you think you'll ever cover the inclusion of Andrew in later Samurai Shodown titles? The idea of Andrew Jackson being imported into this Japanese fighting game, being made bishie beautiful and becoming a stand-in for American imperialism and exceptionalism is certainly a...unique tale as far as fighting game character designs go.

[@SugarPunch]

That would mean having to play SS6, and SS6 is a.... *strange* game.

[@rampant1apart]

@@SugarPunch Very very true. Haha.

[@javisarias]

An ode to one of the best fighters ever

[@The4stro]

goddamn, i didn't expect to get enlightened like this from a fighting game video

[@obscuremix8198]

With your video you just sold me on the game.

[@seadx6]

Man... I only follow Sugar Punch because of your A.B.I.Torials, i loved today's video

[@kienphucnguyen2001]

Nice teaching, sensei. You could’ve been a true samurai. Teach me sensei.

[@soopplaza4477]

I love philosophy and fighting games so this is thrilling me immensely

[@phellipegoncalves527]

That was the most deepier thing i've heard. In SAMCHO, really,it's visible how death isn't banal like in MK.

[@Oddity_]

Now it just needs the philosophies of rollback

[@WhyWouldYouLikeThis]

Watching this months after I want to say one thing. The importance of how a game plays and the importance of characters run hand in hand. You could have a game with amazing characters, but if it plays like shit then people will be less likely to play. You could have the most fun, in depth game of all time, but if the characters are all basically the same, then nobody will want to play that either. There's a fine line that's to be ran. Good fucking video dude. SamSho is great, just wish the online wasn't dookie haha.

[@outtadaboxreviews]

This is phenomenal bro amazing work!

[@Majinken]

I've been waiting for this since the MK 11 video great job on this

[@gabrielcastejon7914]

If I were to ever play a fighting game professionally it'd have to be Samurai Shodown. In every other traditional fighting game there's always an optional combo that you're gonna have to repeat over and over again. In SamSho it's more about studying your opponent, you only need one hit to demonstrate that.

[@joaojahnke9684]

Sadly, I was never "fond" of SamSho as a child, I LOVED IT, but it always felt to hard to play as a dumb kid. But I truly look forward to play the new installment