《侍魂 曉》（英文：SAMURAI SHODOWN，日文：サムライスピリッツ）是SNK於2019年推出的經典格鬥遊戲系列重啟作品，Nintendo Switch版則於2020年2月25日發售，完整收錄原始版本的全部角色、系統與DLC追加角色，並針對Switch主機性能與攜帶模式進行最佳化。作為《侍魂》系列的正統續作與精神重啟之作，延續該系列自1993年以來所奠定的「以武器為主的對戰格鬥」核心玩法，並在畫面與系統層面上全面革新。

故事背景設定在1787年的日本江戶時代，時間點位於初代《侍魂》的前一年，屬於前傳性質。當時天災不斷、惡疫肆虐，戰亂與妖異之力在暗中醞釀，冥界的邪神「緋雨閻魔」意圖透過人世間的混亂復甦，導致整個時代陷入恐懼與不安。角色們各自懷抱著不同的目的與信念，在亂世中揮舞兵刃，不僅為生死對決，更為守護心中信念、解開命運的謎題。主角「霸王丸」再次成為故事核心，與劍士「橘右京」、女忍「娜可露露」、流浪武者「牙神幻十郎」等經典角色一同踏上斬妖除魔的旅途。每位角色在其故事模式中都有不同的敵人與結局，並透過過場動畫與片尾插畫呈現出強烈的時代氛圍與武士道精神。

操作系統上，強調簡潔而致命的格鬥設計。操作基本由「弱斬」「中斬」「強斬」與「踢擊」四鍵構成，取消過去許多現代格鬥遊戲的複雜連段系統，而是強調「間合（距離）」與「時機」的把握。遊戲節奏偏慢，但每一擊的傷害極高，特別是強斬與必殺技在命中時可造成近半條血量損失，因此對戰中比起花俏的連段，更講求心理戰與判斷時機的精準操作。

保留並進化系列傳統的「怒氣系統」，當角色被攻擊至一定程度後可進入怒氣狀態，提升攻擊力，並可發動「閃氣斬」與「一閃必殺」等強力技，逆轉戰局。在關鍵時刻使用「武器飛散攻擊」可令對手短時間失去武器，大幅改變攻防節奏，這些設計使得比賽中的翻盤機會層出不窮，維持對戰張力。Switch版更支援本地雙人對戰、無線連線模式與基本的線上對戰功能，讓玩家能隨時與朋友或其他玩家進行交流與比拼。

畫面表現上，採用Unreal Engine 4打造全3D角色與場景，但保留2D格鬥視角與浮世繪風格渲染，使得整體視覺風格兼具傳統日式武士美學與現代細膩筆觸。Switch版在畫面解析度上雖不如PS4與Xbox One版本細緻，但在掌機模式下仍維持穩定的幀率與清晰度，操作回應流暢，整體移植品質在格鬥遊戲類別中表現優異。

市場評價方面，獲得廣泛肯定，特別是老玩家對其回歸初代精神的致敬感到欣喜。許多評論讚賞其捨棄過多複雜系統，回歸以武器對決為核心的格鬥哲學，並透過高風險高報酬的對戰模式重現昔日「一擊定勝負」的快感。角色建模與配音表現也相當出色，尤其是日文語音由多位知名聲優擔綱，增強劇情沉浸感。不過，也有部分新手玩家反映遊戲對入門者並不友善，尤其在單人模式中AI強度偏高，加上對戰風格需長時間磨練判斷力與冷靜操作，容易在初期挫敗。

整體而言，《侍魂 曉》是成功復興經典IP的武器格鬥作品，將昔日的武士精神與現代技術融合，打造出極具策略與美學的對戰舞台。在Nintendo Switch上不僅保持高完成度，能隨時隨地沉浸在那場刀光劍影的決鬥中。對於格鬥遊戲愛好者、SNK粉絲，或是喜歡硬派日式風格的玩家而言，是值得收藏與鑽研的力作。

Samurai Shodown (Japanese: サムライスピリッツ), also known as Samurai Spirits, is a reboot of SNK’s iconic weapon-based fighting game series, officially released in 2019. The Nintendo Switch version launched on February 25, 2020, includes the complete roster of characters, gameplay systems, and DLC fighters from the original release. Optimized for the Switch’s hardware and portable mode, this version brings the full fighting experience to handheld gaming. As a true sequel and spiritual revival of the franchise that began in 1993, it retains the core gameplay centered on weapon-based combat, while offering a complete overhaul in visuals and mechanics.

The game’s story is set in 1787, during Japan’s Edo period, taking place one year before the original Samurai Shodown, making it a narrative prequel. Amid natural disasters, plagues, and societal unrest, a dark force brews in the shadows. The evil god Shizuka Gozen (in English localization often renamed from original Japanese lore) seeks to resurrect through the chaos engulfing the world. As fear and uncertainty spread, a diverse cast of warriors rise, each driven by their own motives and convictions. The iconic protagonist Haohmaru once again takes center stage, joined by fan-favorite characters such as Ukyo Tachibana, Nakoruru, and Genjuro Kibagami, embarking on a journey to vanquish demons and confront fate. Each character has unique enemies and endings in story mode, portrayed through cinematic cutscenes and stylized illustrations that emphasize the game’s samurai-era atmosphere and bushido spirit.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, simplicity and lethality define the combat system. Players use four main buttons: Light Slash, Medium Slash, Heavy Slash, and Kick. Unlike many modern fighting games, complex combos are minimized, placing greater emphasis on spacing, timing, and mind games. The pace is slower, but each strike carries substantial weight—especially Heavy Slashes and Super Specials, which can deplete nearly half a life bar when landed, making precision and mental warfare far more important than flashy combos.

The classic Rage Gauge system returns and has been enhanced. As characters take damage, they enter a Rage State, temporarily boosting attack power and unlocking powerful techniques such as Lightning Blade and Super Special Moves. At critical moments, players can unleash Weapon Flipping Techniques to disarm their opponents, significantly shifting the tide of battle. These features provide plenty of comeback opportunities, maintaining a high level of tension throughout matches. The Switch version supports local multiplayer, wireless connection, and basic online functionality, allowing players to battle friends or challenge others on the go.

Visually, the game is built using Unreal Engine 4, featuring full 3D character models and environments while retaining the traditional 2D fighting perspective. The aesthetic blends modern polish with classic ukiyo-e-inspired art, offering a unique fusion of historical Japanese style and modern visuals. While the Switch version lacks the high resolution of its PS4 and Xbox One counterparts, it maintains smooth performance and clear visuals in handheld mode, delivering a responsive and high-quality experience among portable fighting games.

In terms of reception, Samurai Shodown has been widely praised, especially by longtime fans who appreciated its faithful return to the original’s philosophy. Critics have lauded the game’s focus on weapon combat and high-risk, high-reward mechanics, evoking the thrill of a “one-hit-decisive-duel”. The character models and voice acting are also well-received, with the Japanese voice cast featuring many renowned voice actors, enhancing immersion in the story. However, some newcomers found the game less accessible—especially due to the challenging AI in single-player mode and the mental discipline required for competitive play, which can lead to frustration early on.

In summary, Samurai Shodown is a successful revival of a classic IP, blending traditional samurai values with modern technology to create a strategic and visually striking fighting experience. On the Nintendo Switch, it delivers an impressively polished port that lets players enjoy tense, blade-to-blade duels anytime, anywhere. For fighting game enthusiasts, SNK fans, or those who appreciate stylish, hard-hitting Japanese action, this title is a must-play and worthy addition to any collection.