《侍魂》（英語名稱：SAMURAI SHODOWN，日文原名：サムライスピリッツ）是SNK於2019年重啟推出的經典武器格鬥遊戲系列，Nintendo Switch版則於2020年2月25日發售，是完整收錄並最佳化移植的版本。首作於1993年登場，系列睽違十一年後再次發行。Switch版本不僅保留原有系統與畫面風格，也針對便攜與雙人遊玩體驗做出細節調整，讓玩家能隨時隨地進行一場刺激的「斬擊對決」。

劇情背景設定在初代《侍魂》的前一年，也就是1787年的日本江戶時代。這是一個瘟疫、饑荒與動盪並存的年代，冥界的邪惡勢力在背後蠢蠢欲動，混亂與恐懼籠罩著整個東方大地。在這樣個局勢失衡的時空中，來自世界各地的武者與劍士紛紛聚集，他們有的為拯救摯愛，有的為追求戰鬥榮耀，也有者因私仇、宿命或信念而投身於這場血腥的武器對決之中。從眾多角色中選擇其一，包含系列經典主角如「霸王丸」、「橘右京」、「娜可露露」、「牙神幻十郎」等，以及多位來自世界各地、各具風格的新角色，每位角色都有屬於自己的劇情支線與片尾動畫。

在操作系統方面，延續《侍魂》系列一貫的設計理念——強調單擊致命、節奏冷峻的武器格鬥哲學。不同於其他以連段與高速節奏為主的格鬥遊戲，著重於「一擊致命」的對戰思維。每位角色皆以武器為核心攻擊手段，基本操作包含輕、中、重三種斬擊與一個踢擊按鍵，再加上防禦、閃避與特殊技組成完整操作系統。善用攻擊與防守節奏，抓準對手破綻來一擊致命，特別是「怒氣爆發」與「武器飛散攻擊」的設計，讓遊戲充滿心理戰張力與逆轉劇情。角色在受到傷害時會累積怒氣，當怒氣槽充滿時可進入「怒氣模式」，大幅強化攻擊力並開啟終極技能「一閃必殺技」，若成功命中將可直接取走對手半數以上的生命值，甚至可能直接改變勝負走向。

使用Unreal Engine 4製作，以3D建模方式重現角色，但畫面風格仍忠於原作浮世繪與傳統日式美術的設計，保留濃厚的武士與江戶風情。人物動作雖非高速流暢，但每一次揮刀、震擊、停頓都經過精心設計，呈現出重劍無鋒、大巧不工的格鬥美學。Switch版本雖然在解析度與幀率上略低於PS4與Xbox One，但移植品質優異，掌機模式下表現穩定，且操作反應保持靈敏，完全適合行動遊玩。

遊戲模式方面，除基本的單人劇情模式、街機對戰與訓練模式之外，也包含本地雙人對戰與線上多人對戰功能。Switch版亦支援無線連線與Joy-Con分離雙人對戰，使得這款本質上節奏不快的格鬥遊戲成為親友間輕鬆競技的好選擇。此外，SNK也在更新後陸續推出DLC角色與季票，追加如「天草四郎時貞」、「覇王丸（DLC特化版）」等人氣角色，進一步擴展戰鬥深度。

就市場評價來看，重啟作獲得多數媒體與玩家的正面回響。評論界普遍讚賞其重現初代精神，將「一刀必殺」的緊張感與武士對決的哲學表達得淋漓盡致，也認為這款作品在格鬥遊戲市場中提供了與眾不同的節奏與風格，是「慢而深」的經典對決方式。但也有部分玩家指出，初期對新手並不友善，因為缺乏大量自動連段或教學引導，可能會讓未熟悉系列風格的玩家感到挫折。技術層面則因平台限制，Switch版雖然可攜與便利，但在畫面細節與對戰幀率上略有不足，特別是在線上對戰環境下的連線品質容易影響對戰體驗。

整體而言，《侍魂》Switch版是成功的經典重啟之作，將傳統日本格鬥精神與現代技術融合，不僅在畫面與音效上展現武士風格的美學，更透過其獨特的格鬥節奏，帶來充滿張力與反擊樂趣的對決體驗。無論是SNK系列老玩家、格鬥遊戲愛好者，還是喜歡日式武士題材與慎重格鬥風格的玩家，都提供與主流快節奏格鬥遊戲完全不同的沉穩與致命魅力。

Samurai Shodown (Japanese title: サムライスピリッツ) is a reboot of SNK’s classic weapon-based fighting game series, released in 2019, with the Nintendo Switch version launching on February 25, 2020. This Switch edition is a fully optimized port, faithfully preserving the game’s core systems and visual style while offering adjustments for handheld play and local multiplayer, allowing players to engage in intense “clash of blades” battles anytime, anywhere. Originally debuting in 1993, Samurai Shodown made its return after an eleven-year hiatus, reintroducing its iconic combat philosophy to a new generation.

The story is set in 1787, one year before the events of the original Samurai Shodown, during Japan’s Edo period—a time of plague, famine, and unrest. Sinister forces from the underworld are quietly stirring, spreading fear and chaos across the East. Against this backdrop of imbalance, warriors and swordsmen from around the world gather. Some fight to save loved ones, others seek honor, revenge, or to fulfill destiny. Players choose from a diverse cast of characters, including returning fan favorites like Haohmaru, Ukyo Tachibana, Nakoruru, and Genjuro Kibagami, as well as new fighters from across the globe. Each character features their own story arc and unique ending.

The gameplay stays true to the series’ core identity—focusing on deadly, deliberate weapon-based combat rather than fast-paced combo chains. Unlike many modern fighters, Samurai Shodown emphasizes the philosophy of “one deadly strike.” Each character’s moveset revolves around weapon attacks, featuring light, medium, and heavy slashes, along with a kick button. Defense, evasion, and special moves complete the control system. Success hinges on reading the opponent and capitalizing on their mistakes for devastating counterattacks. Key mechanics like Rage Explosion and Weapon Flipping Techniques heighten the psychological tension. As characters take damage, they build rage, which—when full—unleashes Rage Mode, boosting attack power and unlocking the Lightning Blade, a cinematic super move capable of stripping over half an opponent’s health, potentially swinging the outcome in a single strike.

Built with Unreal Engine 4, the game uses 3D models to recreate the fighters while retaining the ukiyo-e and traditional Japanese art-inspired aesthetic of the original. The visuals embrace a samurai-era atmosphere with striking brushwork effects and deliberate combat animations. Though movement isn’t rapid or flashy, each swing, impact, and pause is meticulously crafted, embodying a combat style that values weight and precision. While the Switch version features lower resolution and frame rates compared to the PS4 and Xbox One versions, the port is well-optimized, with stable handheld performance and responsive controls—making it ideal for portable play.

In terms of game modes, it includes a single-player story mode, arcade battles, training, local versus, and online multiplayer. The Switch version also supports wireless play and Joy-Con split-screen multiplayer, making it an excellent pick for casual matches with friends. Post-launch support includes DLC characters and season passes, adding popular fighters like Shiro Tokisada Amakusa and a special version of Haohmaru, further deepening the roster and strategic options.

Critically, the reboot was well-received. Reviewers praised its faithful revival of the original’s spirit, particularly the intense feeling of a “single decisive blow” and the philosophical depth of samurai combat. It was celebrated as a refreshing change of pace in the fighting game genre, offering a slower, more deliberate experience. However, some players noted that the game is not beginner-friendly, lacking extensive auto-combos or tutorials, which may be daunting to newcomers unfamiliar with the series' pacing. Technically, while the Switch version benefits from portability, it sacrifices some visual fidelity and suffers from occasional frame drops or lag during online matches, which can affect the competitive experience.

Overall, Samurai Shodown on Switch is a successful revival that blends traditional Japanese martial aesthetics with modern technology. It delivers a distinct fighting experience characterized by tension, timing, and tactical precision. Whether you're a longtime SNK fan, a lover of samurai themes, or a fighting game enthusiast looking for a more measured and lethal approach, this title offers a compelling alternative to the fast-paced chaos of mainstream fighters.