When the Switch port of Samurai Shodown was announced to be coming later than the other console ports, one nice bonus that came with it was a preorder bonus of Samurai Shodown! 2, originally released on the Neo Geo Pocket Color. The port has now been given a stand along release as part of the Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection on Switch, and can be enjoyed by all. Samurai Shodown! 2 is modelled after the second entry but had to be scaled back for the Neo Geo Pocket Color hardware.
There is a reduced roster and the controls are reworked for two button controls as well. While a game like King of Fighters R-2 played very well for a two button fighter, wit the combat feeling smooth and responsive, Samurai Shodown! 2 feels more sluggish and rough. This is not to say it is a matter of the controls not working right, but more a case of attempting to replicate the feel of the arcade games as best as possible and not quite getting there. For the two button controls, once more everything depends on how long you hold a button and the speed of your movements. The game maintains the Slash and Bust technique options, and there is a diverse moveset, but it just doesnt stand out enough on its own.
Part of the problem is that a lot of Samurai Shodown is the aesthetics and that is very hard to pull off on a limited portable system as existed back in the day. SNK did improve on their development for the system over time, but Samurai Shodown! 2 is held back by not letting itself be different, which is something where King of Fighters excelled at. The combat can still be enjoyed, but be aware that the game takes a bit longer to get into.
The last thing I will mention, is the emulation itself by Code Mystics. The game is not only emulated perfectly, but some nice touches have been added as well. Almost every aspect of the Neo Geo Pocket Color was replicated, including the options for a system set up if you want, and a Neo geo Pocket Color appears on screen for you to play the game on. You can adjust the controls as you want, adjust display options, and there is even a rewind function included, as well as being able to zoom in. In addition, there are a variety of skins for the on screen Neo geo Pocket Color in the form of the various different models of the system. The manual for the game is also digital replicated here and that is a nice touch.
Fans of the series may want to check this out, as will dedicated fighting game fans. Others may want to be a bit more cautious.
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