This has been a long time coming. At points in the past 2 years, many doubted that Samurai RPG would ever come to be. The evidence for vaporware was almost convincing but diehard Samurai fans wouldn't let it go. Then in March, the pictures started filtering out to Japanese periodicals and full page ads from SNK began to appear in Neo-Geo Freak and Weekly Famitsu. A release date for April was set. And then postponed - agony for the masses. A new date was set for June 27. No one would hold their breath... Which all brings us to the present day. NCS is shipping Samurai Shodown RPG today (06/30/97) for the Neo-CD. The Saturn version started shipping last week and is currently in stock.
Choose one of your favorite SS characters

Samurai RPG is based on the world beating Samurai Shodown fighting series from SNK. Specifically, the game spans two chapters based on Samurai Shodown and Samurai Shodown 2. This pretty much guarantees a sequel that will cover Samurai Shodown 3 and the recent Samurai Amakusa Kourin. The first chapter in the game revolves around Amakusa's resurrection while the second chapter leads your character into a shodown with Mizuki Rashoshin, high priestess. The game is essentially a standard top view RPG with a lot of Samurai lore and references embued into the storyline. You start the game with one character but can add two others to your party to help you in your travels and tribulations.
		Haohmaru and Nakoruru in a shantytown

		You will also meet other Samurai characters that will either help you or try to subvert your mission. Fans who have played through the first and second Samurai fighting games will be pleased to know that rivalries are retained in the RPG. When its time to fight, the view shifts to a side view reminescent of the early Final Fantasy games. The great thing about Samurai RPG is that during the battles, you can opt to perform a character's signature move and they will do it during the fight. Of course, those who are less adept can still choose to point and click for their character's moves. Its a versatile fighting system that we hope to see implemented in the Street Fighter RPG if that is ever in consideration or other RPGs. A large number of cut scenes also help to move the story along and round out the game.
Galford and Nak run across a rope bridge
So, its here. Pre-orders for this title have been pretty staggering but to put it into perspective, we have been accepting pre-orders for Samurai RPG for about a year. In any case, any and all Samurai Shodown fans should check this one out. Lack of a particular console system is absolutely no excuse as SRPG is available on the Neo-CD, Saturn and Playstation. Perusing through all of the different versions, we noticed that the cover art and the art on the back of the CD is different for all three versions. The Neo-CD version, in my opinion, has the nicest cover though they're all attractive. NCS will post a comparison of all three covers and back jackets on next week's Whats New page so you can form your own opinion.