Samurai Shodown 3/Version Differences

Overview

Samurai Shodown 3 has been ported to various consoles outside of its original Neo Geo MVS/AES versions, all of which feature their own quirks or differences, whether it be in gameplay, features, or overall presentation. Since the primary version used is the Neo Geo MVS or equivalent Arcade Archives port, this listing is primarily for archival's purpose or simple curiosity. All various differences will be listed in the format of pros and cons.

Neo Geo AES

PROS:

• Arcade perfect gameplay
• Korean language option is available

CONS:

• Name entry is not available
• Training mode is not available
• Versus mode is not available
• Lacking options menu (by today's standards)
• Official stick is a bit uncomfortable

Neo Geo CD

PROS:

• Almost arcade perfect gameplay
• Features loading times, but not too long
• Stage select is available
• Easy WFT input mode is available
• Official controller is well-made
• Has the awesome arranged BGM
• Can use the disc as a music CD (don't miss songs & secret tracks)
• Has versus mode

CONS:

• Amakusa's 2D is nerfed
• Zankuro's back hit invuln is removed
• Some effects are simplified
• Korean language option is not available
• Original Neo Geo BGM is not available

PSX & PS archives

PROS

• Can watch a part of background we can't normally see
• Easier to defeat CPU than NGCD
• Rich choice of controllers
• [PS One Books version] has an unique cover picture

CONS:

• Runs at 30fps
• Has slowdown highly depending on stage
• Timer is not slowed down with gameplay -- timeouts are frequent
• The mechanics of hit effect is different from original MVS (combos are different)
• Extremely simplified animation
• Bad audio quality
• Movie and BGM get desynced in ending thanks to slowdown

Sega Saturn

PROS:

• Faster loading than NGCD
• Can change damage rate and time limit (practically can make training mode)
• Stage select is available
• Zankuro code is not required
• Controllers are awesome
• Arranged soundtrack
• Can use the disc as a music CD (don't miss songs & secret tracks)

CONS:

• RAM cart is touchy
• Audio quality is a bit poor
• Amakusa 2D nerfed
• Zankuro's back hit invuln is removed

PS2/Wii - Anthology

PROS:

• Relatively accurate port
• Can choose either arranged or original soundtrack
• Training mode is available
• Multi-button shortcuts are available
• In-game move list is available
• Sound test is available
• Color edit mode is available
• [Wii ver.] has an unique minigame

CONS:

• Turn around mechanics doesn't work correctly; therefore this port is not suitable to practice at a certain situation. [note: TBV]
• Some options from AES version are not available
• Wii doesn't have many choices of sticks

PSP

PROS:

• Almost accurate port
• Portable
• Training mode is available
• Multi-button shortcuts are available
• In-game move list is available
• Sound test is available

CONS:

• Loading is a bit slow (it happens every time the game refers a new voice)
• Has a few bonus modes

Wii Virtual Console

PROS:

• Almost accurate port
• Korean language option is available
• In-game move list is available

CONS:

• Cannot be downloaded anymore after Wii Shop Channel was taken offline
• Wii doesn't have many choices of sticks

Arcade Archives

PROS:

• On various platforms
• Arcade perfect port (emulates MVS release)
• Pause menu and in-game movelist/system overview available
• Cheap and widely available
• Multi-button shortcuts are available
• Flashing WFT screen is toned down

CONS:

• No versus mode
• No training mode