Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken

n/a

Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken
System(s): Sega Saturn
Publisher: SNK
Developer: SIMS
Supporting companies: Sega Digital Media (audio)
Original system(s): Neo Geo
Developer(s) of original games: SNK
Sound driver: SCSP/CD-DA (36 tracks)
Peripherals supported: Extended RAM Cartridge (1MB/4MB)
Genre: Fighting Action/Kakutou Action (格闘アクション), Action
Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code JP 1996-11-08 ¥5,800 (5,974)5,800e T-3106G JP (RAM Pack) 1996-11-08 ¥8,800 (9,064)8,800e T-3104G
Non-Sega versions Arcade Neo Geo Neo Geo CD PlayStation

Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken (サムライスピリッツ 斬紅郎無双剣) is a 2D fighting game developed by SNK as part of the Samurai Spirits series. It was originally released for the Neo Geo in late 1995, then ported to the Sega Saturn nearly a full year later in 1996. The game requires an Extended RAM Cartridge to play.

Story

The first part of a two-chapter story that is chronologically set between the events of Samurai Spirits and Shin Samurai Spirits: Haohmaru Jigokuhen (Samurai Shodown and Samurai Shodown II in the West), the game follows the journey of a young semi-amnesic boy named Shizumaru Hisame. He and many other warriors seek out the powerful and dangerous swordsman Zankuro Minazuki, called "The Demon," for their own personal reasons.

Gameplay

Character select

Gameplay

The game is the third in a series of weapons-based fighting games set in Sakoku-period Japan. This entry has a notably darker aesthetic compared to its predecessors and introduces two selectable alignments for each character. Four new characters have been introduced, but several characters from the previous games have been left out. The referee and the delivery man no longer appear during matches (with items instead thrown in from off-screen). The game changes the control scheme from two pairs of weak and normal attack buttons, one for slashes and one for kicks (with the player able to press weak and normal together for a heavy attack), to three slash buttons and a single kick. It also adds an evade mechanic and aerial blocking.

As before, matches are fought to the best of three rounds. Characters can move (but not attack) before the round begins. Each round is timed (with the winner being the combatant with the most health remaining if time runs out). If the battle goes to four rounds, both characters start with full POW gauges and fight a shortened final round. Both players lose if the fourth round ends in a draw or a tie. Occasionally, pieces of meat are thrown into the battlefield, which restore partial health for a character when walked over. Sometimes bombs are thrown over instead, which explode and harm either fighter but can be blocked without taking damage.

Characters move with or . They backstep or dash with or . They jump upward with and jump behind and ahead with or . They crouch with . Characters can slash (or punch if disarmed) with (weak), (normal), or (heavy) and kick with . Heavy attacks do more damage but are significantly slower. Attacks can be done while standing, crouching, jumping, or dashing. Dashing heavy slashes have slow startup but cannot be blocked. Performing a counter-hit (hitting the opponent while the opponent is attacking) does extra damage. Characters can evade attacks with (or +), which causes the character to quickly lean into the background, causing any attacks made in that moment to miss; however, the character is vulnerable for an instant when coming out of the dodge. If the character is close to the opponent, instead of dodging, the character passes to the other side of the opponent. This can also be used to evade an enemy strike, leaving the opponent open to counterattack if timed right.

When characters slash each other at the same time or dash into each other (when both armed), they lock swords. Players must press the slash buttons rapidly to break the lock, with the player who loses the hold (by not pressing the buttons as fast as the opposing player) having the character knocked back and disarmed. A character can equip his or her weapon again by pressing a slash button while standing next to it. Weapons cannot be destroyed as in previous games. In addition to their standard attacks, characters can perform special moves using specific button combinations (though many special moves cannot be performed if the character is disarmed).

Guarding is done by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent. Guarding can be done while standing or crouching and can also be done in midair. Most attacks can be blocked while standing or crouching, but many attacks must specifically be blocked high or low. Every character has a sweep kick performed with + (or + when facing left) that can only be blocked crouching and an overhead move performed with (or +) that can only be blocked standing. If a character is armed, the character can also perform a parry against a weapon attack by pressing (or when facing left) as the opponent is attacking in close range. The timing for this maneuver must be precise, but if successful, the character repels the opponent's attack, and the opponent is left vulnerable to counterattack for a moment. If the character is unarmed, this move instead disarms the opponent.

Characters can become dizzy and stunned momentarily after taking repeated damage; they can recover more quickly by moving the D-Pad and pressing buttons rapidly. Characters can break an opponent's guard by holding or while pressing the heavy slash button in close range (replacing throws from previous games). This grabs and then pushes or pulls the opponent aside, which does no damage by itself but leaves the opponent open to attack. After a character has been knocked down, the character can roll away by holding or .

Each character has a "POW" (怒) gauge that fills as the player is hit by enemy attacks or guards against an attack. The gauge can also be filled by holding ++, though the character is vulnerable to attack while doing this. When the gauge is full, the character enters a "Rage explosion" mode (怒りモード) and turns red for a duration. Attacking extends the duration, but it cannot be extended indefinitely. During this state, the character attacks with increased strength and can perform a Weapon-Flipping Technique (武器飛ばし必殺技). These are super moves that do heavy damage and disarm the opponent, which are performed with special button combinations or by pressing . The gauge drains if the move hits the opponent (but not if it misses). The POW gauge stays permanently filled when a character's health gauge has depleted into the red area and started flashing.

Modes

Kuroko fight

In the single-player mode, the player chooses any of the twelve selectable characters and the character's alignment and then fights every character, including a fight against the referee Kuroko (who transforms into the player's chosen character but with the opposite alignment) midway through the game. The game ends with a battle against the final boss Zankuro Minazuki. There are eight difficulty levels. A second player can enter the game by pressing  START  on a second control pad.

There is also a dedicated two-player mode where two players can fight each other in single matches. Zankuro is playable in this mode after completing the game at least once.

In either mode, after choosing a character, the player can choose between two versions of the character: 修羅 (localized as "Slash" in other releases of the game) or 羅刹 ("Bust"). Slash is the the chivalrous alignment and represents the "normal" version of the character, while Bust is a darker, treacherous version with a modified moveset. Then the player chooses between three experience levels: 剣聖 (localized as "Upper Grade"), 剣豪 ("Medium Grade"), or 剣客 ("Beginner Grade"). Upper Grade gives the player a permanently full POW gauge (so the fighter always does increased damage and can perform unlimited "Rage" moves), though the character cannot guard at all (but can still dodge). Medium Grade is the normal game. The character can block, and the POW gauge fills normally. Beginner Grade gives the player five auto-guards (the computer blocks for the player when the character is not attacking). However, the POW gauge can only be charged by holding ++ (which takes twice as long) and does not fill when the character is attacked, and attacks do less damage.

There are also options for setting the attack damage (0% for no damage, 30%, 50%, 100%, 200%, or "MAX" for one-hit kills), the time limit for each round (30, 60, or 99 seconds or unlimited), and the POW gauge (normal for empty or "MAX" for full). After completing the game, there is a Stage Select option that lets the player choose which fight to start from (1 through 12, Last Stage for the final battle against Zankuro, or Ending for the selected character's ending). The game saves high scores and completion status to the Saturn's internal memory.

Items

Though the delivery man, Hikyaku, no longer appears in the backgrounds of the stages, items are still occasionally thrown into the battlefield from off-screen.

	Meat
	Restores partial health for a character when walked over.
	Bomb
	Explodes and damages either fighter. It can be blocked without taking any damage. Bombs are often thrown when one player has not moved much in a while (to discourage players from playing too defensively).

Characters

Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, and should be reversed.

S	Any slash button
LS	Light slash
MS	Medium slash
HS	Hard slash

K

Kick

Playable

Genjuro was introduced in the previous game (not ported to any Sega console). Basara, Shizumaru, Gaira, and Rimururu are new characters introduced in this game. Amakusa, the boss of the first game, is now a normally playable character.

	Basara Kubikiri
	A yuurei who was murdered, along with his lover Kagaribi, by the possessed swordsman Zankuro. He was mysteriously brought back to life and seeks revenge. He fights using a large, three-bladed shuriken attached to a chain. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Basara can jump off the edges of the screen. Sashi Ashi +K in midair Basara stomps downward. If he hits his opponent, he bounces back up and can keep stomping until he is hit or returns to the ground. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Zugai Wari +K in midair Basara does an axe kick. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Chisashi S (requires weapon) Basara throws his shuriken in a high arc. The distance it is thrown depends on the strength of the button used. Sorasashi S in midair (requires weapon) Basara throws his shuriken diagonally downwards. The angle of the shuriken's trajectory depends on the strength of the button used, with  LS  being closest to vertical and  HS  being closest to 45°. Kage Nui S (requires weapon) Basara drops his shuriken into a portal in the ground beneath him. It reappears in the air, dropping down and moving forward a short distance. The distance it reappears away from Basara depends on the strength of the button used. Kage Sui K Basara drops himself into a portal in the ground beneath him. He reappears after a moment. The portal can be moved with or before he pops back up, or the move can be canceled early by pressing any button. Nue Dama  HS  Basara throws a glowing projectile into the air that slowly travels in a circular path and partly homes in on the opponent. Tomobiki  LS  (close) (requires weapon) Basara grabs his opponent and they both fall into a large portal in the ground. The opponent is tossed back out by Basara's shuriken. Super: Kage Mai: Mukui  LS + MS  (requires weapon) Basara hops back, then rushes at his opponent, pummeling them repeatedly while invisible as Kagaribi appears intermittently. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Basara can jump off the edges of the screen. Sashi Ashi +K in midair Basara stomps downward. If he hits his opponent, he bounces back up and can keep stomping until he is hit or returns to the ground.This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Zugai Wari +K in midair Basara does an axe kick. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Chisashi S (requires weapon) Basara throws his shuriken in a high arc. The distance it is thrown depends on the strength of the button used. Sorasashi S in midair (requires weapon) Basara throws his shuriken diagonally downwards. The angle of the shuriken's trajectory depends on the strength of the button used, with  LS  being closest to vertical and  HS  being closest to 45°. Kage Ide S (requires weapon) Basara drops through a portal in the ground, then reappears from a portal that appears beneath his opponent with a rising shuriken slash. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used. Kage Sui K Basara drops himself into a portal in the ground beneath him. He reappears after a moment. The portal can be moved with or before he pops back up, or the move can be canceled early by pressing any button. Kage Damashi S or K A duplicate of Basara pops out of him and performs a maneuver, then turns into a bat and disappears. The duplicate has no collision and cannot damage the opponent. It does a high forward jump with  LS , a high vertical jump with  MS , and a forward walk with  HS . When performed with K, Basara himself performs a high vertical jump, while the duplicate stands in place. Super: Kage Mai: Yumebiki  MS + HS  (requires weapon) Basara hops back, then rushes at his opponent with a series of slashes and kicks. At the end, he raises his opponent into the air and slices their neck with his shuriken.
	Genjuro Kibagami
	A merciless ronin who fights only for his love of violence and killing. He is a foil to Haohmaru and was trained by the same master. He wields a katana. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Ouka Zan S (requires weapon) Genjuro swings his katana and throws a projectile shaped like a hanafuda card across the screen. The distance traveled by the projectile depends on the strength of the button used. Touha Kouyoku Jin S (requires weapon) Genjuro rises into the air with a sword slash. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used. Sanren Satsu S (requires weapon) Genjuro slides forward with a lateral sword slice. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. He can cross over to the other side of the opponent with  MS  or  HS . He can perform up to two more sword slices by pressing S more times. Shizuku Jin  HS  (close) (requires weapon) Genjuro tosses his opponent into the air, jumps after them, and hits them back down with a downward sword slash. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. Kurenai S (requires weapon) Genjuro pulls his katana back, as a hanafuda card begins to materialize a short distance in front of him, then slashes downward. If the opponent is inside the hanafuda card, they are hit as the card is sliced in two. Super: Gokou Zan  LS + MS  (close) (requires weapon) Genjuro slashes his opponent into the air, jumps after them, and slashes them five times in midair. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Ura Ouka: Ayame S (requires weapon) Genjuro swings his katana and throws a projectile shaped like a hanafuda card across the screen. The distance traveled by the projectile depends on the strength of the button used. Continuing to hold S causes the card to ricochet into the air if the opponent blocks it, potentially landing on the opponent afterwards (which can only be blocked high). Touha Kouyoku Jin S (requires weapon) Genjuro rises into the air with a sword slash. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used. Sankuu Satsu S (requires weapon) Genjuro runs forward, then rises into the air with a sword slash. He can perform up to two more rising sword slashes by pressing S more times. Hyakki Satsu S (requires weapon) Genjuro slices his blade multiple times in front of him. He slices more times when a stronger button is used. If a slice connects, he impales the opponent on the blade, then pushes them off with his foot. Shigure S (requires weapon) Genjuro pulls his katana back, as a hanafuda card begins to materialize a short distance in front of him, then slashes downward. If the opponent is inside the hanafuda card, they are hit as the card is sliced in two. Super: Ura Gokou  HS +K (close) (requires weapon) Genjuro slashes his opponent into the air with a series of five slashes.
	Haohmaru
	A wandering samurai who fights to improve himself and to challenge evildoers. He wields a katana. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Ougi Senpuu Retsu Zan S (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his katana, summoning a cyclone that rolls across the ground and tosses his opponent in the air. The distance traveled by the cyclone depends on the strength of the button used. Ougi Hishou Senpuu Retsu Zan S in midair (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his katana, summoning a cyclone that spins down to the ground and knocks his opponent over. The angle of the cyclone's trajectory depends on the strength of the button used, with  LS  being closest to 45° and  HS  being closest to horizontal. Ougi Kogetsu Zan S (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his katana in a circle around him, then twirls into the air while slashing his katana. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used. Ougi Shippuu Kogetsu Zan S during dash (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his katana in a circle and jumps while dashing. Ougi Resshin Zan S (requires weapon) Haohmaru leaps forward and flips over with a falling sword cut. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. The distance of the leap depends on the strength of the button used. Ougi Hishou Resshin Zan  HS  in midair (requires weapon) Haohmaru drops with a falling sword cut. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Zankousen  HS  (requires weapon) Haohmaru turns around, then performs a heavy downward slash. Super: Hiougi Tenha Fuujin Zan  LS + MS  (requires weapon) Haohmaru steps forward while spinning his katana in circles four times, rising into the air with the last slice. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Gatotsu  HS   HS  (close) (requires weapon) Haohmaru does an overhead slash, then a stab. Hien HOLD  HS   HS  (close) (requires weapon) Haohmaru does an upward slash, then a downward slash. Ougi Senpuu Retsu Zan: Setsu S (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his katana, summoning a cyclone that rolls across the ground and tosses his opponent in the air. The distance traveled by the cyclone depends on the strength of the button used. Ougi Kogetsu Zan S (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his katana in a circle around him, then twirls into the air while slashing his katana. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used. Ougi Shippuu Kogetsu Zan S during dash (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his katana in a circle and jumps while dashing. Gou Ha K Haohmaru charges forward with a shoulder ram that knocks his opponent over. Senpuu Ha K (requires weapon) Haohmaru swings his sword across the ground, generating a spray of sparks that pushes his opponent back. Nagi Yaiba  HS  (requires weapon) Haohmaru holds his blade in a reverse grip. If the opponent tries to hit him while he is doing this or if he is close to the opponent, he counters by slicing upward with his katana, then continues slicing as he rises into the air. Super: Hiougi Tenha Dankuu Retsu Zan  HS +K (close) (requires weapon) Haohmaru slices upward with his katana, creating a cyclone that tosses his opponent into the air, then follows it up with a downward sword slash in the air and another downward sword slash when he lands on the ground.
	Shizumaru Hisame
	An adolescent boy who has partially lost his memory and believes he has a "demon" residing within him. He wants vengeance because he believes that Zankuro murdered his family. He fights with a sword sheathed in a parasol. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Shizumaru can jump off the edges of the screen. Hitouryuu Kirisame Jin: Gouu S (requires weapon) Shizumaru throws his open parasol across the screen, which returns to him like a boomerang. The parasol knocks down the opponent on impact and can hit opponents on its way out or back. The distance traveled by the parasol depends on the strength of the button used. Hitouryuu Baiu Ensatsu Jin S (requires weapon) Shizumaru swings his parasol around like a bat, unsheathing the blade, then rises into the air with it. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used. Hitouryuu Samidare Giri S (requires weapon) Shizumaru spins his parasol beside him like a large buzzsaw. He spins it for longer when a stronger button is used. Hitouryuu Hisame Gaeshi  LS  (requires weapon) Shizumaru opens his parasol in front of him. It hurts his opponent if the opponent touches or tries to attack it, and it reflects projectiles. Hitouryuu Amanagare Kyouraku Zan S (requires weapon) Shizumaru throws the canopy of his parasol into the air, unsheathing the blade inside it. He charges forward with the blade, finishing with a sideways slash as the canopy falls back down. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. Super: Hitouryuu Fuujite Bouu Kyoufuu Zan  HS +K (requires weapon) Shizumaru swings his parasol upwards like a bat, then fans it out and spins it like a large buzzsaw while carrying the opponent into the air. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Shizumaru can jump off the edges of the screen. Hitouryuu Shigure + HS  in midair (requires weapon) Shizumaru stabs downward with his closed parasol. If he hits his opponent, he bounces back up and can keep stabbing until he is hit or returns to the ground. Hitouryuu Kosame + HS  in midair (requires weapon) Shizumaru opens his parasol and floats down slowly until he is hit or attacks. He can move with or while floating or can fall to the ground with S or K. Hitouryuu Kirisame Jin S (requires weapon) Shizumaru throws his open parasol across the screen, which returns to him like a boomerang. The parasol knocks down the opponent on impact and can hit opponents on its way out or back. The distance traveled by the parasol depends on the strength of the button used. Hitouryuu Baiu Ensatsu Jin S (requires weapon) Shizumaru swings his parasol around like a bat, unsheathing the blade, then rises into the air with it. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used. Hitouryuu Amanagare Kyouraku Zan S (requires weapon) Shizumaru throws the canopy of his parasol into the air, unsheathing the blade inside it. He charges forward with the blade, finishing with a jumping slash as the canopy falls back down. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. Super: Hitouryuu Fuujite Amanagare Ressatsu Jin  LS + MS  (requires weapon) Shizumaru swings his parasol upwards like a bat, then fans it out and spins it like a large buzzsaw while carrying the opponent into the air.
	Galford D. Weller
	An American sailor who traveled to Japan to learn ninjutsu. He fights with his pet husky, Poppy (in Slash form only), and wields a ninjatou. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Galford can jump off the edges of the screen. Stardust Drop + HS  or + HS  in midair (close) Galford grabs and slams his opponent to the ground. Plasma Blade S Galford throws two large plasma kunai across the screen. The speed of the projectiles depends on the strength of the button used. Rush Dog  LS  Galford sends his dog Poppy to rush over and charge his opponent, which knocks the opponent over. Machine Gun Dog  MS  Galford sends his dog Poppy to rush over and maul his opponent, which knocks the opponent over. Diving Dog  HS  Poppy disappears, then reappears above the opponent with a spin attack. Overhead Crush K Galford and Poppy fly high into the air, then Galford throws Poppy diagonally downward in a spin attack. Plasma Dog  LS  Galford infuses Poppy with plasma energy, then Poppy charges at the opponent. Replica Attack  LS + HS  or  MS +K Galford disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, falling with a spinning sword slash. He appears in front of the opponent with  LS + HS  or behind the opponent with  MS +K. Imitate Replica Hold  LS + HS  or  MS +K while being attacked Galford disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, falling with a spinning sword slash. He appears in front of the opponent with  LS + HS  or behind the opponent with  MS +K. Shadow Copy  LS  or  MS  Galford disappears in a cloud of smoke, then two flashing mirror images appear, one on each side of the screen. Galford reappears in place of the leftmost image with  LS  or the rightmost image with  MS . Rolling Crush  HS  (close) Galford grabs and slams his opponent into the side of the screen, then Poppy hits the opponent with a spin attack on the way down. Super: Double Mega Strike Heads  HS  or K Galford disappears, then he and a duplicate fall from the air around his opponent and perform a series of sword strikes. Then they carry the opponent into the air and finish with a slam. Galford falls in front of the opponent with  HS  or behind the opponent with K. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Galford can jump off the edges of the screen. Stardust Drop + HS  or + HS  in midair (close) Galford grabs and slams his opponent to the ground. Plasma Blade S Galford throws two large plasma kunai across the screen. The speed of the projectiles depends on the strength of the button used. Plasma Factor + LS + MS  (requires weapon) Galford infuses his sword with plasma and swings it down, which knocks opponents over on impact. Lightning Slash S (requires weapon) Galford runs forward with a rolling kick. If it connects, it knocks the opponent backward, then Galford follows up with a plasma-charged sword slash. Replica Attack  LS + HS  or  MS +K Galford disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, falling with a spinning sword slash. He appears in front of the opponent with  LS + HS  or behind the opponent with  MS +K. Imitate Replica Hold  LS + HS  or  MS +K while being attacked Galford disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, falling with a spinning sword slash. He appears in front of the opponent with  LS + HS  or behind the opponent with  MS +K. Shadow Copy  LS  or  MS  Galford disappears in a cloud of smoke, then two flashing mirror images appear, one on each side of the screen. Galford reappears in place of the leftmost image with  LS  or the rightmost image with  MS . Head Strike K (close) Galford grabs his opponent and flies into the air, then drives his opponent head-first into the ground. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. It can be done from a dash. Super: Lightning Strike Three  HS  Galford runs forward, throws his opponent into the air, teleports to where they land to kick them back into the air, then teleports into the air for a body slam.
	Gaira Caffeine
	A Buddhist monk in training and the nephew of Nicotine Caffeine, a master swordsman who trained Haohmaru and Genjuro. He fights with a necklace of giant prayer beads. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Buchinomeshi + HS  in midair (requires weapon) Gaira slams his prayer beads to the ground. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Hyakkan Otoshi +K in midair Gaira falls with a knee strike. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Midare Uchi  LS + MS  (requires weapon) Gaira swings his prayer beads back and forth in front of him four times, which knocks down his opponent on impact. Jishin Gan  LS + MS  (requires weapon) Gaira hops forward, punching down while holding his prayer beads and causing the ground to shake. This move momentarily stuns opponents on the ground and pulls them closer to Gaira even if it does not connect. Katsu!  LS  Gaira shouts, causing the kanji 喝 to appear in front of him and knocking down his opponent on impact. This move can reflect projectiles. Kachi Age S (requires weapon) Gaira runs forward with a shoulder ram, then uppercuts the opponent into the air. This move can hit more times and travels farther when a stronger button is used. Tsukamuzo: Kumi Tenjou  LS  (close) Gaira reaches into the air. If he grabs an airborne opponent, he slams them to the ground. Tsukamuzo: Ishi Atama  MS  (close) Gaira grabs and headbutts his opponent three times. Unlike most grabs, this move can be blocked. Tsukamuzo: Shiri Mekuri  HS  (close) Gaira grabs and trips his opponent. Unlike most grabs, this move can be blocked (but must be blocked low). Super: Kenbu  LS + MS  Gaira moves forward while pummeling his opponent with alternating palm strikes, then knocks them into the air with several punches and finishes with an uppercut. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Hyakkan Otoshi +K in midair Gaira falls with a knee strike. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Buchikoroshi S (requires weapon) Gaira does an attack that knocks his opponent into the side of the screen. The opponent bounces off, then Gaira uppercuts the opponent as they fly over him. He does a headbutt with  LS  (only hits airborne opponents), a punch with  MS  (hits in front of him), or a shoulder charge with  HS  (slides forward a short distance before hitting). Jishin Gan  LS + MS  (requires weapon) Gaira hops forward, punching down while holding his prayer beads and causing the ground to shake. This move momentarily stuns opponents on the ground and pulls them closer to Gaira even if it does not connect. Katsu!  LS  Gaira shouts, causing the kanji 喝 to appear in front of him and knocking down his opponent on impact. This move can reflect projectiles. Enshin Satsu (Ten)  LS + MS  (close) (requires weapon) Gaira leaps forward, swings his prayer beads over his opponent like a belt, then spins around in a circle before throwing the opponent. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. Enshin Satsu (Chi)  HS +K (close) (requires weapon) Gaira swings his prayer beads over his opponent like a belt, then spins around in a circle before throwing the opponent. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. Super: Kenbu  LS + MS  Gaira moves forward while pummeling his opponent with alternating palm strikes, then knocks them into the air with several punches and finishes with an uppercut.
	Kyoshiro Senryo
	A kabuki artist who mixes his performance style with fighting to create a beautiful combat art. He fights with a naginata. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Chikemuri Kuruwa + LS  in midair (requires weapon) Kyoshiro spins around like a top while holding his naginata out. Oo Tsunami S Kyoshiro spins around and causes a tsunami to roll across the ground. The speed of the wave depends on the strength of the button used. Gama Jigoku  LS + HS  Kyoshiro summons a giant toad, which extends its tongue to swallow the opponent. Kyoshiro then leaps on the toad's belly to eject the opponent. This move can only be blocked low. Kaiten Kyokubu: Ten S (requires weapon) Kyoshiro rises into the air while spinning like a whirlwind and holding his naginata out. The height and angle increases with the strength of the button used. Kaen Kyokubu S Kyoshiro breathes a tall cloud of flame in front of him, which knocks over his opponent on impact. Choubi Jishi S (requires weapon) Kyoshiro vaults onto his naginata and kicks forward while radiating with fire, which knocks over his opponent on impact. Kyoushiro Enbu  HS  (requires weapon) Kyoshiro spins around twice, slashing his naginata downward, then slashes his naginata upward. Super: Aragotoshi Kyoshiro "Oni no Mai"  MS + HS  Kyoshiro breathes a cloud of flame that explodes and causes a wave of fire to roll across the ground. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Chikmeuri Kuruwa + LS  in midair (requires weapon) Kyoshiro spins around like a top while holding his naginata out. Kaiten Kyokubu: Chi S (requires weapon) Kyoshiro moves across the ground while spinning like a whirlwind and holding his naginata out. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. Kaen Kyokubu: Utage S Kyoshiro breathes a long stream of flame in front of him, which knocks over his opponent on impact. Choubi Jishi: Ranshin S Kyoshiro vaults onto his naginata and kicks forward while radiating with fire, which knocks over his opponent on impact. Kyoushiro Enbu  HS  (requires weapon) Kyoshiro spins around twice, slashing his naginata downward, then slashes his naginata upward. Yamata no Orochi  HS  Kyoshiro spins around and shoots a snake-like fireball that slithers through the air. Super: Aragotoshi Kyoshiro "Oni no Mai"  MS + HS  Kyoshiro breathes a cloud of flame that explodes and causes a wave of fire to roll across the ground.
	Ukyo Tachibana
	An expert iaijutsu swordsman who is suffering from tuberculosis. He vows revenge against the demonic Zankuro for slaughtering the disciples of his old training dojo. He wields a sword. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Hiken Sasameyuki S (requires weapon) Ukyo tosses an apple into the air, then rapidly slashes his sword in front of him, destroying the apple. He slashes more times when a stronger button is used. Hiken Sasameyuki (Damashi) K Ukyo tosses an apple into the air but does not slash his sword. This move is intended as a deception. Hiken Oboro Gatana S (requires weapon) Ukyo advances with afterimages of himself that perform sword slashes that knock the opponent over. He slashes one time with  LS , two times with  MS , and three times with  HS . Hiken Tsubame Gaeshi S in midair (requires weapon) Ukyo slashes his sword in a semicircle, leaving a trail of fire in the air. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Hiken Amatsu Kaze  HS , then  LS  (requires weapon) Ukyo charges his sword with fire. When  LS  is pressed, he runs forward and jumps over his opponent with an overhead slash (which can be avoided by ducking). Hiken Shimo Kaze  HS , then  MS  (requires weapon) Ukyo charges his sword with fire. When  MS  is pressed, he runs forward and performs a low slash that sweeps the opponent (which can only be blocked low). Super: Tsubame Rokuren  MS + HS  (requires weapon) Ukyo tosses an apple into the air, then jumps over his opponent and slashes his fiery sword multiple times midjump before landing. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Hiken Sasameyuki: Sen S (requires weapon) Ukyo tosses an apple into the air, then rapidly slashes his sword in front of him, destroying the apple. He slashes more times when a stronger button is used. Hibari + LS  (requires weapon) Ukyo jabs the pommel of his sword forward, stunning the opponent momentarily. Hiken Tsubame Gaeshi S in midair (requires weapon) Ukyo slashes his sword in a semicircle, leaving a trail of fire in the air. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Hiken Kagerou S (requires weapon) Ukyo slashes the air, causing a wave-like projectile to travel across the screen. The stronger versions travel faster but have a longer startup time. Hiken Yume Gasumi  HS  (requires weapon) Ukyo holds his partially sheathed sword in front of him in a defensive pose. If he is hit by a mid-level attack, he parries the attack, then slashes the opponent away. Super: Musou Zankou Ka  HS +K (requires weapon) Ukyo runs around his opponent in a blur while slashing his sword. As he stops to sheathe his sword, the slashes hit the opponent.
	Rimururu
	A priestess and the younger sister of Nakoruru. She can summon and control the ice spirit Konru and wields a kodachi (a short sword). Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Rimururu can jump off the edges of the screen. Rupush Kuare S Rimururu tosses an icy spiked ball in an arc, which explodes into an ice lotus after hitting the ground or reaching the end of its travel. The opponent is frozen for a moment if they touch the ice lotus (but not the icy spiked ball). The angle of the arc depends on the strength of the button used, with  LS  being the lowest and  HS  being the closest to 45°. Rupush Tek Num (Chiu)  MS  (close) Rimururu freezes her opponent, then shoves them to the ground. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. Konru Nonno  LS  Rimururu creates an ice lotus that flies straight upwards. Konru Memu  LS  Rimururu creates an ice puddle in front of her, which does no damage but causes her opponent to slip when walking over it, stunning them momentarily. Kamui Shituki  HS  Rimururu creates an ice barrier in front of her. It hurts her opponent if the opponent touches or tries to attack it, and it reflects projectiles. Konru Shiraru  LS  in midair Rimururu creates an ice platform beneath herself in midair, which then falls and harms her opponent if it hits. Rimururu can jump off it or fall with it. Super: Rupush Kamui Emush  HS +K Rimururu jumps into the air, then shoots an ice block diagonally downwards that grows into a huge ice block when it hits the ground. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Rimururu can jump off the edges of the screen. Rupush Kuare S Rimururu tosses an icy spiked ball in an arc, which explodes into an ice flower after hitting the ground or reaching the end of its travel. The opponent is frozen for a moment if they touch the ice flower (but not the icy spiked ball). The angle of the arc depends on the strength of the button used, with  LS  being the lowest and  HS  being the closest to 45°. Rupushi Tum + LS + MS  Rimururu slices her frozen kodachi upward, which freezes her opponent momentarily. Upun Op SSSSS Rimururu creates a wall of icy spears in front of her, then pushes them a short distance forward as one large ice spear. Konru Memu  LS  Rimururu creates an ice puddle in front of her, which does no damage but causes her opponent to slip when walking over it, stunning them momentarily. Rupush Tek Num (Yaku) K (close) Rimururu freezes her opponent, then kicks them twice. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. Konru Shiraru  LS  in midair Rimururu creates an ice platform beneath herself in midair, which then falls and harms her opponent if it hits. Rimururu can jump off it or fall with it. Super: Rupush Kamui Emushi  HS +K Rimururu jumps into the air, then shoots an ice block diagonally downwards that grows into a huge ice block when it hits the ground.
	Nakoruru
	A young girl who is a guardian of nature. She fights with her pet hawk, Mamahaha (in Slash form), or her wolf companion, Shikuruu (in Bust form), and wields a kodachi (a short sword). Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Nakoruru can jump off the edges of the screen. Lela Kishima Tek + HS  or + HS  in midair (close) Nakoruru grabs and slams her opponent to the ground. Kamui Fum Kesupu +K or +K in midair Nakoruru does an axe kick in the air. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Annu Mutsube S (requires weapon) Nakoruru flies along the ground while holding her kodachi in front of her, which knocks over and slides to the other side of her opponent. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. This move can only be blocked low. Lela Mutsube S (requires weapon) Nakoruru flies into the air while holding her kodachi in front of her. The distance and the height traveled depends on the strength of the button used. Kamui Rimuse S Nakoruru whips her cape in circles. She whips it one time with  LS , two times with  MS , and three times with  HS . She can follow up with an upward whip by pressing S before she finishes. Taka ni Tsukamaru K Nakoruru leaps into the air to be carried by her hawk Mamahaha for a limited duration. While in flight, Nakoruru can move in any direction using the D-Pad or fall to the ground with +K. Kamui Mutsube  HS  while carried by Mamahaha Nakoruru dives diagonally downwards while holding her kodachi out. Rerashu  LS  Mamahaha hurls a cyclone diagonally downwards from her wings, which tosses the opponent in the air. Shichikapu Etu  MS  Mamahaha charges downward and stabs the opponent with her beak, momentarily stunning the opponent. Shichikapu Am  HS  Mamahaha grabs and carries the opponent into the air, then drops them. Lela o Chikiri K (close) Nakoruru grabs her opponent, kicks them into the air, then stomps them onto the ground. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. Super: Ererushi Kamui Rimse  LS + MS  Nakoruru jumps into the air, dives down while holding her kodachi in front of her, then whips her cape in circles, knocking her opponent into the air, where Mamahaha hits them with a dive attack. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Nakoruru can jump off the edges of the screen. Lela Kishima Tek + HS  or + HS  in midair (close) Nakoruru grabs and slams her opponent to the ground. Kamui Fum Kesupu +K or +K in midair Nakoruru does an axe kick in the air. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Annu Mutsube S (requires weapon) Nakoruru flies along the ground while holding her kodachi in front of her, which knocks over and slides to the other side of her opponent. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. This move can only be blocked low. Lela Mutsube S (requires weapon) Nakoruru flies into the air while holding her kodachi in front of her. The distance and the height traveled depends on the strength of the button used. Kamui Rimuse S Nakoruru whips her cape in circles. She whips it one time with  LS , two times with  MS , and three times with  HS . She can follow up with an upward whip by pressing S before she finishes. Shikuruu ni Nori K Nakoruru hops onto the back of her wolf Shikuruu until she is hit by the opponent or dismounts. While riding, Nakoruru can move with or , jump with , dismount with K, or slash her kodachi with S. Mer Shikite  HS  while riding Shikuruu Shikuruu runs forward. He can cross over to the other side of the opponent. Nakoruru can jump off and charge in a direction while holding her kodachi in front of her by holding any direction (except or ) and  HS  simultaneously. Kanto Shikite  HS  while riding Shikuruu Shikuruu leaps into the air. Nakoruru can jump off and charge in a direction while holding her kodachi in front of her by holding any direction (except or ) and  HS  simultaneously. Imeru Shikite  HS  in midair while riding Shikuruu Shikuruu dives diagonally downwards while Nakoruru holds her kodachi out in front of her. Lela o Chikiri K (close) Nakoruru grabs her opponent, kicks them into the air, then stomps them onto the ground. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. Epunkine Shikite  LS + HS  when knocked down Shikuruu charges at the opponent after Nakoruru is knocked down. Super: Nubeki Kamui Shikite  MS + HS  (requires weapon) Nakoruru hops onto the back of her wolf Shikuruu. She charges forward with a kodachi strike, followed by a rising slash that carries the opponent into the air, finishing with a cape whip that knocks the opponent to the ground.
	Hanzo Hattori
	A serious ninja and a master of stealth and deception. He fights with a ninjato. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Hanzo can jump off the edges of the screen. Kuuten Geki + HS  or + HS  in midair (close) Hanzo grabs and slams his opponent to the ground. Ninpou Bakuen Ryu: Kai S Hanzo summons a fire dragon, which moves across the ground like a wave, then returns after it reaches the end of its travel. It knocks over the opponent on impact. The speed and distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. Ninpou Reppuu Shuriken S in midair Hanzo throws shuriken diagonally downwards. He throws one shuriken with  LS , two shuriken with  MS , or three shuriken with  HS . Ninpou Kage Bunshin  LS  or  MS  Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then two flashing mirror images appear, one on each side of the screen. Hanzo reappears in place of the leftmost image with  LS  or the rightmost image with  MS . Ninpou Kage: Shizune + LS  Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in the same position. Ninpou Utsusemi Chizan  MS + HS +K Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in front of his opponent with a low slash that sweeps his opponent. This move can only be blocked low. Ninpou Utsusemi Tenbu  MS + HS +K Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in the air above his opponent, falling with a spinning sword slash. This move can only be blocked high. Ninpou Migawari no Jutsu: Hotoke  LS + HS  after being hit Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, leaving only a log in his stead, then reappears above his opponent with a spinning sword slash. Ninpou Migawari no Jutsu: Oni  MS +K after being hit Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, leaving only a log in his stead, then reappears in front of his opponent with a low sweeping slash. Ninpou Mozu Otoshi  HS +K (close) Hanzo grabs his opponent and flies into the air, then drives his opponent head-first into the ground. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. It can be done from a dash. Super: Fuujite Mijin Gakure  LS + MS  Hanzo explodes in a burst of flame that can harm nearby opponents, then reappears. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Hanzo can jump off the edges of the screen. Kuuten Geki + HS  or + HS  in midair (close) Hanzo grabs and slams his opponent to the ground. Ninpou Bakuen Ryu: Kai S Hanzo summons a fire dragon, which moves across the ground like a wave, then returns after it reaches the end of its travel. It knocks over the opponent on impact. The speed and distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. Ninpou Reppuu Shuriken S in midair Hanzo throws shuriken diagonally downwards. He throws one shuriken with  LS , two shuriken with  MS , or three shuriken with  HS . Ninpou Kage Bunshin  LS  or  MS  Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then two flashing mirror images appear, one on each side of the screen. Hanzo reappears in place of the leftmost image with  LS  or the rightmost image with  MS . Ninpou Kage: Shizune + LS  Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in the same position. Ninpou Utsusemi Chizan  MS + HS +K Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in front of his opponent with a low slash that sweeps his opponent. This move can only be blocked low. Ninpou Utsusemi Tenbu  MS + HS +K Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in the air above his opponent, falling with a spinning sword slash. This move can only be blocked high. Ninpou Enbu S or K Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in the top-left with  LS , the bottom-left with  MS , the top-right with  HS , or the bottom-right with K. Mozu Otoshi  HS +K (close) Hanzo grabs his opponent and flies into the air, then drives his opponent head-first into the ground. Super: Fuujite Dokuryuu  HS +K (requires weapon) Hanzo flips upside down while leaping forward. If he lands on top of his opponent, he drops several bombs at their feet, which explode in a large burst.
	Shiro Tokisada Amakusa
	A powerful sorcerer who was resurrected by the dark god Ambrosia, then freed from his wicked possession. Move list (Slash (修羅)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Amakusa can jump off the edges of the screen. Oumaga Toki (Mae) K Amakusa glides forwards. He is invulnerable and passes through opponents while doing this. Oumaga Toki (Ato) K Amakusa glides backwards. He is invulnerable and passes through opponents while doing this. Shirei Jin S (requires weapon) Amakusa shoots a skull-shaped fireball from his orb. The speed of the projectiles depends on the strength of the button used. Nanji, Anten Nyuumetsu Seyo  HS  (requires weapon) Amakusa jumps into the air, then shrouds his body in a sphere of destructive energy that shoots to the ground. He can shoot to the ground earlier by pressing S or cancel out of it with K. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Tenshou Fuuou Jin S (requires weapon) Amakusa throws his crystal ball in a fireball. The ball teleports a distance away, then shoots a short distance forward. If it touches the opponent, the opponent is swept up in a pillar of light, then dropped to the ground. The distance that the ball is teleported depends on the strength of the button used. Shouki Dan  LS  (requires weapon) Amakusa crouches and spins in circles with his crystal ball, which can hit nearby grounded opponents, momentarily stunning them. Kairetsu Shou  HS  (close) Amakusa slaps his opponent repeatedly. Super: Kyoumei Jussatsu Jin  MS + HS  (close) (requires weapon) Amakusa throws his crystal ball a short distance forward. If it hits his opponent, it traps the opponent in a magic prison, then Amakusa retrieves the ball and uses it to shoot the opponent with violent energy. Move list (Bust (羅刹)) Name Command Description Sankaku Tobi D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen Amakusa can jump off the edges of the screen. Oumaga Toki (Mae) K Amakusa glides forwards. He is invulnerable and passes through opponents while doing this. Oumaga Toki (Ato) K Amakusa glides backwards. He is invulnerable and passes through opponents while doing this. Meifu Mashou Dan S (requires weapon) Amakusa shoots a sphere of destructive energy from his magical orb. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. Nanji, Anten Nyuumetsu Seyo  HS  (requires weapon) Amakusa jumps into the air, then shrouds his body in a sphere of destructive energy that shoots to the ground. He can shoot to the ground earlier by pressing S or cancel out of it with K. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Kouma Shourai Ha S (requires weapon) Amakusa throws his crystal ball on the ground, which creates a dark portal that moves along the ground and sucks the opponent into it when close. A pillar of light blasts out from the portal, then the opponent is ejected from it. The distance traveled by the portal depends on the strength of the button used. This move can only be blocked low. Shouki Dan  LS  (requires weapon) Amakusa crouches and spins in circles with his crystal ball, which can hit nearby grounded opponents, momentarily stunning them. Kairetsu Shou  HS  (close) Amakusa slaps his opponent repeatedly. Super: Kyoumei Jussatsu Jin  MS + HS  (close) (requires weapon) Amakusa throws his crystal ball a short distance forward. If it hits his opponent, it traps the opponent in a magic prison, then Amakusa retrieves the ball and uses it to shoot the opponent with violent energy.

Bosses

Main article: Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken/Hidden content.

Zankuro is playable in the two-player versus mode after the player has completed the game with any other character.

	Kuroko
	The referee from the earlier games appears as a mid-boss after the player has defeated five opponents. Rather than being a unique character, he simply takes the form of the player's chosen character but with the opposite alignment.
	Zankuro Minazuki
	A formidable swordsman who has been possessed by a demon and filled with bloodlust. He wields a zanbatou (a large sword). He is the final boss. After he is defeated in the first match, he returns with a full power gauge and must be defeated again in a one-round final match (which cannot be won by a time over). Though he has both Slash and Bust alignments selectable, they have the same moveset and differ only in appearance. Move list Name Command Description Mugenryuu Tenchuu + HS  in midair (requires weapon) Zankuro slashes downward. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. Mugenryuu Shippuu Zan S (requires weapon) Zankuro slashes his glowing sword through the air, causing an energy wave to shoot across the ground. Mugenryuu Mugen Hou S (requires weapon) Zankuro swings his sword upwards, creating an arc of energy that shocks opponents that it touches. Mugenryuu Tenpou Zan S (requires weapon) Zankuro charges forward with a shoulder ram, then follows up with an upward sword slash. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. Mugenryuu Ittou Zan  LS + MS  (close) (requires weapon) Zankuro kicks his opponent into the air, then slashes his sword twice. Mugenryuu Muhou Ken + LS  Zankuro charges forward with a glowing fist that knocks his opponent over. Mugenryuu Fudou K (requires weapon) Zankuro pulls his sword back and creates a glowing energy spike with his hand. If the opponent attacks while he is doing this, Zankuro knocks the opponent's weapon away, grabs them, then hits them with a downward sword slash. Super: Ougi Musou Shingeki Zan  LS + MS  Zankuro stomps the ground, which causes the opponent to lose balance, then slashes his sword down.

Stages

Each character has his or her own stage where battles are hosted.

The stage background changes when both characters have flashing red health, when the third round is low on time, or during the fourth round.

Shrine

Basara's stage.

Village Street

Genjuro's stage.

Cherry Blossom Forest

Haohmaru's stage.

Bamboo Forest

Shizumaru's stage.

Bridge by the Waterfalls

Galford's stage.

Temple

Gaira's stage.

Kabuki Stage

Kyoshiro's stage.

Death Swamp

Ukyo's stage.

Kamui Kotan

Rimururu's stage.

Mountainside Pool

Nakoruru's stage.

Volcanic Battlefield

Hanzo's stage.

Ritual Monument

Amakusa's stage.

Himalayas, Mountain Dojo

Kuroko's stage.

Temple of War

Zankuro's stage.

Music and sound

CD audio tracks 32 to 35 contain vocal tracks where Nakoruru and Rimururu promote the Samurai Spirits RPG, Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits Bushidou Retsuden.

History

Release

Zankurou Musouken is the third main entry in the series. Had it been released in the Western world, it would have likely used the name Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood, like other ports.

Production credits

This article needs a list of production credits, either from the game itself, a manual, or other reliable source. Source: Samurai Spirits III Saturn credits.pdf

• Programmer: Kouichi Toya

Source:

Uncredited

Magazine articles

Main article: Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Print advert in Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) #1996-19: "1996-19 (1996-11-08)" (1996-10-25)
also published in:

• Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) #1996-20: "1996-20 (1996-11-22)" (1996-11-08)

Print advert in Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) #1996-21: "1996-21 (1996-12-13)" (1996-11-22)

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

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Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score Consoles + (FR) NTSC-J 91 Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J 73 Fun Generation (DE) NTSC-J 60 MAN!AC (DE) NTSC-J 80 Mega Force (FR) NTSC-J 84 Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J 66 Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J 70 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 70 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 78

	75
Based on 9 reviews

Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken

Saturn, JP
Cover
Spinecard Disc Manual

Saturn, JP (1MB RAM Pack)
Cover
Disc Jewel Case

Technical information

Main article: Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken/Technical information.

References

Samurai Shodown/Samurai Spirits games for Sega systems
	Samurai Shodown (1994)
	Samurai Shodown (1994)
	Samurai Shodown (1995)
	Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken (1996) | Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits Bushidou Retsuden (1997) | Samurai Spirits Amakusa Kourin (1997) | Samurai Spirits Best Collection (1998)
	Nakoruru: Anohito Kara no Okurimono (2002)
	Samurai Spirits Tenkaichi Kenkakuden (2005)
Unlicensed Samurai Shodown/Samurai Spirits games for Sega systems
	Soul Edge vs. Samurai Spirits (1997) | Shin Samurai Spirits Haohmaru Jigokuhen (1998)