Samurai Shodown released by Takara for the SNES is awesome considering the era in which it was created.  It is a bushido style fighting game mixed with special moves for the characters like the Street Fighter series.  Best two out of three matches wins a duel.  Each character is unique and there are many different kenpo weapons on display in this game from small razor-sharp sabers to massive scimitars.  It is also possible  to play as the end boss, Amakusa, in the Countdown and 2P versus modes**code needed**.  My favorite character of the main selection is Tam-Tam, a Mayan warrior with a large, curved sword.  Galford and Nakoruru have animal friends that assist them in battle, which is a cool feature.  Galford has a dog/wolf and Nakoruru has a cormorant/falcon.  Each character has a different reason for why they are seeking the energy orb that Amakusa possesses...some for good, others for evil.  One more special feature is that the computer is a learning computer, even on this version, meaning that if a player continues to use the same attack pattern, the CPU will learn how to counter it, even on easy mode.  Mixing-up attacks and defensive stances will give greater yields of success.  BOTTOM LINE:  This game is fun and is worth playing.  I highly recommend purchasing Samurai Shodown.