Samurai Shodown V E3 2005 Preshow Report

Currently scheduled for release in October, Samurai Shodown V is an upgraded version of a 2D arcade fighting game that SNK originally released in 2003. The Xbox game's roster of 26 fighters will include 11 that are new to the Samurai Shodown franchise, plus one boss character and one hidden character. SNK's fact sheet for the Xbox version of Samurai Shodown V mentions that the game will feature eight combo moves not found in the arcade original, though no further details have been released at this time.

Like its predecessors, Samurai Shodown V will feature a "rage gauge" that, once it's powered up, lets you unleash powerful death combos on your opponents. Other noteworthy features include a "spirit strength" special ability with which you can force your opponents to move in slow motion for a time, and a "sword spirit gauge" that's used to time your attacks for maximum effect.

The most exciting aspect of Samurai Shodown V, though, is undoubtedly the fact that it will support online play and tournaments via Xbox Live. No further information on the game's online functionality has been released at this time, but what else do you need to know?

We'll bring you more information on Samurai Shodown V as soon as it becomes available.