Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection Is Free On The Epic Games Store For A Limited Time

One of the most beloved classic fighting game series, Samurai Shodown, is only weeks away from getting its very own retro collection. Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection is $40 and launches on Steam on June 18 and for PS4 and Switch on July 28. However, it releases first on the Epic Games Store, and for a limited time, it'll be completely free. Starting June 11, Epic Games Store users can claim the collection for free. However, this offer is only valid until June 18 at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET.

Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection's includes the first five Samurai Shodown games, Samurai Shodown V Special, and the never-before-released Samurai Shodown V Perfect. Samurai Shodown V Perfect contains the same gameplay as Special, while boasting a new story and ending. The collection will also feature a museum that's packed with bonuses like art, interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and pro match videos. The included music player also features a track list of over 200 songs.

The Epic Games Store gives away a free game every week, and Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection's timing makes it sound like it'll be that week's highlighted game. This week's free game is Civilization 6, and you have until tomorrow, May 28, to claim it.

2019's Samurai Shodown is also launching on the Epic Games Store on June 11. It first released early last year for PS4 and Xbox One, later launching for Google Stadia in November and the Nintendo Switch in February. In GameSpot's Samurai Shodown review, critic Heidi Kemps scored it an 8/10, praising its varied cast of characters and intense, strategic combat.

"[Samurai Shodown] captures what made the original fun and unique, but also at a time when high-damage, high-stakes fighters like this are a rarity, making its combat feel both fresh and familiar," Kemps wrote. "Its accessibility and easy-to-grasp gameplay belie a lot of strategic depth that makes for very intense, bloody struggles."