Samurai Shodown Interview — Lead Producer Discusses Switch Port and Continued Support

Michael Ruiz February 28, 2020 3:00 PM EST

In our latest Samurai Shodown interview with Lead Producer Yasuyuki Oda, he discusses the game's development on Switch and future support.

There has never been a better time to be a fighting game fan…. okay, maybe there has been a better time, but you cannot deny how fantastic the modern fighting game scene is. Sure, titles like Street Fighter 5, and Mortal Kombat 11 are expected to be decent. But even the lesser-known games bring something unique to the table. This includes SNK’s stylish fighter, Samurai Shodown.

We recently had the opportunity to ask Samurai Shodown Lead Producer Yasuyuki Oda some questions about the newly released Nintendo Switch port, as well as how they will continue to support the game.

Michael Ruiz: How does the performance of Samurai Shodown for Nintendo Switch compare to the PS4 and Xbox One versions?

Yasuyuki Oda: With Samurai Shodown, this is the first time SNK developed for multiple platforms. This title was developed on PC, and for each platform, there are unique parts that are needed to be developed. When it comes to the online-related sections, each platform has its own challenge, but by using Unreal Engine 4, we proceeded smoothly with our development.

MR: Does Samurai Shodown for Nintendo Switch utilize the Nintendo Switch’s unique capabilities like HD Rumble?

YO: On the Switch version, you can use the Joy-Con to fight against your friends anytime, anywhere.

MR: How has Samurai Shodown performed on Google Stadia so far? Is SNK happy with the results and do you plan on supporting the platform in the future?

YO: With the help of Google, we were able to take on a completely new system and service, which was quite a breathtaking experience for us. Although players can be quite strict in regard to online multiplayer fighting games, we do believe that Samurai Shodown was highly appreciated by many. And the potential of streaming games is growing, as well. So, we will keep challenging and trying our best.

“Although players can be quite strict in regard to online multiplayer fighting games, we do believe that Samurai Shodown was highly appreciated by many.”

MR: Was there ever any discussion for including DLC characters in the base version of Samurai Shodown for Nintendo Switch? Why did SNK decide to not go this route?

YO: Because these characters have been released on other platforms as DLC characters.

MR: Is SNK pleased with the performance of its games on Nintendo Switch such as SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy and SNK 40th Anniversary Collection? Is it a platform you will consider going forward?

YO: Both titles are suitable for playing on Switch, and we are quite satisfied with how they perform. As a platform forming its own market, SNK will continue to release titles on the Switch in the future. Wouldn’t you agree that the Metal Slug series and Top Hunter are a perfect fit for the Switch?

“As a platform forming its own market, SNK will continue to release titles on the Switch in the future. Wouldn’t you agree that the Metal Slug series and Top Hunter are a perfect fit for the Switch?”

MR: Why didn’t SNK release Samurai Shodown simultaneously on all platforms?

YO: The development of both PS4 and Xbox One versions proceeded forward as planned from the very beginning. But we decided on Stadia and Switch versions during their development.

MR: There is an increasing call from fans for SNK fighting games to improve netcode or utilize GGPO. Is SNK taking these criticisms into account? What steps are being taken to improve netcode in current and future SNK fighting games?

YO: The Garou: Mark Of The Wolves upgrade, which contained rollback conducted by Code Mystics, was highly appreciated. And we will definitely take our fans’ comments into concern for future titles.

MR: What were some of the biggest challenges with bringing Samurai Shodown to the Nintendo Switch?

YO: I have to say the most challenging part was the porting of the graphics. But I think we have done a great job.

MR: What does the life cycle for Samurai Shodown look like? Is this something you’re looking to support with even more fighters (beyond Season Pass 2), or just move to another entry?

YO: Personally, I wish all the characters can join Samurai Shodown.

MR: There are a lot of fighting games out there now, most notably Tekken and Mortal Kombat, that have included guest characters we wouldn’t normally see in their games. Could we see guest characters in Samurai Shodown?

YO: I wouldn’t say it is 100% impossible.

MR: Samurai Shodown seems to be doing great in the tournament scene with a presence at EVO, EVO Japan, Combo Breaker, etc. Are there any plans to further expand on Samurai Shodown esports beyond just tournament presence?

YO: Yes, we do have a plan concerning that. After the coronavirus is contained, we hope that we can work something out.

Samurai Shodown is now available for PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, and Nintendo Switch. You can check out what we thought of SNK’s fighter in our review. You can also check out our thoughts on the Switch port.

Questions provided by DualShockers Staff