Samurai Shodown is a fighting game set in 17th-century Japan; it was first released for the Neo Geo arcade platform in 1993. Players choose from among 12 characters and duel in fast-paced, high-damage matches. Power-ups can appear to heal or boost characters, giving even weakened characters a chance to fight back. Unlike most fighting games, Samurai Shodown focuses on swords and other weapons; the resulting blood made the game controversial on its initial release.