Samurai Shodown on SNES is one of those fighting games that just feels different—less about button mashing, more about timing and reading your opponent. The first thing you'll notice is how weighty the sword swings are, with this satisfying clang when blades connect. I remember picking Haohmaru at first because, well, dude's got a giant sword, but then getting wrecked by Galford's sneaky dog attacks.

The roster's full of weirdos (in a good way)—like Charlotte with her rapier or Earthquake, who's basically a sumo chef? Special moves aren't as flashy as Street Fighter, but landing a well-timed Rage Explosion feels brutal. Also, the blood splashes when you land a heavy hit still look gnarly for a 16-bit game.

Fair warning: the AI cheats like crazy on higher difficulties. You'll swear some of those counters are straight-up psychic. Still holds up if you're into methodical swordplay instead of fireball spam.