After a bit of a false start, (the game was released, but no brick and mortar stores carried it the first week in my area), I picked it up. Yes it exists, and yes, its still good after all these years.
Right off the bat, there's no widescreen support. If that's an issue, you've been warned. Also worth noting, there was no pixelation, at least on my TV. I quickly ran one of my VC games just to make sure it wasn't my eyes, but no, SNK must've did something.
Other than that, I put the first Samurai Shodown through its paces. You definatley want the classic controller for this one, or the Hori Stick if you're that dedicated. Buttons are customizable, you can use the d-pad or the analog stick if that's your thing. Controls are silky smooth on the CC, no complaints here.
From what I've gathered, loading the first Samurai Shodown is a mixture of the arcade and Neo Geo console version. The red blood is there (the Neo Geo version had white blood), you have unlimited continues (the Neo Geo version gave a set amount) and can set the difficulty a la home version. Though I never figured out what MVS meant... There's also a practice mode for Samurai Shodown I-V, with customizable settings, so you can learn the nuances of each game.
Those expecting to just jump in and slash and kick your way through will be disappointed. You have to look for openings and counters while not leaving yourself open. Long before Smash Bros, there's a person who runs across the screen either giving points, health, or a bomb (In part I and II at least, haven't checked the rest yet). This doesn't happen often, but if you're a super orthodox
tightwad purist, know that it happens. Deal with it.
Move lists are available at the pause menu, though its a bit spartan. Its as if they just plastered it on the screen and called it a day.
Sounds are intact, though I notice that the soundtrack sounds clearer than the sound effects, at least in Samurai Shodown I and II. There's also an arranged mode if you want to hear these tracks using real instruments, but if you're a stickler for the original, you can ignore it.
After beating Samurai Shodown one with one of the characters, I'm impressed that A) The game has aged relatively well B) SNK didn't screw up royally
I'm skittish about the game's initial distribution, though I'm sure Amazon Ebay and the usual online suspects have you covered. But if you have a passing interest, and some money to spare, I'd urge some urgency before it evaporates