Fighting games have been few and far between in recent years with some promising titles resulting in disappointment, or just a pure lack of fighting games in general; but you can always count on the veteran franchises, right? The long-running Samurai Shodown series made it’s jump to 3D a little while back with mixed reception, but does this weapons-based fighter have what it takes to slice its way into the hearts of gamers?

Samurai Shodown Sen continues from where the previous games left off, although there are a bunch of new characters in the mix. Each fighter has their own back-story to take you through Arcade Mode, however the stories always end up falling by the wayside to the action.

There are 24 fighters in total and each fighter has their own specific weapon and style, although overlapping of moves and strikes is evident in a number of characters. Kicks and grabs are also available to mix up the weapon combat and add a slight bit of strategy and variation to the fights. Players can also fill a Rage meter through attacks as well as taking damage. This allows the player to execute powerful damage-increasing Rage attacks.

Players can also deflect attacks when a block is timed effectively, and sidestep incoming strikes by strafing. This does add a strategic element to the combat, but even with the 3D nature of the game, the fighting does feel slightly rigid.

On the plus side, the game does introduce a great amount of gore, and more specifically, dismemberment. Blood spills as you slash or bash away at your opponent, and heavy finishing attacks can chop up you enemy like sushi. Even though it might be gimmicky, there’s something cool about finally putting your blade through your enemy to finish a fight.

To give the Samurai Shodown Sen credit where it’s due, it does provide a unique looking experience. Awesome traditional Japanese art-style gives the game’s menu and presentation a fresh look and the mentioned dismemberment does make it stand out. However, that’s kind of where it ends. The game doesn’t look bad, but the character models and backdrops can appear a little dated in comparison to other titles in the genre.

While Samurai Shodown Sen is reminiscent of its predecessors, as well as Soul Caliber series’ heyday, it doesn’t quite provide the ultimate weapon-fighting fix fans need. If you’re looking for some fun combat with some gruesome results, maybe give it a look.