《侍魂 NEOGEO》（英文名稱：Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection，日文原名：サムライスピリッツ ネオジオ）是集結經典《侍魂》NEOGEO時代作品的合輯型遊戲，於2020年登上Nintendo Switch平台，由SNK與Digital Eclipse合作開發。並非系列重啟版《Samurai Shodown 2019》，而是忠實呈現1993年至2004年間NEOGEO主機上的七款《侍魂》正統作，完整保留當年街機風格與系統架構，並針對現代主機平台進行畫面、功能與收藏性的提升，是專為懷舊玩家與格鬥遊戲收藏者打造的歷史總覽作品。

收錄的七部作品包括：《侍魂》（1993）、《真侍魂 覇王丸地獄變》（1994）、《侍魂 斬紅郎無雙劍》（1995）、《侍魂 天草降臨》（1996）、《侍魂 零》（2003）、《侍魂 零SPECIAL》（2004），以及一度未正式發售、後來首次公開的「幻之最終作」《侍魂 零SPECIAL 完全版》。這個「完全版」在當年因內容爭議而未能上市，是其首次官方解禁，對於系列愛好者具有極高的歷史與珍藏價值。每部作品皆保留原汁原味的2D像素畫風與遊戲節奏，並可在選單中切換語言版本與地區設定，包括日版、美版與亞洲版等細微差異。

劇情方面，這些《侍魂》作品大多以18世紀末的日本為背景，融合歷史、妖異與武士道精神，圍繞著人類與邪惡勢力之間的對決。系列主人公「覇王丸」是一位豪放不羈、行俠仗義的浪人，持有一把名為「無銘」的大刀，與宿敵「牙神幻十郎」、神秘巫女「娜可露露」等人一同構築出一個充滿忠義、復仇、宿命與犧牲的武者世界觀。每部作品皆有獨立或連貫的劇情與角色互動，雖以對戰為主軸，仍有豐富的劇情動畫與角色設定，展現濃厚的日式美學與浪漫主義。

操作系統方面，全部維持原始NEOGEO格鬥系統。每位角色操作上使用四鍵配置，包括三種強度的武器攻擊與一個踢擊鍵，搭配怒氣系統、必殺技、防禦取消與武器破壞技等。與其他格鬥遊戲講求連段與節奏不同，《侍魂》系列以「一擊致命」為核心概念，強調冷靜判斷與對手心理博弈，在攻擊與防守之間尋找瞬間破綻，並用重擊扭轉局勢。這種風格帶來的對戰節奏偏慢，但張力十足，特別考驗玩家反應與耐心。Switch版因應現代玩家需求，提供快速存檔、回放、過關存檔等便利功能，亦可調整畫面比例與濾鏡效果，以模擬街機CRT畫面質感。

市場評價方面，獲得懷舊向玩家的普遍好評。玩家特別讚賞其完整收錄歷代作品，並且將原本未上市的《零SPECIAL 完全版》正式公開，視為對系列與格鬥遊戲史的重要貢獻。合輯中的博物館功能也大獲好評，內含豐富的角色插畫、宣傳海報、原始音樂以及開發者訪談，讓玩家得以深入了解當年遊戲開發背景與設計理念。不過，也有部分新世代玩家認為操作手感略顯過時，與現代主流格鬥遊戲如《街頭霸王V》或《鐵拳7》的流暢度相比顯得粗獷。另一方面，Switch版因便攜性佳且支援雙人本地對戰，成為許多玩家與朋友輕鬆對戰的理想選擇。

總結而言，《侍魂 NEOGEO》是兼具歷史意義與懷舊價值的經典合輯，不僅保存上世紀90年代格鬥遊戲的獨特節奏與美學，也透過現代主機的便利功能讓玩家更容易上手與回味。無論是想重溫街機時代的老玩家，還是對日本武士題材感興趣的新手，都提供一扇深入了解《侍魂》精神與格鬥文化的入口。

Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection (Japanese title: サムライスピリッツ ネオジオ) is a compilation of classic Samurai Shodown titles from the NEOGEO era, developed collaboratively by SNK and Digital Eclipse. Released on the Nintendo Switch in 2020, this collection is not to be confused with the 2019 reboot of the Samurai Shodown series. Instead, it faithfully preserves the seven mainline entries originally released between 1993 and 2004 on the NEOGEO platform, maintaining the original arcade gameplay systems and visual style while enhancing the presentation and functionality for modern consoles. It was specifically created for nostalgic fans and fighting game collectors as a historical archive of the franchise.

The collection includes the following seven titles: Samurai Shodown (1993), Samurai Shodown II (1994), Samurai Shodown III (1995), Samurai Shodown IV (1996), Samurai Shodown V (2003), Samurai Shodown V Special (2004), and the long-unreleased “final version,” Samurai Shodown V Perfect. The latter had never been officially launched due to content controversies but makes its public debut in this collection, giving it immense historical and collectible value for fans. Each game retains its original 2D pixel art and gameplay rhythm, with options in the menu to toggle between different language and regional versions, including Japanese, U.S., and Asian variants.

In terms of narrative, most titles in the collection are set in late 18th-century Japan, blending historical elements, supernatural threats, and samurai ethos. The series’ central protagonist, Haohmaru, is a wandering swordsman driven by justice and freedom, wielding his katana “Mu-Myo.” Alongside iconic characters such as his rival Genjuro Kibagami and the spiritual maiden Nakoruru, the storylines explore themes of loyalty, revenge, fate, and sacrifice. While primarily built around one-on-one duels, each game features individual character arcs, animated endings, and interactions that contribute to a rich, romanticized samurai world steeped in Japanese aesthetics.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, the collection preserves the original NEOGEO fighting system. Characters are controlled using a four-button setup: three weapon slash strengths and one kick, supplemented by systems such as Rage Gauge, super special moves, guard cancels, and weapon disarm techniques. Unlike combo-heavy or fast-paced modern fighters, Samurai Shodown emphasizes a “single-strike kill” philosophy, where calm judgment and mind games are crucial. Players must carefully bait and punish opponents, making every strike count. This creates a slower but highly tense fighting experience that rewards patience and precision. To accommodate modern players, the Switch version includes convenient features like quick save, instant replay, and stage save functions. Players can also customize display settings and apply filters to simulate classic CRT visuals from arcade cabinets.

Reception-wise, the Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection received generally positive feedback, especially from retro-oriented audiences. Many praised the completeness of the compilation and the inclusion of the previously unreleased Samurai Shodown V Perfect, considering it an important contribution to fighting game history. The built-in museum mode was also well received, offering a rich library of character art, promotional materials, original soundtracks, and developer interviews that allow players to gain deep insights into the development and design philosophies of the era. However, some newer-generation players found the controls and animation a bit outdated compared to modern titles like Street Fighter V or Tekken 7. On the other hand, the Switch’s portability and support for local two-player matches made it an ideal platform for casual, couch-friendly duels.

In conclusion, Samurai Shodown NEOGEO Collection is a masterful blend of historical preservation and nostalgic celebration. It not only showcases the distinctive rhythm and aesthetics of 1990s fighting games but also makes them more accessible through the conveniences of modern hardware. Whether you're a long-time fan looking to relive the golden arcade era or a newcomer intrigued by samurai themes and thoughtful combat design, this collection offers a compelling gateway into the spirit and legacy of the Samurai Shodown franchise.