Neo Geo FM synthesis doing feudal Japan has never sounded better than this. Samurai Shodown II is where the series soundtrack peaked for a lot of people, and going back to the original arcade audio proves why. The Way of a Man for Haohmaru just radiates that lone-warrior energy through pure chip sound.
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Oni hits with this nasty, relentless groove for Genjuro that makes every round feel personal. Banquet of Nature (Spring) is Nakoruru's theme at its most refined, bright and alive without being saccharine. Bluefin Tuna is still the funniest character theme name in fighting game history.
Portrait for Hanzo is all controlled tension. If you've only heard the arranged versions, go back to these originals and hear where it all started.