Classic beat-'em-ups deserve a fighting chance.

SAMURAI SHOWDOWN: ANTHOLOGY **** Wii

FIGHTING fans have been spoiled for choice over the last year with titles such as Soul Calibur IV and Street Fighter IV receiving praise across the board.

While these are both excellent games for those of a certain age, it's hard to see past the humble oldschool 2D beat-'em-up.

To mark the 15th anniversary of Samurai Shodown, SNK Playmore have unleashed a feast of fighting fun on Wii, with six classic brawlers on one disc.

Street Fighter may have been the most popular title around when the original Samurai Shodown was released in the early Nineties, but SNK Playmore's weapon-based series has always been a worth adversary to the Capcom behemoth. Going back now to play the original, I was surprised how well the game stood up by today's high standards.

In fact, not only are all the titles still great fun, they all feature excellent, well-animated character sprites and gorgeous backgrounds crammed with detail.

The only disappointment is the sixth game in the series. Despite the pin-sharp backgrounds, the characters are slightly soft and fuzzy, which spoils some of the fun.

All the titles are set in feudal Japan and each slice of fighting action drips with an atmosphere unique among its fighting brethren.

Given its source material, SNK Playmore have also done a sterling job in assembling a wonderful cast of characters, but my personal favourite remains the speedy and ever-present Nakoruru.

Samurai Shodown Anthology is incredible value for money.

Considering it features six quality titles - my favourite being the fourth game in the series - and optional Classic Controller support, it's hard not to recommend this wonderful package.

An essential purchase for 2D beat-'em-up fans.

CAPTION(S):

BIG IN JAPAN: The action features gorgeous backgrounds