SNK released Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood for the Neo Geo in 1995, giving the weapon-based fighting series a darker, more serious tone. Set in feudal Japan, the story follows a group of warriors hunting the ruthless swordsman Zankuro Minazuki. The biggest change is that every fighter comes in two versions, Slash and Bust, which reflect the good and evil sides of the character and give them different move sets and playing styles. Newcomers such as the umbrella-wielding boy Shizumaru Hisame and the shadow warrior Basara Kubikiri join returning favourites like Haohmaru and Nakoruru. Sprites and backgrounds were redrawn in a grittier style, and dodge moves and new defensive options let players avoid attacks. As in earlier games, heavy slashes deal huge damage and fights can be decided in a few blows, so patience and spacing matter more than long combos.