Shimabara (島原 -NAGASAKI-, Shimabara -Nagasaki-?) is the name of the final stage in the first game of the Samurai Shodown series. Here, Amakusa fight against the player in the last match.
Description[]
This stage is divided in two forms (before and after defeat Amakusa one round). The final battle takes place inside a courtyard. In the center of the floor there is a red symbol (presumably painted with blood). Also, there is big stone with numerous engraved symbols and protected by many Shide (紙垂). On both sides of the stone there are candles, and other small stones are placed through the courtyard. Behind the wall of the courtyard can be seen several buildings, highlighting the Shimabara Castle (島原城 Shimabara-jō).
If the player succeeds in beat Amakusa in one round, an earthquake occurs. After that, the place obtains a chaotic appearance as Amakusa unleash his powers. The buildings in the background have collapsed while are wrapped in purple flames, the sky shows waves that change color, and the big stone is broken into two parts, from which emerges the demon Ambrosia who seeks to return to the human world. A series of yellow lights rotate surrounding the demon.
Musical themes[]
Before Amakusa lose one round, only can be heard heartbeats (動 Dō). After Amakusa lose one round, an brief intermission can be listened called "Flames" (炎 Honō), then begins the soundtrack of the final battle, a dramatic orchestrated piece called "Darkness" (暗黒 Ankoku).
