Leading video games publisher Rising Star Games has today announced that the legendary fighting game series SAMURAI SHODOWN SEN will arrive on the Microsoft Xbox 360 on 16th April.

Developed by SNK PLAYMORE, SAMURAI SHODOWN SEN is a weapons-based 3D fighting game that was originally released in Japanese arcades as SAMURAI SPIRITS SEN. It takes place in Japan during the twilight of the turbulent Edo period, and promises to be the most brutal and visceral instalment in the SAMURAI SHODOWN series' history.

"We're delighted to announce the release date for SAMURAI SHODOWN SEN," says Martin Defries, managing director, Rising Star Games. "As an exclusive Xbox 360 title, gamers will be clamouring to get their hands on this game. Not only does the SAMURAI SHODOWN series have incredible heritage, but the fact it's still evolving 16 years down the line after 10 solid instalments proves that gamers' appetites are as strong as ever for this classic fighting franchise."

SAMURAI SHODOWN SEN follows a young European girl named Suzu, rescued off Japan's coast, adopted by the Amori Clan and raised as Princess Suzu. A decade later she saves Takechiyo, a self-proclaimed master of martial arts, after his ship sinks and he ends up washed on the beach; soon after this chance meeting, the tables turn when Princess Suzu mysteriously disappears and Takechiyo pledges to find his missing rescuer.

There are over 20 fighters to choose from, new and old. Alongside Princess Suzu and Takechiyo, a plethora of old favourites from the series have been faithfully incorporated, including Haohmaru, Galford, Hanzo Hattori, Nakoruru and Ukyo Tachibana. Players can become any one of these fighters and battle against friends via Xbox LIVE to see who can reach the top of a worldwide online ranking system.

The SAMURAI SHODOWN series made its debut on the NEOGEO over 16 years ago, notching up over 10 instalments across a variety of formats, reinforcing the longevity and durability of the franchise. SAMURAI SHODOWN SEN marries the tradition of the series to the high definition of the Xbox 360, introducing new characters and fighting skills, while remaining loyal to existing favourites.