Chambara, previously known asSwordplay, is a sport that first appeared inWii Sports Resort. Swordplay returned as a mode inNintendo Switch Sports and was renamed to Chambara, but featured very similar gameplay mechanics. InWii Sports Resort, the game supports 2 players for Duel and Speed Slice, withShowdown being a single-player mode. InNintendo Switch Sports, the game supports 2-player duels locally and online.

While Chambara has no direct real-world equivalent, it does appear to take influence from sword-based sports around the world. The shape of the uniforms inWii Sports Resort and the style of the swords in either version of this sport appear to be based onKendo equipment. The term "Chambara" is used as a film genre.^[1]

Gameplay

Players swing the Wii Remote or Joy-Con around to move their sword. Holding on the Wii Remote, on the left Joy-Con or on the right Joy-Con allows players to put their sword in front to block attacks. The objective differs depending on the game mode. Two of the three modes inWii Sports Resort involve the player attacking enemies to win by swinging the Wii Remote, withNintendo Switch Sports only bringing back the mechanics present in the Duel mode.

Wii Sports Resort

Duel

An icon of Swordplay Duel inWii Sports Resort.

In Duel, players must knock their opponent off the edge in a best out of three match. If the players are tied after three rounds (which requires either three draws or both players winning one and drawing one), a final round appears where the playing field gets smaller. If that match ends in a draw, the whole game does too.

Speed Slice

In Speed Slice, players compete to see who is the first to slice ten objects the fastest.Matt serves as the referee, and will toss an object at the players. The player must cut in the same direction given on the object in order to earn a point.

Showdown

Main article:Swordplay Showdown

In Showdown, one player fights a horde of enemies. The player loses after being hit three times, and win if they defeat every opponent. After clearing all of the regular stages, the reverse stages are unlocked. These levels let you go in the opposite direction, and notably harder that regular stages.

Nintendo Switch Sports

Screenshot of a Chambara match inNintendo Switch Sports

The rules stay the same as they did inWii Sports Resort, but now the sport is renamed to Chambara. Recalibration is now done by pressing up on the left Joy-Con’s or on the right Joy-Con. By default,Sportsmates act as the playable characters and opponents instead ofMiis, however, certain Miis can be opponents by entering a certain button combination before the match.

There are three versions of the sword used in this sport: Sword, Charge Sword, and Twin Swords. The regular sword has the most powerful attack, the charge sword has the ability to strengthen attacks via guarding, and the twin swords (which requires two Joy-Cons) allow players to dual wield and perform a powerful Spinning Strike.

List of CPU Mii opponents

CPU Miis are featured as opponents in all three modes ofWii Sports Resort. In Duel and Speed Slice, they share the same rankings and skill levels.Matt is the Champion in both modes, withRyan having the lowest rank and skill level. In Speed Slice, when facing the Champion Matt, Ryan acts as the referee.Jake is the first Mii in the Pro class, having a skill level of 1,001-1,005.

Gallery

Wii Sports Resort

Duel

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  A Duel match.
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  A replay.
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  Swordplay win screen.
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  Sudden death.

Speed Slice

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  A Speed Slice match.
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  Practice mode.

Showdown

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  Stage 1.
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  Stage 2.
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  Stage 3.
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  Stage 4.
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  Stage 5.
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  Stage 6.
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  Stage 7.
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  Stage 8.
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  Stage 9.
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  Stage 10.
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  Stage 11.
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  Stage 12.
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  Stage 13.
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  Stage 14.
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  Stage 15.
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  Stage 16.
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  Stage 17.
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  Stage 18.
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  Stage 19.
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  Stage 20.

Nintendo Switch Sports

• 
  Screenshot of a Chambara match from a balcony.
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  Chambara loss screen.
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  A 2 player match.

Trivia

• If the player holds the button before pressing OK, the time of day will be change to sunset.
• After defeating the champion, holding before pressing OK will turn the player's sword purple.

References