The Arcade BBS/arcadebbs.zip/arcadebbs/vid/SAMSHO2.FAQ

Text File | 1995-08-29 | 140.1 KB | 3,238 lines

            dP.         ____   __ _  _ _  _ ____    __ _
           88  ~;      |  __| /  | \/ | || |  _ \  /  | |
    ,ooooo888ooodbooo  |__  |/   |    | || |  _ < /   | |
    Y88888888888P"""   |____/_/|_|_||_|____|_| \_/_/|_|_|
         "888P            ____ ____ _ ____ _ _____ ____
      ,   "8P_____d8b    |  __|  _ \ |  _ \ |_   _|  __|
      'b ,ooP"""  Y88b,  |__  |  __/ |    < | | | |__  |
       88P   ____  8881  |____|_|  |_|_|\_|_| |_| |____|
       888 """"""  888
       888b ~"Y8888888        Samurai Shodown II TAPFAQ
       Y888b      ,888          Version 5.2   3/10/95
        "Y8888888b"88P            Compiled By Shawn Holmes
    _____,,,,,,,,,,,,,,______       This is your #1 source
ooo888P""""~~~~~~~~~~""""""Y88888   of information for the
 "Y88"    ,do.  ""Y888b.            ultimate fighting game
   ~    ,d8888     "Y888b
        88888P       Y8881          "Let anyone enter here
         """"         """             be at one with their sword"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 You can find this TAPFAQ (and future updates) in:
 1) ftp.netcom.com in the /pub/vi/vidgames/faqs directory,
 2) kaiwan.kaiwan.com in the /user/dvillnva directory, or
 3) brawl.mindlink.net in the /pub/SS2 directory.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

These people helped me compile this TAPFAQ as quickly as possible.  No
particular order is chosen, as they are all equal in the eyes of God
(and Haohmaru):

        Galen Komatsu  --> [e-mail]
          CREATOR OF SS 1 FAQ/ASCII ART/OVERALL GODLIKE PRESENCE
        Ewan Ng           --> [e-mail]
          CO-CREATOR OF ORIGINAL SS 1 FAQ
        John Bailon       --> [e-mail]
          MOVELISTS/MY MAIN MAN IN SOUTHERN HILLS GOLFLAND
        Rich Joseph       --> [e-mail]
          THE RIVAL FAQ WRITER (BWAH HAH HAH HAH!!)...oh yeah, info, too.
        GeeSe Howard      --> [e-mail]
          VIDEO SUPPLIER/TAPFAQ HOST/THE GUY THAT THROWS DOUBLE REPPUKEN
        Mark Maestas      --> [e-mail]
          CO-CREATOR OF ORIGINAL SS 1 FAQ
        Ivan Nue          --> [e-mail]
          INSIDE INFO MAN/ENDINGS AND SECRETS ACHIEVER
        James Irwin       --> [e-mail]
          EXTENSIVE HISTORICAL RESEARCH/GENERIC SS NUT
        Chris Ozols       --> [e-mail]
          ENDINGS/HEY, HE PLAYED THE GAME BEFORE I DID
        Joshua Holmstrom  --> [e-mail]
          TRIVA ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS/COOL LAST NAME
        Kevin Lew         --> [e-mail]
          CORRECTIONS/FELLOW ANIME FREAK
        Masahiro Abe      --> [e-mail]
          JAPANESE TRANSLATIONS/OVERSEAS INFO/GALEN'S SUPERIOR
        Mitch Burton      --> [e-mail]
          TRANSLATIONS/CORRECTIONS/THE OFFICIAL SS PLAYER
        Brian Gilmore     --> [e-mail]
          TRANSLATIONS/THINKS GALFORD'S BETTER THAN HANZO (HAH!)
        Iain Sinclair     --> [e-mail]
          HISTORICAL ARGUMENTS/CORRECTIONS/OUR FRIEND, THE NINJA
        Dave Kirsch       --> [e-mail]
          TAPFAQ HOST/ALL AROUND NICE GUY WHO THINKS FIGHTING GAMES RULE
        Mike ???          --> [e-mail]
          COMBO ADDITIONS/JOINING THE FIGHT AGAINST SIEGER STEROID ABUSE
       ...and thanks also to Tim Heydelaar, wherever you are,
                          (hey, that rhymes...)

Version 5.0 edited by Scott Fujimoto ([e-mail]).
More contributors:
 Kenichiro Tanaka ([e-mail]) -- Japanese translations
 An Nguyen -- Info from his FringeFAQ
 Jamie Klein ([e-mail]) -- Gamest rankings

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             INTRODUCTION

  "Long long ago, there was a man who tried to make his skills the
 ultimate.  Because of his bloody life, it was no accident that he was
 involved in the troubles..."

   Yes!  It has arrived!  Samurai Shodown II is back with a vengance.  This
game is, by far, one of THE most anticipated sequels since people uttered
the words "Street Fighter II".  It is one of the largest games ever,
clocking in at 202 megs, 84 more megs than the first SS.  You all want to
know about the game, so let's get to it!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        OLD THINGS/NEW THINGS

   -->Characters that have returned:  CHARLOTTE, NAKORURU, HAOHMARU, UKYO
      TACHIBANA, GEN-AN SHIRANUI, GALFORD, JUBEI YAGYU, KYOSHIRO SENRYO,
      HANZO HATTORI, EARTHQUAKE.

   -->Characters that are new:  GENJURO KIBAGAMI, CAFFEINE NICOTINE,
      CHAM CHAM (with her monkey PAKU PAKU), NEINHALT SIEGER.

   -->TAM TAM is gone (let's have a moment of silence, please).  AMAKUSA
      is no longer a boss in the game, though he makes a brief appearance
      near the end, and TAM TAM has passed his knowledge onto his sister
      CHAM CHAM.

   -->To diversify gameplay even more, all characters can now lie flat on
      their stomachs to let air projectiles fly over them.  As well,
      all characters can roll forward or backwards.

   -->All characters have two taunts now (like Art of Fighting and Fatal
      Fury).

   -->Also, as in AoF and FF, characters now have a special complicated
      "death blow" maneuver.  Some characters require a full POW meter,
      and their weapon, to peform this move, while others require only a
      full POW meter.  When these POW moves are successful, they are
      powerful enough to destroy your weapon!

   -->When weapons are broken, they are now replaced after about a ten
      second delay; the judge throws your weapon back into the stage.

   -->Everyone has a Super Deformed transformation move--that is, their
      heads grow, their bodies shrink, and they become so damn cute that
      you would never want to hurt them...would you?

   -->The boss of the game is a really bitchy, possessed Shinto priestess
      named MIZUKI. There's also a hidden character in the game, KUROKO,
      whose actually the judge sitting in the background during matches.
      What? You don't think he wants to have fun, too?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           TAPFAQ VERSION HISTORY

(11/08/94)
0.5  = It's less than 1 because of it's unofficiality; most of the character
       descriptions are taken from Samurai Shodown I, or made up.  New moves
       are taken off the arcade placard, and many are still missing,
       incorrect, and/or incomplete.

(11/14/94)
0.74 = It's a whole 24% better!  Still not quite official, but
       I've now had a chance to view the game (Oh my lord!!), and give more
       detailed descriptions of moves, characters, etc.  Errors are
       diminishing, and endings are beginning to filter through.

(11/21/94)
1.0  = Official release, TAPFAQ now available from multiple FTP sites.
       Much more historical background added, moves almost completely
       cleared up.  Galen has added beautiful ASCII artwork (finally!) and
       the response to the TAPFAQ is becoming unrecordable (I'm gonna have
       to split this in half soon...).

(11/28/94)
1.48 = TAPFAQ now split into two, had to add a table of contents to ease
       confusion.  More moves are being cleared up, and almost all endings
       are in.  Anybody got any combos they want to add?  (The game is 202
       megs?  Holy mother of...)

(12/06/94)
2.0  = Now I've had a chance to play the game (I am thanking you) so the
       inconsistencies are diminishing fast.  Too big again, so it's been
       split into thirds.  Joystick movements are neatened up (small seems
       to be better).  Combos are coming in, Japanese translations are added
       and the cartridge is now on its way (hee hee hee hee).

(12/12/94)
3.0  = I now own the game (oh yeah) so all moves represented in this TAPFAQ
       are 100% confirmed.  Character descriptions are rewritten to coincide
       with the new manual.  All move names confirmed.  All endings finished
       and added.  More data, more trivia, more info, and I'm working on the
       code for KUROKO...I'll get it, I promise!

(12/14/94)
3.4  = Why so quick to update?  THE CODE TO PLAY AS KUROKO!  I wanted
       everybody out there to get this as quick as possible, so here it is.
       Kuroko code is the only main addition, plus minor spelling errors and
       such.

(12/19/94)
4.0  = Just a minor update.  Taunts are added, as well as a few
       bits and pieces here and there.  The next version will be split into
       necessary parts.  Hey...hey Galen.  Hey...hey, over here!  Over here
       for a CHAM CHAM picture?  HEY!?!

(2/27/95)
5.0  = Hi! I'm Scott Fujimoto, the guy who did the final revision to the SS1
       FAQ. Yes, I couldn't help but edit this one too! Changes include
       adding all normal attacks, identifying all attacks that hit low,
       tick off damage, etc, notes on some Special Moves, adding complete
       backgrounds to all the characters, revising all the quotes and
       endings, and various minor corrections and updates.

(3/10/95)
5.2  = A few additional notes and corrections were added after I posted
       the TAPFAQ to rec.games.video.arcade. This version is the one
       archived in the ftp directories and is probably the last one as
       the game is pretty fully documented now. Enjoy!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             THE BLOOD CODE!!

  For those of you who own the cartridge at home for your NEO GEO, and
have not had your system modified to have blood and fatalities, fear not!
You can make that green stuff go away by simply going to the options menu,
selecting "Japan" as the country, then exiting.  After that, go back
directly into options, and select "USA" as the country.  Voila, English
text and red blood/full fatalities!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        HOW TO GET UNLIMITED POW

In the manual of the home SS2, there is mention of an option that allows
for unlimited POW, yet when many players go into the option menu, it isn't
available!  Because of the vagueness of the manual, not many people know
how to do it.  Here's clearing up the vagueness for you:

1.  Press "start" on the player 1 joystick.
2.  Move the arrow to "options" with the player 1 joystick.
3.  Press "start" on the player 2 joystick.
4.  In the "options" menu, the POW can now be changed from NORMAL to MAX.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        THE CHARACTERS
                        AND THEIR MOVES

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Map:  Slash    = A or B or AB (rising strengths, A weakest)
      Kick     = C or D or CD (rising strengths, C weakest)
      Dash     = a quick FORWARD FORWARD on the joystick
      Retreat  = a quick BACK BACK on the joystick
      Lie Down = to avoid projectiles, a quick DOWN DOWN on the joystick
      Roll ->  = a quick DOWN RIGHT, DOWN RIGHT on the joystick
      Roll <-  = a quick DOWN LEFT, DOWN LEFT on the joystick
      Taunt 1  = A + C (good distance from opponent)
      Taunt 2  = B + D (good distance from opponent)
      Hop away = B + C (also cancels taunt at any time)
      Hop up   = FORWARD + BC (also cancels taunt at any time)
      Retreat and Run = Retreat + FORWARD
      Dash and Roll = Dash + DOWN RIGHT

--> To catch your opponent's sword while you are disarmed, perform the
    motion: O-   / | \   -O
                O  O  O

--> The following characters can Triangle Jump: GALFORD, HANZO,
    EARTHQUAKE, NAKORURU, CHAM CHAM, GEN-AN, and
    MIZUKI.
    To triangle jump, jump to the edge of the screen, then push the
    joystick in the opposite direction.

--> The following characters can crawl back and forth: GEN-AN,
    WAN FU, and KYOSHIRO.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The introduction has been gracefully translated from the original Japanese
by Kenichiro Tanaka.

Quotes: B -- Quote at beginning of game.
        BM -- Quote before match.
        AM -- Quote after match.
        BV -- Quote before mirror match.
        AV -- Quote after mirror match.
        I -- Interlude quotes. (J = w/Judge, M = w/Mizuki,
                                A = w/Mizuki and Amakusa)
        F -- Quotes before final match.

Background: Any historical or fictional basis for the character. For more
            details, check out the SS Character Background FAQ.
Weapon: What he or she fights with.
Full of: What drops out when he or she gets split.
Occupation: What type of fighter he or she is classified as.
Nationality: What country he or she comes from.
Ranking: According to Gamest, the Japanese magazine for video game
         fanatics.
Notes: Assorted items of interest.


Normal Attacks:  The attacks are usually presented in left and right
columns If the entry does not appear in the right column, then the attack
is the same as the one in the same position in the left column.

All jumping attacks, and only jumping attacks, hit high. Most crouch kicks
hit low. Everything else usually hits neither high nor low.
Exceptions are noted as follows:
"*" means an attack hits LOW when normally it would not (slashes and
    standing kicks).
"**" means an attack does NOT hit low when normally it would (crouch kicks).

Whenever a swing is blocked, the attacking character usually reels back for a
second, then recovers. However, certain swings do NOT reel back; the
character continues to swing while his or her opponent blocks, and recovers
normally.
"#" indicates a swing that follows through when blocked.


Special Moves:

Key:  "!" means a weapon is required to perfom the Special Move.
      "L" means the Special Move hits low.
      "H" means the Special Move hits high.
      "*" means the Special Move ticks off 1 or 2 points of damage.
      "**" means the Special Move ticks off 3 or 4 points of damage.
      "***" means the Special Move ticks off LOTS of damage.

Damage:   Weapon       ---> caused by direct strike from weapon
          Fire         ---> caused by direct hit from flames
          Lightning    ---> caused by contact with "electric" attacks
          (no label)   ---> damage resulting from tosses, grabs, open
                            handed attacks

Throws: Ground throws are performed by being right next to the opponent,
        and pushing towards them while pushing a button.
        Air throws are performed by being right next to an air opponent,
        then pushing DOWN while pushing a button.
        Hanzo and Galford have special throws which are performed by
        completing the move while next to an opponent.
        Throws CANNOT be blocked!

Hidden Moves: Certain characters have hidden moves not listed in the manual.
Why all the characters didn't get these moves is debatable, but oh well...

Super Deformation Moves: Changes your character into a doll-like version.
You cannot move or attack normally, and you cannot be thrown. You CAN be
hit. You return to normal if 1) you perform a Special Move, 2) you are hit,
3)after about 10 seconds have passed.

Taunts: Taunt by pushing both buttons and holding them down until the taunt
comes out. You can't just push the buttons quickly. Also, you can't do the
taunt while right next to your opponent. You get out of a taunt when you do
a Special Move or you get hit.

Power Specials: Can be done only when you are powered up, according to the
POW Gauge. If your Power Special hits, your opponent's weapon is broken.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

  "Time has passed since the last trouble.  New battles are going to
   start now, again."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sake-Drinking Swordsman of Samurai Shodown

        HAOHMARU

"Haohmaru, do not get involved with demons." The warnings of Nicotine, his
master, could not stop Haohmaru. That day, Haohmaru drank with his master
for the first time in a while and set out on a journey--to find the demon
that was after his soul. "Shurado,* huh? This should be interesting."

*"Shurado" is the way of war, after the Hindu/Buddhist god of war,
 Shura/Ashura.

B: "What's this wind?  I feel something bad."
BM: "Wow!  I am (a) champion, I will kill all enemies with my sword!"
AM: "How weak you are!  I might kill you as well as tofu with my sword!"
BV: "What, my imitation? You have guts!"
AV: "I slay my imitation with my sword together with Mt. Fuji!"
IA: "I don't like this ominous feeling!"
    "I can't believe he saved us..."
F: "I reached the evil world!"
   "I'll show you the soul of (a) samurai!"

Background: Based on the classic model of the samurai, Miyamoto Musashi.
Weapon: No-dachi
Full of: Sake bottles
Occupation: Kensei
Nationality: Japan
Ranking: 13
Notes: His girlfriend's name is Oshizu. Nicotine was his mentor.
       Oshizu can be seen by the nearest torii. If Haohmaru wins, she
       clasps her hands. If he loses, she turns away.

THE GAIRYU ISLE -- EVENING

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                  Standing Close

A -- Down Slash                A -- Hilt Butt
B -- Thrust                    B -- Down Slash
AB -- Far Down Swing           AB -- Up, then Down Swing
C/D -- Medium Kick
CD -- High Kick

Crouching

A/B -- Low Slash *
AB -- Upward Swing
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Slide

Jumping

A/B -- Side Slash
AB -- Down Swing
C/D -- Down Kick
CD -- Down Kick

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyclone Slash                | Throws whirlwind that catches enemy, and
(Ougi Senpuuretsuzan)        | lifts him/her into the air, dropping
 | \ -O + Slash              | for damage.  Note: use kick instead of
 O  O                     *! | slash to fake this move.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crescent Moon Slash            | Performs a vertical leap with sword
(Ougi Kogetsuzan)              | extended to cut enemy for weapon damage.
  -O  / | \  + Slash           |
     O  O  O                *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ougi Resshin Zan               | Leaps upward, and twirls, bringing
                               | sword down in a flash of energy
 -O | \  + Kick                | hit for weapon damage.
    O  O                    *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sake Attack                      | Swings out bottle of rice wine to hit
(Sake Kogeki)                    | for damage, and also deflect any
 |  / O- + A                     | projectile attack back at opponent.
 O O                             |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

AB or B              Slam opponent onto ground
CD or D              Backflip toss
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hidden Move:

Kogetsuzan Rush                      | Leaps into the air doing seven
(Tempa Fuuzin Zan)                   | consecutive Kogetsuzans hitting for
 \  O-  / | \  -O O- |  / + BC       | weapon damage.
  O    O  O  O       O O        ***! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

 -O \   |   / O- -O O- + B
      O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Puts arm inside gui, sword over shoulder, "Doshita, doshita!"
2.  BD:  Drinks Sake, wipes mouth with neck of bottle.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Puts hand on belt, waves to opponent, "Doshita,
                     doshita!"
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Flame of the Conqueror       | Strikes with full AB attack weapon
(Tempa Seikouzan)            | range, creating a blow of
 -O \  |  / O- -O + A        | concussive energy that hits for
     O O O                *! | breaking damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

 Haohmaru wakes up in a beautiful forest. He is wounded badly. Suddenly,
Genjuro leaps in.  "You had a hard fight, Haohmaru.  Now, I'll kill you!"
Haohmaru repl "You bas..."  but then Oshizu jumps between them.  "Stop it!"
she says, "He is wounded. You should challenge him when he feels better."
"You are quite right," Genjuro says, "All right, I will overlook this for
now."  He then leaps away. "Oshuzi..." Haohmaru says.  Oshizu turns toward
him and says, "Forgive me, Haohmaru, but I wanted you to live."
 The scene then changes to a closeup of Haohmaru and Oshizu embracing each
other passionately.  Presumably, Haohmaru is talking.  "Don't say (anything)
more... I dedicated myself to the sword world (way of the sword)... Forgive
me, Oshizu..."
 Cut to the empty forest. Gen-an walks in, and says, grinning. "Your words
move to tears."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 Good Reasons to play as HAOHMARU:
-->  Great adaptability for KEN and RYU users from SFII
-->  Longest strike in game (AB), nearly half screen
-->  Does tons of damage
-->  Combos pretty easily for even MORE damage
-->  He's the main man in the SS series

3 Bad Things about HAOHMARU:
-->  Cyclone Slash takes too long to throw and opens him up for attack
-->  Can be hit out of many slashes
-->  Needs a haircut

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Angel Faced Falcon Handler

        NAKORURU

As usual, Nakoruru stood with her eyes closed among the birches and
tried to talk with nature. But that day, she couldn't hear the voice
of nature. Something was wrong. Nakoruru could feel the spirit of
nature being sucked away into the demon world. "I must hurry. Let's
go Mamahaha!"

B: "Something evil is coming now!"
BM: "Whoever defiles nature shall feel my wrath!"
AM: "I must hurry up.  The world is being destroyed by evil power!"
BV: "Wao! You are like me!  But I am stronger than you!"
AV: "Power, speed, and beauty.  I have defeated you in every way."
IJ: "Now King's power is increasing. Hurry up!"
    "What happen now?"  (classic SS2 dialogue here)
F: "Terrible, evil power, but I can't lose!"
   "Spirits of nature, give me your power!"

Background: Nakoruru is one of the Ainu.
Weapon: Kodachi
Full of: Cherry blossom petals
Occupation: Protector of nature
Nationality: Japan
Ranking: 15
Notes: Her hawk's name is Mamaha. Her weapon is named Hahama,
       after her father. She has a younger sister named Rimururu.
       She has feelings of affection toward Galford.
       Whenever a round is won, Rimururu and the bear who holds her
       look at each other and nod.

NORTHERN COUNTRY -- SUMMER
(Ezo, or Hokkaido today)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                Standing Close

A -- Side Slash
B -- Down Slash
AB -- Up Slash              AB -- Down, then Up Slash
C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Side Kick             CD -- Double Kick

Crouching

A/B -- Side Slash
AB -- Rolling Slash #
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Thrust Kick **

Jumping Diagonal                  Jumping Straight

A/B -- Angled Side Slash          A/B -- Side Slash
AB -- Up Slash                    AB -- Side Slash
C/D -- Down Kick
CD -- Down Kick                   CD -- Somersault

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Annu Mutsube            | Slides along ground with sword extended,
                        | attacking low for weapon damage.
 O- / | + Slash         |
   O  O             *!L |
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Lela Mutsube            | Slides along ground, then rises, with
                        | sword extended, attacking medium to air
| \ -O + Slash          | for weapon damage.
O  O                 *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Amube Yatoro              | Sends Falcon out in a burning attack
                          | for fire damage.
 -O \  |  / O- + Slash    |
     O O O              * |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mamaha Flight              | Falcon grabs character; control then
                           | switches to bird for around 10 seconds
 |  / O- + C               | after which, character falls back to
 O O                       | ground.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yatoro Poku (While flying)      | Spins downward from Falcon, in
                                | direction corresponding to joystick,
                                | attacking with weapon for damage.
 | or \  or  / and Slash/Kick   |
 O     O    O                *H |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kamui Mutsube (While flying)    | Flies down from Falcon in buring attack,
                                | sword extended, hitting for fire damage.
         Slash or Kick          |
                              * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mamaha Call (When disarmed)     | Whistles to Falcon, calling bird to leave
 |  / O- + C   or               | weapon, re-joining the fight again.
 O O                            | allows for Mamaha Flight or Amu
                                |
 -O \  |  / O- + Slash          |
     O O O                      |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kamui Ryuse                     | Twirls around, whipping cloak out to
                                | create shield that reflects projectiles
 |  / O- + Slash                | back at opponents, as well as inflicting
 O O                          * | minor damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B                      Two-handed toss
AB                     Sit on top of opponent and stab
D or CD                Climb and triple kick
AB (without weapon)    Climb and slap opponent repeatedly

Air Throw

B or AB                Toss opponent onto ground
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hidden Move:

Apefuchi Kamui Rymuse           | Performs three quick Kamui Ryuse and
                                | finishes by sending out a "shadow
 \  |  / O- -O | \  + BC        | Falcon, allowing for four consecutive
  O O O        O  O          ** | (if close to opponent).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

 -O \  |  / O- -O \  |  / O- + D
     O O O         O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Tightens bow in hair, "Yosh!"
2.  BD:  Stretches back and yawns.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Same as 1.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

 Irusuka Yatoro Lise                  | Glowing, sends bird down, and if
 -O O-  / | \  -O + A                 | successful, five more birds hit
       O  O  O                      * | opponent for breaking damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: Nakoruru can triangle jump.
      You can move in any direction while on the hawk. You are also
      vulnerable to attack.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

  Nakoruru is lying in the forest unconscious.  Galford runs in and wakes
her up.  He then blushes, and says "I was worried about you." Nakoruru
stands up and says, "Galford, I..." Suddenly, the forest turns red, and
Nakoruru jumps up on Mamaha, preparing to fly away.  Galford tries to stop
her, but she says "Something evil is still destroying nature, I have to go,"
and she flies away.
  Scene changes to up on the cliff overlooking the evil forest.  Nakoruru
says, "God of great nature, save them and the forest!!...please..."  At
which point, she is enveloped in a beautiful white light.  She is absorbed,
and turned into a ball of energy which dissipates over the forest, cleansing
it.  Her weapon falls to the ground where she had been standing.
  Scene changes to her background.  Her mother, father, sister, and Mamaha
all look sad as they view her lonely sword.  But as her sister speaks to
the sword, it glows, saying "This is Nakoruru's voice..."  The scene fades
to a beautiful airbrushed painting of an angelic Nakoruru speaking from
beyond.  She says, "Please don't cry...My soul will always be here as a
guardian of nature.  From now (on), you have to fight to protect them."
The scene fades back to the family, and Nakoruru's sister stands up and
says, "I understand...Nakoruru."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 Good Reasons to play as NAKORURU:

--> Fast character
--> She's kawaii

4 Bad Things about NAKORURU:

--> Shortest-ranged character for normal slashes
--> Major lag for all special moves
--> Does low damage, except for AB slashes
--> They totally ruined her background music

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Ninja Master of the Shadows

        HANZO HATTORI

After defeating Amakusa, Hanzo was able to retrieve his son's body. But his
soul still wandered the land of the demons, as before. One day, Hanzo
learned that he could liberate all these wandering souls if he defeated the
ruler of the demon world. "Son, I will ressurect your soul."

B: "Now I shall avenge you, my dear son."
BM: "I can see your look of destiny on your face."
AM: "Whether to heaven or to hell, anything is decided by destiny."
BV: "The same as me! What magic made you?"
AV: "Both you and I live as Ninja.  You should always be ready for death."
IJ: "I will save my son's soul at any cost!"
    "How mysterious and dubious the guy is!"
F: "It's time to (have a) shodown, my son."
   "Go back into the darkness!"

Background: Based on Hattori Hanzo Masashige.
Weapon: Ninjato
Full of: Shurikens
Occupation: Ninja
Nationality: Japan
Ranking: 14
Notes: His sons names are Kanzo and Shinzo, and his wife is Kaede.
       In SS1, Shinzo's body was possessed by Amakusa. At the end,
       Amakuza was sealed away, and Hanzo believed that his son was
       lost as a consequence. However, when Amakuza has a change of
       heart in SS2, he is either destroyed or banished from Shinzo's
       body by Mizuki.

BATTLEFIELD -- THE SUNSET
(Dewa, Yamagata)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                   Standing Close

A -- Side Slash                A -- One-Handed Down Slash
B -- One-Handed Down Slash     B -- One-Handed Down Slash
AB -- Somersault Slash #       AB -- Two-Handed Down Slash
C/D -- High Kick
CD -- High Spin Kick

Crouching Far                   Crouching Close

A -- One- Handed Down Slash
B -- One-Handed Down Slash
AB -- Sweeping Low Slash *
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Thrust Kick                CD -- Tumbling Kick **

Jumping Forward                  Jumping Other

A -- One-Handed Down Slash
B -- Side Slash
AB -- Two-Handed Down Slash
C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Down Kick                   CD -- Side Kick

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Reppushuriken (jumping)     | Leaps into air, hurling shuriken down
(Reppushuriken Kai)             | towards opponent to hit for weapon
O-  / | \  + Slash              | damage.
   O  O  O                    * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ninja Teleportation             | Disappears and is replaced by a piece
(Utsusemi Chizan)               | of wood, while true form appears below
  When struck with weapon,      | opponent, striking with weapon extended
  press B,C, and D together   L | for damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ninja Teleportation Jig         | Same as above, minus the wood replacement,
(Utsusemi Tenbu)                | and character need not be attacked.  As
 -O \  |  / O- + BCD            | well, HANZO drops from the sky instead,
     O O O                    H | attacking for weapon damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shrike Dash (special throw)      | Grabs opponent, and twirls into the
(Mozu Otoshi)                    | air, dropping back down onto opponent's
-O | \ + Kick                    | head, now hitting for fire damage.
   O  O                          |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ninja Multiplier                 | Splits into two "shadows", to confuse
(Kage Bunshin)                   | opponent, reappearing at FAR LEFT for A
-O O- / | \ -O + A or B          | and FAR RIGHT for B.
     O  O  O                     |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ninja Dragon Fire             | Smashes fist into ground, creating a
(Bakuenryu)                   | hopping snake of fire that blasts opponent
 -O \  |  / + Slash           | for fire damage.
     O O O                  * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throw:

B or AB        Ground slam
D or CD        Slam and stab

Air Throw:

B or AB         Grab and slam opponent onto ground
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stealth                   | Turns invisible after chuckling, reappearing
(Kage Mai)                | only to perform moves.  Full reappearance
-O O- -O O- | + BCD       | occurrs when opponent touches, or after
            O             | 10-12 seconds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation

-O O- -O O- -O O- | + A
                  O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Cracks knuckles, "HMMPH!  KOI!"
2.  BD:  Waves opponent to "come here" and chuckles.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Same as 1.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Squeeze of Heaven          | Stabs weapon into ground, releasing a
(Temma Rimetsu)            | massive burst of flames to strike for
-O \  |  / O- -O + D       | breaking damage.
    O O O               *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:  Hanzo can triangle jump.
        Multiple Images--if your opponent slashes at the wrong image, a bomb
        will appear. After a short delay, it will cause a small flame
        explosion, hitting a nearby opponent who is not blocking. Kicks and
        Special Moves do not set the bomb off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

 Kanzo phases in with Shinzo's body.  "Sign of evil disappeared."  Kaede
phases in.  "Kanzo, I got back the soul of Shinzo. Call your father."
Kanzo phases out. Kaede places Shinzo's soul (an energy ball) into his body.
"His soul power is getting weaker. Hurry up, Shinzo!"  She then transfers
her own soul energy to Shinzo's body to save him. There is a flash of light,
and then...
 Shinzo wakes up to find Kaede has collapsed.  "Mom!"  Just then Kanzo and
Hanzo phase in. Kaede asks, "How is Shinzo, dear."  "Don't worry, he's ok,"
replies Hanzo. Kaede can barely respond "...that's...good..." then dies.
"Mom!" cries Kanzo.
 The scene shifts to the three on the rocky ledge.  Hanzo says in as stoic
a voice as he can muster, "The life of a ninja is much harder than you
think... Get over the sadness and be honorable ninjas. Train yourself!"
Kanzo and Shinzo then phase out, and Hanzo disappears last in a puff of
smoke.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 Good Reasons to play as HANZO

--> Lots of moves make for fun play
--> Shrike Dash one of the single most powerful moves in the game
--> Almost all moves can be done without weapon
--> Cool long black hair
--> He's HANZO

3 Bad Things about HANZO

--> Bad lag time for many of his slashes
--> Many of his special moves opens him up for an AB
--> Needs to cheer up

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The San Francisco Surfer Ninja

        GALFORD

There had been a noticeable increase in crime recently. Getting suspicious,
Galford investigated a group of related incidents and found that dark
shadows from the demon world were causing those with weak hearts to commit
crime. "Let's go Pappy! We have to kill these demons!"

B: "Let's go and defend the justice, Poppy!"
BM: "Hey!  Do you like to challenge my American ninjutsu?"
AM: "Well, I was nearly defeated.  Eh, Poppy?  'Woof, woof.'"
BV: "Oh, you also use ninjutsu? OK, let's fight!"
AV: "Even if you are like me, you are only my copy.  You can't fight
         against me."
IJ: "The evil air is felt clearer and clearer!"
    "What a kind of man is he?"
F: "Here we go Poppy. Time for (a) shodown!"
    "Taste my sword of justice!"

Notes: No correlating material can be found for Galford, as ninjas didn't
       even begin to appear in North America, secretly until the early
       nineteenth century. The first american to use the Hattori ninja
       school was Stephen Hayes, and wrote many books on the art; perhaps
       the only real reference for Galford.
       Also, California was not a state at the time of SS1, and the San
       Francisco portrayed here belongs more properly in the mid-to-late
       19th century.
Weapon: Ninjato
Full of: Doggy bones
Occupation: Ninja
Nationality: U.S.A.
Ranking: 10
Notes: His dog's name is Poppy (a husky), and she has three pups named
       Poppa, Puppa, and Pippa. He has some affection towards Nakoruru.
       One of the designer's names can be seen written in the floorboards.
       Whether apples or fish are in the barrels seems to be determined
       randomly.

SAN FRANCISCO -- NOON

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                   Standing Close

A -- Side Slash                A -- One-Handed Down Slash
B -- One-Handed Down Slash     B -- One-Handed Down Slash
AB -- Somersault Slash #       AB -- Two-Handed Down Slash
C/D -- High Kick
CD -- High Spin Kick

Crouching Far                  Crouching Close

A -- One- Handed Down Slash
B -- One-Handed Down Slash
AB -- Sweeping Low Slash *
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Thrust Kick               CD -- Tumbling Kick **

Jumping Forward                 Jumping Other

A -- One-Handed Down Slash
B -- Side Slash
AB -- Two-Handed Down Slash
C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Down Kick                  CD -- Side Kick

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strike Heads (special throw)       | Grabs opponent, and twirls into the
                                   | air, dropping back down onto
 -O | \  + Kick                    | opponent's head for lightning damage.
    O  O                           |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plasma Blade                    | Throws a concussive wave of electrical
                                | "blades" at opponent to hit for
 | \  -O + Slash                | lightning damage.
 O  O                         * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The "Poppy" Attacks
 |  / O- + ...
 O O

Rush Dog       :  Use Slash    * | Dog rams opponent with head for damage.
Machine Gun Dog:  Use C        * | Dog strangles opponent at neck.
Replica Dog    :  Use D       *H | Dog disappears, drops from sky.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shadow Copy                     | Splits into two "shadows", to confuse
                                | opponent, reappearing at FAR LEFT for A
-O O-  / | \  + A or B          | and FAR RIGHT for B.
      O  O  O                   |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head Replicator Attack           | Disappears and is replaced by a piece
                                 | of wood, while true form drops
  When struck with weapon,       | above opponent, striking with weapon
  press B,C, and D together    H | extended for damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rear Replicator Attack          | Disappears and drops from above with
                                | weapon extended to strike for weapon
 -O \  |  / O- + BCD            | damage.
     O O O                    H |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B or AB           Ground slam
D or CD           Slam and stab

Air Throw:

B or AB            Grab and slam opponent on ground
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hidden Move:

Invisibility              | Turns invisible, reappearing
                          | only to perform moves.  Full reappearance
-O O- -O O- | + BCD       | occurrs when opponent touches you
            O             | or after a period of time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

 -O \  |  / O- -O O- + C
     O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Waves finger in "tsk tsk tsk" motion.  Poppy yawns.
2.  BD:  Shakes head and shrugs in disbelief.  Poppy yawns.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Same as 1.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Mega Strike Dog              | Poppy: 1) Rams opponent
-O \  |  / O- -O + D         |        2) Rolls into opponent
    O O O                    |        3) Kicks opponent
                             |        4) Mauls opponent
                             |        5) Performs Strike Hez on opponent,
                             |           breaking weapon. "Good Poppy!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: Galford can triangle jump.
       Multiple Images--if your opponent slashes at the wrong image, a bomb
       will appear. After a short delay, it will cause an electrical
       explosion hitting a nearby opponent who is not blocking. Kicks and
       Special Moves do not set the bomb off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

 Galford and Poppy are in the forest.  "We made it, Pop!" says Galford, but
then Poppy starts barking at something.  "Who is she?" says Galford, and
they run off
 They find Nakoruru lying on the ground with Mamaha perchd on her, panting.
Poppy howls, and Galford shouts, "Nakoruru!"  Mamaha flies up, waking
Nakoruru. The two face each other rather bashfully.  "Galford..."  "I was
worried about you..." Galford replies. "Galford, I..." but before Nakoruru
can finish her sentence, a red light permeates the forest. The two go into
guarded stances, as Galford exclaims, "!"  Then, Nakoruru jumps on Mamaha.
"Something evil is still destroying nature. I have to go," she says as they
lift up. "My God!" Galford exclaims, and he and Poppy run off.
 The scene shifts to Galford and Poppy on the rocky ledge, looking at
Nakoruru who is on a faraway ledge. "Nakoruru!" shouts Galford, but
suddenly Nakoruru is "beamed up" in a pillar of light. As Galford watches
her become transformed into a shining sphere, he shouts "No! No! NOO!"  But
it is too late, she has disappeared.
 The scene shifts to a close-up of Nakoruru, with Galford grieving in the
corner.  "I'm sorry," the voice of Nakoruru says, "I've known how you felt
towards me... But I had no choice but to do this to save them... So please
don't mourn..."
 Galford is sitting on the ledge in grief. But he finally says, "OK, I
understand."  Putting the best face on things, he gets up and says to
Poppy, "There are still too many bad guys in the world... Let's go, Poppy!"
Galford, Poppy, and the three pups jump away.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Good Reasons to play as GALFORD

--> Lots of moves to use
--> Dog is extremely versatile
--> Strike Hez an extremely effective throw
--> He's a palette switch of HANZO

4 Bad things about GALFORD

--> Strike Hez isn't as powerful as HANZO's
--> Many of his slashes have bad lag times
--> May be a ninja, but looks more like a J. Crew model
--> He's not HANZO

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Mighty Pillar of Heaven

        WAN FU

One day, someone claiming to be a seer appeared before Wan-fu. This person
told the story of "The Egg of the Destroyer," which could grant dominion
over the world, in exchange for one's soul. With this item, the unification
of China would be possible. Wan-fu set off on a journey. "Anyone gets in my
way, I'll bash their heads open!"

B: "Look at our great Chinese power!"
BM: "You dare oppose me?  What a foolish guy!"
AM: "How stupid, foolish, and silly you are!  Get away, chicken!"
BV: "It's been a long time, brother!  Let's fight and win some honor!"
AV: "Weak, weak, too weak!  You have brought shame on our kinsmen.  Go to
     hell!"
IJ: "Hey, you, I'll beat and eat you!"
    "That spirit, he is no ordinarily man!"  (OK...whatever...)
F: "You disturb me, I (will) never forgive you."
   "Feel a great power of China!"

Background: Based on a combination of the 18th-century swordsman Wan
            Wu and the legendary King Wu.
Weapon: Stone Pillar
Full of: Black pearls
Occupation: Warrior-King
Nationality: China
Ranking: 11
Notes: The Chinese Empire was fully unified by the Qing Dynasty at the
       time of SS, so Wan Fu couldn't be king of Xian or anywhere else.

CHINA -- XIAN

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                  Standing Far

A -- Punch                    A -- Elbow
B -- End Thrust               B -- Side Swing
AB -- Long Pillar Slam #      AB -- Short Pillar Slam #
C -- Medium-Low Kick
D -- Medium Kick
CD -- Butt Thrust

Crouching Far                  Crouching Close

A -- Punch                     A -- Elbow
B -- Low End Thrust *          B -- Side Swing
AB -- Low End Swing *          AB -- Side Swing then Short Slam #
C -- Crouch Kick
D -- Medium Kick **
CD -- Roundhouse

Jumping Other                  Jumping Back

A -- Pillar Shield
B -- Down Swing
AB -- Down Swing               AB -- Side Swing
C -- Down Kick
D -- Butt Drop
CD -- Somersault

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Confucious Thunder Bomb     | Jumps into the air, hurling weapon towards
(Shin Kikou Bakutenhoh)         | the ground, creating a huge explosion upon
|  / O- + Slash                 | impact, hitting for fire damage. Note: The
O O                         **! | AB will NOT cross-over, unlike SS1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Confucious Slash                | Leaps into the air, pillar raised,
(Kikou Senpuu Geki)             | striking for fire damage.
-O | \  + Slash                 |
   O  O                      *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exploding Confucious            | Begins banging head against pillar, which
(Benpatsu)                      | decreases energy but boosts POW, to help
|  / O- + CD                    | perform POWER SPECIAL more quickly.
O O                          *! | Note: If your opponent touches the pillar,
                                | he will take lots of damage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Confucious Swipe                | Spins multiple times with column extended,
(Kikou Dai Bokusatsu)           | striking for multiple hits of fire damage.
| \ -O + Slash                  |   A -- One swing
O  O                        **! |   B -- Two swings
                                |   AB -- Three swings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B or AB      Sit on opponent and bash with pillar
D            Drop opponent on knee
CD           Leap on opponent
B (without weapon)   Throw opponent against wall
AB (without weapon)  Slam opponent into ground
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

O- -O \  |  / O- -O + D
       O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Pretends to perform AB attack, then yells "HA!"
2.  BD:  Twirls pillar and spits to the side.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Spins arm and yells "HA HA!"
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Wrath of God Blowout            | Creates a gigantic Thunder Bomb which
(Shin Kikou Dai Bakuten)        | creates an upward explosion, hitting
-O O-  / | \  -O + B            | for fire and breaking damage. Note: This
      O  O  O               **! | move DOES cross-over.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:  Wan Fu can crawl.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

 Wan Fu stands in the forest, arms crossed, and laughs. He says,
"Rubbish!  It's not much of what I expected."  He then just keeps on
standing...and standing... When he realizes you won't go away, he
scowls and suddenly his close-up picture fills the screen.  "I know you
are expecting the ending, but there is no ending to my story. THIS IS MY
MESSAGE TO ALL OF YOU CONTENTED WITH COMMON ENDINGS!"
 He then throws the pillar at you, and the fire fills the screen.
 The end.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 Good Reasons to play as WAN FU

--> Special moves have great priority
--> Anyone who bangs their head voluntarily MUST be cool

4 Bad Things about WAN FU
--> All moves have lag time
--> Slow normal attacks
--> Does less damage than many other characters
--> Has dorkiest voice ever

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Silent Swordsman of the Night

        UKYO TACHIBANA

The demon flower that Ukyo found was not the perfect flower he sought. "I
do not know if this is true, but the perfect flower blooms in the center of
the demon world." After hearing those words from an old scholar in the
country of Musashi, Ukyo set off for the demon world again, despite his
illness. "...I must...hurry..."

B: "....."
BM: "......"
AM: "...I...win..."
BV: "...resemble me.....handsome, just (as) I've thought..."
AV: "...To cut a same face......feel bad..."
IJ: "....."
    "....."
F: "...Finally.....I've found it out..."
   "....."

Background: Based on Sasaki Kojiro Genryu, Haohmaru's urbane rival.
Weapon: Cane Sword
Full of:  Apples
Occupation: Kensei
Ranking: 1
Nationality: Japan
Notes: His girlfriend is Kei Odagiri. He is dying from tuberculosis.
           Kei can be seen by the nearest Torii. If Ukyo wins, she comes out
           to support him. If he loses, she covers her face.

THE GAIRYU ISLE -- NIGHT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing

A -- Scabbard Swing
B -- Side Slash
AB -- Up Slash
C -- Mini Slide *
D -- Medium Slide *
CD -- Full Slide *

Crouching Far                  Crouching Close

A -- Side Slash
B -- Side Slash                B -- Overhead Slash
AB -- Diving Slash # *         AB -- Scabbard Swipe then Overhead Slash
C -- Foot Shuffle
D -- High Kick **
CD -- High Kick **

Jumping Diagonal               Jumping Straight

A -- Side Slash
B -- Side Slash (far) @
AB -- Angled Down Slash        AB -- Side Slash
C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Double Side Kick

@ Ukyo does an Angled Down Slash when jumping diagonally near an opponent.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snowfall Slash                | Throws apple out and draws sword,
(Hiken Sasame Yuki)           | repeatedly striking both it, and the
|  / O- + Slash               | enemy, for weapon damage.  Note: Use kick
O O                       **! | instead of slash to fake this move.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swallow Swipe attacks  (Tsumabe Gaeshi)

For all:  A -- Swallow rises
          B -- Swallow travels horizontally for a while, then rises
          AB -- Swallow travels horizontally

Swallow Swipe  (in air)            | Rotates in air with sword extended,
 / | \  -O + Slash                 | sending out a fire swallow. Will hit
O  O  O                        *!H | for fire and/or weapon damage.

Swallow Swipe  (from ground)                 | Swallow Swipe executed as
 / | \  -O + Jump in any direction + Slash   | soon as Ukyo leaves the
O  O  O                                  *!H | ground.

Swallow Swipe (dashing back)        | Dashes backward, then throws a Swallow
                                    | Swipe that stays close to the ground
O- O-  / | \  -O + Slash            | when Ukyo FINISHES the dash.
      O  O  O                   *!H | Note: This is different from SS1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afterimage Attack               | Teleports over to opponent, swinging
(Zanzou Fumikomi Giri)          | weapon for damage.
| \  -O + Kick                  |  C -- Side slash
O  O                            |  D -- Down slash
                             *! |  CD -- Upward slash
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B             Scabbard slap
AB            Toss and slash
D or CD       Trip and stab
Unarmed       Toss but don't slash
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

-O \  |  / O- -O \  -O + B
    O O O         O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Checks sword's sharpness, twirls weapon and sheathes it.
2.  BD:  Drops to one knee, coughs.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Pulls arm out of gui, writes something on paper, nods.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
POWER SPECIAL:

 Swallow Super Slash               | Tosses an apple, performing multiple
(Tsubame Roku Ren)                 | Swallow Swipes which repeatedly hit
-O O-  / | \  -O + AB              | opponent for multiple hits of
      O  O  O                   *! | breaking damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: Ukyo is vulnerable to attacks right at the start of his AfterImage
       Attack. Once he starts teleporting across the screen, he cannot be
       hit, though and will in fact hit his opponent first.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

  Ukyo awakes in a forest, unable to get up.  "...Oh God! Kei?"
  Kei is standing on the rocky beach of Gairyu Isle.  "Ukyo?"  She notices
flowers floating down.  "What's this? Flowers of snow..."
 Ukyo is standing in darkness, carving an ice sculpture of Kei using his
Snowfall Slash move.  Flowers of ice fly off the screen.
  Fade back to same scene.  A much older Kei is talking with a little girl.
"And that is why, on this one day every year, snow flowers fall."  The
little girl says, "Is that true, grandma?"  She says, "Yes...see?"  Snow
flowers begin to float down once more.  The excited girl says, "Grandmother,
I see them! Snow flowers!" As the scene fades to darkness, Kei whispers,
"Thank you, Ukyo."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

9 Good Reasons to play as UKYO TACHIBANA:

--> Tsubame Gaeshi extremely versatile move
--> Normal slashes are quick and long-ranged
--> AB slashes do major damage
--> Diving AB long-ranged, fast, and hits low
--> Excellent defenses against jumpers
--> Afterimage Attack one of the most powerful moves in the game
--> Can combo easily
--> Has variety of attack options to keep opponent guessing
--> Has women following him everywhere; must be doing something right

2 Bad Things about UKYO TACHIBANA:

--> Slow jump
--> Can't tell the difference between winning and losing poses

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Kooky Kabuki Master

        KYOSHIRO SENRYO

"The soul of your 'techniques' are mine!" With that, one of his own
servants attacked Kyoshiro. He was possessed by a demon. Kyoshiro nimbly
evaded the attack and destroyed the demon. "You want my soul? Come and get
it if you can!"

B: "My Kabuki spirits'll beat the evil king!"
BM: "Go through the real beauty of 'Kabuki' by your death!"
AM: "Fight like (you) dance, and win. That's the soul of Kabuki!"
BV: "You can't behave like me, even if you imitate my costume!"
AV: "What a deplorable 'Kabuki'!  Commit 'Harakiri'!"
IA: "Hey you, do you have something to say?"
    "He's awakened!"
F: "It's time for the final act!"
   "I'm dying to dance a Kabuki with (a) demon!" (poor choice of words)

Background: Based on Nemuri Kyoshiro, a movie character.
Weapon: Naginata
Full of: Fans
Occupation: Kabuki actor
Nationality: Japan
Ranking: 3
Notes: If Kyoshiro hits with his Power Special, clapping erupts from
       the audience.

EDO -- THE KABUKI STAGE

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                    Standing Close

A -- Twirl Pole                 A -- Spin with Pole
B -- Thrust                     B -- Forward Slash
AB -- Downward Swing            AB -- Up, then Down Swing
C/D -- Stand Kick on Pole
CD -- Rotate Kick on Pole

Crouching Far                  Crouching Close

A/B -- Thrust                  A/B -- Fan Smack
AB -- Thrust                   AB -- Thrust
C/D -- Crouch Kick             C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Roundhouse               CD -- Side Kick

Jumping Diagonal               Jumping Straight

A/B -- Downward Thrust         A/B -- Downward Thrust
AB -- Doward Thrust            AB -- Circular Slash
C/D -- Down Kick               C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Down Kick

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flying Lion's Tail              | Drives weapon into ground to use as
(Chobi Jishi)                   | leverage, and twirls, emitting blasts of
|  / O- + Kick                  | fire to hit for fire damage.
O O                          *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swirling Dance of the Demon     | Twirls into the air, holding weapon along
(Kaiten Kyokubu)                | shoulders to attack for weapon damage.
-O | \  + Kick                  |
   O  O                      *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dance of Fire                   | Exhales a huge, spiraling flame into the
(Kaenkyokubu)                   | air to strike for fire damage.
| \  -O + Slash                 |
O  O                   * to *** |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blood Mist Slice     (jumping)  | Performs the Kabuki Crunch Dance in the
(Chi kemuri kuruwa)             | middle of a jump.
 while jumping, |  + AB         |
                O            *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kabuki Swirl                    | Throws a flaming kabuki fan at opponent to
(Fuuretsusen)                   | hit for fire damage.
|  / O- + Slash                 |
O O                           * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B or AB      Spear toss
D            Hair toss
CD           Hair strangle
B (unarmed)  Hair toss
AB (unarmed) Hair strangle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

-O O-  / | \  -O O- + D
      O  O  O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Squats, pulls out fan.
2.  BD:  Pulls out pipe, takes a puff.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Same as 1.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Aragotoshi Kyoshiro "Chiniku-no mai"
(Flesh Flail Dance of Kyoshiro) | Spins across floor, creating large flames
-O O-  / | \  -O + C            | that burrow into opponent, hitting for
      O  O  O               **! | fire and breaking damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:  Kyoshiro can crawl.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

  Kyoshiro is standing on the cliff, overlooking the forest.  He says,
"I've had enough of dancing solo. I'll dance in pairs next."  He then
sees something and leaps off the cliff into the forest.
  Scene changes to forest.  Mizuki is lying unconscious on the ground.
Kyoshiro takes a puff of his pipe, and tosses "dust" onto Mizuki, which
awakens her.  She stands and says, "I can move on my own will.  I'm free
now."   Kyoshiro says, "You tried to control him but he did control you."
Mizuki says, "I thought I was the strongest, but my pride gave him the
chance to control me."  Kyoshiro points to the sky, and Mizuki looks.  In a
flash, the scene changes to Kyoshiro's background.  He says, "Well, I'll
tell you the best job to train your mind.  It's the job to dance a Kabuki
with me, and popularize it among the people."  A heart flutters up from
Mizuki, and she smiles and nods.  Then, while she plays a flute, Kyoshiro
goes on a wild Kabuki dance for everyone.  The screen fades to just her
and Kyoshiro.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

7 Good Reasons to play as KYOSHIRO SENRYO

--> Lots of moves make for fun play
--> Good range due to long weapon
--> Has variety of air defenses
--> Does MAJOR damage with AB swings
--> Flying Lion's Tail very versatile move
--> Biggest ego in game
--> Only one who gets to date the boss at the end

3 Bad Things about KYOSHIRO SENRYO

--> Slow jump.
--> The only new move he got (Power Special) is pretty useless
--> Won't give autographs

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taloned King of Evil and Family Man

        GEN-AN SHIRANUI

Genan's soul was in the demon world where screaming, insanity, and hatred
swirled in a giant vortex. The ruler of this demon world came to Genan and
told him he could be given his life back, in return for servitude. Genan's
body rematerialized when he pledged his loyalty. However..."He he he...I'm
the only true king of the demon world."

B: "Who?  Who awakens me?"
BM: "Heeheehee. I drag your soul in(to) the evil world."
AM: "Heeheehee. You are dead, DEAD! Serves you right!"
BV: "Who is the king of evil? Let's have it out!"
AV: "I'll take your clothes and talons. Oh, a perfect fit!"
IM: "I have killed all, keeping my word."
    "Ok."
    "The evil king is me!"
F: "The evil king? I'll get you at any cost!"
   "So I said I'm the king of evil!"

Background: Gen-An is probably a bakemono (Japanese goblin)
Weapon: Metal Claw
Full of:  Skulls
Occupation: Sorcerer
Nationality: Underworld
Ranking: 5
Notes: His wife's name is Azumi. Dunno what his kids' names are. For some
       reason, Gen-An is beginning to imitate Haohmaru a lot.
       There is an alien (from the movie ALIENS) boiling in the giant
       pot!
       If Gen-An loses, the goblin on the left falls down, while the goblin
       on the right has a grim look on his face.

DEVIL'S ISLAND -- DINNER (hee hee hee)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                       Standing Close

A/B -- Claw Thrust                 A/B -- Claw Swipe
AB -- Lunging Forward Slash #      AB -- Upward Swipe
C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Backflip Kick

Crouching Far                       Crouching Close

A/B -- Claw Thrust                  A/B -- Claw Swipe
AB -- Upward Swipe
C -- Short Slide
D -- Medium Slide
CD -- Full Slide, then High Kick

Jumping

A -- Claw Swipe
B -- Upward Forward Slash
AB -- Downward Circular Slash
C -- Knee Thrust
D -- Side Kick
CD -- Somersault

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Poison Cloud Puff           | Exhales a thick, purple cloud of poison
(Doku Fubuki)               | that hits for damage, plus if opponent is
| \  -O + Slash             | on ground, opponent is temporarily
O  O                      * | stunned, and falls down.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slaughter House Tumble      | Rolls into a ball, with weapon extended,
(Nikuten Tsuki)             | rolling along ground, and up opposite
-O | \  + Slash             | edge of screen, all hitting for weapon
   O  O                  ** | damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blood Grip                  | Throws glove out on chain, latching onto
(Tsume Tsunami)             | opponent, to drag closer, yielding a
-O \  |  / O- + Slash       | dizzy.
    O O O                *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Shredder                | Burrows into ground, spinning, and
(Gen-an Dappi)                | launches out of skin in a twirling frenzy
  When attacked, press BCD  * | landing on opponent for weapon damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazing Shredder             | Same as above, except the player need not
(Gen-an Utsusemi Dappi)      | be attacked.
\  |  / + BCD                |
 O O O                     * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B/AB/D/CD              Grabs opponent and bashes groin with knees
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

-O \  |  / O- -O \  |  / O- + C
    O O O         O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Laughs.
2.  BD:  Lowers weapon, blinks.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Picks hair out from head and looks at it.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Magic Diving Claw               | Rushes forward emitting blue sparks, and
(Madou Diving Claw)             | leaps, driving claws in stomach, and twirling in
-O \  |  / O- -O + AB           | fury, hitting for breaking damage.
    O O O                    *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: Gen-An is the only character in the game who can BOTH triangle
       jump and crawl. Isn't he talented?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

 Gen-an does the pose where he throws up his claw and it lands on his hand.
He turns his head and says, "Don't make me laugh. I'm the evil king. Well,
who will be my next game?" He then leaps off.
 Then the scene goes back to his stage. He is standing there about to fight
TODO from AoF. Gen-an hisses, "Kill! Hate! Live up to your anger!" to which
Todo replies, "Hmph! You inexperienced...you are not my...Hey!" as Azami
suddenly rushes between them.
 "Azami!"  "Stop doing such things please, my darling!" pleads Azami.
Gen-an turns his back: "Ha! The evil king has no place for women!"  But then
his kids leap out of his clothes. (one of them lands on Todo's back!) The
son says, "Let's go home, Dad. Mom is with baby...I want to have dinner with
everyone." Gen-an lowers his head.  "...All right."  "Yey!" says his son.
As the scene fades to black, Todo remarks, "Nice story!"
 ONE YEAR LATED (sic)...
 Azami is holding a normal-looking baby. Gen-an says, "Oh, good boy...hey!"
as his kids run past him with his claw. He crawls and rolls around chasing
them, and the screen freezes as Japanese text appears.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Good Reasons to play as GEN-AN SHIRANUI:

--> Regular attacks quick and long-ranged
--> Quick slide that can be repeated
--> Nasty air AB slash
--> That maniacal laugh

3 Bad Things about GEN-AN SHIRANUI:
--> Standing AB has big initiation and recovery time
--> Special moves kinda suck
--> HE EATS PEOPLE, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Texan Ninja Bandit

        EARTHQUAKE

As usual, Earthquake was thieving when he heard a voice from a demon. He
promised gold if Earthquake killed certain people. Greedy Earthquake
decided to become a servant of this demon... "*Guffaw,* in the end, I'll
kill you as well."

B: "Hee hee, I'll get the king's treasure."
BM: "Hee hee hee hee hee. Aren't you skinny?"
AM: "Oops!  I've turned him into mincemeat!"
BV: "Hee hee hee! You'd (be) better on a diet!"
AV: "So I said you should've been on a diet! Hee hee!"
IM: "Give me that treasure!"
     "Don't tease me!"
     "I'll disregard you!"
F: "Treasure appears at last!"
    "Don't disturb me! Get out of my way!"

Background: Texas was not an American state at the time of SS; the territory
            still belonged to the Spanish Empire. Also, neither trains nor
            the Pacific Railway existed at that time, either.
Weapon: Nage Gama
Full of: Turkeys
Occupation: Ninja Bandit
Nationality: U.S.A.
Ranking: 7
Notes: Earthquake's canyon from SS1 can be seen from the distance.

TEXAS -- PACIFIC RAILWAY

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                      Standing Close

A -- Swing Blade End
B -- Swing Chain End #            B -- Swing Blade End
AB -- Diagonal Blade Thrust #     AB -- Short Diagonal Blade Thrust
C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Falling Down Side Kick

Crouching Far                     Crouching CLose

A -- Swing Blade End
B -- Sweep Chain End # *          B -- Swing Blade End
AB -- Low Blade Thrust # *
C/D -- Side Kick **
CD -- High Kick **

Jumping

A/B -- Swing Blade End
AB -- Belly Crush (when close or jumping back) @
C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Butt Drop

@ Earthquake swings his blade when he's jumping straight or forward,
  unless he's close to his opponent.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fat Bound (While Jumping)       | Leaps into the air, crashing down with
 |  + Kick                      | buttocks flattening opponent for damage.
 O                           ** |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fat Chainsaw                    | Rolls into a ball, with weapon extended,
                                | slicing multiple times, and finishes with
  Press Slash Repeatedly        | a weapon attack, all hitting for weapon
                            **! | damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fat Press                       | Blows flame into opponent to hit for fire
                                | damage.
|  / O- + Slash                 |
O O                    * to *** |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fat Replicator Attack           | Vanishes, and drops from the sky,
                                | attacking with a belly flop to hit for
-O \  |  / O- + BCD             | damage.
    O O O                     H |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fat Copy                        | Separates into two images, confusing the
                                | opponent.  A yields FAR LEFT, and B yields
-O O-  / | \  -O + A or B       | FAR RIGHT.
      O  O  O                   |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B or D            Slam opponent onto ground
AB or CD          Press opponent against butt and gives
                  a nice, big, purple fart!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation

 -O O- -O O- -O O- | + B
                   O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Kneels, makes a fist and howls, then burps.
2.  BD:  Same as 1.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Same as 1.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
POWER SPECIAL: Earth Crunch     | Waves a blue hand five times, attempting
(Earth Gaddemu)                 | to grab opponent.  Success yields an
-O O-  / | \  -O + CD           | upward toss, to which his twirls his
      O  O  O                *! | weapon at, hitting for breaking damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: Earthquake can triangle jump.
       Earthquake cannot be thrown normally. Instead, the opponent does a
       kick combo against him.
       Multiple Images--if your opponent slashes at the wrong image, a bomb
       will appear. After a short delay, it will explode into a purple gas
       cloud, hitting a nearby opponent who is not blocking. Kicks and
       Special Moves do not set the bomb off.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

  Earthquake is standing in the forest, swinging his chain around.  "Alright
boys, c'mon out!"  Earthquake's gang jumps one by one onto the screen, and
bow to him.  "Where's Chinpei?" Earthquake asks.  "He strayed from us on the
way over.  We don't know where he went."  "Hrmph, I missed the treasure
too."  Chinpei emerges from a small hole in the ground.  "Look boss!  I
found a passage to the evil world!"  "You did?  Make room for me!"
Earthquake does his butt bounce, which cracks the ground wide open.  He
bounces in.  "Boss!  Wait for us, boss!"  Earthquake's gang all jump in the
hole, one by one.  From below, Earthquake says, "Hee hee hee, look at all
the marvelous treasure!"  The judge, Kuroko, walks on screen again and
begins to speak, "Now, they can never return to this world again. At least
it will be more peaceful here."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Good Reasons to play as EARTHQUAKE

--> Weapon has excellent range, both on ground and in the air
--> Has nice low attacks
--> Plays much better do to added HANZO/GALFORD moves
--> He's ugly

4 Bad Things about EARTHQUAKE

--> Too easy to hit; he's a BIG target
--> Slow
--> The fart is a little too much
--> He's not HANZO

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Shogun's Secret Servant

        JUBEI YAGYU

Even after the defeat of Amakusa, there was no end to the appearance of
demons. The Shogun, Tokugawa, realizing the gravity of the situation,
ordered Jubei to destroy these demons. But the demon's were hunting Jubei
as well. "No one can withstand the might of the Yagyu Shinkegeryu-kai!"

B: "How ominous! I must investigate."
BM: "Can you bear to my fatal attack?"
AM: "All creatures will die and all things will be broken. That's the law of
     the samurai."   (the best quote, IMHO)
BV: "I have not known that I have a brother."
AV: "If you are related to my family, behave like a samurai!"
IA: "Are you the cause of this disaster?"
    "I must thank him for his help someday."
F: "It's worse than the event of last time!"
   "I'll (ill?) mannered fellow, here I go (come?)!"

Background: Based on Yagyu Mitsuyoshi Jubei, a samurai servant of
            the Tokugawas
Weapons: Daisho--a paired Katana and Wakisashi
Full of:  Dango
Occupation: Samurai
Nationality: Japan
Ranking: 6
Notes:  Jubei is actually the only real samurai in the game, in the sense
        that he is a Japanese warrior who works for a master.
        Various signatures of the game designers can be seen written in the
        snow on the roof of the house.
        The snacks that Jubei eats, dango, are pounded rice balls.

BAMBOOS -- EARLY WINTER
(Tosa, Kochi)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                           Standing Close

A -- High Side Slash                    A -- Hilt Punch
B -- Thrust                             B -- Hilt Punch
AB -- High Side Slash, then Thrust      AB -- Fierce Close Slash
C/D -- Side Kick                        CD -- Knee Kick
CD -- Spinning High Kick

Crouching

A -- Low Slash *
B -- Thrust
AB -- Low Slash, then Thrust * @
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Double Crouch Kick

Jumping

A/B -- Downward Slash
AB -- Downward Strike
C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Spinning Side Kick

@ Crouching AB hits low for first slash only.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tsunami Sabre               | Runs toward opponent, ramming with
(Nikkakuratoh Kai)          | shoulder for up to five hits damage, then
-O | \ + Slash              | leaps, striking with swords for weapon
   O  O                     | damage.  Note: If Jubei does not reach his
                        **! | opponent, he will not do the slash.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geyser Thrust                | Throws a concussion of energy that travels
(Kattotsu Suigetsutoh)       | along the ground, striking for damage.
| \  -O + Slash              |
O  O                      *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sabre Thrash                 | Begins waving weapons in scissor-like
(Hassou Happa)               | motion, striking for multiple hits,
  Punch Slash Repeatedly     | usually up to four times for weapon
                         **! | damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yagyu Shingatoh              | When timed properly, catches opponent out
                             | of weapon attack, holds with one sword,
 |  / O- -O + A              | and strikes with the other. Note: This move
 O O                       ! | does not reflect projectiles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B or AB      Ground slam
D or CD      Overhead toss
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation

-O \  |  / O- -O O- + D
    O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Sheathes swords, pulls dango from gui, eats it.
2.  BD:  Lowers weapons, sighs.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Pulls dango from gui, eats it.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Zetsu Suigetsutoh           | Throws a ground wave of concussive energy
                            | that strikes and explodes upwards for
-O \  |  / O- -O + C        | breaking damage.
    O O O                *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: Jubei can catch his opponent's weapon with the Shingatoh if the
       opponent swings at the same time or right after he does the move.
       After this, there is a short window of vulnerability before Jubei can
       block again. The move itself does damage proportionally to the
       strength of the swing it intercepted. It also ONLY counters swings,
       not kicks or Special Moves.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

  After defeating Mizuki, we see Jubei in the forest.  The guy who tosses
food and bombs during the game runs on to the screen holding the two Pherenx
stones and asks, "Is this what you are looking for?"  Jubei says, "So this
is what has been causing all of the trouble, toss them to me!"  He then
performs his Zetsu Suigetsutoh, shattering the two stones, and the force of
the blow knocks the delivery man on his butt.  The scene then shifts back to
his home where he is standing outside, arms crossed.  The delivery man runs
back carrying a package.  He greets Jubei and Jubei asks him to come in for
some rest and refreshments, but the delivery man insists that he has to
continue working.  Jubei says, "O.K.  You are such a workaholic!"  The
delivery man runs off, and Jubei says "What a beautiful day!"  He laughs
heartily and contently.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Good Reasons to play as JUBEI YAGYU:

--> Counterstrike one nasty move
--> Excellent air slashes in general
--> Can do hella damage
--> That cool eyepatch

3 Bad things about JUBEI YAGYU:

--> Geyser Thrust too easy to avoid (travels ground)
--> Doesn't have a long-ranged AB slash
--> Air AB has less penetration than in SS1

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Other Rose of Versailles

        CHARLOTTE

Charlotte commissioned a mural depicting her victory over Amakusa. The
artist's brush flew, as if he was possessed, and painted the form of a
demon Charlotte had never seen before. "I must destroy Ambrosia,
afterall..."

B: "Has the evil king returned back?"
BM: "To protect the honour of my family, I'll never lose!"
AM: "In France, there is no impolite person like you. It's reasonable
     I win!"
BV: "You imitate my distinguished family. I (will) never forgive you."
AV: "Protecting the honor of my family means all to me!!"
IJ: "Where'd you, evil king?"
    "Japanese?!?"
F: "Where are you, evil king?"
   "Ha!"

Background: Based on Oscar Francois de Jarjayes from the Rose
            of Versailles manga.
Weapon: Epee
Full of: Roses
Occupation: Knight and Artisan
Nationality: France
Ranking: 2
Notes: Charlotte comes from a distinguished family. Her pigeon's name
       is Pierre. She has a crush on Haohmaru.
       All of the characters in the game can be seen in the mural. Mizuki
       appears as a giant skeletal figure on the right.

PARIS -- THE VERSAILLES PALACE

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                         Standing Close

A/B -- Thrust                        A/B -- Bell Punch
AB -- Far High Triangle Slash        AB -- Close Triangle Slash
C -- Short High Knee Hop
D -- Medium Knee Hop
CD -- Far Low Knee Hop

Crouching Far                         Crouching Close

A/B -- Short Thrust                   A/B -- Bell Punch
AB -- Far Ground Triangle Slash       AB -- Close Ground Trangle Slash
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Roundhouse

Jumping

A -- Quick Down Thrust
B -- Extended Down Thrust
AB -- Air Triangle Slash
C -- Knee Thrust
D -- Down Kick
CD -- Down Kick

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Splash Fount                | Dashes towards opponent, striking repeatedly
  Press Slash Repeatedly    | with sword, hitting up to three times for
                        **! | weapon damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Gradation        | Leaps vertically, striking ground with
                       | weapon, creating a long beam of energy,
 / | \  + Slash        | hitting for multiple strikes of weapon
O  O  O             *! | damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tri-Slash              | Draws a triangular shaped projectile
                       | that flies horizontally to hit for fire
-O | \  + Slash        | damage.
   O  O             *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B/AB/D/CD            Falls and throws opponent over shoulder
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation

-O \  |  / O- -O \  |  / O- + D
    O O O         O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Bends epee.
2.  BD:  Tosses a rose and says "PARDON!"
3.  AC(weaponless):  Same as 2.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Splash Gradation             | Slashes a seven pointed star that strikes
                             | for breaking damage.
-O \  |  / O- -O + B         |
    O O O                **! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: The "lines" that Charlotte draws with her AB slash remain lethal
       a split-second after she slashes. Thus an opponent can be hit
       if he moves into a slash immediately after she "draws" it.
       Also, note that all of Charlotte's AB slashes can hit an opponent
       nearby behind her.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

  After defeating Mizuki, Charlotte is standing in the forest. "Once again,
my motherland is safe!" she says. At this moment, Pierre flys to
her. She says "Pierre!  What is it?  Hey, he is..."  Pierre flies off the
left of the screen, and Charlotte follows him.  Charlotte runs to the place
where Haohmaru is lying on the ground, and looks concerned.  Suddenly,
Oshizu enters from the opposite screen and cries, "Haohmaru!"  Charlotte
reaches out her hand and whispers, "Haoh..." then runs off, embarrassed.
Haohmaru wakes up and shakes his head, with Oshizu by his side.
 The scene shifts to where Charlotte is standing at the top of the cliff,
looking down at the forest.  She says, "Love...makes me uneasy. I must
train myself more!" She then grabs her long hair, and cuts it, throwing it
in the air as Pierre flies off into the distance.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

7 Good Reasons to play as CHARLOTTE:

--> Excellent range and speed for A and B slashes
--> Quick jumper
--> Variety of ways to counter jumpers
--> Air AB nice wide-area attack
--> Crouching AB can override many other moves
--> Has beautiful mural in backdrop.
--> Sexiest character in game

2 Bad Things about CHARLOTTE:

--> No good low attacks
--> Does on average less damage than other players

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Haohmaru's True Rival

        GENJURO KIBAGAMI

"There is no question you are strong. But one day, you will cause great
suffering with your sword." With those words, Nicotine expelled Genjuro,
who became his pupil at the same time as Haohmaru. His heart full of hate,
Genjuro hunts Haohmaru and Nicotine. "The strong kill the weak...it's only
natural."

B: "Huh, now is the time for all beginning!"
BM: "Kill you!!"
AM: "I will never be beaten by anyone who lives in confort (sic) like you."
BV: "We don't need to have the same two men in the world."
AV: "You can imitate my looks, but can never imitate all of myself."
IM: "You the evil king?"
    "I got you!"
    "Ha! You no my enemy!"
F: "You evil king. You should disappear."
   "I said you before, didn't I? Pass away!"  (Genjuro needs serious grammar
    lessons)

Background: Genjuro is based on the Hanafuda card game.
Weapon: No-dachi
Full of: Hanafuda cards
Occupation: Ronin
Nationality: Japan
Ranking: 8
Notes: Discipline of Nicotine who turned bad. Genjuro hates Haohmaru.
       Genjuro's scene comes straight out of a Hanafuda card set, although
       the Neo-Geo logo is written on the moon.

SUSUKIGAHARA FIELD -- NOVEMBER
(possibly Sukighara)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                    Standing Close

A -- Down Slash                 A -- Down Elbow
B -- Side Slash                 B -- Side Elbow
AB -- Far Down Swing            AB -- Upward Swing
C/D -- Side Kick                C/D -- Knee
CD -- Forward High Kick         CD -- High Kick

Crouching Far                   Crouching Close
A -- Down Slash                 A -- Down Elbow
B -- Side Slash                 B -- Side Elbow
AB -- Far Down Swing            AB -- Upward Swing
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- High Kick ** @

Jumping Diagonal                Jumping Straight
A/B -- Angled Side Slash
AB -- Angled Side Slash         AB -- Down Slash
C/D -- Down Kick
CD -- Side Kick

@ This kick will knock opponent to the ground if it hits.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blast of the Beast                   | Slides forward with weapon extended,
(Sanrensatsu [Kiba, Tsuno, Rin])     | slicing through opponent for weapon
 | \ -O + Slash (x3)                 | damage.  Note: Repeat up to three
 O  O                             *! | times: 1) Side slash, 2) Down slash,
                                     | 3) Upward slash
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flash of the Phoenix         | Leaps into the air in a spiral motion,
(Toha Kouyokujin)            | striking upwardly with weapon to hit for
-O | \  + Slash              | damage.
   O  O                   *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cherry Blossom Mincer       | Hurls a hanafuda card to strike for
(Oukazan)                   | damage.
|  / O- + Slash             |
O O                      *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B/AB/D/CD              Slam opponent to ground (with one arm!)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation

 -O \  |  / O- -O O- + B
     O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Taunts opponent with "come here" gesture, says "SORE DAKE GA!"
2.  BD:  Frog leaps past, and he yields, waving hand to brow.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Same as 1.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Five Sense Barrage           | Tosses card, lifting opponent to top of
(Gokouzan)                   | screen, then leaps and slashes five
-O \  |  / O- -O + A         | times with weapon to hit for breaking
    O O O                 *! | damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: For an AB or close B Sanrensatsu, Genjuro will slide BEHIND his
       opponent on his first slash. Thus to block it, an opponent needs to
       block forward. Despite the fact that Genjuro sometimes changes
       directions between slashes, the player should do the three slash
       moves in the SAME direction, immediately after each other. Also,
       a hit opponent can sometimes block the later slashes, and should
       continue to block in the same direction as well to do so.
       Also, you do not have to use the same strengths for all three
       slashes! For instance, you can do an AB, A, A. This is recommended if
       you find yourself sliding too far.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

  Genjuro stands on the rocky outlook.  He spots Haohmau below and
says, "Ha, too weak. Oh, he is..."  He then jumps down.  In the forest,
Haohmaru lies on the ground, wounded.  Genjuro leaps in and says, "You
had a hard fight Haohmaru. Now I'll kill you!"  Haohmaru replies, "You
bas..." but then Oshizu jumps between them and exclaims, "Stop it!  He is
wounded... You should challenge him when he's better."  Genjuro responds,
"You are quite right!  All right, I will overlook it this time..." and
jumps away.
 Genjuro stands in another part of the forest when the frog jumps in.  He
looks at it and says "It's you. I'll kill you!"  The frog backs off,
afraid. But Genjuro looks away instead, and says, "Have (it) your own
way..." He walks off, and the frog continues to hop as the scene fades.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Good Reasons to play as GENJURO KIBAGAMI:
--> Does MASSIVE damage (AB can stun with one hit!)
--> Sliding slash is a nice quick attack
--> Has a fast card throw
--> Has THE attitude

4 Bad Things about GENJURO KIBAGAMI:
--> AB slash and sliding slash leave him open
--> Doesn't have good air slashes
--> Doesn't have good low attacks
--> Holy Crap!  You mind turning the volume down, Genj?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Green-Haired Fishing Maiden

        CHAM CHAM

Cham Cham was so absorbed in her fishing that she didn't notice when
someone stole her family's heirloom, the Tanjil Stone. If her father finds
out, she'll get in trouble. Her grandfather told poor Cham Cham the
direction of the Tanjil Stone. "I'm going, Grandpa! Bye bye!"

B: "I'm scared a little, but I will try."
BM: "Let's kick some butt!"
AM: "Wow! It was scarey!"
BV: "You are a girl, too.  However, I will beat you."
AV: "Oh my god!  How dangerous a boomerang is!"
IJ:  "Is it okay in this direction?"
     "You're so strong!"
F: "Wow!  I'm scared!"
   "Shit!  You really make me mad!"  (yes, she really says this)

Background: Lives in Green Hell, a fictional South American place.
Weapon: Boomerang
Full of: Bananas
Occupation: Fishing Maiden
Nationality: Brazil
Ranking: 4
Notes: Cham Cham is Tam Tam's sister. Her monkey's name is Paku Paku.
       Apparently the Tanjil and Pherenx Stones are important in
       maintaining the vitality of her homeland.
       Tam Tam's background from SS1 can be seen in the distance.. The
       first three "statues" are the monkeys "See, hear, and speak no evil."
       The fourth looks like he's covering his groin. :-)

GREENHELL ISLAND -- MARSH

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                   Standing Close

A -- Paw Swipe                 A -- Double Elbow
B -- Side Slash
AB -- Short Boomerang Toss     AB -- Upward Slash
C/D -- Side Kick
CD -- Spinning High Kick

Crouching Far                  Crouching Close

A -- Paw Swipe                 A -- Double Elbow
B -- Side Slash *
B -- Short Boomerang Toss *    AB -- Upward Slash
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Slide

Jumping Forward                 Jumping Other

A -- Paw Swipe
B -- Side Slash
AB -- Upward Slash
C -- Knee Drop                  C -- Side Kick
D -- Butt Drop                  D -- Spin Kick @
CD -- Somersault                CD -- Spin Kick

@ When jumping back, Cham Cham will do a Side Kick instead.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boomerang Gut Buster            | Throws boomerang in a horizontal motion
(Boomerang Nage)                | to hit for weapon damage.
| \ -O + Slash                  | Note: will go through other projectiles
O  O                         *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boomerang Beheader              | Throws boomerang in a upward horizontal
(Boomerang Nage)                | arc to hit for weapon damage.
|  / O- + Slash                 |
O O                          *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flying Lure Snag             | Leaps at opponent, latching on and clawing
(Tobi Hikkaki)               | at face to strike for multiple hits of
| \  -O + Kick               | damage.
O  O                       * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The "Paku Paku" attacks
 -O \  |  / O- + ...
     O O O

Moora PakuPaku : Use C       *L | Twirls on fingers into opponent.
Ahow PakuPaku  : Use D        * | Throws skull at opponent.
Paku Gaburu    : Use CD      ** | Leaps, spitting rising dragon fireball
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B/AB/D/CD            Back scratcher
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

 -O \  |  / O- -O \  |  / O- + C
     O O O         O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Kneels, scratches ear.  Paku Paku beats chest, scratches armpit.
2.  BD:  Stretches like a cat.  Paku Paku beats chest, scratches armpit.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Same as 1.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Metamolie Animal Attack   | Doubles in size and rushes forward
-O O-  / | \  -O + A      | to slam into opponent for breaking damage.
      O  O  O           * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: Cham Cham can triangle jump.
       Cham Cham's Face Scratcher can sometimes land slightly BEHIND
       a blocking opponent, in which case she will hit. The opponent needs
       to block in the opposite direction in this case. However, calculating
       the exact distance when this happens is tricky.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:
  Cham Cham is thrown to the ground with Paku Paku in the forest.
A shaft of light appears, and leaves the Tanjil and Pherenx stones behind.
Paku Paku grabs the stones and dances with glee. As he dances, a shaft of
light transforms him into Tam Tam (check out Cham Cham's reaction). Tam Tam
says, "It was your fight, so I asked God to change me into a monkey to
protect you." They are then "beamed" out of there, and back into Green Hell.
The stones float away, and Tam Tam says "Almighty God has granted you one
wish." Cham Cham thinks, then says, "I would like something to eat...
something delicious!" Fruit starts falling from the sky, and Cham Cham
dances with joy.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

6 Good Reasons to play as CHAM CHAM:

--> Very quick
--> Crouch CD kick excellent low attack
--> Small character means she's hard to hit
--> Face scratcher's one nasty move
--> Has catchiest music in game.
--> She's SO cute!!!

3 Bad Things about CHAM CHAM:
--> Easily stunned
--> AB slash ranges sometimes are screwed up
--> Needs a comb and flea powder

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Achtung! The Reich Stuff

        NEINHALT SIEGER

Sieger, the commander of the most powerful group of knights in Europe, The
Holy Order of the Knights of the Red Lion, was ordered by Emperor Heinrich
to destroy, singlehandedly, the demon that had been attacking neighboring
countries. Sieger set out on a jorney, for the good of his homeland. "I
pledge allegiance to our magnificent Emperor."

B: "I defend my country with my fist!"
BM: "Give you my knock for justice!"
AM: "Don't be hateful each other. Love is the best strength."
BV: "We are Knights, each other. Let's fight fair and square!"
AV: "Great match. I'll never forget that fight."
IA: "Don't exploit people's weakness."
     "The evil king...it's a very strong enemy!"
F: "My loyalty (will) never lose!"
    "Never make a fool of me, demon. Kill you!"

Background: Prosia is probably a mispelling of Prussia. The Knights of the
            Red Lion Knight is a fictitious order.
            Note that Emperor Frederick ruled Prussia, not "King Heinrich".
            Also, Prussia was a modern state, not the feudal kingdom that
            the game suggests.
Weapon: Mechanical Gauntlet
Full of: Shell casings
Occupation: Knight
Nationality: Prussia
Ranking: 9
Notes: When Sieger wins a fight, the King stands up and laughs. When
       he loses, the King stands up and mouths the word "No!"
       When Sieger does the vulcan explosion, a picture of a semi-nude
       woman appears briefly in the flames.

THE PROSIA KINGDOM -- NIGHTS
(Prussia)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                  Standing Close

A -- Fist Jab                  A -- Hammer Fist
B -- Gauntlet Punch            B -- Half Gauntlet Uppercut
AB -- Strong Gauntlet Punch    AB -- Full Gauntlet Uppercut
C -- Short Low Kick *          C -- Side Kick
D -- Side Kick                 D -- Knee Thrust
CD -- Forward Moving Kick      CD -- Interrupted Forward Kick

Crouching Far                  Crouching Close

A -- Fist Jab                  A -- Hammer Fist
B -- Gauntlet Uppercut         B -- Hammer Gauntlet
AB -- Gauntlet Punch           AB -- Gauntlet Punch
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Roundhouse

Jumping Diagonal               Jumping Straight

A -- Downward Jab              A -- Side Fist Punch
B -- Hammer Gauntlet
AB -- Downward Gauntlet Smash  AB -- Sideways Gauntlet Smash
C -- Side Kick
D -- Downward Kick             D -- High Kick
CD -- Bellyflop

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wolf Fangen                   | Grabs opponent, punches repeatedly, and
(Wolf Fang)                   | fires opponent against the opposite side
-O O-  / | \  + AB            | of the screen to hit for damage.
      O  O  O              !L |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vulcan Weinen                 | Attacks with an exploding flaming punch to
(Vulcan Crying)               | hit for fire damage.  Note: Punch A
| \  -O + A repeatedly        | further for "Vulcan Drucken" and further
O  O                     ***! | still for Vulcan Explosion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blitz Jaeger                  | Launches onto opponent with a flaming
-O \  |  / O- + Kick          | bellyflop to hit for fire damage.
    O O O                  *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backbreaker Combo

(Note:  This following move is a combination of three moves, all
        which have to be performed in succession)

Part 1:  Tigerkopf              | Slides forward on one knee, hitting for
(Tiger Head)                    | minor damage, and tripping opponent. This
| \  -O + C                     | prepares for...
O  O                            |

Part 2:  Falkennagel            | ...a punch which launches opponent high
(Falcon Nail)                   | into the air, off screen, hitting for
| \  -O + B                     | minor damage.  At this point, the
O  O                            | opponent is set up for...

Part 3:  Elefantglied           | ...leaping into the air and catching the
(Elephant Greed)                | opponent, bringing him/her straight down
-O \  |  / O- + A               | onto shoulder, cracking many bones, and
    O O O                       | hitting for major damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Firestorm                       | Flicks a finger which reflects all
                                | projectiles back at their opponents.
\   + BC                        | Note: This move also does some
 O                            ! | damage to opponent if close.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B or AB            Grab and slam onto ground
C or CD            Trip and sit

Air Throw

B or AB            Punch opponent to ground
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

-O \  |  / O- -O O- + A
    O O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Beats chest twice, chuckles.
2.  BD:  Gives opponent "come here" gesture with canon arm.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Gives opponent "come here" gesture with normal arm.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Special:

Operation Tiger              | Performs a massive Blitz Sieger move
                             | which annihilates opponent and causes
-O \  |  / O- -O + CD        | severe breaking damage (among other
    O O O                 *! | things...)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: For the Backbreaker Combo, you need to perform all three movements
       right after each other. You can't wait to see if the first or second
       one hits before doing the next one. Sometimes, Sieger will miss
       catching his opponent anyway. This seems to happen more often when
       he performs the move up close.
       Sieger's Blitz Jaeger can sometimes land slightly BEHIND a
       blocking opponent, in which case he will hit. The opponent needs to
       block in the opposite direction in this case. However, calculating
       the exact distance when this happens is tricky.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

  Sieger appears in the forest, saying "I must tell the king that the devil
is dead."
  BUT IN HIS COUNTRY, UNCONTROLLABLE BEASTS WERE ATTACKING THE PEOPLE...
  The scene changes to a castle hall, in which the king (from Sieger's
background), holds aloft a sword, attempting to stop three disgustingly
putrid zombies from entering the castle.  Behind the king stands his
daughter.  King Heinrich yells "Upon my life, I will save my country."  At
this point, Sieger leaps in.  "Sieger!"  "Watch, your majesty!"  Sieger then
performs a Vulcan Weinan, blowing the first two zombies to bits.  The third
zombie says "Guwah...You are..."  "Yes," he interrupts, "Neinhalt Sieger.
The knight who killed your boss!" He performs an Operation Tiger,
obliterating the final zombie. Sieger says, "Are you all right?" The King
says, "Thank you, Siegar (sic)", and a heart flutters from the princess.
The screen then fades.
  AND....
  The scene goes back to the castle, in which Sieger and the princess are
getting married.  Commoners are in the crowd clapping, among them are
GALFORD, WAN-FU, and CHARLOTTE in a dress!  The scene then cuts to
Sieger and his wife looking over the forest from the cliff.  As he yells out
his victory call, the screen scrolls to follow three white doves flying into
the distance.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 Good Reasons to play as NEINHALT SIEGER:

--> Can do major damage with normal punches
--> Excellent air-air combat potential
--> Vulcan cannon great for ticking off damage
--> Elephantglied is one HELLUVA move
--> Bald guys rule

5 Bad Things about NEINHALT SIEGER:

--> Many attacks are slow and have large recovery times
--> Slow runner (looks goofy too)
--> Poor air-ground combat potential
--> Says "Bah!" WAY too much
--> Hard to understand that thick German accent

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Living Proof that Powerful Things Come in Small Packages

        CAFFEINE NICOTINE

There was a time when Nicotine hunted demons with his sword. But after
being defeated by a certain demon, he settled down and lived quietly as a
priest. But one day, he learned that the same demon was now after his
pupil's life. "As I feared, it's back..."

B: "What!? What is this evil air?"
BM: "Stop!! You should be kind to the aged."
AM: "What a nice person! You kindly give a palm to such a crock."
BV: "I may not be so young. Your face looks like mine."
AV: "You fool! You have imitated me so you have such a hard time."
IJ: "I believe the evil king is close to me."
    "Have I seen him before?"
F: "Save us, merciful Buddha!"
   "Oh Buddha!"

Background: Based on Takuan, a famous Zen monk.
Weapon: Staff
Full of: O-fuda (talismans)
Occupation: Buddhist Monk
Nationality: Japan
Ranking: 12
Notes: If he's not doing anything, Nicotine will yawn. Also, if he has his
       staff he will clank with it. If he doesn't, he will stretch his neck.
       Nicotine is the only character who can catch a weapon with one
       hand (two fingers!).
       Nicotine is probably of the Amidist sect, based on a prayer he says
       when he gets creamed. However, he also seems to be one of the
       shido-sa (wandering monks) who roamed the countryside, asking for
       alms and performing such services as exorcism, divintation, and
       curing illnesses. They used o-fuda (talismans or amulets) to
       accomplish these feats.

TEMPLE -- MIST
(Possibly Mount Koya)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far                     Standing Close

A -- Hit with Hat                A -- Punch
B -- Side Swing with Staff
AB -- Staff Thrust               AB -- Up, then Down Swing
C -- Short Shuffle
D -- Short Kick
CD -- Short Kick and Yell

Crouching Far                    Crouching CLose

A -- Hit with Hat                A -- Punch
B -- Low Sweep with Staff *      B -- Staff Thrust
AB -- Upward Staff Thrust        AB -- Three-Hit with Staff @
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Long Crouch Kick

Jumping Diagonal                 Jumping Straight

A -- Hit with Hat
B -- Staff Thrust
AB -- Swing Staff in Arc Below
C -- Knee Thrust 2@               C -- Up Kick
D --  Down Kick                   D -- Up Kick
CD -- Down Kick

@ Nicotine first thrusts forward, then slightly up, then upward
2@ Nicotine does an up kick when jumping back.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Choker Chain Cane Bang          | Staff extends attached to a chain, along
(Bakusa Jougeki)                | the ground, catching opponent, and
-O \  |  / O- + Slash           | dragging closer, to yield a dizzy.
    O O O                    *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exorcist Charm Slice            | Flips a card, which turns into an
(Shikigamireifu Rai)            | electrified hawk and flies at head level
| \ -O + Slash                  | across screen to hit for lightning damage.
O  O                          * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fires of Fecundity              | Flips a card, which turns into a dog-
(Shikigamireifu En)             | type beast made of fire, that rushes to
| \ -O + Kick                   | strike low for fire damage.
O  O                         *L |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cane Swirl Cutter (While jumping) | Stabs staff into ground and spins
(Shinjou Rasen Kyaku)             | downwards surround by flame to hit for
 / | \  -O + Kick                 | fire damage.
O  O  O                        *! |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Curse of Crunch                 | Tosses a card that will knock opponent
(Rashin Jufu)                   | down and confuse joystick calibration for
O- |  / + AB                    | about 10 seconds.
   O O                        * |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B                Steals life into bowl
AB               Machine gun with staff
D or CD          Leap onto opponent and puff bad breath
Unarmed          Leap onto opponent and puff bad breath
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation

|  / O- |  / O- |  / O- -O + D
O O     O O     O O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

1.  AC:  Opens eyes, kneels, ties shoelace.
2.  BD:  Sneezes.
3.  AC(weaponless):  Same as 1.
4.  BD(weaponless):  Same as 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
POWER SPECIAL: Underworld Pummeler | Tosses a card which summons the
(Niou Furei Satsu)                 | powerful deity Atavakah to ram opponent
-O O-  / | \  -O + D               | with great strength, hitting for
      O  O  O                   *! | breaking damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending:

 Nicotine is standing in the forest.  "It's all over. Finally."  Then,
Kuroko jumps in.  "Wonderful, it came to an end."  "Yes," answers Nicotine,
"We can all live live in peace now."  "Yes, but by the way, have you
finished off the king of evil?"
(Kuroko's statement doesn't make sense, but based on what follows, I think
it should be:  "Yes, but by the way, have you taken care of the other evil
spirits?")
Nicotine holds out a pot, and says,  "Don't worry, I'll do it now."  He then
calls out, and all the evil spirits are sucked into the pot.  "Well,
finished," Nicotine says, "Let's go have a drink together."  "That's good,"
says Kuroko, "What about Haohmaru? How is he?"  "No, he has yet to..." but
suddenly, Nicotine sneezes, dropping the pot. A red beam emerges, and ALL
the spirits escape!  "Dear me," exclaims Kuroko.  "All over again," sighs
Nicotine. They both look depressed.
 The end.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Good Reasons to play as CAFFEINE NICOTINE:

--> Staff sweep excellent low attack
--> Air staff thrust has good range and priority
--> Unorthodox fighting style can confuse opponents
--> He's the craziest Buddhist monk ever

4 Bad Things about CAFFEINE NICOTINE:

--> Not too strong
--> AB swings slow and short-ranged
--> His kicks are the shortest-ranged attacks in the game
--> Looks too much like CHERRY from URUSEI YATSURA

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hidden Fighter with the Flying Flags of Fury

KUROKO

In the past, the Kuroko was a demon hunter, along with Nicotine. Back in
those days, Nicotine wielded a sword named "Taima," and the Kuroko had
already taken to concealing his identity in black. Together, these two
defeated many powerful demons and none could stand in their way. None,
until Rashoujin Mizuki.

BM: "Be on your guard. I am very strong."
AM: "What, no more? I'm stronger than you."

Background: Kuroko are the "hidden" stage hands in Kabuki plays.
Weapon: Flags
Full of: Anatomical hearts
Occupation: Fighting referee
Nationality: Unknown
Ranking: NA
Notes: Kuroko is NOT the character's real name. His real name is obscured in
       the Japanese version of SS2.
       Almost all of Kuroko's moves are borrowed from other Neo-Geo fighting
       games, mostly FFS and AoF2.
       You will get CPU Kuroko randomly in the game, sometimes. You can play
       Kuroko, but only on a home system.

Special Note: This section is adopted from the Kuroko FAQ, which can be
              downloaded separately at SS2 FTP sites.

HIMALAYA -- TOP OF MOUNTAIN

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standing Far               Standing Close

A/B -- Flag Thrust         A/B -- Elbow
AB -- Down Slash           AB -- Up, then Down Slash
C/D -- High Kick
CD -- High Kick            CD -- Triple Kick

Crouching Far              Crouching Close

A/B -- Short Flag Swing    A/B -- Elbow
AB -- Up Slash
C/D -- Crouch Kick
CD -- Longer Crouch Kick

Jumping

A/B -- Diagonal Flag Thrust
AB -- Down slash
C and D -- Down kick
CD -- Down kick

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koh Ken                             | Throws a fireball that hits for
(RYO SAKAZAKI from ART OF FIGHTING) | damage.
| \  -O + A                         |
O  O                                |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Haoh Sho Koh Ken                    | Throws a massive, double sized ball of
(RYO SAKAZAKI from ART OF FIGHTING) | energy that hits for damage.
-O | \  + A                         |
   O  O                             |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Double Koh Ken                      | Throws two firebalLs, one on top of
                                    | another, that hit for damage.
|  / O- + A                         |
O O                                 |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mega Smash                          | Hurls a cylindrically shaped missile
(JOHN CRAWLEY from ART OF FIGHTING) | of energy at opponent to hit for
| \  -O + B                         | damage.
O  O                                |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gekihou                             | Bends over and produces a giant
(TUNG FU RUE from FATAL FURY)       | projection of self that hits for
 Tap C repeatedly                   | damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaiser Wave                         | Hurls a "moon" shaped projectile that
(WOLFGANG KRAUSER from FATAL FURY)  | hits for damage.
| \ -O \  |  / O- + A               |
O  O    O O O                       |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flags of Fury                       | Sends flags out on a chain that
                                    | captures opponent, and drags them
-O \  |  / O- + A                   | closer, also yielding a dizzy. Note:
    O O O                           | This move will drag opponent closer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mass Slash                          | Swipes flags in a downward arc,
                                    | creating a powerful energy blast that
 -O + ABC or BCD                    | reflects projectiles. Note: BCD will
                                    | also strike enemy, ABC will not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spike Ball                          | Hurls a black orb covered with barbs
                                    | that hits for damage.
|  / O-  / -O + BC                  |
O O     O                           |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Side Splitter                       | Splits into a top and bottom half.  If
                                    | ABC is used, the top half explodes,
 when attacked, press ABC or BCD    | and if BCD is used, the bottom half
                                    | explodes, while the other joins fight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throws:

B/AB/D/CD    Ressen Kyaku (TUNG FU RUE from FATAL FURY)
             Grabs opponent, and kicks them up to six times for damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Super Deformed Transformation:

O-  / | \  -O O-  / | \  -O + D
   O  O  O       O  O  O
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taunts:

AC:  "HORA, HORA!"  (RYO SAKAZAKI from ART OF FIGHTING)
BD:  Stands and waves a japanese fan (MAI SHIRANUI from FATAL FURY)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Specials:

(RYO SAKAZAKI from ART OF FIGHTING)

Ryuuko Ranbu                        | Charges at opponent, and begins a
                                    | massive barrage of kicks, punches,
-O \  |  / O- -O + AB               | and flag swipes, finishing with a
    O O O                           | flaming rising punch for breaking.

Alternate Ryuuko Ranbu              | Same as above, except character stops
                                    | halfway through for a breather. A
-O O-  / | \  -O + CD               | definite must see!
      O  O  O                       |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: Kuroko cannot be thrown normally. He is thrown like Earthquake.
       You cannot break Kuroko's weapon.

Special Note: You can play Kuroko only on the home system, and only for a
              two-player game. To do so, enter the following on the
              character selection screen:

              Up, Down, Left, Up, Down, Right + A

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending: Because Kuroko cannot be played against the CPU, he doesn't have
        one. Check out Nicotine's ending, though.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 Good Reasons to play as KUROKO:
--> Most special moves in the game
--> Slashes are fast and hard-hitting
--> Incorporates specials from other great SNK fighting titles
--> His flags of fury cannot be broken
--> He can haul some MAJOR ass

The one and only bad thing about KUROKO:
--> You cannot play as him in the ARCADE version, and only for one
    match in the HOME version

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Seductive Stealer of Souls

        MIZUKI RASHOUSHIN

Mizuki is a spirit that has become an immortal demon, through a pact with
Ambrosia. Currently, Mizuki inhabits the body of Bizuki, a woman with
supernatural powers. Bizuki had tried to subdue Mizuki and use its powers
for good, but failed, and was possessed. Mizuki plans to merge the Palenke
Stone and the Tanjil Stone to further strengthen the demon world.

BM: "Welcome to (the) devil's world.  You'll never find yourself alive
     again."
AM: "Now that the world is just for me, and you have gone to your
     distraction."

Background: Unknown.
Weapon: Gohei (Shinto purification device)
Full of: NA
Occupation: Shinto Priestess and Chief Villaness
Nationality: Underworld
Ranking: NA
Notes: Mizuki is the boss character of SS2.

OSOREZAN HELL

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bitch Slap from Hell       | Grabs opponent, and strikes with open hand
                           | repeatedly for multiple hits of damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teleport                    | Laughs, and opens portal underneath,
                            | dissapearing, and reappearing on either
                            | side of the character.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Passage through Hell        | Slides portal underneath opponent, while
                            | two hands pull opponent through, into
                            | hell, and opponent then comes falling from
                          L | the sky, colliding with ground for damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mass Confusion         | Creates four spheres which form a single
                       | orb that, when it connects, confuses
                       | opponent's joystick movements.  Note: A Grim
                       | Reaper denotes successful confusion
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swine Curse              | Demon sends out crackling sphere that
                         | changes opponent into a pig.  Mutation
                         | lasts about 10 seconds, or until opponent
                         | is successfully attacked.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rush Demon              | Demon rushes forward, slamming into
                      * | opponent, hitting for lightning damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mad Demon              | Demon leaps forward, latching onto
                       | opponent, repeatedly clawing and biting at
                       | opponent's neck for multiple hits of
                       | damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Levitate Crush (throw)          | Lifts opponent off top of screen, holds,
                                | then smashes down into ground, with
                                | slicing attack, hitting for damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
POWER SPECIAL: Hell Tempest     | Creates a black sphere that grabs opponent
                                | and hurls him/her against roof, ground,
                                | and walls multiple times, ending in a
                                | massive explosion that hits as breaking
                                | damage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes: You cannot break Mizuki's weapon.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        HOW TO DEFEAT MIZUKI

  Mizuki makes her debut in Samurai Shodown II as the final boss in the
game.  She is the first female end boss ever in a fighting game, and she is
also the first end boss to have a pet:  A dog like Galford's.  While she
doesn't take the award for the cheapest boss ever (DIO from WORLD HEROES 2)
or the most powerful (RUGAL from KING OF FIGHTERS '94), she does deserve to
be added to the top ten list of tough bosses to beat.  Here are some basic
tips and tactics to rid yourself of the evil Mizuki:

1. BLOCK LOW:  Above all, block and block low. That way, you will block
   anything she throws at you. Blocking high leaves you vulnerable to her
   fast Ground Portal as well as her fast low AB.

2. DON'T DO SPECIAL MOVES: Most Special Moves have lag times, during
   which she is almost guaranteed to rush in and cream you with an AB slash.

3. ATTACK HER WHEN SHE JUMPS: By far, Mizuki is the weakest in the
   air. If she jumps, and you jump and AB, you will almost certainly hit her,
   and do some much-needed damage.

4. DON'T JUMP HER WHEN SHE'S MAD: The reason is that Mizuki will do her
   Power Special so that the globe catches you RIGHT when you jump in on
   her. Nasty.

5. TELEPORT CATCH:  She likes to teleport out of danger when you are
   frantically trying to make a hit.  Instead, try this:  Make an AB
   strike (when your SURE it's safe to do so).  She should block.  If she
   laughs and teleports out, leap away in the opposite direction she was
   originally positioned from you, because she will attempt a bitch
   slap from behind.  As you are jumping away, strike with an AB.  If she
   teleports, and leaps, you have a good chance of hitting her.  If she
   doesn't leap, you're out of her range.

6. CONFUSED?  Just block low and use crouch kicks to keep her away.
   However, if she sends out ANOTHER Confusion Ball, get hit by it. You'll
   take almost no damage, and it will negate the first Confusion.

7.  THE SWINE CURSE:  If turned into a pig or other animal by Mizuki, the
    safest place to be is under her skirt! She can't hit you while your
    there, and she can't throw you either.

8.   TRY LOW AB ATTACKS: She seems to block them less.

9.   SPECIFIC CHARACTER STRATEGIES:
     EARTHQUAKE: Due to an oversight in the CPU programming, Mizuki will
     NOT block the second and third hits from Earthquake's low AB. If she's
     far away, just do a low AB. Or you can do Mirror Images and an
     immediate low AB when you appear.
     CHARLOTTE: Wait at the start of the round for her to jump, and jump and
     AB her if she does so. Then start crouching and A-thrusting her when
     she gets close. You will usually hit her out of many moves while not
     getting hit in return. When she's low on life, jump and AB her
     relentlessly. She'll usually screw up her defenses and get creamed.
     GEN-AN: If she jumps, jump up and AB her. Otherwise, do crouching A
     thrusts against her from a distance. Too close and she'll trade hits
     with you, usually in her favor. But if you do it far enough, you will
     wear her down.
     KYOSHIRO: Often, Mizuki won't block Kyoshiro's jumping AB, perhaps
     because it has such a far range the CPU doesn't anticipate it hitting.
     GENJURO: Sometimes, Mizuki won't block his AB for some reason.
     HANZO/GALFORD:  This little sequence I call The Hanzo Trap.  It is a
     move I perfected in the first Samurai Shodown, when trying to defeat
     the computer Hanzo.  Oddly enough, I found it to work with Mizuki as
     well (though not as consistently).  The trap is set up simply like
     this:  You crouch near her, and strike with an A or B (NOT AB!!).  She
     will block, and leap over you.  Calmly stand up, and walk underneath
     her, striking with B as she comes down on the other side.

10. KEEP COOL:  Mizuki is the type of boss that you can wait for.  She
    will begin to attack if you do nothing.  If she leaps, strike her out
    of the air.  If she stands and attacks; block, and retaliate.  Try NOT
    to make the first hit (unless she seems CATATONIC) which won't happen
    unless you're playing on -2 or lower.  The consensus among SS2 players
    as to the best general strategy is to jump at her with a quick attack,
    then do quick low attacks when you hit the ground.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

RANDOM NOTES:

--> Occassionally, KIM KAPHWAN from the FF series can be seen sliding by
    in the background. No, you can't play him. :-)

--> If Galford's Power Special finishes off an opponent when Poppy firsts
    hits him, Poppy will jump back and Galford will do his victory pose,
    but his opponent will continue to go through the rest of the "hit
    motions" as if Poppy were still there!

--> Double Fatality follies: When a double fatality occurs, it is possible
    for one or both characters to split in half or spurt blood. If an
    opponent spurts blood, he will still drop his weapon, but as soon as he
    falls down he will get up again with ANOTHER weapon in his hand!
    Whatever happens, both characters will still be ready to fight the next
    round.

--> Mizuki bug: Once in a while, you will find that Mizuki will just stand
    there, doing nothing. In addition, none of your buttons will work. If
    you throw her, everything will be back to normal and Mizuki will start
    fighting again. However, if you are ahead on life, simply wait for the
    time to run out, and you win! The second round, she will still be
    inert, so throw her at the last second, and you win the game!!

--> If the Final Round is a draw, both players lose.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   IF YOU WIN THE GAME ON ONE CREDIT...

Meaning no continues and no other player joining in, you get the designer's
credits at the end. As for the individual character endings, there doesn't
seem to be any difference between one-credit and multi-credit endings,
unlike SS1. What happens is after the judge claps and the background fades,
the "designer credit" music starts to play, and cherry blossom leaves fall
across the screen. Then, each character is displayed, in the order presented
in this FAQ. Here's each character's sequence:
The character's background appears, and the character jumps in.
The character does a taunt.
The character does an attack, and the screen freezes while the character's
designer credits are displayed.
The character does an ending pose.
The character does his/her close-up, and more credits appear.

Haohmaru -- Sake drink, Far AB swing, Sword flip pose
Nakoruru -- Hair ribbon adjustment, Cape Flip, "Back turned" pose
Hanzo -- Knuckle crack, Far B swing, Takes off mask
Galford -- "Tsk tsk" taunt, Plasma Blade, Sword twirl pose
Wan Fu -- Spins pillar, Far AB swing, Carves pillar
Ukyo -- Coughs, Standing AB swing, Sleeve pose (unarmed)
Kyoshiro -- Smokes, Close B swing, "Uchtottari" (stays on screen)
Gen-an --  Laughs, Close B swing, Bow pose
Earthquake -- Burps, Far B swing, Eats turkey drum
Jubei -- Eats dango, Far AB swing, Puts swords slowly in sheath
Charlotte -- Tosses rose, Far AB swing, "Uh-huh"
Genjuro -- "Sore daki da" taunt, Far AB swing, Wine dish pose
Cham Cham -- Sticks out tongue, Far AB swing, Both do the yell
Sieger -- "Come here" taunt,  Close B swing, "Ohhh Yeah!"
Nicotine -- Sneezes, Close AB swing, Laughs and hits butt
Mizuki -- Laughs, AB swing, No ending pose
Kuroko -- Fan taunt, ABC Missile Reflection, Claps

After this, Kuroko claps and disappears in a puff. The cherry blossoms start
swirling in a spiral, and the center of the spiral goes round and around
until it's finally centered on the screen. Then after all the credits roll,
the screen explodes and the "chirping Iguana" logo appears.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        WHERE TO GET SS2 STUFF

--> SS2 Resource List:  This is a listing of what other SS2 FAQs and
    guides are available, as well as where you can get them. It can
    be found in the brawl.minklink.net FTP site, as well as others.
    It is recommended that this be the next FAQ to get, as it pinpoints
    where all the other neat stuff is.

--> GeeSe Howard's directory:  kaiwan.kaiwan.com -- user/dvillnva
    Contains both the Moves FAQ and this TAPFAQ, strategy guides,
    sound files, graphic files, and tons of other SS and Neo-Geo stuff.

--> Galen Komatsu:  [e-mail]
    This guy is crazy!  He's always on top of the current gaming trend.
    Any extra info you need or comments you'd like to pass on, he would
    be more than happy to help you out.

--> John Bailon:  [e-mail]
    For more info on the game, contact John at his E-mail address.  He
    may even have posters and other paraphenalia for sale.  Be sure to
    check out Samurai II, as well as other excellent new releases at
    Southern Hills Golfland (his free plug).  Details can be acquired
    from Mr. Bailon.

--> Dave Kirshch:  FTP SITE:  brawl.mindlink.net  /pub/SS2
    Dave has an FTP site set up based solely on fighting games.  Both the
    FAQ and TAPFAQ are there, along with all sorts of other odds and ends
    having to do with fighting games in general.  Give it a look!

--> The Samurai II CD:
    For those interested, here are the stats on the new SS 2 CD...
    Title:  Shin Samurai Spirits
    Artist:  Neo Sound Orchestra
    Maker:  Pony Canyon/Scitron
    Catalog:  PCCB-00164
    Release:  1994/11/02
    Length:  76'07" (57 tracks)
    This is a japanese CD, so if you are looking to order it, you should
    approach a music store that deals with imports.

--> The Samurai Spirits TV Special.  Actually, I heard it sucks. The
    animation and character designs were supposedly pretty bad. But
    that probably won't stop SS fans from at least renting it.  ADVision
    is going to release this dubbed in March in the US.

--> Jubei Ninja Chronicles.  No, that's not the same Jubei as in SS (or
    FF, for that matter!). But the SS character designers also worked on
    this anime movie. It's not commercially available in a translated form
    currently, unfortunately, but it IS recommended by many people as a
    cool ninja flick.

--> "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa.  This is the book that shaped current
     perceptions of Musashi, and the idea of the Way of the Sword in
     general. Recommended. It has a lot of cool fight scenes in it (most of
     them historical), and many ideas about swordsmanship and enlightenment
     that still are culturally influential today.

-->  Samurai I to III.  These are three movies that are based on the novel
     "Musashi". The last one deals with the duel between Musashi and Genryu.
     They are available at most video rental places.

--> "A Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi
     The immortal collection of inner thoughts put to paper by the
     greatest samurai who ever lived.  Named the classic guide to strategy,
     this book shows how Musashi won over 60 battles in his lifetime, and
     how he attempts to pass on his teachings to the reader.  A must-buy
     for all who wish to attain success in life, and an interesting look
     into the mind of an undefeatable man.


                              FINAL NOTE

  This FAQ is pretty much complete, as it has documented most of the
 features in the game. However, if you have any questions, ideas,
  comments, pictures, updates, combos, or anything you think needs
   to be added, do not hesitate to E-Mail either Shawn Holmes at
    [e-mail] or Scott Fujimoto at [e-mail].
         Something tells me we have a contender for
           best game of the year...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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    |     ||   |    d8888888888888888| |  | |    Samurai Spirits -- Nakoruru
    |     ||  |   d88888888888888888|               Galen Komatsu 94.6.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  This, The Absolutely Positively Frequently Asked Questions presented by
                   Shawn Holmes
                              All preceeding material may be copied and
           distributed freely (in fact, it's encouraged)

                       The Second Act Begins Now
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Scott Fujimoto