Link Animations Guide - Guide for Arcana Heart 3

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===============================================================================

----------\      Arcana Heart 3      /----------

----------\  Link Animations Guide   /----------

----------\      Version 1.00        /----------

----------\  Last Updated 08/12/12   /----------

----------\      By: Hanzaemon_      /----------

===============================================================================


*******************
*TABLE OF CONTENTS*
*******************

[A] General Information

[B] Guide Version History

[C] Introduction

[D] Guide's Structure

[E] Ways to Obtain Animations

[F] Common Animations
          [F.1] Normal
          [F.2] Advantageous
          [F.3] Very Advantageous
          [F.4] Disadvantageous
          [F.5] Very Disadvantageous
          [F.6] Attack 1
          [F.7] Attack 2
          [F.8] Attack 3
          [F.9] Damage
          [F.10] Victory
          [F.11] Defeat

[G] Character Specific
          [G.1] Heart Aino
          [G.2] Saki Tsuzura
          [G.3] Kamui Tokinomiya
          [G.4] Konoha
          [G.5] Maori Kasuga
          [G.6] Mei-Fang
          [G.7] Lilica Felchenerow
          [G.8] Lieselotte Achenbach
          [G.9] Yoriko Yasuzumi
          [G.10] Kira Daidohji
          [G.11] Fiona Mayfield
          [G.12] Petra Johanna Lagerkvist
          [G.13] Zenia Valov
          [G.14] Angelia Avalon
          [G.15] Elsa la Conti
          [G.16] Clarice di Lanza
          [G.17] Catherine Kyoubashi
          [G.18] Dorothy Albright
          [G.19] Akane Inuwaka
          [G.20] Nazuna Inuwaka
          [G.21] Parace L'sia
          [G.22] Scharlachrot
          [G.23] Eko
          [G.24] Weiss
          [G.25] Ragnarok

[H] A Word About Trophies

[I] Conclusions

===============================================================================


[A]
*********************
*GENERAL INFORMATION*
*********************

Title: Arcana Heart 3

Platform: PlayStation 3

Developer: Examu

Publisher: Aksys Games

Release Date: April 19, 2011 (North American PS3)


===============================================================================


[B]
***********************
*GUIDE VERSION HISTORY*
***********************

Version 1.00 - 08/12/12 - Guide fully composed.


===============================================================================


[C]
**************
*INTRODUCTION*
**************

This is a guide detailing the requirements necessary to unlock the numerous 
link animations present in "Arcana Heart 3". To clarify, the term 'link 
animations' makes reference to the anime sequences performed by all characters 
during battle. These animations appear on the side of the screen. The 
intention of this guide is to identify and catalogue the various link 
animations that can be found in the gallery. In doing so, the conditions 
required for unlocking these animations will be specified so that one may 
collect them all.

In writing this guide, I have researched all information provided to the best 
of my ability. Please understand that since this information comes from 
personal experience, the methods provided may not be the exclusive means of 
obtaining the animation. They are simply the methods through which I acquired 
them.


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[D]
*******************
*GUIDE'S STRUCTURE*
*******************

Link animations are in no way uniform. That is to say, each character has her 
own unique set of link animations that demand different conditions to unlock. 
Therefore, each character will have her own individualized section to serve as 
both a checklist and an explanation for unlocking requirements. However, 
certain animations apply to most--if not all--of the characters. For these 
more common animations, an explanation will be provided in the "Common 
Animations" section of this guide.


===============================================================================


[E]
***************************
*WAYS TO OBTAIN ANIMATIONS*
***************************

Provided here is a quick guideline to explain what game modes will and will 
not unlock link animations in the gallery:

--> Animations seen in Training Mode will NOT count towards the display in the 
    gallery.

--> Animations seen during online play WILL count towards those unlocked in 
    the gallery. During online play, both yours, and your opponent's 
    animations will unlock in the gallery. If you are spectating matches in a 
    player lobby, this principle extends further; any animations observed 
    while spectating a match will unlock for you.

--> Animations seen during Story Mode WILL count towards those unlocked in the 
    gallery. However, only those of your character will unlock.

--> Animations seen during Score Attack WILL count towards those unlocked in 
    the gallery. However, only those of your character will unlock.

--> Animations seen during Versus Mode WILL count towards those unlocked in 
    the gallery. However, only those of your character will unlock. Should 2 
    human players face each other in any mode, only the animations of player 1 
    will be subject to unlocking. Animations performed by player 2 will NOT 
    count.

--> Note that NO link animations can be unlocked while playing in the 
    'full screen' mode.


===============================================================================


[F]
*******************
*COMMON ANIMATIONS*
*******************

This section details those animations that are common among most characters, 
and that are more universal in nature. The requirements of unlocking common 
animations are identical for all characters, so use this section as it applies. 
Also, please reference the "Character Specific" section to identify which 
common animations apply to each character. 

[F.1]
--------
-NORMAL-
--------

The normal condition is found for every character, and needs no direct 
attention to unlock. Simply using the character in question will unlock their 
'normal' animation in the gallery.

[F.2]
--------------
-ADVANTAGEOUS-
--------------

This animation refers to one's status in the match as it relates to the 
opponent. Have a little more health than the opponent (roughly 30% more), and 
the 'advantageous' animation will be unlocked.

[F.3]
-------------------
-VERY ADVANTAGEOUS-
-------------------

This animation refers to one's status in the match as it relates to the 
opponent. Have a much greater life lead over the opponent (roughly 60% more 
health), and the 'very advantageous' animation will be unlocked.

[F.4]
-----------------
-DISADVANTAGEOUS-
-----------------
This animation refers to one's status in the match as it relates to the 
opponent. Have a little less health than the opponent (roughly 30% less), and 
the 'disadvantageous' animation will be unlocked.

[F.5]
----------------------
-VERY DISADVANTAGEOUS-
----------------------
This animation refers to one's status in the match as it relates to the 
opponent. Have much less health than the opponent (roughly 60% less), and the 
'very disadvantageous' animation will be unlocked.

[F.6] 
----------
-ATTACK 1-
----------
Cause minor damage to the opponent in order to unlock this animation. A single 
special attack or small combo will often be enough to unlock 'attack 1'.

[F.7]
----------
-ATTACK 2-
----------
Cause a moderate amount of damage to the opponent in order to unlock this 
animation. A longer combo ending in a super move will often suffice for the 
'attack 2' animation.

[F.8]
----------
-ATTACK 3-
----------
Cause major damage to the opponent in order to unlock this animation. 
Performing a critical heart attack will always produce the 'attack 3' 
animation, except for Zenia Valov who requires specific critical heart 
conditions. This will be explained in the "Character Specific" section. 
Lengthy combos may also unlock the 'attack 3' animation.

[F.9]
--------
-DAMAGE-
--------
Receive any amount of damage from the opponent to unlock this animation.

[F.10]
---------
-VICTORY-
---------
Simply win a match to unlock this animation. This will occur under most 
conditions, however, certain characters will achieve different animations when 
a victory is met under specific conditions. To obtain the generic victory 
animation, simply avoid those special requirements explained in the 
"Character Specific" section.

[F.11]
--------
-DEFEAT-
--------
Lose a match to unlock this animation.


===============================================================================


[G]
********************
*CHARACTER SPECIFIC*
********************
This section of the guide will provide a list of the link animations dedicated 
to each character of "Arcana Heart 3". Also, specific direction will be given 
for those animations requiring that special conditions be met first, as well 
as a strategy illuminating the method best suited for unlocking each. Be sure 
also to consult the "Common Animations" section of the guide as necessary. 
Note that the most effective way to ensure the requirement in question has 
been fulfilled is to enter Versus Mode with 2 controllers while the player 2 
controller remains idle.

The order of characters in this section will be the same as they appear in the 
gallery.

[G.1]
------------
-HEART AINO-
------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Perfect Victory

--> To unlock the 'perfect victory' animation, a player must take 0 damage 
    with Heart in the final round of a match, and finish said round with 
    either a super move or an arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note 
    as well that it is possible to obtain this animation in a single round 
    match. 
 
[G.2]
--------------
-SAKI TSUZURA-
-------------- 
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Straight Victory

--> To unlock the 'straight victory' animation, a player must win a match with 
    Saki without losing a single round, and finish the final round with a 
    super move or arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note that this 
    animation is only available in matches with multiple rounds.

[G.3]
------------------
-KAMUI TOKINOMIYA-
------------------
      Normal
      Disadvantageous
      Very Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Perfect Victory

--> To unlock the 'perfect victory' animation, a player must take 0 damage 
    with Kamui in the final round of a match, and finish said round with 
    either a super move or an arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note 
    as well that it is possible to obtain this animation in a single round 
    match. 

[G.4] 
--------
-KONOHA-
--------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1
      Special Victory 2

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must win every round 
    of the match (no rounds lost). The match must conclude with Konoha's 
    health below roughly 10% (red health) and finish with either a super 
    move or arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note that this can be 
    done with a single round match.

--> To unlock the 'special victory 2' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Konoha's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.5]
--------------
-MAORI KASUGA-
--------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Straight Victory

--> To unlock the 'straight victory' animation, a player must win a match with 
    Maori without losing a single round, and finish the final round with a 
    super move or arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note that this 
    animation is only available in matches with multiple rounds.

[G.6]
----------
-MEI-FANG-
----------
      Normal
      Disadvantageous
      Very Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1
      Special Victory 2

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must win every round 
    of the match (no rounds lost). The match must conclude with Mei-Fang's 
    health below roughly 10% (red health) and finish with either a super 
    move or arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note that this can be 
    done with a single round match.

--> To unlock the 'special victory 2' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Mei-Fang's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.7]
--------------------
-LILICA FELCHENEROW-
--------------------
      Normal 
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must take 0 damage 
    with Lilica in the final round of a match, and finish said round with 
    either a super move or an arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note 
    as well that it is possible to obtain this animation in a single round 
    match. 

[G.8]
----------------------
-LIESELOTTE ACHENBACH-
----------------------
      Normal
      Disadvantageous
      Very Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Lieselotte's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.9]
-----------------
-YORIKO YASUZUMI-
-----------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Yoriko's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.10]
---------------
-KIRA DAIDOHJI-
---------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Very Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Kira's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.11]
----------------
-FIONA MAYFIELD-
----------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory 
      Defeat
      Perfect Victory

--> To unlock the 'perfect victory' animation, a player must take 0 damage 
    with Fiona in the final round of a match, and finish said round with 
    either a super move or an arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note 
    as well that it is possible to obtain this animation in a single round 
    match.

[G.12]
--------------------------
-PETRA JOHANNA LAGERKVIST-
--------------------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must win a match 
    with Petra without losing a single round, and finish the final round with 
    a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note that this 
    animation is only available in matches with multiple rounds.

[G.13] 
-------------
-ZENIA VALOV-
-------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> As stated above, the easiest way to unlock the 'attack 3' animation is to 
    score a critical heart. However, doing so with Zenia will only achieve the 
    'attack 2' animation. Zenia has 2 options to fix this problem: 1 solution 
    is to use her charge super first in order to fill her edinorog meter to 
    full. After this is successfully accomplished, landing her critical heart 
    will earn the 'attack 3' reward. The second method is to charge the final 
    4 attacks on Zenia's critical heart. After she lands the first 3 hits, 
    hold an attack button and you will notice her edinorog meter begins to 
    fill. Release the button as the meter approaches the yellow line to 
    maximize her damage output. Do this for the final 4 attacks of her 
    critical heart, and you will unlock Zenia's 'attack 3' animation.

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Zenia's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.14]
----------------
-ANGELIA AVALON-
----------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Angelia's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.15]
---------------
-ELSA LA CONTI-
---------------
      Normal 
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must win a match with 
    Elsa without losing a single round, and finish the final round with a 
    super move or arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note that this 
    animation is only available in matches with multiple rounds.

[G.16]
------------------
-CLARICE DI LANZA-
------------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Critical Heart Victory

--> To unlock the 'critical heart victory' animation, a player must win a 
    match with Clarice, ensuring that the final attack delivered in the match 
    is a critical heart attack. Note that this can be obtained in a single 
    round match. It is helpful to use the Metal arcana as holding 
    back + E (arcana button) will charge the super meter necessary to perform 
    a critical heart attack.

[G.17]
---------------------
-CATHERINE KYOUBASHI-
---------------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Catherine's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.18]
------------------
-DOROTHY ALBRIGHT-
------------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Dorothy's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.19]
---------------
-AKANE INUWAKA-
---------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must win a match with 
    Akane without losing a single round, and finish the final round with a 
    super move or arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note that this 
    animation is only available in matches with multiple rounds.

[G.20]
----------------
-NAZUNA INUWAKA-
----------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Nazuna's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.21]
--------------
-PARACE L'SIA-
--------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> Parace L'sia is the final boss of the Score Attack mode, and is an 
    unplayable character. To unlock her link animations in the gallery, you 
    must defeat her and thereby clear Score Attack. Parace L'sia is incredibly 
    tough however, but do not be discouraged. Every time you continue against 
    her, she will begin the match with a little less health than before. Use 
    as many continues as is necessary to defeat her.

[G.22] 
--------------
-SCHARLACHROT-
--------------
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must win a match with 
    Scharlachrot without losing a single round, and finish the final round 
    with a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final attack. Note that 
    this animation is only available in matches with multiple rounds.

[G.23]
-----
-EKO-
-----
      Normal
      Advantageous
      Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must lose at least 
    one round during the match (without losing the match entirely). The match 
    must conclude with Eko's health below roughly 10% (red health) and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.24]
-------
-WEISS-
-------
      Normal
      Disadvantageous
      Very Disadvantageous
      Attack 1
      Attack 2
      Attack 3
      Damage
      Victory
      Defeat
      Special Victory 1
      Special Victory 2

--> To unlock the 'special victory 1' animation, a player must take 0 damage 
    on the final round with Weiss, and ensure that the final attack of said 
    round is a critical heart attack. Note that this can be achieved in a 
    single round match. It is helpful to use the Metal arcana as holding 
    back + E (arcana button) will charge the super meter necessary to perform 
    a critical heart attack.

--> To unlock the 'special victory 2' animation, a player must win a match 
    with Weiss without losing a single round. However, on the final round, the 
    match must conclude with Weiss' health roughly below 10% (red health), and 
    finish with either a super move or arcana blaze serving as the final 
    attack. Note that this requires a match with multiple rounds.

[G.25]
----------
-RAGNAROK-
----------
      Normal
      Disadvantageous
      Defeat

--> Ragnarok is the final boss of Story mode, and simply defeating it on any 
    difficulty setting with any character is sufficient enough to unlock all 
    3 of its animations.


===============================================================================


[H]
***********************
*A WORD ABOUT TROPHIES*
***********************

By unlocking all of the link animations found in the gallery, a player will 
unlock the trophy known as "It's Moving..." which is a silver trophy. Note 
however, that one must enter the 'link animations' portion of the gallery and 
witness the 100% completion notification before this trophy unlocks. 

For those hoping to collect many of Arcana Heart 3's trophies, I recommend that 
unlocking link animations should be a priority. During the hunt for the 
"It's Moving..." trophy, many others can be achieved, such as the "Archangel", 
"Mycana, Not Ourcana", and "The Alchemist of Life" trophies. Many character 
specific trophies can also be achieved along the way.


===============================================================================


[I]
*************
*CONCLUSIONS*
*************

With the link animations now having been acknowledged and elaborated upon, 
this is the end of this Link Animations Guide. It was definitely a pleasure to 
compose this guide, and I hope above all else that it helps otherwise confused 
and perplexed gamers unlock the somewhat cryptic link animations of this game.

Again, I hope the information provided is found to be useful, and I hope to 
read many auspicious anecdotes involving the enjoyment of link animations. 

Thank you for reading!


===============================================================================