Strategy Guide - Guide for Samurai Shodown 4 Special

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From: [email protected] (Deuce)
Newsgroups: rec.games.video.arcade
Subject: [SS4] TAPFAQ, v3.0
Date: Fri, 17 Jan 97 05:33:42 GMT

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       -----------  ----     -------    -------- ----    ----
                        '           '          '     '       '
                        '       -'  '      ---'      '        '
             '          '       ---'      '          '        '
            '       '-  '      '         '       '-  '        '
           '       '    '     '         '       '    '       '
        --'    ---'   --' ---'      ---'    ---'   --' ----' \
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   --   -   - -  - -  -    -  -    -- - -  -  -    -  - - - -  -   - --
  /    / | / | \ | | / \  / | |   /   | | / \ |\  / \ | | | |\ |   | ||
  |   |  | | | | | | | / |  | |   |   | | | | | | | | | | | | ||   | ||
   \  |--| | | | | | |\  |--| |    \  |-| | | | | | | | | | |  |   | ||
    | |  | | | | | | | | |  | |     | | | | | | | | | | | | |  |   | ||
    / |  | | | | \ / | | |  | |     / | | \ / |/  \ / \ | / |  |   | \/
  --  -  - - - -  -  - - -  - -   --  - -  -  -    -   - -  -  -   - --
      -  ---  -  - - - -  -   -  -  -   --  -- -  - -- -  -  --  --
     / | ||| / | | / | | | | / | / | |  | | |_ |  | |_ |\ | | _  |_
     |-| ||| |-| |-  | |  \  |-|    \   |-  |  |  | |  | || |  | | 
     | | ||| | | | \ \-/ __| | |   __|  | \ |_  \/  |_ |  |  \_| |_

_______________ TAPFAQ version 3.0 __ January 16th, 1997 _________________
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                   SAMURAI SHODOWN IV: AMAKUSA'S REVENGE
                             378 MEGA SHOCK
                                 TAPFAQ
                        By Deuce ([email protected])
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANKS TO:

SNK (http://www.neogeo.co.jp, http://www.neogeo-usa.com)
  For giving us yet another unique and kickass game!
Kotani Harumi
  For sending me a movelist and the translated storyline, as well as
  giving me the proper, simplified boss code!
Shawn Holmes ([email protected])
  For the original TAPFAQ format.  Plagiarism makes the world go round. :)
John Beppu ([email protected])
  Lots of initial playtest information
Spencer Olson ([email protected])
  For info on the time limit, characters and Finishing Moves
Ron Griffith ([email protected])
  For a few endings and some other neat stuff
TuxKamen ([email protected])
  For Honourable Death listings, the nifty ASCII map, detailed stage
  descriptions, tons of character quotes, and every single move description
  you see here!  Also, lots of move description "tweaking" for version
  2.0.  What a NeoFreak. ;)
Brian Mao ([email protected])
  For the first bug report!
Ashura ([email protected])
  For confirming the conditions on Poppy's "Strike Heads"
Donny Chan ([email protected])
  For lots of character quotes, and Galford's ending
Sie Kensou ([email protected])
  For Charlotte's ending
Mark Zutkoff ([email protected])
  For complete transcriptions of all endings, and the ASCII art for the SS4
  logo!  Many thanks!
Shidoshi Naga ([email protected])
  For the blood code!
Geese Howie ([email protected])
  For figuring out how to call up the No Contests!
Jason D. Franks ([email protected])
  For various "goodies."
Madman ([email protected])
  For the boss code!
Peter Williamson ([email protected])
  For all his research into the intricacies of the CD combos!
Flea ([email protected])
  For various minor corrections.
The Neo*Geo Mailing List ([email protected])
  For lots of miscellaneous information!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

                         TABLE OF CONTENTS

Note: Stuff in all caps denotes something new or modified in this version.

1.  How many versions of the TAPFAQ are there?
2.  What's the game about?
3.  What rumours abound about this game?
4.  Who's new to SS4?
5.  Who is returning?
6.  Which characters didn't make this game?
7.  What new options are in the SS4 game?
8.  How is the control of the players different in SS4?
9.  Any other new stuff I should know about?
10. HOW DO I PLAY AS THE BOSS?
11. What's the blood code?
12. Is Kuroko still in SS4?
13. What are the controls like in SS4?
14. WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL MOVES FOR ALL THE CHARACTERS?
15. HOW DO THE CD COMBOS WORK?
16. What do the background stages look like?
17. Are the endings transcribed here?
18. Are there any "goodies" in the game?
19. How about bug reports?
20. Who can I get in touch with to discuss my favourite character?
21. I have more info on SS4 than what is here.  Can I submit it?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1. How many versions of the TAPFAQ are there?

0.50 - Released 11/5/96
        Complete (?) movelist, details of new aspects of game engine, still
        need lots of information!
0.75 - Released 11/6/96
        Reformatted all special moves with joystick diagrams, added two
        endings and a few other bits of information.  Oh yeah, and lots of
        spelling corrections.
0.80 - Released 11/9/96
        Filled in details on Rage Explosion moves.  ASCII map of the
        "world" added, along with stage descriptions.  Descriptions of
        Honourable Death moves for all characters listed.  Added
        translated "purpose statements" from the SNK Japan web page for
        all characters.
1.0  - Released 11/14/96
        Added in a complete set of move descriptions, thanks to TuxKamen!
        Anyone got victory quotes/poses?
1.5  - Released 12/7/96
        Corrected some move info on Galford, added in all the quotes, a
        bug report...and rumours!
2.0  - Released 12/11/96
        Added in complete ending transcriptions for all characters (many
        thanks to Mark Zutkoff!), and a royal ton of touchups to the move
        descriptions for several characters (thanks again to TuxKamen).
2.5  - Released 1/1/97
        I now own the game on cart!  Added a list of character poses and
        taunts, courtesy of yours truly.  It's not complete yet, but it
        will be in the next version.  Also added the blood code (for the
        home versions), courtesy of Shidoshi Naga, and the proper
        conditions for the No Contest moves, thanks to Geese Howie.  In
        addition, Kuroko has been spotted, along with various others
        things, which have been added to the new "Goodies" section.  And
        last but not least, the boss code has been found!  It won't work
        in the arcade though.
3.0  - Released 1/16/97
        Finished up the list of character poses, added in the section on
        CD combos, and the nice ASCII art, courtesy of Mark Zutkoff!
        Also made some touchups to the move lists, for clarification,
        and a modification to the boss code.  This will probably be the
        last major update for awhile, unless something big comes up.
        Send me what you've got!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2. What's the game about?

                                 THE STORY

Early 1789... the disaster which had happened all over the world was
over.  "He" had been ruined by a samurai.  But people still suffered
from various disasters like damage from cold weather, floods, fires,
famines, and so on. 

Then, in autumn in Tenmei 8 (1789)...

Shimabara in Hizen was struck by a lightning storm.  Shimabara and the
surrounding area were totally changed since the day when the roaring
sounds of the thunderbolt shook the sky.  Then the castle Shimabara,
which lay in the center of the area, was becoming more and more sinister
day by day and the tragic changes and disasters continued to spread.

A rumour spread among the people that "his" gospel had responded to
the curses of vengeful ghosts, and so they called this castle
"Amakusa-Jo" and prayed for relief from their fears.

It was "he," Amakusa Shiro Tokisada, who was the owner of the evil castle.
He had been killed by the army of the government and rose from the evil
world after 150 years, filled with hatred and lust for conquest.  His aim
was to conquer the world and build his Utopia. 

Amakusa Shiro Tokisada resurrected the soul of Minazuki Zankuro, which had
lain in the evil world.  His reason for this was to acquire more power for
the sake of building the professed Utopia, but he was unable to control
Zankuro, who reawoke with far more power than anticipated.  Amakusa was
forced to contain Zankuro in the evil world with magical wards temporarily.

Amakusa consumed the souls of the people to control the power possessed by
Zankuro in order to reclaim the power he once held.  This act caused a wave
of evil to emanate from the castle, which would cover not only Shimabara,
but the entire world.

And the world would soon be plunged into chaos once more...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

3. What rumours abound about this game?

There's the perennial Kuroko rumour, who may or may not be in the game,
in his nifty SS2 form, or his watered-down SS3 form.  In any case, he does
not show up during the course of a normal game, except for a cameo in
Gaira's ending.

The biggest rumour currently is that of a "Drunk" Haohmaru, as opposed to
Bust or Slash.  Evidently, he holds his sake bottle instead of his sword,
and has a new set of moves!  More to come as this is tested.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

4. Who's new to SS4?

                          ENTERING THE FRAY

NEW CHARACTERS:

KAZAMA KAZUKI
One of the two brothers who make their way into the SS storyline.  His
attacks are based around the element of fire.  He has abandoned his ninja
clan, to find his sister (who is the girl floating in Amakusa's
background).  He is being hunted by his brother.

KAZAMA SOGETSU 
Brother to Kazuki, and extremely proficient in controlling the
element of water.  Ninjas are prohibited from leaving their clan, for the
sake of keeping their secrets.  If a ninja violates this law, as Kazuki
did, he is dubbed "Nukenin," a renegade.  The clan must then choose the
"Oinin," who is essentially an assassin with the very specific task of
killing the Nukenin.  This is the task which Sogetsu must complete before
he can return home.

YAGYU JUBEI
The only samurai proper in the game makes his return in full force.

CHARLOTTE
The French fencer from the first two games.

TAM TAM
To much acclaim, the scimitar-weilding masked man returns.

5.  Who is returning?

OLD CHARACTERS:  Returning to the fight this time are HAOHMARU, 
  KIBAGAMI GENJURO, KUBIKIRI BASARA, GALFORD, SENRYO KYOSHIRO, TACHIBANA
  UKYO, HATTORI HANZO, NAKORURU, RIMURURU, AMAKUSA SHIRO TOKISADA, KAFUIN
  GAIRA, HISAME SHIZUMARU, and MINAZUKI ZANKURO.  In other words, all of
  the SS3 cast.

6.  Which characters didn't make this game?

GONE CHARACTERS:  CHAM CHAM, CAFFEINE NICOTINE, NEINHALT SIEGER, WAN-FU,
  GEN-AN, and EARTHQUAKE are still missing in action.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

7.  What new options are in the SS4 game?

                        OPTIONS GALORE...

Samurai Shodown IV retains most of the options that players from SS3
will be familiar with...

--> Slash/Bust:
        The "split personality" is still in effect.  Players may choose
from "Slash" (Shura), which denotes an ancient Japanese war god, or "Bust"
(Rasetsu), which is a Japanese demon.  This does not translate to "good"
and "evil," or even "Chivalry" and "Treachery," contrary to the oddly-
translated game manual.  Each form has different attacks, and effectively
doubles the cast of playable characters from 17 to 34.

--> Level Select:
        The same "Grade" select is still available.  By selecting
"Beginner Grade," you are given the ability to do an automatic 4-hit
knockdown combo by pressing CD, and the ability to do your POW special
instantly by pressing ABCD all at once.  You cannot follow up the CD
attack with a chain combo, like the other grades, and your POW meter
charges more slowly.  Also, you cannot use the "Rage Explosion" in the
Beginner grade.  In "Medium Grade," your POW meter will charge up normally.
"Upper Grade" offers something unique: a faster character and the complete
inability to block!  Your POW meter is *not* always full though, which was
not the case in SS3.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

8.  How is the control of the players different in SS4?

                        CONTROLLING THE PLAYERS

Play was radically altered in the transition from SS2 to 3, but the
control scheme is mostly the same as in SS3, with a few exceptions.

--> Air Blocking:
        Air blocking, which many players decried in SS3, has been removed.

--> CD Combo:
        After pressing CD, it sets you up to utilize a really nasty chain
combo on your opponent, which requires specific buttons to be pressed in
specific orders.  At Beginner Grade, this combo is automatically limited to
four hits and knocks down, but Medium and Upper grade players can follow
it up with many more moves and specials for maximum damage!  Also, if you
cn complete the maximum 14-hit CD combo, your POW meter is automatically
maxed out as a reward!

--> Life Restoration:
        Every character now has the ability to restore a small amount of
life whenever he/she is knocked down now!  This completely replaces the
meat which used to be thrown into the fighting area.  Also, bombs are gone
completely!
 
--> Costume Change:
        Every character now has FOUR different colours to choose from.
When you are choosing Slash or Bust, press a or b for a different color.

--> POW Charge:
        It is no longer possible to manually charge up your POW meter.

--> Rage Explosion:
        By pressing ABC, your POW meter is replaced by a "Rage Meter."  The
Rage meter you get is influenced mostly by how much damage you have taken
in the current round, and also by how much POW you have built up.  The
actual explosion apparently does no damage, but is unblockable.  If you
don't hit your opponent, they can smack a hit on you before you regain
control.  So long as your meter remains, you are considered to be
POWed up, with regard to super/POW moves.  If this is done, you will have
no POW Meter in the following round, assuming the match lasts that long.

--> Combination Slash:
        After performing the "Rage Explosion" shown above, you can press
ABC together to perform a "Combination Slash."  This drains a bit of your
Rage Meter (not the POW Meter), and can be used up to four times.  If this
connects, it may be followed up with any special move.

--> Deadly Single Stroke:
        After performing the "Rage Explosion," pressing BCD together will
cause your character to go into one super-powerful slash, which will drain
your opponent's lifebar(s) dramatically.  The amount of damage is inversely
proportional to how much life you have left.  If you are near death and land
this move, it will do MUCH more damage than if you land it with a nearly
full lifebar.  This can only be used once.

--> "No Contest" Moves:
        Samurai Shodown IV now has "No Contest Moves," better known as
"Fatalities" to the Mortal Kombat crowd.  All are done with the same
joystick motion, and have various effects, depending on the character you
are using.  There will be no No Contest when fighting Nakoruru, Rimururu,
CPU Amakusa, CPU Zankuro or the last CPU enemy.  The motion for these moves
is uniform, and will appear on the screen when you are eligible to do them.
It was originally thought to be random, but that is no longer the case.  To
make the "No Contest" available, your opponent must be on the ground at
the final blow, and the hit must make him/her lean forward (as opposed to
knocking down or leaning back).  The motion will show up onscreen, beneath
the timer, and you can perform it then.  The motion is dn, dn, up, fwd,
fwd + C.  It must be performed while the motion display is onscreen.

--> "Honourable Death"
        One of the basic commands is now the ability to automatically kill
yourself, forfeiting the match to your opponent.  The motion is back,
forward, down + Start.  The upside of this is that the next round, assuming
there IS a next round, you will start with full POW.

--> POW Meter Power Up:
        Some specials do extra damage (and tick for more block damage) when
you are POWed up!

--> Self-Disarming Taunts:
        All characters now have the ability to throw away their weapons and
taunt the opponent by pressing START three times rapidly.

--> Dodging:
        If a good distance from your opponent, you can dodge an attack
by pressing AB.

--> Sideswitch: 
        If close to your opponent, pressing AB will make your character
step to the side, and behind your opponent.  It is slower than it was in
SS3, though.

--> Guard Crush:
        You can now grab your opponent, and throw him/her off balance,
to follow up with another attack.  This still takes the place of normal
throws, unfortunately.

--> Hop Crush:
        If your opponent is crouching in defense, you can perform a
Hop crush, a quick move that MUST be blocked high.

--> Catch Throw:
        Same as the previous SS's...while weaponless, you can catch your
opponent's weapon, and throw them.  But in SS4, just like in SS3, you can
do it even WITH your weapon in hand, but you will not throw the opponent,
simply stun him/her for a split second.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

9.  Any other new stuff I should know about?

a) Shared Backgrounds:  Instead of each character having individual
   backgrounds, there are several backgrounds which are shared by all
   characters.  Each one shows a progression of being closer to Amakusa's
   castle, so this is for the sake of plot (and probably memory).
b) Pre-determined CPU Opponents:  Depending on the character you choose,
   you will face a specific set of computer opponents, in a certain order.
   This seems to be the case, but requires verification.  Each character
   has a short conversation with a certain other character at the
   beginning, and will meet up again with that character at the
   end.  Here is the list of who meets whom, in no particular order:

   +---------------------------+------------------------+
   | If you play...            | You'll meet up with... |
   +---------------------------+------------------------+
   | Tam Tam                   | Galford                |
   | Galford                   | Tam Tam                |
   | Hanzo                     | Jubei                  |
   | Jubei                     | Hanzo                  |
   | Sogetsu                   | Kazuki                 |
   | Kazuki                    | Sogetsu                |
   | Genjuro                   | Haohmaru               |
   | Haohmaru                  | Genjuro                |
   | Charlotte                 | Haohmaru               |
   | Amakusa                   | Hanzo                  |
   | Kyoshiro                  | Ukyo                   |
   | Ukyo                      | Kyoshiro               |
   | Basara                    | Gaira                  |
   | Gaira                     | Basara                 |
   | Shizumaru                 | Haohmaru               |
   | Nakoruru                  | Genjuro                |
   | Rimururu                  | Genjuro                |
   +---------------------------+------------------------+
c) The Time Limit: Perhaps the strangest new aspect of SS4 is that, in a
   vs. CPU game, each character is given a specific amount of time in which
   he/she must reach Amakusa's castle, in order to fight Amakusa, or else
   the person who spoke to the character before will be the "boss."
d) Double Lifebars: In a similar fashion to Real Bout Fatal Fury, all
   characters now have two lifebars per round, so fights tend to last
   longer than in SS3, where they were grievously short.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

10.  How do I play as the boss?

The boss code is here!  Unfortunately, it won't work in the arcade.  It's
only for the Neo*Geo CD version.  It's quite simple.  In order to pick
Zankuro, start a two-player game.  Hold down D and press A.  (Not BCD as
was previously believed.)  Voila.  You can now play as Zankuro!

If you have the game on cart, and a MAS-modified cart system, you can
still get it to work.  Before selecting your character, go to the game
debug dip settings screen, and turn dip 2-8 on.  Then input the code.
And there you go!  On the cart, this can be done in one-player mode as
well, but you will not receive any dialogue, and the only CPU opponent
you will face will be Haohmaru.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

11.  What's the blood code?

We got it, thanks to Shidoshi Naga!  Here it is!

At the title screen, hold down START and highlight "Options." Press A to
enter the options screen.  While STILL HOLDING DOWN START, move the
cursor to "Exit," press A+B+C+D simultaneously.  May take a few tries.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

12.  Is Kuroko still in SS4?

He has been spotted, in only ONE place.  In Gaira's ending, when Gaira
is about to attack Nicotine, Kuroko appears, flags to the ground like
when starting a match in SS1 and 2.  It's just for a split second, so you
have to be quick to catch him.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

13.  What are the controls like in SS4?

If you thought it was complex in SS3, get ready to practice.  Here's the
list of basic controller motions and button-press commands.

Basic System

KEY:  uf = up forward   ub = up back
      fw = forward  bk = back 
      df = down forward  dn = down  db = down back
      A   Weak slash
      B   Medium slash
      C   Hard slash
      D   Kick
-------------------------+------------------------------------------------
AB (far)                 | dodge 
fw + AB (close)          | behind step (move around opponent)
BC                       | hop crush (must be high blocked)
bk + C (close)           | pulling guard crush 
fw + C (close)           | pushing guard crush 
QCB, fw + D              | (with weapon) block stuns opponent
                         | (without weapon) catches weapon and throw 
df + slash               | (close lying opponent)  Pounce Attack (near) 
up + slash               | (within defining range) Pounce Attack (far)
bk or fw                 | (while getting up) roll away
ub or up or uf           | (while getting up) quick recovery 
dn + tap button          | (while lying down) restore life
                         | * You can't use roll away or quick recovery
                         |   after heal life.
start x 3                | throw away weapon and taunt
A or B                   | (close to weapon) pick up weapon 
ABC                      | Rage Explosion
  followed by ABC        |    combination slash 
  or followed by BCD     |    deadly single stroke
fw, fw                   | Forward Dash
bk, bk                   | Hop Back 
CD                       | Starts Combination Attack (Chain) 
  after CD, A, A, A      |    combination attack 1
  after CD, A, B, C      |    combination attack 2
  after CD, B, B, C      |    combination attack 3
  after CD, fw + A,A,B,  |
    B,C,C,A,B,C,C,C,C,C  | 14 combination slash
-------------------------+------------------------------------------------

* Basic Moves (Only for Beginner Class) 
CD              automatic combination attack
ABCD            POW special 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

14.  What are the special moves for all the characters?

      O  O  O       SS4 uses an 8-directional joystick.  All of the moves
       \ | /        listed below are shown as if your character is facing
      O- # -O       right.  For when you are facing left, reverse the
       / | \        left and right directions.
      O  O  O
      
      slash = A or B or C   Button = A or B or C or D 
      # = This move requires your weapon 
      ! = This move becomes more powerful when POW gauge is MAX

      NOTE: For the sake of simplicity and grammatical correctness, the
      pronoun "he" is always used rather than "he/she."

      All POW specials for all characters are now performed by pressing

                             O- -O | + AB
                                   O

***************************************************************************
AMAKUSA SHIRO TOKISADA
He goes to Shimabara to find his "other half," his darker side, and
destroy him in order to become one again.

[Quotes]
Pre-fight: "Behold the new world order.  All humans will
       cower in my presence, and those who betray me
       will earn a swift death.  Burn, O pearl of
       strength and evil!  Burn, burn, burn!"

Slash  CPU Win: Your soul's in a better place.
       VS. Win: Forgive me.  For the future.
       No Contest: O, when will I be whole?

Bust   CPU Win: Your soul is my power!
       Vs. Win: Call me Mr. Evil.  Yeah!
       No Contest: I'll be whole if I not tarry!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: He spins around, summoning his sphere to him in a burst
  of magical energy, saying, "Nanji ni shikufuku are." (?)
Slash 1st Win: His portal appears beneath him, shrouding him in a column
  of light, as he says, "Aware na." (Foolish.)
Slash 2nd Win: He draws energy into his orb, while saying, "Nanji no
  karuma sukuigatashi!" (?)
Slash Taunt: Chuckles, says, "Kami no jihi zo!" (?) and drops his orb.

Bust Pre-fight: He laughs, holding his arm in front of his face.
Bust 1st Win: He covers his face with his hand as his orb swirls about
  him and says, "Aware na." (Foolish.)
Bust 2nd Win: He laughs, and his sphere vanishes in a burst of light, as
  he says, "Nanji no karuma sukuigatashi!" (?)
Bust Taunt: Says, "Kami ni jihi zo!" (?) and drops his orb.

No Contest: He sends his sphere out and it pummels the opponent for a
  little while, then cuts him/her in half.  Basically a recycled version
  of his 14-hitter.
Honourable Death: He forms his portal and vanishes into it.

 SLASH

-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   OumagaToki/Mae                    |   | \  -O + D      
   (Evil Hornet Gouger/forward)      |   O  O
                                     |
   Amakusa teleports forward.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   OumagaToki/Ushiro                 |   |  / O- + D
   (Evil Hornet Gouger/reverse)      |   O O                               
                                     |
   Amakusa teleports backward.       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! ShireiJin (Holy Spirit Slicer)    |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O 
   Amakusa releases a flaming skull  |
   which travels horizontally across |
   the screen.  When POWed, ticks    |
   4-6 times.                        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Nanji, Anten Nyumetsu Seyo        |   (setting in motion)
   (Dark Destroyer)                  |   
                                     |   -O | \  + slash, then
   Amakusa spins up into the air,    |      O  O
   forming a flaming sphere which    |
   spins down on the opponent for    |   (attack) slash, or
   damage (or, if pressing D, just   |   (abort) D
   drops him back down.)             |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  TenshoHouohJin (Phoenix Flash)    |   |  / O- + slash
                                     |   O O 
   Amakusa pauses, then flings his   |
   orb out across the screen (button |
   determines distance).  If caught, |
   opponent is sucked into a portal  |
   and dropped for damage.           |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  ShokiDan (Miasma Plasma)          |   -O | \ + D
                                     |      O  O   
   Amakusa poses, letting his orb    |
   whirl around him in a protective  |
   barrier.  If opponent touches it, |
   he is blasted for damage.         |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  KyomeiJisatsuJin(Legend of Hades Blitz) 

   Amakusa charges up, then slides forward with his orb leading the
   way.  If he connects, the enemy is trapped between a pair of portals
   which open up; Amakusa gathers his orb above his head, pauses, then
   points it at the enemy, blasting him away for heavy damage.

 BUST
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   OumagaToki/Mae                    |   | \  -O + D      
   (Evil Hornet Gouger/forward)      |   O  O 
                                     |
   Amakusa teleports forward.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   OumagaToki/Ushiro                 |   |  / O- + D
   (Evil Hornet Gouger/reverse)      |   O O 
                                     |
   Amakusa teleports backward.       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! MeifuMashouDan                    |   | \  -O + slash
   (Underworld Lord Blast)           |   O  O
                                     |
   Amakusa releases a black orb      |
   which flies horizontally across   |
   the screen.  When POWed, ticks    |
   4-6 times.                        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Nanji, Anten Nyumetsu Seyo        |   (setting in motion)
   (Dark Destroyer)                  |   
                                     |   -O | \  + slash, then
   Amakusa spins up into the air,    |      O  O
   forming a flaming sphere which    |
   spins down on the opponent for    |   (attack) slash, or
   damage (or, if pressing D, just   |   (abort) D
   drops him back down.)             |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  KoumaShoraiHa                     |   |  / O- + slash
   (Invitation to Evil)              |   O O
                                     |
   Amakusa flings a portal along the |
   ground at the enemy.  If not      |
   blocked, it grabs and throws for  |
   damage.                           |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  KairetsuSho (Judgement Blow)      |   -O | \ + D
                                     |      O  O
   Not much to say, except that it   |
   is a pimp-slap move with good     |
   range and many more hits than     |
   the SS3 version.                  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  KyomeiJisatsuJin(Legend of Hades Blitz) 

   Amakusa charges up, then slides forward with his orb leading the
   way.  If he connects, the enemy is trapped between a pair of portals
   which open up; Amakusa gathers his orb above his head, pauses, then
   points it at the enemy, blasting him away for heavy damage.

***************************************************************************
KAZAMA KAZUKI
His sister is in great danger, and he senses that the cause is the evil
castle in Shimabara.  So, he breaks his ninja clan's law and leaves, in
order to find and destroy the source of the evil, and in so doing, becomes
Nukenin.

[Quotes]
Pre-fight: "Wimps like you should stay home.  What a waste of time!"
           "My time is short.  So I'll be brief."

Slash  CPU Win: Burn in Hades's flames!
       Vs. Win: Your flames are spent!
       No Contest: No one can snuff my flame!

Bust   CPU Win: You're ash in my flames!
       Vs. Win: Get lost or get barbecued!
       No Contest: Want more pain, weenie?

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Dashes in from his side of the screen.
Slash 1st Win: Holds his fists out to either side and screams.
Slash 2nd Win: Turns his back to the screen, says, "Temadorazeyagatte.
  Mattero yo, Hazuki!" (?? Wait for me, Hazuki!) and dashes off in a blur.
Slash Taunt: Stabs his sword into the ground, runs his hand through his
  hair, and says, "Mada yaru tsumori ka yo?" (Still want to try it?)

Bust Pre-fight: Crosses his arms, and his sword flares up in fire.
Bust 1st Win: Puts his hands on his hips, says, "Zama ne na!" (Too bad!)
  and laughs.
Bust 2nd Win: Crosses his arms in front of his face and says, "Moroi
  na!" (?)
Bust Taunt: Sticks his sword in the ground, puts his hands on his hips,
  and says, "Teranne na!" (?)

No Contest: Sends a blast of fire at his opponent, burning off his/her
  head and one shoulder.
Honourable Death: He blows himself up in a huge blast of fire, leaving
  his lower body behind, which slumps over.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  ShakunetsuKon                     |   | \  -O + button
                                     |   O  O
   Kazuki fires a flaming ball from  |
   his hands.  Charging up with      |
   the SaiEn move below also ups the |
   power of the fireball; the button |
   used, if you have flames helping, |
   determines how many you send.     |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! DaiBakuSatsu                      |   -O | \  + button when close or
                                     |      O  O     against a jumping
   Kazuki does an upward-reaching    |               opponent.
   grab a la Kyo's Kototsuki You in  |
   KOF (read: grabs, then blows the  |
   opponent off of his hand).  Each  |
   extra charge (see SaiEn) below    |
   adds an explosion to the hit if   |
   you use them; the button chooses  |
   how many helpers are contributed. |
   When POWed, there are two extra   |
   explosions before Kazuki lets go. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  SaiEn                             |   |  / O- + button
                                     |   O O 
   Kazuki pauses and charges, making |
   a small fireball which floats     |
   over him.  He can carry up to 3   |
   balls at once, and each one steps |
   up the power of his special       |
   moves. Moreover, they can be      |
   fired off when he does his        |
   Shakunetsukon or Daibakusatsu.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  EnMetsu                           |   O- |  / + button
                                     |      O O
   Kazuki pauses, then explodes,     |
   reappearing behind his former     |
   body.  Hits for fire damage, and  |
   can tick a lot at close range.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   HomuraGaeshi                      |  (while being hit) AC
                                     |
   When Kazuki is hit or knocked to  |
   the ground, press AC and any      |
   flames he has collected float at  |
   the opponent to burn for minor    |
   damage.                           |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  BakuBou, KaenGeki                              

   Kazuki rushes forward in a *large* wake of flames, ramming 
   into the opponent.  Whether he hits or misses, though, he
   rebounds after the move and lies on the floor, spent.

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   GurenKyaku                        |   -O | \  + button, then
                                     |      O  O              
   Kazuki launches himself into the  |
   air, kicking with his feet for    |   O- + button, then
   damage.  The proper way to get    |
   the extra hits is somewhat in     |   -O + button (repeatedly)
   question, but jiggling the stick  |
   back and forth as you hit seems   |
   to work just fine.                |                                 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! RokudoRekka                       |   | \  -O + A, then
                                     |   O  O
   This is a combination move.  The  |
   first motion makes Kazuki slide   |   | \  -O + B, then
   along the ground with flaming leg |   O  O
   extended, which hits low for      |
   minor damage. The second move     |   | \  -O + C
   makes him do an overhand hammer,  |   O  O
   making the opponent rebound off   |
   the wall and fly back at him.  As |
   the opponent passes back over,    |
   timing the third motion as the    |
   opponent passes directly overhead |
   makes him leap up, do a punch     |
   combo, and then a final sword     |
   strike which hits for MASSIVE     |
   damage.  However, the last strike |
   requires exact timing.            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  EnMetsu                           |   O- |  / + button
                                     |      O O
   Kazuki pauses, then explodes,     |
   reappearing behind his former     |
   body.  Hits for fire damage, and  |
   can tick a lot at close range.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  EnjaKakusei                       

   Kazuki powers up, creating a vertical column of flame for a 
   few moments.  Within the base of the flame you can see a
   shadowy, demonic likeness of Kazuki.  Once the bonfire ends
   Kazuki slumps over, drained.  (Super Saiyajin!)

***************************************************************************
KAZAMA SOGETSU
After his brother's defection from the clan, Sogetsu is given the duty of
Oinin, and must journey out to slay Kazuki.

[Quotes]
Pre-fight: "Well, I really don't feel like losing to a dweeb like your
            pathetic self!" 
           "Hah!  With a foe like you, this will really be boring.  Have
            at you, wimp!"

Slash  CPU Win: As weak as I thought!
       Vs. Win: Major disappointment, dweeb!
       No Contest: Boy, was that boring!

Bust   CPU Win: Betrayal means pain.  Sad, huh?
       Vs. Win: That's it!  I'm disappointed! 
       No Contest: You just ain't got it!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Appears as a blue water-image, which solidifies.
Slash 1st Win: Puts a finger to his chin and says, "Shitsurei.  Anmari no
  yowasa ni warai da." (Pardon me.  I can't help but laugh at your
  weakness.)
Slash 2nd Win: Turns away from his opponent and says, "Shoukyo kanryou...
  desu." and turns his head back to face the screen.
Slash Taunt: Tosses his sword away a short distance, smirks and says, 
  "Anata ni awasemashou." (?)

Bust Pre-fight: Spins his sword, sheathes it and says, "Saa, ikimashou
  ka." (Now, shall we fight?)
Bust 1st Win: Lets down his hair, which extends to his ankles, and says,
  "Sono teido to wa... shitsubou desu." (Your degree of skill is...
  disappointing.)
Bust 2nd Win: Pulls out his sword, wipes it with a cloth, spins it and
  sheathes it once more, saying, "Hakanai mono desu... inochi nan te."
  (Such a ?? life is.)
Bust Taunt: Tosses his sword away, runs his hand through the front of his
  hair, and says, "Kore de dou desu ka?" (So how's this?)

No Contest: Does a long series of strong slashes, the dashes through the
  opponent, vanishes with his water teleport, and reappears on the other
  side, saying, "Shini nasai."  (Die.)
Honourable Death: He forms his air-defense bubble around himself and then
  disappears as the bubble pops.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Gekko                             |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Sogetsu twirls, creating a spout  |
   of water which hits for damage.   |
   When POWed, hits multiple times.  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Fugetsu                           |   | \  -O + button
                                     |   O  O
   Sogetsu flings a slow-moving      |
   bubble of water, which hangs in   |
   the air until he throws another   |
   or the bubble is touched or hit.  |
   When the enemy is touched, the    |
   bubble pops, dousing him and      |
   leaving him open for a hit.  Hold |
   down the button and move the      |
   stick for a small degree of       |
   control over its movement.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  TsukiGakure                       |   |  / O- + slash
                                     |   O O
   Sogetsu collapses into a puddle   |
   of water, then reappears.         |
   A stays where it is, B moves in   |
   front of the enemy, and C moves   |
   behind the enemy.                 |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Shoha FugetsuZan

   Sogetsu rushes forward with seven quick standing C 
   slashes, then finishes with his ABC animation (a wall of 
   icy water springing from the ground).

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   ShiZuki (Death Moon)              |   in air, |  / O- + slash
                                     |           O O
   Sogetsu dives forward, grabs the  |
   enemy by the head, and flips him  |
   away.  Hits airborne opponents,   |
   but only to knock them to the     |
   ground (no throw).                |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  EnGetsu                           |   in air, -O | \ + slash
                                     |              O  O 
   Sogetsu forms a large bubble of   |
   water around himself.  It serves  |
   as a brief air defense, and after |
   it finishes, he can jump up again |
   or perform another move.  It may  |
   only be performed once after      |
   leaving the ground.               |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! GetsurinHa/chi                    |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Sogetsu releases one, two, or     |
   three spinning blobs of water     |
   (total depends on the button that |
   is used.)  When POWed, the discs  |
   have homing ability, and spin     |
   back for a second round of hits.  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! GetsurinHa/ku                     |   in air, | \  -O + slash
                                     |           O  O
   Same as Getsurinha-chi, except he |
   flings them from the air.  Same   |
   POW homing ability.               |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special                           
#  Gessho/SuityuHa                      
   
   Sogetsu does a move *very* similar to Geese Howard's 
   Razing Storm; he twirls, and geysers of water form up and 
   spin around him for a few seconds.

***************************************************************************
KIBAGAMI GENJURO
He has no interest in the crisis in Shimabara, but simply seeks Haohmaru,
and will kill any and all who stand in his way... Amakusa included.
[Quotes]
Pre-fight: "You're boring. Die!"
           "You... I hate.  Die!"

Slash  CPU Win: Nice job, noodlehead.
       Vs. Win: What a boring brute.
       No Contest: That's your best?

Bust   CPU Win: Aaah.  I need more blood!
       Vs. Win: Out of my way, trash!
       No Contest: You're not worth killing.

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Shrugs his kimono off his shoulder and says, "Omoshiroi."
  (Interesting.)
Slash 1st Win: Sips from a sake dish, tosses it away and says,
  "Yawasugiru." (Slang for 'Yowasugiru,' means "Too weak.")
Slash 2nd Win: Looks at his sword, puts his kimono on and says, "Yaku ni
  mo naran!" (?)
Slash Taunt: Looks upward, slams his sword into the ground and says, "Ahh,
  yattsu ku!" (Ahh, come on!)

Bust Pre-fight: Stands with his back to opponent, eyes closed.  He then
  opens them and turns around.
Bust 1st Win: Looks upward, sighs and gives a sound of disgust.
Bust 2nd Win: Looks down at the opponent, then turns away, saying,
  "Yawasugiru."  (Too weak.)
Bust Taunt: Looks upward, slams his sword into the ground and says, "Ahh,
  yattsu ku!" (Ahh, come on!)

No Contest: Slides forward, like Slash's San Ren Satsu, then does a far
  standing C which bisects the opponent.
Honourable Death: He runs himself through with his sword.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! TouHa KouyokuJin                  |   -O | \  + slash
   (Lightning Wings)                 |      O  O
                                     |
   Genjuro uppercuts into the air    |
   with his sword.  When POWed, he   |
   sweeps up once, up again, and     |
   then delivers a final downward    |
   slash.                            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  SanRenSatsu (Triple Death Hack)   |   | \  -O + slash (x3)
                                     |   O  O
   Genjuro slides forward to slash   |
   up to three times for damage.     |
   The range and speed seem to have  |
   been decreased from SS3, but the  |
   C version still hits behind.      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  OukaZan (Cherry Blossom Slice)    |   |  / O- + slash
                                     |   O O
   Genjuro flings out a hanafuda     |
   card, which hits for damage.      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  ShizukuJin (Death Drop)           |   -O | \  + D when close
                                     |      O  O
   Genjuro grabs the opponent,       |
   flings him up into the air, then  |
   jumps up after them and cuts him  |
   down.                             |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Kurenai (Scarlet Slash)           |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Genjuro slashes at the air beyond |
   him; a second later, a card forms |
   in the same place.  Enemies in the|
   area of the card must block or    |
   take damage.                      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  GokouZan (Five Flash Rip)          

   Genjuro swings, creating a spinning card which the opponent 
   must block.  If successful, the opponent is carried into the
   air; Genjuro jumps up after him, slashes him five times at
   the peak of the jump, then sends him to the ground.

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! TouHa KouyokuJin                  |   -O | \  + slash
   (Lightning Wings)                 |      O  O       
   Genjuro uppercuts into the air    |
   with his sword.  When POWed, he   |
   sweeps up once, up again, and     |
   then delivers a final downward    |
   slash.                            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  SanKuSatsu (Three Heavens Death)  |   | \  -O + slash (x3)
                                     |   O  O
   Genjuro runs forward to hit the   |
   opponent.  If hit, he slashes him |
   into the air, hitting up to three |
   times for damage.                 |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  UraOuka/Shoubu                    |   |  / O- + slash 
   (Cherry Blossom Iris Reverse)     |   O O
                                     |
   Genjuro flings a hanafuda card    |   (hold button to bounce)
   horizontally across the screen to |
   strike the opponent.  If the      |
   button used to throw the card is  |
   held down, the card will bounce   |
   off a blocking opponent and come  |
   down for a second hit.            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HyakkiSatsu (Death of 100 Demons) |   |  / O- -O + slash
                                     |   O O
   Genjuro slashes rapidly forward.  |
   If he catches the opponent, he    |
   impales him on his sword, thrusts |
   it through, then pushes him off   |
   his blade.                        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Shigure (Purple Dusk)             |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Genjuro slashes at the air beyond |
   him; a second later, a card forms |
   in the same place.  Enemies in    |
   the area of the card must block   |
   or take damage.                   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Ura Gokou (Reverse Five Flash) 

   Genjuro swings, creating a spinning card which the opponent
   must block.  If successful, the opponent is carried up into
   the air; Genjuro floats up after him, slashing him five
   times as they rise and then sending the opponent to the
   ground. 

***************************************************************************
HAOHMARU
On hearing of the restoration of the evil castle, he senses the presence
of Amakusa.  He journeys to Shimabara to conclude his battle with the
Dark Guy once and for all.

Pre-fight: "Let's blade boogie!"
           "Yes!  A worthy opponent!"

Slash  CPU Win: Awesome!  It's my style!
       Vs. Win: Yeeaaah!  Nice fight!
       No Contest: Swordplay isn't dancing, pal!

Bust   CPU Win: I am what I am: a lone rebel!
       Vs. Win: Aaah!  I love victory sake!
       No Contest: A fop like you had to lose!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Drinks some sake, spits it on his sword, and says,
  "Yoshi!" (All right!)
Slash 1st Win: Sheathes his sword and rests his hands on the hilt.
Slash 2nd Win: Tosses his sword in the air, spins the sheath and looks
  away, catching the blade in it.
Slash Taunt: Drinks some sake and puts his sword down, saying, "Doushita
  Doushita!" (What's wrong, what's wrong?)

Bust Pre-fight: Drinks some sake, spits it on his sword, and says,
  "Ikuze!" (Let's go!)
Bust 1st Win: Slashes his sword downward, grins and says "Mou ippon!"
  (That's one!)
Bust 2nd Win: Tosses his sake bottle in the air, holds his sheath over his
  shoulder, catching it with the tip, and says, "Kazutte wa ii mon da ze!"
  (?)
Bust Taunt: Drinks some sake and puts his sword down, saying, "Doushita
  Doushita!" (What's wrong, what's wrong?)

No Contest: Dashes forward, does a quick Kogetsuzan, then comes downward
  with a Resshin Zan.
Honourable Death: He runs himself through with his sword.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Ougi SenpuRetsuZan                |   | \  -O + slash
   (Secret Cyclone Slash)            |   O  O
                                     |
   Haohmaru scrapes the ground with  |
   his blade, flinging out a small   |
   cyclone which lifts and drops the |
   opponent for damage.              |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Ougi KogetsuZan                   |   -O | \  + slash
   (Secret Crescent Moon Slash)      |      O  O 
                                     |
   Haohmaru whirls his sword in a    |
   circle and thrusts up into the    |
   air to hit for damage.  (Read:    |
   uppercut.)  POW version hits      |
   multiple times.                   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Ougi ShippuKogetsuZan             |   during dash, -O | \  + slash
   (Secret Hurricane Thrust)         |                   O  O
                                     |
   A running version of the uppercut |
   move.  Comes out very quickly on  |
   the dash, which is a bonus.       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Ougi ResshinZan                   |   O- |  / + slash
   (Secret Earthquake Slice)         |      O O
                                     |
   Haohmaru leaps forward, turning a |
   somersault in mid-air, and comes  |
   down with his sword in a heavy,   |
   earthshaking slash.  Hits high,   |
   and should be blocked for all 3   |
   'ticks' of the move.              |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Hiougi TenhaFujinZan (Top Secret Heaven Constraint Blast) 
                                      
   Haohmaru performs six KogetsuZan in a row on the ground, and 
   finishes with a high vertical one.  Identical to Slash's POW
   in SS3.

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Ougi SenpuRetsuZan/Sen            |   | \  -O + slash
   (Secret Cyclone Homicide Slash)   |   O  O
                                     |
   Haohmaru scrapes the ground with  |
   his blade, flinging out a small   |
   cyclone which lifts and drops the |
   opponent for damage.              |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Ougi KogetsuZan                   |   -O | \  + slash
   (Secret Crescent Moon Slash)      |      O  O 
                                     |
   Haohmaru whirls his sword in a    |
   circle and thrusts up into the    |
   air to hit for damage.  (Read:    |
   uppercut.)  POW version hits      |
   multiple times.                   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Ougi ShippuKogetsuZan             |   during dash, -O | \  + slash
   (Secret Hurricane Thrust)         |                   O  O
                                     |
   A running version of the uppercut |
   move.  Comes out very quickly on  |
   the dash, which is a bonus.       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   GouHa (Sword Shockwave)           |   -O | \  + D
                                     |      O  O
   Haohmaru pauses (briefly), then   |
   rushes forward to ram with his    |
   shoulder for damage.  There is a  |
   noticeable pause at the beginning |
   of the move now, though it is     |
   still possible to combo moves     |
   with it.                          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  SenpuHa (Typhoon Wave)            |   | \  -O + D
                                     |   O  O
   Haohmaru scrapes his sword along  |
   the ground, kicking up a stunning |
   spray at the opponent.  No more   |
   infinite combos with this move--  |
   the last hit of the wave knocks   |
   down, so any followups have to be |
   fast.                             |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  NagiYaiba (Serene Slice)          |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Haohmaru pauses with sword in a   |
   guard position.  If the opponent  |
   enters the effective range of the |
   move (or pokes with a weapon),    |
   Haohmaru reverses with a single-  |
   revolution Kogetsuzan (no upward  |
   thrust).                          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Hiougi TenhaDankuRetsuZan (Top Secret Heaven Cruncher)

   Haohmaru does a short single-revolution Kogetsuzan (no upward
   thrust and not much forward motion).  If the opponent is hit,
   a giant whirlwind sweeps him into the air; Haohmaru leaps up
   after him and sends him to the ground with a heavy downward
   stroke.

***************************************************************************
TACHIBANA UKYO
Ukyo and his fiancee, Odagiri Kei, are living happily, but when disaster
strikes in Shimabara, he decides to journey there to put a halt to it,
before it can harm the woman he loves.

Pre-fight: "Yawn..."

Slash  CPU Win: Blood!  How revolting.
       Vs. Win: O, so naive!
       No Contest: Fun's over, bonehead.

Bust   CPU Win: L-O-S-E-R...
       Vs. Win: Whoa, that was close.
       No Contest: Yikes!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Bows to the opponent.
Slash 1st Win: Coughs up blood.
Slash 2nd Win: Spins his sword, then sheathes it.
Slash Taunt: Draws his sword, sets it in the ground and says, "Kore de."
  (Here.)

Bust Pre-fight: Bows to the opponent.
Bust 1st Win: Stands, facing the wind and says, "Kei-dono..." (Kei...)
Bust 2nd Win: Swings his sword, flinging blood from it, and dashes off,
  chased by his entourage of women.
Bust Taunt: Draws his sword and sets it in the ground.

No Contest: Dashes around the opponent like in Bust's super, then the
  opponent's torso slides off.
Honourable Death: He coughs harshly, vomits(!), and falls over.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Hiken Sasameyuki                  |   |  / O- + D
   (Vanity Sabre Snowfall Slash)     |   O O
                                     |
   Ukyo tosses an apple.  Style pts. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Hiken Sasameyuki                  |   |  / O- + slash
   (Concealed Sabre Snowfall Slash)  |   O O
                                     |
   Ukyo tosses an apple, and this    |
   time slashes quickly after it,    |
   hitting multiple times for damage |
   until the opponent is pushed out  |
   of range.                         |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Hiken TsubameGaeshi               |   in air,  / | \  -O + slash
   (Concealed Sabre Swallow Swipe)   |           O  O  O
                                     |   or
   Ukyo rotates with sword extended, |
   creating an arc of flame which    |   from ground, 
   knocks down the opponent.   The   |                
   button pressed determines the     |    / | \  -O + O or O or O + slash 
   speed of the swipe (and, if done  |   O  O  O       \   |   /
   from the ground, determines what  |
   height off the ground it launches |
   from.)                            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Hiken OboroGatana                 |   | \  -O + slash
   (Concealed Sabre Haze Hack)       |   O  O
                                     |
   Ukyo afterimage-slides forward,   |
   hacking one, two, or three times  |
   depending on the button used. The |
   final hit knocks down the enemy.  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  TsubameRokuRen (Tsubame Six Flash)

   Ukyo flings an apple and hops forward across the screen.  If he
   hits the opponent, he performs a six-revolution Swallow Swipe on
   him; this move crosses over if the opponent is at a certain distance
   (about a third-screen away).

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Hibari (Spider Thrust)            |   |  / O- + D
                                     |   O O
   Ukyo pokes forward with his       |
   scabbard; the end of the sword    |
   glows as it hits several times to |
   stun for minor damage.  This move |
   usually is followed up with a     |
   more damaging one as a combo.     |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Hiken Sasameyuki -Sen-            |   |  / O- + slash
   (Concealed Sabre Snowfall Slash   |   O O
   Flash)                            |
                                     |
   Ukyo flings an apple and begins   |
   to slash rapidly after it.  If    |
   the opponent is caught, he is     |
   drawn in and repeatedly slashed   |
   (up to 32 times total!)  This has |
   excellent priority, taking people |
   out of air moves and normals as   |
   well as catching them off-guard   |
   after they block the first pokes. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Hiken TsubameGaeshi               |   in air,  / | \  -O + slash
   (Concealed Sabre Swallow Swipe)   |           O  O  O
                                     |   or
   Ukyo rotates with sword extended, |
   creating an arc of flame which    |   from ground, 
   knocks down the opponent.   The   |                
   button pressed determines the     |    / | \  -O + O or O or O + slash 
   speed of the swipe (and, if done  |   O  O  O       \   |   /
   from the ground, determines what  |
   height off the ground it launches |
   from.)                            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Hiken Kagero                      |   | \  -O + slash
   (Concealed Sabre Heat Flash)      |   O  O
                                     |
   Ukyo charges briefly, then rips   |
   his sword from its sheath to send |
   a flash of energy across the      |
   screen.  Stuns the opponent and   |
   opens him up for further hits.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  MusouZankoKa (Flashback Flash Blast) 

   Ukyo runs forward, sword trailing behind him and glowing as in   
   the Spider Thrust.  If he connects with the opponent, he blurs
   rapidly around him, pulling away and slowly resheathing his sword.
   Once he does, the opponent is rocked with every cut at once
   (different from SS3) and sprays a huge gout of blood into the air.

***************************************************************************
KUBIKIRI BASARA
With the resurrection of Zankuro, Basara's rest is rudely interrupted, and
he must destroy both the summoner and the summoned in order to finally
achieve eternal peace.

Pre-fight: "With this crazy blade, let the bloodfest begin!"
           "The chimes of nightmares peel (sic) through the air.  The
            battle begins!"

Slash  CPU Win: Blood marks Heaven's path!
       Vs. Win: Yah, hah, haaaah!
       No Contest: Darkness's maw opens!

Bust   CPU Win: You don't scare me.  Waah!
       Vs. Win: Kagaribi...where are you?
       No Contest: Kagaribi, joy, joy!  The pyres burn!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Leaps up from a portal of blackness in the ground, then
  lands and goes into combat stance.
Slash 1st Win: Twirls his blade in his hand, then spreads his arms, saying,
  "Kodobura rarikite ukenai!" (?)
Slash 2nd Win: Kagaribi's ghost drops into his arms, and he laughs.  She
  then crumbles away into a skeleton, which fades, and he screams, dropping
  to his knees.
Slash Taunt: Laughs, drops his weapon and says, "Kowakunai yo!" (I'm not
  afraid!)

Bust Pre-fight: Appears, crouching, from a portal on the ground.  Kagaribi
  floats around him for a moment, then vanishes as Basara calls her name.
Bust 1st Win: Tightens the metal band on his wrist and says, "Ukeireru nara
  shini wa shinai!" (Accept the end and true death will not claim you!)
Bust 2nd Win: Laughs, then transforms into the shadowy form of a bat.  A
  portal opens beneath him and he vanishes as several smaller bat-shapes
  fly out.
Bust Taunt: Laughs, drops his weapon and says, "Boku no tokoro ni oide!"
  (Come to me!)

No Contest: Grabs the opponent, like in the Friendly Rip, and drags him/her
  down slowly, blood flying everywhere.  He then reappears from the top of
  the screen as the portal closes.
Honourable Death:  He slashes his own neck.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   SashiAshi (Stabbing Feet)         |   in air, | + D
                                     |           O
   Basara thrusts downward in midair |
   with both glowing feet.  He can   |
   pogo off the opponent's head once |
   he touches the opponent and try   |
   again, or do another move.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Tomobiki (Friendly Rip)           |   -O | \  + button when close
                                     |      O  O
   Basara grabs forward in a hugging |
   motion, crying, "Kagaribi!" (his  |
   lover's name).  If he grabs the   |
   opponent, a portal opens, sucking |
   them both down.  An instant later |
   the enemy is ripped out of the    |
   hole with a vertical slash from   |
   Basara's weapon.  When POWed,     |
   hits many more times.             |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  KageNui (Shadow Stitcher)         |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Basara thrusts his blade into a   |
   portal in the ground; it then     |
   reappears from another portal     |
   (distance depends on button) over |
   the players' heads, striking down |
   for damage.                       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   KageSui (Soul Sucker)             |   |  / O- + button
                                     |   O O
   Basara gets sucked into a shadow  |
   which appears under him.  In the  |
   time he remains in the shadow, he |
   can be repositioned by moving to  |
   the left or right.                |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  SoraSashi (Airborne Slash)        |   in air, | \  -O + slash
                                     |           O  O
   Basara flings his blade out in a  |
   spinning slash.  A sends it near- |
   vertically down, B flings it at a |
   45-degree angle, and C throws it  |
   horizontally.  (The C version can |
   be done during a back-dash.)      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  NueDama (Soul of Beast)           |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Basara throws a slowly-moving orb |
   from his arm; it moves upwards at |
   first, then curves back down to   |
   the ground.  Stuns the opponent   |
   if it hits, but its use is very   |
   limited (except as air defense?)  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Kagemai/Mukui (Shadow Dance Payback)

   Basara skips back and then does a high hop forward at the 
   opponent.  On a successful hit the opponent is rocked with
   many blows as Kagaribi's ghost floats around him; the last
   hit is a vicious Shadow Exit (see Bust version) which knocks
   down.

 BUST
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   SashiAshi (Stabbing Feet)         |   in air, | + D
                                     |           O
   Basara thrusts downward in midair |
   with both glowing feet.  He can   |
   pogo off the opponent's head once |
   he touches the opponent and try   |
   again, or do another move.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! KageIde (Shadow Exit)             |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Basara slips downward into a      |
   shadow, then reappears out of     |
   another in front of the opponent  |
   with an upward slash.  Button     |
   determines height of thrust and   |
   power.  When POWed, hits more     |
   times and goes much higher.       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   KageSui (Soul Sucker)             |   |  / O- + button
                                     |   O O
   Basara gets sucked into a shadow  |
   which appears under him.  In the  |
   time he remains in the shadow, he |
   can be repositioned by moving to  |
   the left or right.                |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  SoraSashi (Airborne Slash)        |   in air, | \  -O + slash
                                     |           O  O
   Basara flings his blade out in a  |
   spinning slash.  A sends it near- |
   vertically down, B flings it at a |
   45-degree angle, and C throws it  |
   horizontally.  (The C version can |
   be done during a back-dash.)      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  ChiSashi (Ground Slash)           |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Basara flings his blade out in a  |
   circular arc.  A is a fast, high  |
   circuit, B has more horizontal    |
   range, and C is a long, nearly    |
   full-screen arc.  If Basara is    |
   hit during the move, the blade    |
   disappears and returns to his     |
   hands.                            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   KageDamashi (Shadow Feint)        |   O- |  / + button
                                     |      O O
   Basara creates a copy of himself, |
   which acts depending on which     |
   button is used: A jumps forwards, |
   B jumps upwards, C jumps backward |
   and D walks forward.              |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Kagemai/YumeBiki

   Basara skips back and then runs/slides quickly forward at the 
   opponent.  On a successful hit Basara initiates an Iori-esque
   sequence, hitting many times, pausing, and then ripping the
   opponent off his blade with one enormous yank.

***************************************************************************
GALFORD
For no other reason than his overriding sense of justice, he goes to
Shimabara to destroy the evil which has been unleashed.

Pre-fight: "Power without justice is bad news, dude!"
           "I fight not for me but for the blind babe Justice!"
      
Slash  CPU Win: So sue me.  I hate evil!
       Vs. Win: Love and peace, they're neat!
       No Contest: Take care of yourself, twit!

Bust   CPU Win: Another blow for justice.
       Vs. Win: Justice wins.  Naturally!
       No Contest: I think I'm turning Japanese!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Points at the opponent and says, "Let's go, Poppy!"
Slash 1st Win: Spins his sword then holds it forward, saying, "Yeah!"
Slash 2nd Win: Salutes and says, "Hey Poppy!"
Slash Double Perfect: Poppy's puppies run across the screen and Galford
  says, "Arigato!" (Thank you!)
Slash Taunt: Says, "Hey, come on!" and sticks his sword in the ground.

Bust Pre-fight: Sends Poppy away and says, "Come run to justice!"
Bust 1st Win: Sighs with relief.
Bust 2nd Win: Turns away, holds his hand up, and brings it back down as
  electricity crackles through it.
Bust Taunt: Says, "Hey, come on!" and sticks his sword in the ground.

No Contest: Charges through the opponent, yelling, "BREAK!" and bisects
  him/her as lightning strikes.
Honourable Death: He does his Plasma Break and is struck by lightning.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Plasma Blade                      |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Galford throws his arms forward,  |
   throwing a double blade of plasma |
   at the opponent.  *Very* fast in  |
   this game.                        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Shadow Copy (left/right)          |   -O O-  / | \  -O + A or B
                                     |         O  O  O
   Galford twirls and disappears,    |
   spinning into view as two images  |
   on opposite sides of the screen.  |
   The button pushed determines the  |
   'true' image.                     |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Replica Attack (front/rear)       |   -O \  |  / O- + AC or BD
                                     |       O O O
   Galford disappears from view,     |
   spinning down upon the opponent   |
   from above with a slash.  Buttons |
   pressed determine whether he      |
   slashes from the front or behind. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Imitate Replica (front/rear)      |   when hit, AC or BD 
                                     |
   Galford disappears from view,     |
   leaving a log behind.  He then    |
   spin-slashes down on the opponent |
   as in the Replica Attack, coming  |
   from the front or behind as the   |
   buttons determine.                |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Rush Dog                          |   |  / O- + A
                                     |   O O
   Poppy rushes the opponent and     |
   rams them.  When POWed, Poppy     |
   will then perform a Strike Heads  |
   on the opponent for more damage.  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Machine Gun Dog                   |   |  / O- + B
                                     |   O O
   Poppy rushes the opponent and     |
   mad-dogs him, tearing at his neck |
   and sending him to the ground.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Replica Dog                       |   |  / O- + C
                                     |   O O
   Poppy disappears, spinning into   |
   view above the opponent's head to |
   hit for damage as in the Replica  |
   Attack.                           |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Overhead Crush                    |   |  / O- + D
                                     |   O O
   Galford leaps up with Poppy,      |
   kicking (?!) the rolling dog down |
   at the opponent to knock them     |
   over.  When done while being hit, |
   Galford sends Poppy right off the |
   ground as a retaliatory strike.   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Double Mega Strike Heads (head/rear) 
     *head is using AB, rear is using CD.

   Galford disappears and drops down on both sides of the 
   opponent (buttons determine which is the real image; Poppy is
   the image on the other side).  If the move is not blocked, 
   two images of Galford proceed to strike multiple times, finishing 
   with a supercharged Strike Heads.

 BUST
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Plasma Factor (high/low)          |   | \  -O + A or B
                                     |   O  O
   Galford does an electrified slash |
   with his sword.  Level depends on |
   button pressed.  Becomes a punch  |
   when done while unarmed.          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Lightning Slash                   |   | \  -O + C
                                     |   O  O
   Galford runs forward, grabs the   |
   opponent, flips him away and      |
   strikes after him with a sliding  |
   downward electrical slash.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Plasma Break                      |   -O + tap slash
                                     |
   Galford spreads his electrified   |
   arms, creating a large arc of     |
   energy between them.  Hits for    |
   multiple electric damage.         |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Shadow Copy (right/left)          |   -O O- / | \  -O + A or B
                                     |        O  O  O
   Galford twirls and disappears,    |
   spinning into view as two images  |
   on opposite sides of the screen.  |
   The button pushed determines the  |
   'true' image.                     |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Replica Attack (front/rear)       |   -O \  |  / O- + AC or BD
                                     |       O O O
   Galford disappears from view,     |
   spinning down upon the opponent   |
   from above with a slash.  Buttons |
   pressed determine whether he      |
   slashes from the front or behind. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Imitate Replica (front/rear)      |   when hit, AC / BD 
                                     |
   Galford disappears from view,     |
   leaving a log behind.  He then    |
   spin-slashes down on the opponent |
   as in the Replica Attack, coming  |
   from the front or behind as the   |
   buttons determine.                |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Strike Heads                      |   -O | \  + button when close
                                     |      O  O
   Galford grabs at the opponent.    |
   If he connects, he carries him    |
   up into the air, then slams him   |
   down with a bolt of lightning.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Dash Strike Heads                 |   during dash, -O | \  + button
                                     |                   O  O   when close
   While running, Galford can grab   |
   the opponent with a Strike Heads  |
   if close enough.  In this case    |
   the grab carries both players up  |
   diagonally instead of vertical.   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Lightning Strike Three

   Galford runs at the opponent.  If he hits, he leg-flips him
   away, teleports to the landing site, kicks him up into the 
   air, teleports to meet him in mid-air, then Strike Heads 
   him into the ground.

***************************************************************************
HATTORI HANZO
Hanzo is ordered by the government to destroy the evil castle, and is as
yet unaware that his mortal enemy, Amakusa, has returned...

Pre-fight: "O the desolation!  A heartless world indeed!"
           "O, how many more must I mercilessly slay?"

Slash  CPU Win: It was fate.  Chill!
       Vs. Win: Fear drove you down!
       No Contest: You couldn't cut cheese!

Bust   CPU Win: You were good.  For a plebe!
       Vs. Win: Hey, I had to destroy you.
       No Contest: Zukes!  You look like a corpse!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Sheathes his sword while invisible.
Slash 1st Win: Makes a symbol with his hands and says, "Rin!"
Slash 2nd Win: Cracks his knuckles on one hand and says, "Bakusai retsu!
  Ore ga onushi no sadame nari!" (?)
Slash Taunt: Beckons, puts down his sword and says, "Shoushi!" (Pathetic!)

Bust Pre-fight: Appears, crouching, in a puff of smoke.
Bust 1st Win: Swings his sword downward, then sheathes it.
Bust 2nd Win: Folds his arms, chuckles, and 
Bust Taunt: Beckons, puts down his sword and says, "Issai shouchi!" (?)

No Contest: Dashes past the opponent, holds up a flaming hand, and the
  opponent explodes.
Honourable Death: He charges up a flaming punch, then disappears in a gout
  of flame.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Ninpo BakuenRyu                   |   |  / O- + slash
   (Ninja Exploding Dragon Blast)    |   O O
                                     |
   Hanzo punches the ground in front |
   of him, sending a bouncing wave   |
   of flame at the enemy.  Does not  |
   return the other way as it did in |
   SS3, but has gained some speed to |
   make up for the loss.             |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Ninpo KageBunshin                 |   -O O- / | \  -O + A or B
   (Ninja Shadow Splitter)           |        O  O  O 
                                     |
   Hanzo twirls and disappears,      |
   spinning into view as two images  |
   on opposite sides of the screen.  |
   The button pushed determines the  |
   'true' image.                     |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Ninpo UtsusemiTenbu (Sky Dance)   |   -O \  |  / O- + AC 
                                     |       O O O
   Hanzo disappears from view,       |
   spinning down upon the opponent   |
   from above with a slash.          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Ninpo UtsusemiChizan              |   -O \  |  / O- + BD
   (Ground Slash)                    |       O O O 
                                     |
   Hanzo disappears from view, then  |
   pops up from a hole in the ground |
   to strike at the opponent's feet. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Ninpo Migawari no Jutsu = Hotoke/ |   when hit, AC
   Tenbu (Ninja Buddha Reverse Blow) |
                                     |
   Hanzo disappears from view,       |
   leaving a log behind.  He then    |
   spin-slashes down on the opponent |
   as in the Utsusemi Tenbu.         |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Ninpo Migawari no Jutsu = Oni/    |   when hit, BD
   Chizan (Ninja Demon Reverse Blow) |
                                     |
   Hanzo disappears from view,       |
   leaving a log behind.  He then    |
   pops up at the opponent's feet to |
   strike as in the Utsusemi Chizan. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   ReppuShuriken                     |   in air, O-  / | \  -O + slash
   (Ninja Windsplitter)              |              O  O  O
                                     |
   Hanzo flings a shuriken down at   |
   his opponent from the air.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   MozuOtoshi (Ninja Shrike Dash)    |   -O | \  + slash when close
                                     |      O  O
   Hanzo reaches out to grab at the  |
   enemy.  If he connects, he spins  |
   upwards, carrying the opponent up |
   and dropping him for damage.  If  |
   you use the C version, Hanzo does |
   two elbow strikes, grabs at his   |
   opponent's arm, pops the elbow,   |
   THEN piledrives.  VERY stylish.   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   MozuOtoshi -Hayate-               |   during dash, -O | \  + slash
   (Running Ninja Shrike Dash)       |                   O  O   when close
                                     |
   While running, Hanzo can grab at  |
   the opponent with a Mozu Otoshi   |
   if close enough.  In this case    |
   the grab carries both players up  |
   diagonally instead of vertical.   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
   Fujite MijinGakure (Flash Finisher)

   Hanzo punches down into the ground, sending up huge gouts of
   twisting flame around him.  Hanzo then turns invisible once
   the move is completed (whether it hits the enemy or not); he
   remains invisible until hit out of it or after about 10-15 seconds.

 BUST
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Ninpo BakuenRyu                   |   |  / O- + slash
   (Ninja Exploding Dragon Blast)    |   O O
                                     |
   Hanzo punches the ground in front |
   of him, sending a bouncing wave   |
   of flame at the enemy.  Does not  |
   return the other way as it did in |
   SS3, but has gained some speed to |
   make up for the loss.             |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Ninpo KageBunshin                 |   -O O- / | \  -O + A or B
   (Ninja Shadow Splitter)           |        O  O  O 
                                     |
   Hanzo twirls and disappears,      |
   spinning into view as two images  |
   on opposite sides of the screen.  |
   The button pushed determines the  |
   'true' image.                     |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Ninpo Shizune                     |   | | + slash
   (Ninja Silent Shadow)             |   O O
                                     |
   Hanzo fades out, then immediately |
   reappears in the same place.  An  |
   excellent fake-out move when used |
   with his other teleports.         |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Ninpo Enbu (Ninja Monkey Dance)   |   O- |  / + button
                                     |      O O
   Hanzo fades out, reappearing in   |
   the position determined by the    |
   button used.  A is the left upper |
   corner, B is left on the ground,  |
   C is the right upper corner, and  |
   D is right side on the ground.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   ReppuShuriken                     |   in air, | \  -O + slash
   (Ninja Windsplitter)              |           O  O
                                     |
   Hanzo flings a shuriken down at   |
   his opponent from the air.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Ninpo BakuenMijinGakure           |   -O | \  + button when close
   (Ninja Exploding Atom Flash)      |      O  O
                                     |
   Hanzo reaches out to grab at the  |
   enemy.  If he connects, he spins  |
   upwards, carrying the opponent up |
   and slamming him down in a blast  |
   of flame.  Hanzo turns invisible  |
   upon a successful drop, and stays |
   that way until hit or after 10-15 |
   seconds.                          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
   Fujite DokuRyu (Dragon Poison Finalizer)

   Hanzo leaps, twirling upside-down through the air at the 
   opponent's head.  If he catches him, bombs drop at the 
   enemy's feet, and Hanzo sets them off, sending his opponent
   back in a series of explosions.  Slow, but does major damage;
   the move also crosses over to hit the opponent from the rear
   at a certain distance (about one-third to one-half screen).  Works
   well as an anti-air strike also.

***************************************************************************
HISAME SHIZUMARU
He once again feels the presence of the "demon" which he thought he slay,
and is confused, uncertain how it could still live.  So he goes to the
source of the feeling, to Shimabara, in order to satisfy his conscience.

Pre-fight: "O gentle traveller, do you know the demon?"
           "Tell me, where do real demons exist?"

Slash  CPU Win: The search continues...
       Vs. Win: You're no demon, are you?
       No Contest: Sorry, gotta run!

Bust  CPU Win: Hey, I had to do this.
      Vs. Win: I told you you'd lose!
      No Contest: Ya can't beat the kid!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Flies in on his umbrella.
Slash 1st Win: Bows and says, "Gomen nasai." (I'm sorry.)
Slash 2nd Win: Bows, says, "Goman nasai... mou ikimasu!" and runs away.
Slash Taunt: Crouches, sets down his umbrella, and says, "Anata mo oni
  ja nai!" (You are not the demon!)

Bust Pre-fight: Looks into the background, then faces the opponent.
Bust 1st Win: Fans himself with his shirt and runs his hands through his
  hair.
Bust 2nd Win: Opens his umbrella, looks back and says, "Anata wa oni ja
  nakatta." (You were not the demon.)
Bust Taunt: Crouches, sets down his umbrella, and says, "Mou iya da yo!"
  (No more!)

No Contest: Does his umbrella spin at the opponent, bisecting him, and
  then turns away with the open umbrella over his shoulder.
Honourable Death: He bows sadly, saying, "Gomen nasai...mou ikimasu!" and
      runs away.  (Translation: "Sorry, gotta run!")

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HitoRyu SamidareGiri              |   |  / O- + slash
   (Scarlet Sword Downpour Thrust)   |   O O
                                     |
   Shizumaru opens his umbrella and  |
   spins it, using it as a trapping  |
   attack.  Hits the enemy for many  |
   hits if unblocked.                |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HitoRyu KirisameJin               |   | \  -O + slash
   (Scarlet Sword Mist Blast)        |   O  O
                                     |
   Shizumaru flings out his umbrella |
   at the opponent, spinning it on   |
   its axis like a top.              |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HitoRyu HisameGaeshi              |   | \  -O + D
   (Scarlet Sword Hailfire)          |   O  O
                                     |
   Shizumaru thrusts his umbrella    |
   forward at the enemy, opening it  |
   as he does.  Pushes the opponent  |
   back and reflects projectiles.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HitoRyu Shin/UryuKyorakuZan       |   hold D, release
   (Scarlet Sword Windshear Slice)   |
                                     |
   Shizumaru flips his umbrella into |
   the air and charges forward with  |
   his blade, impaling the opponent  |
   and then striking him away.  If   |
   button is held for more than 10   |
   seconds, Shizumaru strikes with a |
   jumping slash (his Bust move from |
   SS3) that does much more damage.  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! HitoRyu BaiuEnsatsuJin (Scarlet   |   -O | \  + slash
   Sword Crosscurrent Slicer)        |      O  O
                                     |
   Shizumaru sweeps his blade around |
   him while sliding forward, then   |
   uppercuts into the air with it,   |
   similar to Haohmaru's Kogetsuzan. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
   HitoRyuKinjite BouuKyoufuZan (Scarlet Sword Hurricane Shredder)

   Shizumaru snaps open his umbrella and twirls rapidly forward
   at his enemy.  If he hits him, the quickly-spinning umbrella
   carries them both into the air, striking multiple times.

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HitoRyu Shigure                   |   in air, | + slash 
                                     |           O
   Shizumaru pogos down with his     |
   umbrella, striking at the enemy's |
   head.  He can bounce off guarding |
   opponents and repeat the move, or |
   try something else.               |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HitoRyu Kosame                    |   in air, O + slash
   (Scarlet Sword Deadly Drizzle)    |           |
                                     |
   Shizumaru opens his umbrella in   |
   the air and begins to float to    |
   the ground.  He can be steered    |
   somewhat with the control stick.  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HitoRyu Raiu                      |   during HitoRyu Kosame, slash
                                     |
   Shizumaru breaks from the float   |
   and twirls down with his umbrella |
   spinning sidewise, hitting the    |
   opponent a few times before he    |
   slides to a stop on the ground.   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! HitoRyu KirisameJin               |   | \  -O + slash
   (Scarlet Sword Mist Blast)        |   O  O
                                     |
   Shizumaru flings out his umbrella |
   at the opponent, spinning it on   |
   its axis like a top.              |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HitoRyu Shin/UryuKyorakuZan       |   hold D, release
   (Scarlet Sword Windshear Slice)   |
                                     |
   Shizumaru flips his umbrella into |
   the air and charges forward with  |
   his blade, impaling the opponent  |
   and then striking him away.  If   |
   button is held for more than 10   |
   seconds, Shizumaru strikes with a |
   jumping slash (his Bust move from |
   SS3) that does much more damage.  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HitoRyu BaiuEnsatsuJin (Scarlet   |   -O | \  + slash
   Sword Crosscurrent Slicer)        |      O  O
                                     |
   Shizumaru sweeps his blade around |
   him while sliding forward, then   |
   uppercuts into the air with it,   |
   similar to Haohmaru's Kogetsuzan. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  HitoRyuKinjite UryuRessatuJin (Scarlet Sword Deadly Downpour Slice) 

   Shizumaru snaps open his umbrella, twirling it rapidly in 
   place.  If it hits the opponent, it carries both players into
   the air, striking the enemy for many hits of damage.

***************************************************************************
KAFUIN GAIRA
He suspects that the "Demon's Mound" he had created for Zankuro's corpse
has been destroyed.  Suddenly, he feels the presence of Zankuro in the
evil castle, and heads off to investigate.

Pre-fight: "You look really weak.  Come, I'll butch you up!"
           "With this rosary, I'll clean your clock!"
     
Slash  CPU Win: Run home to mommy!
       Vs. Win: Relax, I'll give you a break.
       No Contest: Violence is my salvation!

Bust   CPU Win: Go in pain, my son.
       Vs. Win: You are one wretched soul!
       No Contest: Eat my rosary, sinner!  

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Bows slightly to the opponent.
Slash 1st Win: Does three quick punches, then holds out his beads and
  says, "Tenchuu!" (Divine retribution!)
Slash 2nd Win: Holds out a gong and taps it with a metal bar, saying,
  "Hatsudai gou ka!" (?)
  Slash Taunt: Holds out his fist and slams down his beads, saying,
  "Mihotoke no jihi da!" (?)

Bust Pre-fight: Bows slightly and says, "Namu amida butsu." (Buddhist
  prayer)
Bust 1st Win: Turns his back to the screen, looks back and says,
  "Mihotoke no jihi da!" (?) 
Bust 2nd Win: Holds up a hand and says, "Namu amida butsu." (Buddhist
  prayer)
Bust Taunt: Holds out his fist and slams down his beads, saying,
  "Mihotoke no jihi da!" (?)

No Contest: Does a series of attacks, then says, "Issai shoumetsu!"
  (?) and does a final downward strike that removes the opponent's
  upper body.
Honourable Death: He clutches his stomach in pain, then falls over.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Buchinomeshi (Prudence Punch)     |   in air, | + button
                                     |           O
   Gaira swings his glowing prayer   |
   beads down in a downward-slamming |
   attack.  Has a delay if missed.   | 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! KachiAge                          |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Gaira runs forward, ramming the   |
   opponent for several hits before  |
   swinging his beads up, knocking   |
   the enemy up into the air.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  MidareUchi (Proufound Pummel)     |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Gaira swings his beads back and   |
   forth rapidly, striking the enemy |
   several times.  Range is much     |
   shortened from SS3.               |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  JishinGan (Earthquake Assault)    |   | | + button
                                     |   O O
   Gaira leaps up into the air and   |
   drives downward with his beads,   |
   slamming the ground with an earth |
   shaking attack.  Standing enemies |
   are staggered by the blast, and   |
   the bead strike itself damages.   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Tsukamuzo -Kumitenjo              |   O- |  / + A
   (Ceiling Slam Grabber)            |      O O
                                     |
   Gaira reaches into the air to     |
   catch an airborne opponent, then  |
   slams him into the ground.  Hard. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Tsukamuzo -IshiAtama              |   O- |  / + B
   (Hard Head Grabber)               |      O O
                                     |
   Gaira reaches out at the opponent |
   with an outstretched hand.  If he |
   catches a non-guarding enemy, he  |
   head-butts him twice, then does a |
   third to knock him down.  Hits    |
   crouching (?) and standing non-   |
   guarding opponents.               |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Tsukamuzo -ShiriMekuri            |   O- |  / + C
   (Reverse Twirl Grab)              |      O O
                                     |
   Gaira reaches low to the ground,  |
   aiming for the enemy's legs.  If  |
   he connects, he upends the enemy  |
   by jerking his arm high.  Hits    |
   standing (?) and crouching non-   |
   guarding opponents.               |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Kenbu (Fist Flash Dance)

   Gaira slaps forward with a *very* short-ranged palm (though
   it hits well against jumping opponents as a counter).  When
   he hits, Gaira begins a massive fist-and-bead combo, finishing
   off with an upward bead strike.

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Hyakkan Otoshi                    |   in air, | + button
   (One Hundred Dropper)             |           O 
                                     |
   Gaira lays out in the air and     |
   tries to elbow-drop the opponent. |
   If he misses, there is a delay as |
   he picks himself up.              |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Katsu! (Nag Blast)                |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Gaira shouts "Katsu!" and the     |
   kanji for it floats in the air in |
   front of him.  Knocks opponents   |
   down if they touch the rune.      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! EnshinSatsu (Heart Slicer)        |   |  / O- -O + slash (spin stick)
                                     |   O O
   Gaira grabs the opponent in his   |
   beads and twirls them, finally    |
   flinging them off into the far    |
   wall.  When POWed, swirls form    |
   around the twirling pair and they |
   spin faster.  Spin the stick to   |
   do more damage while Gaira spins; |
   the time spent spinning is fixed, |
   and the rate of spin determines   |
   damage.                           |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  NiohBakuUnSatsu 

   Gaira jumps up into the air and comes down, swinging his beads
   in front of him.  As he lands, a smallish demon (about the height
   of most of the other players) springs up in front of him.  Fans of
   SS2 (hey, who isn't?) will recognize the demon as the one from
   Kafuin Nicotine's POW special.  Apparently the demon is the same
   size, and it's the summoner who changes.

***************************************************************************
CHARLOTTE
Many disasters plague her homeland of France, and she feels that the evil
energy emanates from Japan, so she heads off to stop it once more.

Pre-fight: "A beauty as proud as the rose.  Am I hot or what?"
           "For the glory of my beloved country, to victory!"

Slash  CPU Win: Feel my lion fangs!      
       Vs. Win: Battle is enfers, mon ami!
       No Contest: Belief is my strength!

Bust   CPU Win: I'm a rose.  With thorns!
       Vs. Win: I hate violence, meat!   
       No Contest: I fight to protect, filth!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Draws her sword and says something in French.
Slash 1st Win: Laughs.
Slash 2nd Win: Slashes her sword downward and says, "Au revoir!" (Goodbye!)
Slash Taunt: Laughs, sets down her sword and says, "Allons!"

Bust Pre-fight: Tosses a rose to her opponent.
Bust 1st Win: Puts away her sword and chuckles.
Bust 2nd Win: Looks into her cupped hands, which contain something glowing.
Bust Taunt: Laughs, sets down her sword and harrumphs.

No Contest: Does a Splash Fount windup, hops back, then does a super-
  powerful Violent Lunge.  She holds a rose to her face, then the
  opponent spurts blood. 
Honourable Death: She drinks a bottle of poison, then falls over.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Power Gradation                   |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Charlotte sweeps her blade up in  |
   a vertical path to hit the enemy. |
   C version goes *absurdly* high.   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Splash Fount                      |   -O + tap slash
                                     |
   Charlotte slashes forward rapidly |
   with her sword, striking for many |
   hits (and a knockdown on the last |
   few hits).                        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Trislash                          |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Charlotte traces a triangle in    |                                   
   the air with her blade.  Once the |   (hold button to delay release)
   button is released, she flings it |
   across the screen at the opponent |
   (the POW version is a doubled     |
   version that hits far too many    |
   times).                           |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Splash Gradation

   Charlotte traces an eight-pointed star in front of her.  Good
   range, though not as good as in SS2; if the opponent is caught,
   he takes one hit for every ray of the star she draws on him, 
   plus a powerful Power Gradation she does at the end of the move.

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Power Gradation                   |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Charlotte sweeps her blade up in  |
   a vertical path to hit the enemy. |
   C version goes *absurdly* high.   |

-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Rien Lancer                       |   | \  -O + D
                                     |   O  O
   Remember Charlotte's fall-back    |
   throw that was probably abused    |
   way too much in earlier games?    |
   Here it's a move; she slides at   |
   the opponent low, and flings them |
   behind them if she hits.          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Violent Lunge                     |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Charlotte charges briefly, then   |
   pokes out with her blade, making  |
   a large horizontal cone of energy |
   (C version covers 7/8 of the      |
   screen).  When POWed, hits many   |
   more times as she lunges forward. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Crystal Rose

   Charlotte flings a rose, then does a close triangular slash.  Not
   very good range, but if she connects she begins a slow multi-hit
   combo; as she slashes, she hops over the enemy's head several times,
   finally tracing out the image of a rose (which appears on the
   screen as she finishes with an uppercut that scatters the petals.)

***************************************************************************
TAM TAM
He is told by his chief that the evil god has been resurrected.  He once
again takes the "Mask," and travels to Japan to do battle once more.

Pre-fight: "Tam Tam god's warrior.  I win big time."
           "I fight for protection of cherished village.  That is warrior
            way!"

Slash  CPU Win: Wooaah!  Me god's warrior!
       Vs. Win: You know Tam Tam strong!
       No Contest: Me take your scalp now.

Bust   CPU Win: Your soul to god Torarokko!
       Vs. Win: You one big fool!
       No Contest: Hooo ho!  I like you!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Waves his arms and howls.
Slash 1st Win: Jabs to the left and right, then stands and waves his arms,
  howling.
Slash 2nd Win: Stands and howls.
Slash Taunt: Drops his sword, dances, and wiggles his fingers.

Bust Pre-fight: Growls and ties on his "skirt."
Bust 1st Win: Does an odd dance, claps, and wiggles his fingers at the
  opponent, rolling a long "R."
Bust 2nd Win: Removes part of his "skirt" and flexes.
Bust Taunt: Drops his sword, dances, and wiggles his fingers.

No Contest: Does a Paguna Paguna and slashes off his opponent's upper
  body.
Honourable Death: He gets sucked into his mask!

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Paguna Paguna                     |   -O + tap slash
                                     |
   Tam Tam spins his sword in front  |
   of him rapidly.  He can move as   |
   he spins the weapon, fortunately. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Mura Gaburu (high)                |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Tam Tam tosses a skull at about   |
   head level.  Fortunately, as Tam  |
   Tam is taller than most of the    |
   other characters, it is safe to   |
   just duck the high version.       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Mura Gaburu (low)                 |   |  / O- + slash
                                     |   O O
   Tam Tam tosses a skull along the  |
   ground.  This version should be   |
   blocked low.                      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Ahau Gaburu                       |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Tam Tam inhales, hops up into the |
   air, and spits down a fireball    |
   which explodes into a rising      |
   jaguar's head.                    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Paguna Dios                       |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Tam Tam winds up, then spins him- |
   self along the ground with both   |
   legs extended to knock over the   |
   opponent.                         |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
   Ahau Tiuwakan 

   Tam Tam inhales, jumps up into the air, and spits down a
   fireball.  When it hits the ground, it explodes into a large,
   rising jaguar's head.  

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Gaburu Gaburu                     |   | \  -O + C
                                     |   O  O
   Tam Tam pauses, then thrusts his  |
   hand out at the enemy.  If he     |
   catches his opponent, he pulls    |
   him to him and savages him with   |
   the fangs on his mask.            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Mura Mura (high/low)              |   | \  -O + A or B (x3)
                                     |   O  O
   Tam Tam can throw up to three     |
   skulls at once with this move;    |
   what makes it so versatile is the |
   ability to mix high and low shots |
   (A is head-level, B is ground).   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Paguna Dios                       |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Tam Tam winds up, then spins him- |
   self along the ground with both   |
   legs extended to knock over the   |
   opponent.                         |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
   Ahau Tiuwakan 

   Tam Tam inhales, jumps up into the air, and spits down a
   fireball.  When it hits the ground, it explodes into a large,
   rising jaguar's head.  

***************************************************************************
YAGYU JUBEI
He is ordered by his lord to search Shimabara Castle, and defeat the master
of the evil scheme.

Pre-fight: "I'm on a mission for the shogun.  Now move or die!"

Slash  CPU Win: Forgive my superiority.
       Vs. Win: Slacking off lately?
       No Contest: Your (sic) my servant now!

Bust   CPU Win: My moves cut to the bone!
       Vs. Win: Yah, ha, ha!  Ya got spunk!
       No Contest: You've got guts.  Pick them up!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Points at the opponent with one sword and laughs.
Slash 1st Win: Sheathes his swords and says, "Denaosei!" (Try again!)
Slash 2nd Win: Pulls out a cloth, tosses it into the air and slices it to
  pieces, then says, "Yagyu no tatsujin... nushi de wa mikiren wa!" (?)
Slash Taunt: Points at the opponent, says, "Kakatte koi!" (Come on!) and
  puts down his swords.

Bust Pre-fight: Points at the opponent with one sword and says, "Yagyu no
  ken ni katsuboku shite miyo!" (?)
Bust 1st Win: Pulls out a cloth and wipes a sword with it.
Bust 2nd Win: Sheathes his swords, and says, "Shoujin wa tarin.
  Denaosei!"  (You lack dedication.  Try again!)
Bust Taunt: Points at the opponent, says, "Kowappame ga!" (Foolish
  child!) and puts down his swords.

No Contest: Does a NikkakuRatou which bisects the opponent, then says,
  "Tawake ga!" (Fool!)
Honourable Death: Runs, like in the NikkakuRatou, but trips and falls over.


 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Kattou SuigetsuTou                |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Jubei slashes at the ground in    |
   front of him, creating a wave     |
   which shoots along the floor.     |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! NikkakuRatou                      |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Jubei rushes forward, shoulder    |
   extended, to ram the opponent     |   (C version gives extra hit
   several times before striking up  |   by pressing | + C in the air.)
   into the air with his katana.     |               O
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  HassouHappa                       |   -O + tap slash 
                                     |
   Jubei strikes out rapidly with    |
   both blades, hitting the enemy    |
   multiple times.                   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Zetsu SuigetsuTou 

   Jubei swings at the ground in front of him, setting up a 
   small wave of energy.  When he thrusts with the other sword,
   a huge column of energy explodes from it, covering the middle
   third of the screen for a couple of seconds.

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Kattou SuigetsuTou                |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Jubei slashes at the ground in    |
   front of him, creating a wave     |
   which shoots along the floor.     |
   When POWed, he sweeps both his    |
   swords on the C version, making   |
   a wave-front with the first and   |
   sending it out with the other.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Yagyu ShinganTou/Tenra            |   |  / O- + C
                                     |   O O
   Jubei holds out his short sword   |
   in an upper guard position.  If   |
   an airborne enemy's sword touches |
   the blade (this *includes* moves  |
   like Ukyo's Swallow Swipe), Jubei |
   catches it and delivers an upward |
   geyser stroke as in the Nikkaku   |
   Ratoh.                            |   
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Yagyu ShinganTou/Souha            |   |  / O- + B
                                     |   O O
   Jubei holds out his short sword   |
   in a middle guard position.  If   |
   the opponent's weapon touches the |
   blade, he catches it and delivers |
   a vicious counter-blow; this also |
   works on *any* special move that  |
   is not a projectile, but uses the |
   sword.                            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Yagyu ShinganTou/Suigetsu         |   |  / O- + A
                                     |   O O
   Jubei leans back and holds his    |
   short sword low to the ground in  |
   front of him.  Opponents who try  |
   a low blade attack get caught,    |
   then countered with a powered     |
   strike similar to SuigetsuTou.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Yagyu SougetsuJin                 |
                                     |   | \  -O + AB  (Ichi no Tachi)
   This is the only true guard break |   O  O
   move in the game.  Unfortunately, |
   its speed is lacking in a game    |   (then)
   geared towards offensive play.    |
   Jubei charges for a moment, sword |   | \  -O + A   (Ni no Tachi)
   glowing, then swings at the enemy |   O  O
   (Ichi no Tachi, first blade).  It |
   misses non-blocking opponents     |   (then)
   completely--but, blocking enemies |
   are opened up for Ni no Tachi     |   | \  -O + B   (San no Tachi)
   (second blade, a glowing B poke)  |   O  O
   and San no Tachi (third blade, a  |
   glowing C double-strike that      |
   knocks down.  Great move, but     |
   nigh-impossible to connect with;  |
   use it when opponent gets up, or  |
   in a position where they will be  |
   forced to block.                  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Geki SouranJin                     

   Jubei slashes rapidly three times, sending a trio of energy
   projectiles through the air at the opponent.  If they hit, he
   fires a few more, rushes forward to ram the enemy, slashes 
   diagonally (leaving a cut in the air), then strokes HARD 
   upward (leaving an 'X' on the ground) to finish.  If the 
   shots are blocked, Jubei rushes forward after the third one 
   to continue the move (fakes out the other player quite 
   often).

***************************************************************************
SENRYO KYOSHIRO
While travelling, Kyoshiro hears a rumour that demons have been unleashed
in Hizen, so he wanders off to verify the rumour.

Pre-fight: "Your sour look speaks of a silly spat ahead!"
           "How about a rehearsal before the main show?"

Slash  CPU Win: A blast of blood and guts.  Yes!
       Vs. Win: A premature debut, my friend.
       No Contest: You played a great villain!

Bust   CPU Win: Hey!  That's not stage blood!
       Vs. Win: You'd make a nice prop! 
       No Contest: Kabuki is humanity's gem!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Spins around and says, "Hajimari, hajimari!" (Let's
  begin, let's begin!"
Slash 1st Win: Hops back and slashes forward, saying, "Omigoto!"
  "Well done!"
Slash 2nd Win: Does a short dance.
Slash Taunt: Twirls his naginata, says, "Yowasugiru!" (Too weak!) and
  drops the blade.

Bust Pre-fight: Puts away his pipe and turns to face the opponent.
Bust 1st Win: Pulls out his pipe and smokes it.
Bust 2nd Win: Pulls out his pipe, smokes it and says, "Kono Senryo,
  amaku wa nai wa!" (?)
Bust Taunt: Twirls his naginata, says, "Yowasugiru!" (Too weak!) and
  drops the blade.

No Contest: Spins around the opponent like in Bust's ChikazeGoma, and
  slashes off the opponent's upper body.
Honourable Death: He gets swallowed by his frog.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  KaenKyokubu (Twirling Flame)      |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Kyoshiro blows out a swirling     |
   cloud of flame in front of him.   |
   Decent damage, but POW version is |
   much better in ticks/damage.      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  KaitenKyokubu (Twisting Heavens)  |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Kyoshiro whirls himself into the  |
   air, twisting his weapon around   |
   him as he spins like an airborne  |
   top.                              |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  GamaJigoku (Toad Plague)          |   | \  -O + D
                                     |   O  O
   Kyoshiro hops up as a large toad  |
   appears under him; he rides it as |
   it sticks its tongue out to catch |
   the opponent's legs.  If hit, the |
   enemy is sucked into the toad's   |
   mouth; Kyoshiro 'pops' it, and it |
   explodes, sending him across the  |
   screen.  Hits low.                |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  Ootsunami (Tsunami Crunch)        |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Kyoshiro spins, flinging a small  |
   wave of water along the ground.   |
   This move hits low.               |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  ChikemuriKuruwa                   |   in air, | + slash
   (Smouldering Blood Pounce)        |           O
                                     |
   Kyoshiro spins downwards like a   |
   top in midair, twirling his       |
   weapon to hit as he drops.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  ChobiJishi (Lion Tail Blast)      |   |  / O- + slash
                                     |   O O
   Kyoshiro plants his naginata in   |
   the ground and vaults forward,    |
   forming a flaming wedge with his  |
   body. Stays where it is on-screen |
   (unlike the Bust version).        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Aragotoshi Kyoshiro "Oni no Mai" (Kyoshiro Demon Boogie) 

   Kyoshiro performs three flaming slashes--two downward and 
   then a forward thrust.  If he catches the opponent he then
   hits and spins many times against him, finishing off with 
   a fiery burst that blows him into the air.  Then, a la 
   Terry's Triple Geyser, Kyoshiro juggles the opponent with 
   a second, then a third explosion.

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Yamata no Orochi                  |   | \  -O + slash
   (Eight-Coil Serpent)              |   O  O
                                     |
   Kyoshiro spins (slowly) and leans |
   forward, sending out a mass of    |
   fiery serpents at the enemy.  The |
   range generally increases as the  |
   move continues, but does not go   |
   more than half-screen.            |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  ChikazeGoma                       |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Kyoshiro whirls himself in place, |
   twisting his weapon around him as |
   he spins like a top.  Combos well |
   and comes out quickly, but does   |
   not move from its place.          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  KyoshiroEnbu (Kyoshiro Jig)       |   | \  -O + D
                                     |   O  O
   Kyoshiro steps forward, sweeps    |
   his polearm downward, then does a |
   forward thrust.                   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! ChobiJishi/Ranshin                |   |  / O- + slash
   (Raging Lion Tail Blast)          |   O O
                                     |
   Kyoshiro plants his polearm in    |
   the ground and vaults forward,    |
   forming a flaming wedge with his  |
   body.  The force of the vault     |
   carries him forward at the enemy, |
   unlike the stationary Slash move. |                                     
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Aragotoshi Kyoshiro "KetsuNiku no Honoh" 

   Kyoshiro spins forward, performing a multi-hit ChikazeGoma.
   It ticks multiple times; if it hits, the enemy is carved up
   as Kyoshiro spins in place.  The move ends as Kyoshiro blasts
   his opponent away in a burst of flame.

***************************************************************************
NAKORURU
She comes to Shimabara to save nature, which is being gradually destroyed
by the evil coming from the castle.

Pre-fight: "You're one big, nasty demon, you!"
           "This next victory is for Mother Nature!"

Slash  CPU Win: I can't lose.  For Nature's sake.
       Vs. Win: I won't forget you!  Loser!
       No Contest: Now you know Nature's power!

Bust  CPU Win: Until there's peace, I'll fight! 
      Vs. Win: Nature's law: Might is right.
      No Contest: See Nature's power!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Turns away from the opponent and calls Mamahaha to her.
Slash 1st Win: Holds out her arm and Mamahaha flies down to it as she
  says, "Arigato, Mamahaha." (Thank you, Mamahaha.)
Slash 2nd Win: Swirls her cape around her back, turns away from the
  screen, looks back and says, "Daishizen no oshioki desu." (This is
  Nature's punishment.)
Slash Taunt: Puts down her sword and says, "Kore de dou desu ka?" (How
  is this?)

Bust Pre-fight: Flings off her cape and says, "Oide, Shikuruu!" (Come
  here, Shikuruu!)
Bust 1st Win: Runs her hand through her hair and points to the opponent,
  saying, "Saa, tachi nasai." (?)
Bust 2nd Win: Turns her back to the screen and looks back, saying,
  "Shizen no mukui o ukenasai." (?)
Bust Taunt: Puts down her sword and says, "Oide!" (Come here!)

No Contest: Dashes into the opponent, bounces off, and does an Annu
  Mutsube.  Lame.
Honourable Death: She clasps her hands together and disappears in a swirl
  of light.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#! Annu Mutsube                      |   O-  / | + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Nakoruru slides along the ground, |
   blade extended.  Strikes low to   |
   knock the opponent over.          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
#  LeLa Mutsube                      |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Nakoruru drives up into the air,  |
   blade extended, to hit midair and |
   standing opponents.               |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Kamui Rimuse                      |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Nakoruru flicks her cape out one, |
   two, or three times depending on  |   (tap button for cape flick)   
   the button used.  By tapping the  |
   button, she flicks her cape at    |
   the end for another hit.  This    |
   move reflects projectiles.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Mamahaha Flight                   |   |  / O- + D
                                     |   O O
   Nakoruru leaps up and grabs onto  |
   Mamahaha.  From here she can fly  |
   briefly by using the control      |
   stick, or set up for an attack as |
   follows:                          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
     Mamahaha Attack/side            |   during Mamahaha Flight, A or B
                                     |
     Nakoruru does a side slash with |
     her blade.                      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
     Mamahaha Attack/down            |   during Mamahaha Flight, C
                                     |
     Nakoruru attacks downward with  |
     her blade.                      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!    Kamui Mutsube                   |   during Mamahaha Flight, AB
                                     |
     Nakoruru dives downward at the  |
     enemy with blade extended.      |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Shichikapu Etu                    |   |  / O- + slash
                                     |   O O
   Nakoruru sends Mamahaha to dive-  |
   bomb the enemy.  If the bird hits |
   the enemy is briefly stunned,     |
   opening himself up for a follow-  |
   up attack.                        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
   Ererushi Kamui Rimuse 

   Nakoruru flips back to catch Mamahaha, then dives forward
   with a super-charged Kamui Mutsube.  If she hits, she then
   follows up with a set of Kamui Rimuse, and finishes by 
   sending Mamahaha to knock the enemy to the ground.  MUCH slower
   than in SS3; probably only combos after a hawk stagger (close).

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Kamui Rimuse                      |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Nakoruru flicks her cape out one, |
   two, or three times depending on  |   (tap button for cape flick)   
   the button used.  By tapping the  |
   button, she flicks her cape at    |
   the end for another hit.  This    |
   move reflects projectiles.        |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Wolf Pounce                       |   |  / O- + button
                                     |   O O
   Nakoruru hops up onto Shikuruu's  |
   back.  From here, she can execute |
   a variety of moves as follows:    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Riding Wolf Attack                |   during Wolf Pounce, A or B / C 
                                     |
   Nakoruru attacks with her sword   |
   from Shikuruu's back.             |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Meru Shikite                      |   during Wolf Pounce,
                                     |   O-  / | + slash
   Nakoruru and Shikuruu quickly     |      O  O
   rush forward to hit for damage.   |
   Can be followed with Separate     |
   Attack.                           |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Kanto Shikite                     |   during Wolf Pounce,
                                     |   -O | \  + slash
   Nakoruru and Shikuruu quickly     |      O  O
   leap forward into the air to hit  |
   the enemy.  Can be followed with  |
   Separate Attack or Imeru Shikite. |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Separate Attack                   |   during Meru/Kanto Shikite,
                                     |   O- or -O + C 
   During the run/leap attacks,      |
   Nakoruru can leap from Shikuruu's |
   back with a horizontal Mutsube    |
   attack.                           |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Imeru Shikite                     |   during Wolf Pounce, in air,
                                     |   | \  -O  *or*
   Nakoruru and Shikuruu pause, then |   O  O
   dive forward from the air to      |
   strike down at the enemy.         |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Get off Wolf                      |
                (forward)            |    O or -O or \  + D
                                     |   /            O   
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
                (upward)             |   O or | + D
                                     |   |    O
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
                (downward)           |   O  or O- or  / + D
                                     |    \          O
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Epunkine Shikite                  |  when knocked down, AC
                                     |
   When knocked off Shikuruu and to  |
   the ground, Nakoruru can send her |
   wolf to ram the opponent.  Just   |
   hit AC as she hits the ground.    |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
#  Nubeki Kamui Shikite

   Nakoruru hops up onto Shikuruu (if she isn't already on him),
   then rushes forward with a super-charged Meru Shikite.  If 
   she hits, she carries her opponent up into the air with an
   afterimage C slash that hits many times.

***************************************************************************
RIMURURU
She comes to Shimabara to save nature, which is being gradually destroyed
by the evil coming from the castle.

Pre-fight: "I'll cool your anger with an ice spirit blast!"
           "Do you still think I'm scrumptious!?"

Slash  CPU Win: Oh, forgive me, Konril!
       Vs. Win: It's Nature's punishment, pal!
       No Contest: Konril, I did it for you!

Bust   CPU Win: You forgive me, right?
       Vs. Win: A warning: Be nice to nature!
       No Contest: Hey, I'm actually sweating!

[Poses]
Slash Pre-fight: Her ice cube spins to her back, and she says, "Yoshi!"
  (All right!)
Slash 1st Win: Adjusts her hat.
Slash 2nd Win: Spins around and winks, saying, "Daishizen no oshioki
  da yo!" (This is Nature's punishment!)
Slash Taunt: Puts down her sword and says, "Un shotto!" (Ainu, no real
  translation)

Bust Pre-fight: Her ice cube spins to her back, and she says, "Saa, koi!"
  (Come on!)
Bust 1st Win: Holds her hand up, and her ice cube floats over it.
Bust 2nd Win: Tosses a piece of ice to her ice cube, which turns into a
  giant mouth, chomps on it a few times, and returns to normal.
Bust Taunt: Puts down her sword and says, "Un shotto!" (Ainu, no real
  translation), then beckons to the opponent and says, "Hora!" (Hey!)

No Contest: Creates her giant iceberg, and slams it into the opponent,
  smashing off the opponent's upper body.
Honourable Death: She forms her super-iceberg above herself, and it crushes
  her.

 SLASH
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Kamui Shitsuki                    |   O- |  / + slash
                                     |      O O
   Rimururu forms a mirror of ice in |
   front of her.  After a moment,    |
   the mirror then sprouts an icicle |
   which pokes forward at the enemy. |
   Deflects projectiles.             |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Konru Shiraru                     |   in air, | + slash
                                     |           O
   Rimururu thrusts her hands below  |
   her and forms a platform of ice   |
   which holds her up.  The platform |
   disintegrates after a few seconds |
   or if she jumps off of it--either |
   way, it hurts the enemy.          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Konru Memu                        |   |  / O- + slash
                                     |   O O
   Rimururu winds up and flings a    |
   puddle of ice on the ground in    |
   front of her.  Breaks the enemy's |
   guard if he does not block.       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Rupushi Kuare/Nishi               |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Rimururu spins, flinging an ice   |
   crystal up into the air.  Hit the |
   opponent for ice damage, but not  |
   until it begins its downward arc. |
   Path of flight is controlled by   |
   the button used.                  |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Konru Nonno                       |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Rimururu thrusts her hands to the |
   ground, forming an ice flower     |
   which flies vertically in front   |
   of her to hit the enemy.  When    |
   POWed, three ice flowers form     |
   instead of one, covering a much   |
   wider area.                       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
   Rupushi Kamui Emushi/Nishi

   Rimururu forms a gigantic iceberg over her head (how can
   she *lift* it?) and tosses it at her opponent.  Hits for
   ice damage, of course; the arc of the iceberg is such that
   a close opponent can simply duck under the toss, but it is
   almost perfect as an air defense.

 BUST 
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Konru Memu                        |   |  / O- + slash
                                     |   O O
   Rimururu winds up and flings a    |
   puddle of ice on the ground in    |
   front of her.  Breaks the enemy's |
   guard if he does not block.       |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Rupushi Kuare/Toitoi              |   | \  -O + slash
                                     |   O  O
   Rimururu flings a ball of ice     |
   along the ground to hit the enemy |
   for ice damage.                   |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
!  Rupushi Tum                       |   -O | \  + slash
                                     |      O  O
   Rimururu forms a large (but not   |
   as large as SS3) icicle on her    |
   sword and drives it into the      |
   enemy.  A is a ground icicle,     |
   B hits high, and C spikes up into |
   the air.                          |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
   Upun Opu                          |   -O + tap slash 
                                     |
   Rimururu pushes her hands forward |
   and summons a wave of small       |
   icicles to hit multiple times for |
   damage.  A large icicle finishes  |
   off the move.                     |
-------------------------------------+-------------------------------------
 *POW Special 
   Rupushi Kamui Emushi/ToiToi        

   Rimururu generates an iceberg in front of her on the ground
   (freezing any point-blank non-blocking enemies), then pushes
   it out to slide across the screen at the enemy.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

15.  How do the CD combos work?

There are four preset chain combos usable after the CD connects.  Some
characters have others.  These attacks, by themselves, do very little
damage, but the complete 14-hitter will automatically fill your POW meter
to max (assuming you haven't done a Rage Explosion).  But these can be
interrupted into other moves, to make for flashier, more damaging combos
as well.  Button presses listed in upper case are interruptable.

Character   |   AAA   |   ABC   |   BBC   |  14-hit
------------+---------+---------+---------+------------------
Tam Tam     |   aaa   |   abc   |   bbC   |  aAbBccaBcCCCc
Sogetsu     |   AAA   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AaBBcCabccCCc
Amakusa     |   aaa   |   abc   |   bbC   |  AaBbccabCcCcc
Kazuki      |   AAa   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AABbcCabCcccc
Charlotte   |   AAa   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AAbBccabcCCcc
Nakoruru    |   aaa   |   abc   |   bbC   |  AABBccabcCCcc
Genjuro     |   aaa   |   abc   |   bbC   |  aABBccabcCCcc
Haohmaru    |   AAa   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AABBccabCcCcc
Rimururu    |   AAa   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AABBccAbCCccc
Gaira       |   AAa   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AAbBccabCcCcc
Ukyo        |   AAA   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AABbccaBcCCcc
Galford     |   aaa   |   aBc   |   BBc   |  AAbbccabCCCcc
Shizumaru   |   AAa   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AABBccabcCCcc
Kyoshiro    |   AAa   |   ABc   |   bBC   |  AaBBCcabcCCcc
Hanzo       |   Aaa   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AAbBccabCCCcc
Jubei       |   AAA   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AABBccabCcCcc
Basara      |   AAA   |   ABc   |   BBC   |  AABbccabCccCc
------------+---------+---------+---------+------------------

Some character-specific CD combos:

Shizumaru: ccd
Kazuki:    cc
           cbbb
Sogetsu:   cc
           cbbb
Nakoruru:  aaaaa

The BBC has special juggling properties.  Some characters can take great
advantage of this, while others cannot.

Sogetsu (Bust):   CD, BBC, Super
        (Slash):  CD, BBC, A Waterspout (DP+A)

Basara (Bust):    CD, BBC, A Ground Slash (QCF+A) [Only in corner]

Kazuki (Slash):   CD, BBC, D DaiBakuSatsu (DP+D)
                  CD, BBC, Super
Kazuki (Bust):    CD, BBC, C GuRenKyaku (DP+C)

Nakoruru (Slash): CD, BBC, C Lela Mutsube (QCF+C)

Rimururu (Bust):  CD, BBC, C Rupushi Tum (DP+C)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

16.  What do the background stages look like?

The stages are no longer character-specific, but are instead location-
specific.  As you travel across the area, you will stop at certain points
on the map of Shimabara, which is shown below.

                                    J  (castle)
                                    |
                   (volcano)   _____I_ (base)          A (small house)
                             /'       ----__           _ [START POINT]
                      ___---H'___           \          .
                    /'       \_  `\_         \        /
                   G           \    `\        \      /
                        (forest)`F--_-E---___ \   _/
             (beach)            / (orchard)  --B-/ (city)
           [START POINT]       /                |
                               \               /
                               /             C' (temple)
                               |         ___/
                                \  __---'
                                 D'
                                   (ghost town)

Key:
  Lines are paths between stages.  Characters start from either A (Koga) or
  G (Funatsu) -- nowhere else.  Eventually they will reach either H
  (Obama) from Koga or B (Fukae) from Funatsu, then move to point I
  (Kusenbutake).  From there they move into Amakusa-Jo (J) where the final
  battles take place.

Letters and Stage Descriptions:
  A - Koga - START POINT
        Begins with character's opponent leaping from a ceiling rafter.

        This is a redone version of Basara's SS3 stage.  The fight takes
        place in an abandoned, run-down house.  Candle stands are still on
        the floor, but cannot be cut; moreover, there are no screens.  In
        spite of the lack of interactive scenery, though, the background
        is really quite beautiful.  Instead of the back of the house being
        open, there is a giant hole in the ceiling, revealing other old
        houses and the Amakusa-jo in the background.
  
  B - Fukae
        Begins with low flames leaping.

        This is a city on fire.  At first glance, it looks somewhat like
        Genjuro's SS3 stage with a lot of flame added, but it turns out
        that it is not.  (See D for that one.)  Very nice scenery, if you
        like combustibles.  The castle can be seen dimly in the background.
        Extra bonus: As the players fight, fiery embers occasionally drift
        in the wind and catch on the buildings, setting them ablaze.

  C - Dohsaki
        Begins with a shot of a Buddha's head crying blood tears. 

        The stage is a ruined Buddhist temple--in fact, it turns out to be
        a remade version of Zankuro's SS3 stage.  The main change is that
        the temple is more opened to the outside, showing the castle in the
        background, and that the statues are much, much better looking.
        Many of them are broken; blood (?) leaks from the edges.
  
  D - Kushinotsu
        Begins with a bolt of lightning leaping up from the Amakusa-jo and
        striking the center stage, leaving a burnt magic circle in the
        ground.

        This is the ghost town we see in Genjuro's SS3 stage.  Only diff.
        is that a) it looks better and b) it's nighttime now.  Oh, and c)
        it is now completely abandoned.
  
  E - Arie
        Begins with cherry blossoms drifting as the shot pans from
        the castle in the background down to the orchard below.

        This is the cherry orchard which was Haohmaru's stage in SS3.  It
        looks far more orderly now; trees line the main row, as before, but
        now also stretch far into the background, with the castle rising
        ominously behind.  Lanterns are arrayed in the near background of 
        the stage, but cannot be cut.

  F - Kushiyama
        Begins with bamboo leaves falling.

        The stage is a bamboo forest, Shizumaru's SS3 stage (or Jubei's SS1
        stage for true purists).  Sunlight dapples through the bamboo at 
        certain angles, and through the forest one can faintly see the
        castle rising up in the distance.

  G - Funatsu - START POINT
        Begins with character's opponent leaping from a high rock.

        This is the western beachhead of the province (is Shimabara facing
        the sea?), and an alternate start point for certain characters.
        The waves roll in (4-frame motion, but pretty-looking) from the
        left, where the characters are closest to the water.  As the stage
        moves right, the beach curves away into the background and back the
        other way on the far shore.  High on the far shore we can see the
        red glow of burning Fukae as well as the fire-lit Amakusa-jo.

  H - Obama
        Begins with volcanic ash rising up from the ground.  

        This is Hanzo's SS3 stage--the volcano about to explode.  There
        isn't *that* much to say about rocks and ash as scenery, but the
        difference is that now, the castle is *much* closer in the
        background (and gets even closer at I--see below).

  I - Kusenbutake
        Begins with crows rising up from the bottom of the screen as
        the shot pans down from the castle.  Players fight at the base of
        Amakusa-jo, with the castle's base thrusting out of the rocks in
        the immediate background.  The rocks all around the area have red
        runes running through them, just as Mizuki's did.  However,
        Mizuki's stage didn't have bodies scattered around it.

  J - Amakusa-jo (Amakusa Castle) - FINISH POINT
        Begins with Amakusa making his speech about cleansing the world.

        The boss stages.  When fighting Amakusa, the stage is a wide hall,
        well-lit but in disrepair.  In center stage background, though,
        is the object of the quest; if the character makes it in time,
        Hazuki hangs suspended in midair as a magic circle under her drains 
        her energy.  Behind that is a large statue of a robed man holding a 
        sword outstretched between his hands.  If you do *not* make it in 
        time, Hazuki lies on the floor and magic circle, already dead.
        If you fight Amakusa, then Zankuro (who was imprisoned in the
        statue and kills off Amakusa) is freed.  The statue lies broken,
        Hazuki is on the floor (alive, hopefully), and Amakusa is a bloody
        mess on the floor.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

17.  Are the endings transcribed here?

Yup!  Here are all of the endings, transcribed literally, spelling errors
and all.  Note that these are the ACTUAL endings, assuming you make it to
the castle in time and fight Amakusa and Zankuro, then your "companion"
from the start of the game.  If you fail to get to the castle within the
allotted time, you fight only the person to whom you spoke in the
beginning, and receive a "bad ending," which is untranslated, oddly
enough.

In all the endings, unless noted, the character who won appears on the
left side of the screen, back to the player. The background is a cliff
(like the one at the beginning of the game) in daylight, with smoke
rising from a distance (probably from Amakusa's ruined castle).

Each line of text under a character's name represents one speech balloon.
Text in parentheses or brackets are comments about the scenes. Text not
attributed to a character are labeled "Screen:" The word [sic] means a
misspelling that appeared that way during the ending, so don't blame me!

KUBIKIRI BASARA
===============
Basara:     Kyah Hah ... the party's over!
            Wah hah hah haaaaaah!
(Kagaribi appears, in robe, on right.)
Basara:     Kagaribi!
Kagaribi:   ...Basara...
Basara:     I'm tired. I want to die here!
Kagaribi:   The ungrateful died [sic] cling to you!
Basara:     ...Oh, great!...
            ...Now just let me die!...
(Kagaribi vanishes, and reappears in front of Basara.)
Kagaribi:   Please, help him!
            P, p, please!
(Kagaribi vanishes.)
Basara:     Kagaribi!
            Oh, Kagaribi, I was a fool...
            Yah, hah, hah!
            I'm off hunting. A hunting I will go!
(Basara laughs.)
Basara:     !
(Basara is surrounded by electrical flashes. He screams, turns into a ball
of light, and floats off the top of the screen. The scene changes to an
area of earth. The ball floats into the earth, and a gravestone rises.
Chains attach to it from either side, and a big door closes.)
Screen:     What a beautiful nightmare!

TAM TAM
=======
Tam Tam:    It over. Me happy!
            I go home to village. Good.
(Tam Tam is in his village, in front of some ancient statues. He's in
pain.)
Tam Tam:    Aaoh ... oooh ... it hurt!
            This mask is real pain.
            !
(Tam Tam falls down. A medicine man comes over to him.)
Medicine man: This mask is sucking your life out!
            Quetzalcoatl! Save this young man's life!
(Spirits appear and dance around Tam Tam, who rises in the air.  Picture
fades.)
Screen:     3 months later...
(Cham Cham is lying on her stomach, kicking her feet, playing with her
monkey Paku Paku. Tam Tam is to her left.)
Cham Cham:  Tam Tam!
Tam Tam:    What's up, Cham Cham?
Cham Cham:  The Tanjil stone...
            I lost it!
Tam Tam:    Say what, Cham Cham!
(Tam Tam says, "Ooh!")

GALFORD
=======
Galford:    That Amakusa was one tough dude!
            Huh?
(Poppy drags Tam Tam on the ground to Galford.)
Galford:    Poppy, you're all right!
Poppy:      Woof! (barks)
Tam Tam:    Unnh ... unnh ... (obviously, reads Marvel comics)
            You save Tamtam [sic]?
Galford:    Don't thank me, thank Poppy! (Poppy barks)
Tam Tam:    You save Tamtam? Friend! Friend! (Tam Tam says, "Ow-wow-wow!")
(A red orb drops from Tam Tam as he's cheering.)
Galford:    !
(Galford says, "Hey, Poppy!", who fetches the orb.)
Galford:    By the by, why do you carry the devil's stone?
            Because of this, people go ceerazy [sic], man!
(Tam Tam points at the floating stone.)
Tam Tam:    You friend. This stone important to me!
            My village sick!
(Tam Tam swipes the stone and dashes off.)
Tam Tam:    Forgive me! I go!
Galford:    Hey, wait!
            ..........
            Well, Poppy, someday... (Poppy barks.)
            When another baddie shows up, we'll be there!
(Galford says "Yeah!")
            Let's go, Poppy!
(Poppy barks. Galford and Poppy run off to the right. Another dog follows,
CARRYING THE ORB. Another dog follows after that, carrying Tam Tam's blade,
and yet another dog follows again, carrying Tam Tam's mask. Then Tam Tam
himself runs after them all!)

KIBAGAMI GENJURO
================
(Genjuro stands with his frog hopping behind him.)
Genjuro:    Wow... was he weak!
            !
(Gen-An and Earthquake run in from the right.)
Earthquake: Yah, hah, hah! Come quietly with us!
Gen-An:     He calls for you.
Genjuro:    No one tells me what to do!
Gen-An:     Very well. We'll drag you away!
Genjuro:    Try it and you're sashimi, pal!
(Big slash! Both Gen-An and Earthquake fall out of the picture.)
Gen-An:     Aaa ... zaaa ... meeee!
(Fade to black.)
Screen:     6 months later...
(In Genjuro's village stage, SLASH!  Haohmaru knocks Ukyo out of the
picture.)
Haohmaru:   You are w-e-a-k! Is no one stronger?
            What?!
(Haohmaru goes into his fighting stance. Genjuro's leg can be seen on the
right. The screen changes to a shot of a wheelbarrow on the left, and the
left side of Genjuro's face can be seen. Throughout the following dialogue,
the scene alternates between Genjuro's face and a profile of Haohmaru.)
Genjuro:    Long time, no see, Haohmaru!
Haohmaru:   Foul fiend of Hades! You don't know when to quit!
Genjuro:    This fiend will have your butt!
Haohmaru:   We'll see about that!
Genjuro:    Very well, Haohmaru. You're finished!
(Swords clash. BEAUTIFUL still shot of Haohmaru and Genjuro in combat.)

NAKORURU
========
(Nakoruru stands with Mamahaha.)
Nakoruru:   At last, it's over!
            But mother nature still weeps!
            Forgive me. I'll cure the damage!
(A close-up picture of Nakoruru praying, hands clasped.)
Nakoruru:   To the gods of Kamui Kotan, light!
(Nakoruru is on the ground. Rimururu comes from the right, the wolf
Shikuruu on the left. Shikuruu howls.)
Rimururu:   Sis!
            Konril, help me!
(Rimururu throws the ice crystal, which forms an ice shield around
Nakoruru, who is dragged off. Fade to black.)
Screen:     One week later...
(The scene is the forest from the SS2 endings. Rimmy runs into the scene.)
Rimururu:   Sis!
            Are you okay?
Nakoruru:   I ... I think so...
(Rimmy plays with her ice crystal in the background, while Nak faces us
in close-up.)
Nakoruru:   What a sweet kid!
            But an evil darkness nestles in nature's bosom!
            For nature has told me!
            We must save nature again from
            Being sucked up by this evil!
            We must succeed!
            At any cost... (her eyes close)

KAFUIN GAIRA
============
(Gaira is standing with Zankuro's dead body to his right.)
Gaira:      Well, things are back in order.
            Now to crean [sic] things up.
(Gaira says, "Namu Amida Butsu" and Zankuro disappears.)
Gaira:      You old demon, you're off to heven [sic]!
            Let's go home.
(Caffeine Nicotine jumps into the scene.)
Gaira:      Hey, gramps!
Nicotine:   Exorcise the big old demon?
Gaira:      Yup!
Nicotine:   Well, well...
            Yes, it's Basara, and I'm Basara.
Gaira:      Aaah!
(Nicotine impatiently stamps his foot through the next dialogue.)
Nicotine:   You fool, we must go!
Gaira:      Quiet! You silly monk! Go now?
Nicotine:   You fool! It's excommunication for you!
Gaira:      You loud-mouthed geezer!
(Gaira attacks Nicotine! Freeze-frame!)

SENRYO KYOSHIRO
===============
Kyoshiro:   La comedia e finita!
            Now, back to the smell of the crowd and the roar of
            greasepaint!
(Kyoshiro hops off. The scene changes to a snowy field.)
Screen:     After the battle, Kyoshiro went on to greater success.
            He became a national sensation.
(Kyoshiro dances.)
Screen:     But with the Kyoshiro's demon dance, a new evil was summoned.
            Big and bad, it comes looking for Kyoshiro!
(The snow cloud changes into a big black shadow. MIZUKI?!?!?)

HISAME SHIZUMARU
================
Shizumaru:  It's over ... but...
(Shiz throws up?!)
Shizumaru:  Ooooh...
            Again, something rampages within me!
            Stop ... please, stop!
            I'm ... I'm not a demon!
(Haohmaru and Nakoruru appear on the right.)
Haohmaru:   Give me a break. A demon.
            Sizumaru [sic], a demon exists in us all!
            You ca'nt [sic] escape your destiny!
            To become a demon or to live as a human, it's your choice!
Shizumaru:  I've been denying my demon, escaping myself! But I was wrong!
(Haohmaru and Nakoruru disappear. No wedding invitations.)
Shizumaru:  I'm a demon, and I'm Sizumaru [sic] Hisame!
            My memory may be gone, but this I know!
            I'm not lonely!
(Fade to black.)
Screen:     With no record of a demon sighting, Sizumaru [sic] found his
            true destiny.

CHARLOTTE
=========
Charlotte:  My country is saved!
            ... but Haohmaru ...
            !
(Haohmaru appears.)
Charlotte:  Haohmaru, you're save!
Haohmaru:   Well, kind of.
            .........
            You were worried about me?
Charlotte:  What, me...?
            Why should I worry about you? (Charlotte laughs.)
Haohmaru:   You just don't change, toots.
Charlotte:  What? Why you...!
Haohmaru:   Well, they say abstinence is best!
Charlotte:  Huh? Haohmaru!
(Haohmaru leaves. Close-up of Charlotte.)
Charlotte:  Hmph. What a guy! (Charlotte smiles.)

TACHIBANA UKYO
==============
Ukyo:       ...Zoiks! My fiancee?!...
            !
(Kei appears.)
Kei:        Why, what brings you here?
Ukyo:       Kei, my dear...
            ...I didn't intend to hurt you!
            I'm sorry.
(Ukyo walks off.)
Off-screen: Ukyooooooo!
(The girls who chase Ukyo follow him across the screen, and off.)
Kei:        Ukyooooooo...
(Scene changes to Ukyo at his seaside stage.)
Ukyo:       ...Nothing is left in me.
            .........
            Kei, my dear...
(Some Japanese lettering appears on the right side of the screen.)

HAOHMARU
========
Haohmaru:   It's over...
            ...and I'm off!
(Fade to black.)
Screen:     With Amakusa dead,
            Peace returns to the land once more.
(Fade to black again.)
Screen:     6 months later...
(The rest of the ending is the same as Genjuro's from this spot.)

HATTORI HANZO
=============
Hanzo:      Missin [sic]: complete!
(Jubei appears.)
Hanzo:      Are you okay, Jubei?
Jubei:      But what of Shinzo?
Hanzo:      Oh! Quiet!
            His soul is saved, by this missin [sic]...
Jubei:      Forgive me...
(Two women appear, kneeling before Hanzo.)
Jubei:      What?
Boy on right: You must hurry home, Hanzo!
Hanzo:      Very well, I bid my leave!
Jubei:      Right!
(The boys vanish, and Hanzo disappears in a puff of smoke.)
Jubei:      A blade for a heart... a sad fellow!
(Hanzo is running toward us in close-up.)
Hanzo:      This father shall...
(An exclamation point appears after "shall")
Hanzo:      This father shall!...

YAGYU JUBEI
===========
(Jubei is on the right of the screen.)
Jubei:      It's all over...
            We won't be hearing from him soon.
            ...?!
(Hanzo appears on the left side of the screen in a puff of smoke.)
Hanzo:      Ah! cha cha! Hear [sic] I am!
Jubei:      But what of Shinzo?
(From this point, until Jubei's "A blade for a heart", same as Hanzo's
ending.)
(Jubei tosses an orb onto the ground.)
Jubei:      Now to weed out the soul of evil!
(Jubei blows up the orb with a sword blast.)
Jubei:      And put this matter to rest.
(Jubei laughs and the screen fades to black, but Jubei remains on screen on
the right side. The Edo Express Delivery Man runs from left to right,
behind Jubei.  And little chirds burp at Jubei's feet. The next words are
superimposed on that image.)
Screen:     But who knew 6 months later
            Jubei would face a great evil?

RIMURURU
========
Rimururu:   It's over, right Konril?
(The ice crystal rotates for a moment, then collapses into a puddle!)
Rimururu:   Konril! (Rimmy's hand goes to her mouth.)
            What's wrong? Answer me!
            Konril! Konril!
            Forgive me, Konril! You were always there for me. And...
            Let's go back to Kamui Kotan. They're waiting for us.
(Rimururu kneels by the puddle. Fade to black.)
Screen:     One month later...
(It's the forest scene from SS2 endings again. Rimmy comes tumbling in.)
Rimururu:   Hurry up!
(Rimmy is followed by the ice crystal, hale and hearty again. Rimururu
preens for the crystal.)
Rimururu:   Yah, hah, hah!

AMAKUSA SHIRO TOKISADA
======================
Amakusa:    Is it really over?
(Hanzo appears in a puff of smoke.)
Hanzo:      Hmph.
Amakusa:    I'm just as spirit [sic] in two!
Hanzo:      Amakusa, do you remember me?
            All of the evil you brought.
            And my son, too!
Amakusa:    Your son is now...
            Ooooh, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Hanzo:      What is it, Amakusa?
(Amakusa splits into two Amakusas.)
Amakusa:    Goowaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
(The two Amakusas recombine into one.)
Hanzo:      ...?!
(A rainbow forms around the single Amakusa, which turns into a black orb,
and floats into the air.)
Hanzo:      Amakusa!
            ...A massive force!...
            A terrible power...
(Scene changes to earth. The orb enters the earth, a gravestone comes out,
chains attach to it -- like in Basara's ending. A pause.)
Screen:     God's child rests here.
(Big doors close.)
Screen:     God's child rests here.

KAZAMA SOGETSU
==============
Sogetsu:    The extermination is complete!
(Fade out, fade into the SS2 forest.)
Sogetsu:    ...Over there, right?
            Hmmph. (Scratches his head.)
            Come out, Kazuki! (Motions with his arm.)
(Kazuki appears on the right.)
Kazuki:     I don't need this!
Sogetsu:    You know the price of leaving the ninja!
(Kazuki sits on the ground in lotus position.)
Kazuki:     Do as you wish!
(Fade out, fade into the forest again. Kazuki is lying on the ground,
apparently dead. Sogetsu stands over him, surrounded by three other ninjas
in olive-colored outfits something like Sogetsu's.)
Sogetsu:    I did away with the ninja. Let's go home!
A ninja:    Year. [sic]
(They vanish. Fade out, and into a close-up of the back of the ninja
leader's head, talking to Sogetsu. A candle flickers in the background.)
Leader:     Hey! Sogetsu, did you do your job?
Sogetsu:    Yes! It's over.
Leader:     That was tough. Your own brother.
Sogetsu:    But the rures [sic] of the ninja are fulfilled.
Leader:     You have my thanks, and sympathies.
            .............
(Close-up of Sogetsu, eyes closed.)
Sogetsu:    Piece of cake.
(Sogetsu's eyes open. He laughs!)

KAZAMA KAZUKI
=============
Kazuki:     That was a close one!
(Fade out, fade into the SS2 forest. Kazuki is on the ground,
administering to Hazuki, who is wearing a pink shift.)
Kazuki:     Hey, Hazuki! Pull yourself together!
            You knew it was me?
Hazuki:     Yes, of course.
Kazuki:     !
(Kazuki and Hazuki vanish.)
Kazuki:     Hazuki, don't move.
(Sogetsu suddenly appears.)
Sogetsu:    ...Over there, right?
(From this point until "Year.", same as Sogetsu's ending.)
(Sogetsu and the other ninjas vanish, leaving Kazuki on the ground.
Hazuki runs up to Kazuki's body.)
Hazuki:     Brother, are you okay?
(Kazuki slowly gets up.)
Kazuki:     Gooaah! That guy knew his stuff!
            Let's go, Hazuki!
(Close-up of Kazuki running, looking back at Hazuki running with him. VERY
anime-looking.)
Hazuki:     Yeah, good idea!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

18.  Are there any "goodies" in the game?

Yup!  There have been a few interesting oddities reported!

                          WAN-FU AND SIEGER
In order to see a picture of one of these two after the end credits, you
must beat the ENTIRE game (including Amakusa, Zankuro and the rival) in
the time limit.  The conditions for how to receive a specific one are not
currently known.

                           POPPY'S PUPPIES
In order to see a special win pose with the puppies, win with a double
perfect using Slash Galford.  Galford will say, "Arigato!" as the puppies
scamper across the screen.

                     CHARLOTTE OF THE MULTI-SUPER
When doing Slash Charlotte's POW Special, hold down the A, B, C or D
button until the completion of the star.  Depending on which button you
hold down, she will end the super in a different fashion!  Give it a try!

                      SHIZUMARU, THE FROG-THIEF
When Bust Shizumaru wins a match against Genjuro, he will open his
umbrella in his victory pose like normal, but Genjuro's frog will come out
and start hopping around as well!

                        CHARLOTTE'S CRACKING UP
Sometimes, when winning in the second round, Slash Charlotte's epaulet
(shoulder guard) shatters and she looks at it strangely.  No confirmation
on how to make this happen, but it seems to be fairly common.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

19.  How about bug reports?

                  THE UNSTOPPABLE NAKORURU...
Nakoruru has been reported as attempting to dash against a cornered
opponent, and if the opponent jumps over her, she gets stuck in the corner,
still running.  But she can't be hit out of her run, nor can the person
playing her stop her!  Her opponent used the Honourable Death, but the
game continued, though the clock had stopped.  After about 30 seconds, the
game proceeded to the next round with no problems...

If you discover a bug, please submit it and I will list it here!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

20.  Who can I get in touch with to discuss my favorite character?

Well, if you want to discuss the merits of Genjuro or Basara, I'm game.
Aside from that, check out the Neo*Geo Mailing list and Samurai Shodown
mailing list for people who will be glad to discuss the game with you!

The Neo*Geo Mailing List:
     Send email to [email protected]
     Subject: SUBSCRIBE
     Body: SUBSCRIBE

The Samurai Shodown Mailing List:
     Send email to [email protected]
     Subject: SUBSCRIBE
     Body: SUBSCRIBE

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

20.  I have more info on SS4 than what is here.  Can I submit it?

Please do!  I'm always looking for more information on the game!  Send
it to [email protected], and please tell me how you wish to be credited
(real name, email handle, whether or not to include email address, etc.).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WANTED:  Normal moves information
         GAMEST CHARACTER RANKINGS
         Character-specific combos
         Translations for the quotes I don't already have translated
         Anything that's not already here, basically

This TAPFAQ has been brought to you by Deuce, resident Hanafuda player,
Holy Terror w/Bust Genjuro, Neo*Freak, head author of Dream Tournament IV,
and all around weird guy.  Please do not sell this document, but distribute
it freely!  If you sell this, I will send my good buddy Genjuro to educate
you about following directions. :)

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