Samurai Spirits Amakusa Kourin (サムライスピリッツ 天草降臨) is a 2D fighting game developed by SNK as part of the Samurai Spirits series. It was originally released for the Neo Geo in late 1996, then ported to the Sega Saturn nearly a full year later in 1997. The game requires an Extended RAM Cartridge to play.
The second part of a two-chapter story that is chronologically set between the events of Samurai Spirits and Shin Samurai Spirits: Haohmaru Jigokuhen (Samurai Shodown and Samurai Shodown II in the West), the game focuses on the return of Shiro Tokisada Amakusa, the villain of the first game. Amakusa has taken over a castle in the jagged wasteland of Shimabara and kidnapped the sorceress-in-training Hazuki Kazama in order to use her as a conduit to control a resurrected Zankuro Minazuki.
Gameplay
Character select
Gameplay
No Contest
The game is the fourth in a series of weapons-based fighting games set in Edo-period Japan. Compared to the previous entry, Samurai Spirits Zankurou Musouken, it returns to the lighter color palette of the earlier games and restores three characters not seen since the second game. It removes several mechanics introduced in the previous game, such as aerial blocking, unblockable heavy slash attacks after a dash, and the ability to charge the POW gauge by holding all three slash buttons. It also removes mechanics that have been in the series since the first game, such as the delivery man and items and the ability to stun opponents by hitting them with several attacks in a short span of time. However, it retains the Slash and Bust techniques and the grades introduced in the last game. New mechanics include chain combos, pounce attacks for downed opponents, taunts, reworked "Rage explosion" techniques, and violent finishing moves. Health is split across two separate gauges for each player to compensate for the high damage of many attacks. The game also introduces two new characters, Hazuki Kazama's brothers Kazuki and Sogetsu.
As before, matches are fought to the best of three rounds. Each round is timed (with the winner being the combatant with the most health remaining if time runs out). If the battle goes to four rounds, both characters start with full POW gauges and fight a shortened final round. Both players lose if the fourth round ends in a draw or a tie.
Characters move with or . They backstep or dash with or . They jump upward with and jump behind and ahead with or . They crouch with . Characters can slash (or punch if disarmed) with (weak), (normal), or (heavy) and kick with . Heavy attacks do more damage but are significantly slower. Attacks can be done while standing, crouching, jumping, or dashing. Performing a counter-hit (hitting the opponent while the opponent is attacking) does extra damage. Characters can evade attacks with (or +), which causes the character to quickly lean into the background, causing any attacks made in that moment to miss; however, the character is vulnerable for an instant when coming out of the dodge. If the character is close to the opponent, instead of dodging, the character passes to the other side of the opponent. This can also be used to evade an enemy strike, leaving the opponent open to counterattack if timed right. When next to the opponent, a character can initiate a chain combo by pressing + and following up with a series of quick slashes.
When characters slash each other at the same time (when both armed), they lock swords. Players must press the slash buttons rapidly to break the lock, with the player who loses the hold (by not pressing the buttons as fast as the opposing player) having the character knocked back and disarmed. Both players have visible counters that count their button presses. A character can equip his or her weapon again by pressing a slash button while standing next to it. A character can taunt and throw his or her own weapon down (to fight unarmed) by pressing +. In addition to their standard attacks, characters can perform special moves using specific button combinations (though many special moves cannot be performed if the character is disarmed).
Guarding is done by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent. Guarding can be done while standing or crouching and can also be done in midair. Most attacks can be blocked while standing or crouching, but many attacks must specifically be blocked high or low. Every character has a sweep kick performed with + (or + when facing left) that can only be blocked crouching and an overhead move performed with (or +) that can only be blocked standing. If a character is armed, the character can also perform a parry against a weapon attack by pressing K (or K when facing left) as the opponent is attacking in close range. The timing for this maneuver must be precise, but if successful, the character repels the opponent's attack, and the opponent is left vulnerable to counterattack for a moment. If the character is unarmed, this move instead disarms the opponent.
Characters can break an opponent's guard by holding or while pressing the heavy slash button in close range. This grabs and then pushes or pulls the opponent aside, which does no damage by itself but leaves the opponent open to attack. After a character has been knocked down, the character can recover more quickly by holding , roll away by holding or , or recover some health by holding while pressing the attack buttons rapidly. Downed opponents can be attacked with a pounce attack from far away by pressing and a slash button simultaneously or with a nearby attack by pressing (or if facing left) and a slash button simultaneously.
Each character has a "POW" gauge that fills as the player is hit by enemy attacks or guards against an attack. When the gauge is full, the character starts to glow and can perform a Weapon-Flipping Technique (武器飛ばし必殺技). These are super moves that do heavy damage and disarm the opponent, which are performed with special button combinations or by pressing . The gauge drains if the move hits the opponent (but not if it misses). The POW gauge stays permanently filled when a character's health gauge has depleted into the red area and started flashing.
The "Rage explosion" (怒りモード) from previous games is now separate from the POW gauge. Characters can enter this mode by pressing ++ (or ), which causes the character to "explode" and push back the opponent (but the explosion inflicts no damage). The character turns red and attacks with increased damage for long as the "Explosion gauge," which replaces the POW gauge, lasts. The Explosion gauge drains quickly over time, and its duration is inversely proportional to the amount of health that the character has remaining. During this state, the character can perform a Link Slash (連ね斬り), a Weapon-Flipping Technique, or a Fatal Flash (一閃). A Link Slash is an automatic combos performed with ++ that drains a small amount of the gauge. The Weapon-Flipping Technique is the same as with POW gauge and empties the Explosion gauge if it hits. The Fatal Flash is a special attack that is performed with ++ (or ). The damage inflicted if it connects is inversely proportionate to the amount of health that the player's character has remaining, which is potentially a severe amount of damage if the character is close to defeat. However, it can only be performed once per match (the player loses the POW gauge for the rest of the match afterwards) and can be blocked.
If the opponent is defeated under certain conditions, the player is prompted to enter a special button combination to perform a special finishing move called a No Contest (断末奥義) move. The button combination is shown on-screen and must be entered quickly. The requirements for being able to perform this move are that the opponent must be defeated in less than twenty seconds in the second round of the match and that the opponent must be left standing when hit by the last move (not in midair or knocked down by the move). It can be done in single-player or two-player games, except against Nakoruru or Rimururu or against the boss characters (including the rival character) in the story mode. These moves kill the opponent in an elaborate and bloody fashion, similar to the Fatalities in the Mortal Kombat games.
Chain combos
The game introduces a chain combo system (called 連続斬り or "CD combos," after the buttons used in the original Neo Geo version to start the sequence). These combos use the same button combinations for every character and can be initiated by pressing HS +K when next to the opponent. This can then be followed up with one of the following chains:
LS LS LS
LS MS HS
MS MS HS
HOLD LS LS MS MS HS HS LS MS HS HS HS HS HS
HOLD LS LS HS MS LS HS MS LS HS MS LS HS MS
HS HS K (Shizumaru only)
HS HS (Kazuki and Sogetsu only)
HS MS MS MS (Kazuki and Sogetsu only)
Modes
In the single-player mode, the player chooses any of the seventeen selectable characters and the character's alignment and then fights a series of matches against six opponents before reaching Amakusa's Castle. There is a time limit for reaching this point that causes the game to branch into one of two outcomes. The time limit appears at the start of the game, and the timer is shown during gameplay. If the player exceeds this time, the character reaches the castle after a rival character (specific to the chosen character) has already arrived and killed Amakusa, and the two characters fight. Otherwise, if the player finishes within the time limit, the character fights Amakusa, then the resurrected Zankuro, then the rival character. There are eight difficulty levels. A second player can enter the game by pressing START on a second control pad.
The Vs Mode is a dedicated two-player mode where two players can fight each other in single matches. The Practice Mode is a single-player training mode where the player can choose any character and any opponent. The opponent has infinite health and adjustable behavior (stand, crouch, or jump and not guard, guard, or guard after being hit). The game shows button inputs on the side of the screen in this mode.
In either mode, after choosing a character, the player can choose between two versions of the character: 修羅 (localized as "Slash" in other releases of the game) or 羅刹 ("Bust"). Slash is the the chivalrous alignment and represents the "normal" version of the character, while Bust is a darker, treacherous version with a modified moveset. Then the player chooses between three experience levels: 剣聖 (localized as "Upper Grade"), 剣豪 ("Medium Grade"), or 剣客 ("Beginners Class"). Upper Grade gives the player a faster character but takes away the ability to guard (though the character can still dodge). Medium Grade is the normal game. The character can block, and the POW gauge fills normally. Beginners Class lets the player perform automatic four-hit combos by pressing + (but extending it into a longer combo is not possible) and perform the character's Rage special move (when the POW gauge is full) by pressing +++ (but the POW gauge charges more slowly). The player cannot use the Rage explosion technique in Beginners Class.
There are also options for setting the amount of damage taken by each player ("Capacity"), the starting amount of life for both players ("Life"), the number of rounds needed to win a match (from 1 to 5), the time limit for each round (60 seconds or unlimited), and the POW gauge (normal for empty or "MAX" for full). The game saves high scores and completion status to the Saturn's internal memory.
Characters
Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, and should be reversed.
S
Any slash button
LS
Light slash
MS
Medium slash
HS
Hard slash
K
Kick
Playable
The two ninja brothers, Kazuki Kazama and Sogetsu Kazama, are new characters. Charlotte and Jubei return after being absent from the last game, and Tam Tam returns after being absent from the last two games.
Rival battle:
Genjuro Kibagami
Haohmaru
An honorable samurai. He decides to make the journey to Shimabara after hearing that the castle was restored and sensing the presence of Amakusa.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Ougi Senpuu Retsu Zan
S (requires weapon)
Haohmaru swings his katana, summoning a cyclone that rolls across the ground and tosses his opponent in the air. The distance traveled by the cyclone depends on the strength of the button used.
Ougi Kogetsu Zan
S (requires weapon)
Haohmaru swings his katana in a circle around him, then twirls into the air while slashing his katana. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used.
Ougi Shippuu Kogetsu Zan
S during dash (requires weapon)
Haohmaru swings his katana in a circle and jumps while dashing.
Ougi Resshin Zan
S (requires weapon)
Haohmaru leaps forward and flips over with a falling sword cut. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking. The distance of the leap depends on the strength of the button used.
Zankousen
HS (requires weapon)
Haohmaru turns around, then performs a heavy downward slash.
Super: Hiougi Tenha Fuujin Zan
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Haohmaru steps forward while spinning his katana in circles multiple times, rising into the air with the last slice.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Ougi Senpuu Retsu Zan: Setsu
S (requires weapon)
Haohmaru swings his katana, summoning a cyclone that rolls across the ground and tosses his opponent in the air. The distance traveled by the cyclone depends on the strength of the button used.
Ougi Kogetsu Zan
S (requires weapon)
Haohmaru swings his katana in a circle around him, then twirls into the air while slashing his katana. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used.
Ougi Shippuu Kogetsu Zan
S during dash (requires weapon)
Haohmaru swings his katana in a circle and jumps while dashing.
Gou Ha
K
Haohmaru charges forward with a shoulder ram that knocks his opponent over.
Senpuu Ha
K (requires weapon)
Haohmaru swings his sword across the ground, generating a spray of sparks that knocks his opponent over.
Nagi Yaiba
S (requires weapon)
Haohmaru holds his blade in a reverse grip. If the opponent tries to hit him while he is doing this or if he is close to the opponent, he counters by slicing upward with his katana, then continues slicing as he rises into the air.
Super: Hiougi Tenha Dankuu Retsu Zan
LS + MS (close) (requires weapon)
Haohmaru slices upward with his katana, creating a cyclone that tosses his opponent into the air, then follows it up with a downward sword slash in the air and another downward sword slash as he falls to the ground.
Rival battle:
Genjuro Kibagami
Nakoruru
A young girl who is a guardian of nature. She travels to Shimabara to protect nature from the evil blight emanating from the castle.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Nakoruru can jump off the edges of the screen.
Lela Kishima Tek
+ HS or + HS in midair (close)
Nakoruru grabs and slams her opponent to the ground.
Kamui Fum Kesupu
+K or +K in midair
Nakoruru does an axe kick in the air. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Annu Mutsube
S (requires weapon)
Nakoruru flies along the ground while holding her kodachi in front of her, which knocks over and slides to the other side of her opponent. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. This move can only be blocked low.
Lela Mutsube
S (requires weapon)
Nakoruru flies into the air while holding her kodachi in front of her. The distance and the height traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
Kamui Rimuse
S
Nakoruru whips her cape in circles. She whips it one time with LS , two times with MS , and three times with HS . She can follow up with an upward whip by pressing S before she finishes. This move can reflect projectiles.
Mamahaha ni Tsukamaru
K
Nakoruru leaps into the air to be carried by her hawk Mamahaha for a limited duration. While in flight, Nakoruru can move in any direction using the D-Pad or fall to the ground with +K.
Kamui Mutsube
LS + MS while carried by Mamahaha
Nakoruru dives diagonally downwards while holding her kodachi out.
Shichikapu Etu
MS
Mamahaha charges downward and stabs the opponent with her beak, momentarily stunning the opponent. The angle of the dive depends on the strength of the button used, with LS being the closest to vertical and HS being the closest to horizontal.
Super: Ererushi Kamui Rimse
LS + MS
Nakoruru jumps into the air, dives down while holding her kodachi in front of her, then whips her cape in circles, knocking her opponent into the air, where Mamahaha hits them with a dive attack.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Nakoruru can jump off the edges of the screen.
Lela Kishima Tek
+ HS or + HS in midair (close)
Nakoruru grabs and slams her opponent to the ground.
Kamui Fum Kesupu
+K or +K in midair
Nakoruru does an axe kick in the air. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Kamui Rimuse
S
Nakoruru whips her cape in circles. She whips it one time with LS , two times with MS , and three times with HS . She can follow up with an upward whip by pressing S before she finishes. This move can reflect projectiles.
Shikuruu ni Nori
S or K
Nakoruru hops onto the back of her wolf Shikuruu until she is hit by the opponent or dismounts. While riding, Nakoruru can move with or , jump with , dismount with K, or slash her kodachi with S.
Mer Shikite
S while riding Shikuruu
Shikuruu runs forward. He can cross over to the other side of the opponent. Nakoruru can jump off and charge in a direction while holding her kodachi in front of her by holding any direction (except or ) and HS simultaneously.
Kanto Shikite
S while riding Shikuruu
Shikuruu charges diagonally upwards. Nakoruru can jump off and charge in a direction while holding her kodachi in front of her by holding any direction (except or ) and HS simultaneously.
Imeru Shikite
S in midair while riding Shikuruu
Shikuruu dives diagonally downwards while Nakoruru holds her kodachi out in front of her.
Epunkine Shikite
LS + HS when knocked down
Shikuruu charges at the opponent after Nakoruru is knocked down.
Super: Nubeki Kamui Shikite
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Nakoruru hops onto the back of her wolf Shikuruu. She charges forward with a kodachi strike, followed by a rising slash that carries the opponent into the air, finishing with a cape whip that knocks the opponent to the ground.
Rival battle:
Haohmaru
Genjuro Kibagami
A cold-hearted ronin. He is uninterested in the return of Amakusa and seeks only a duel with Haohmaru.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Ouka Zan
S (requires weapon)
Genjuro swings his katana and throws a projectile shaped like a hanafuda card across the screen. The distance traveled by the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
Touha Kouyoku Jin
S (requires weapon)
Genjuro rises into the air with a sword slash. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used.
Sanren Satsu
S (requires weapon)
Genjuro slides forward with a lateral sword slice. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. He can cross over to the other side of the opponent with MS or HS . He can perform up to two more sword slices by pressing S more times.
Shizuku Jin
K (close) (requires weapon)
Genjuro tosses his opponent into the air, jumps after them, and hits them back down with a downward sword slash. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked.
Kurenai
S (requires weapon)
Genjuro pulls his katana back, as a hanafuda card begins to materialize a short distance in front of him, then slashes downward. If the opponent is inside the hanafuda card, they are hit as the card is sliced in two.
Super: Gokou Zan
LS + MS (close) (requires weapon)
Genjuro slashes his opponent into the air, jumps after them, and slashes them five times in midair.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Ura Ouka: Ayame
S (requires weapon)
Genjuro swings his katana and throws a projectile shaped like a hanafuda card across the screen. The distance traveled by the projectile depends on the strength of the button used. Continuing to hold S causes the card to ricochet into the air if the opponent blocks it, potentially landing on the opponent afterwards (which can only be blocked high).
Touha Kouyoku Jin
S (requires weapon)
Genjuro rises into the air with a sword slash. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used.
Sankuu Satsu
S (requires weapon)
Genjuro runs forward, then rises into the air with a sword slash. He can perform up to two more rising sword slashes by pressing S more times.
Hyakki Satsu
S (requires weapon)
Genjuro slices his blade multiple times in front of him. He slices more times when a stronger button is used. If a slice connects, he impales the opponent on the blade, then pushes them off with his foot.
Shigure
S (requires weapon)
Genjuro pulls his katana back, as a hanafuda card begins to materialize a short distance in front of him, then slashes downward. If the opponent is inside the hanafuda card, they are hit as the card is sliced in two.
Super: Ura Gokou
LS + MS (close) (requires weapon)
Genjuro slashes his opponent into the air with a series of five slashes.
Rival battle:
Haohmaru
Charlotte Christine de Colde
A master fencer who "paints" with her rapier. She senses that her native France is in peril and travels to Japan to investigate.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Splash Fount
+SSSSS (requires weapon)
Charlotte repeatedly stabs her rapier in front of her while moving forward. The maximum number of stabs depends on the strength of the button used.
Tri-Slash
S (requires weapon)
Charlotte slashes in the air, creating a large triangle-shaped projectile that launches forward. The speed and distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used. The projectile can be delayed by holding S before releasing it.
Power Gradation
S (requires weapon)
Charlotte flies into the air while slashing her rapier. The height of the maneuver depends on the strength of the button used.
Super: Splash Gradation
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Charlotte slashes a 7-pointed star in the air with her rapier, then flies into the air while slashing her rapier.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Violent Lunge
S (requires weapon)
Charlotte thrusts her rapier forward, generating a conical energy wave around it. The length of the cone depends on the strength of the button used.
Lance de Lion
K
Charlotte slides on the ground. If she hits her opponent, she throws the opponent over her head and behind her.
Power Gradation
S (requires weapon)
Charlotte flies into the air while slashing her rapier. The height of the maneuver depends on the strength of the button used.
Super: Crystal Rose
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Charlotte throws a rose at her opponent, then slashes them repeatedly, making an image of a rose, thrusts her rapier through the rose, then flies into the air while slashing her rapier.
Rival battle:
Tam Tam
Galford D. Weller
An American sailor who traveled to Japan to learn ninjutsu. Determined to vanquish all evil from the world, he starts his journey to Shimabara.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Galford can jump off the edges of the screen.
Plasma Blade
S
Galford throws two large plasma kunai across the screen. The speed of the projectiles depends on the strength of the button used.
Rush Dog
LS
Galford sends his dog Poppy to rush over and charge his opponent, which knocks the opponent over.
Machine Gun Dog
MS
Galford sends his dog Poppy to rush over and maul his opponent, which knocks the opponent over.
Diving Dog
HS
Poppy disappears, then reappears above the opponent with a spin attack.
Overhead Crush
K
Galford and Poppy fly high into the air, then Galford throws Poppy diagonally downward in a spin attack.
Replica Attack
LS + HS or MS +K
Galford disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, falling with a spinning sword slash. He appears in front of the opponent with LS + HS or behind the opponent with MS +K.
Imitate Replica
Hold LS + HS or MS +K while being attacked
Galford disappears in a cloud of smoke, leaving only a log in his stead, then reappears above his opponent with a spinning sword slash. He appears in front of the opponent with LS + HS or behind the opponent with MS +K.
Shadow Copy
LS or MS
Galford disappears in a cloud of smoke, then two flashing mirror images appear, one on each side of the screen. Galford reappears in place of the leftmost image with LS or the rightmost image with MS .
Super: Double Mega Strike Heads
LS + MS or HS +K (requires weapon)
Galford disappears, then he and a duplicate fall from the air around his opponent and perform a series of sword strikes. Then they carry the opponent into the air and finish with a slam. Galford falls in front of the opponent with LS + MS or behind the opponent with HS +K.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Galford can jump off the edges of the screen.
Plasma Break
+SSSSS
Galford charges his body with electricity.
Plasma Factor
LS or MS (requires weapon)
Galford infuses his sword with plasma and swings it downward while standing with LS or trips his opponent with it while crouched with MS . Either attack knocks opponents over on impact.
Lightning Slash
HS (requires weapon)
Galford runs forward with a rolling kick. If it connects, it knocks the opponent backward, then Galford follows up with a plasma-charged sword slash.
Replica Attack
LS + HS or MS +K
Galford disappears, then reappears in the air above his opponent, falling with a spinning sword slash. He appears in front of the opponent with LS + HS or behind the opponent with MS +K.
Imitate Replica
Hold LS + HS or MS +K while being attacked
Galford disappears in a cloud of smoke, leaving only a log in his stead, then reappears above his opponent with a spinning sword slash. He appears in front of the opponent with LS + HS or behind the opponent with MS +K.
Shadow Copy
LS or MS
Galford disappears in a cloud of smoke, then two flashing mirror images appear, one on each side of the screen. Galford reappears in place of the leftmost image with LS or the rightmost image with MS .
Head Strike
K (close)
Galford grabs his opponent and flies into the air, then drives his opponent head-first into the ground. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. It can be done from a dash.
Super: Lightning Strike Three
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Galford runs forward, throws his opponent into the air, teleports to where they land to kick them back into the air, then teleports into the air for a body slam.
Rival battle:
Hanzo Hattori
Jubei Yagyu
A ronin and a agent for the bakufu. He has been ordered to search the castle at Shimabara.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Hassou Happa
SSSSS (requires weapon)
Jubei waves his sabers rapidly in front of him. The number of stabs depends on the strength of the button used.
Kattou Suigetsu Tou
S (requires weapon)
Jubei slashes a saber and causes a ripple of fire to roll across the ground. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
Nikkai Ratou
S (requires weapon)
Jubei charges at this opponent with his shoulder, then launches into the air while swiping a saber. He can follow up with an additional lateral slash by pressing + HS .
Super: Zetsu Suigetsu Tou
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Jubei slashes a saber, causing a giant geyser of energy to erupt from the ground.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Kattou Suigetsu Tou
S (requires weapon)
Jubei slashes a saber and causes a ripple of fire to roll across the ground. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
Yagyu Sougetsu Jin: Ichi no Tachi
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Jubei charges his sabers, then does a horizontal slash. If the opponent blocks the attack, he can follow up with LS for an upward slash or MS for a double slash.
Yagyu Shingan Tou: Suigetsu
LS (requires weapon)
Jubei takes a defensive stance. If he is hit by a low attack, he parries it and responds with a Kattou Suigetsu Tou.
Yagyu Shingan Tou: Souha
MS (requires weapon)
Jubei takes a defensive stance. If he is hit by a mid-level attack, he parries it and responds with an upward slash.
Yagyu Shingan Tou: Tenra
HS (requires weapon)
Jubei takes a defensive stance. If he is hit by a high attack, he parries it and responds with a jumping slash.
Super: Geki Souran Jin
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Jubei waves his sabers rapidly in front of him, then does a shoulder charge, slashes the opponent, and launches into the air while swiping a saber.
Rival battle:
Kyoshiro Senryo
Ukyo Tachibana
A master swordsman afflicted with a fatal disease. He decides to journey to Shimabara to protect his fiancée from harm.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Hiken Sasameyuki
S (requires weapon)
Ukyo tosses an apple into the air, then rapidly slashes his sword in front of him, destroying the apple. He slashes more times when a stronger button is used.
Hiken Sasameyuki (Damashi)
K
Ukyo tosses an apple into the air but does not slash his sword. This move is intended as a deception.
Hiken Oboro Gatana
S (requires weapon)
Ukyo advances with afterimages of himself that perform sword slashes that knock the opponent over. He slashes one time with LS , two times with MS , and three times with HS .
Hiken Tsubame Gaeshi
S in midair (requires weapon)
Ukyo slashes his sword in a semicircle, leaving a trail of fire in the air. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Super: Tsubame Rokuren
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Ukyo tosses an apple into the air, then jumps over his opponent and slashes his fiery sword multiple times midjump before landing.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Hiken Sasameyuki: Sen
S (requires weapon)
Ukyo tosses an apple into the air, then rapidly slashes his sword in front of him, destroying the apple. He slashes more times when a stronger button is used.
Hibari
K (requires weapon)
Ukyo jabs the pommel of his sword forward, stunning the opponent momentarily.
Hiken Tsubame Gaeshi
S in midair (requires weapon)
Ukyo slashes his sword in a semicircle, leaving a trail of fire in the air. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Hiken Kagerou
S (requires weapon)
Ukyo slashes the air, causing a wave-like projectile to travel across the screen. The stronger versions travel faster but have a longer startup time.
Super: Musou Zankou Ka
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Ukyo runs around his opponent in a blur while slashing his sword. As he stops to sheathe his sword, the slashes hit the opponent.
Rival battle:
Jubei Yagyu
Hanzo Hattori
The head of the Iga ninja clan. He is sent by the shogunate to destroy the evil castle, not aware yet that Amakusa has returned.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Hanzo can jump off the edges of the screen.
Ninpou Bakuen Ryu: Kai
S
Hanzo summons a fire dragon, which moves across the ground like a wave. It knocks over the opponent on impact. The speed and distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
Ninpou Reppuu Shuriken
S in midair
Hanzo throws shuriken diagonally downwards. He throws one shuriken with LS , two shuriken with MS , or three shuriken with HS .
Ninpou Kage Bunshin
LS or MS
Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then two flashing mirror images appear, one on each side of the screen. Galford reappears in place of the leftmost image with LS or the rightmost image with MS .
Ninpou Utsusemi Chizan
LS + HS
Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in front of his opponent with a low slash that sweeps his opponent. This move can only be blocked low.
Ninpou Utsusemi Tenbu
MS +K
Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in the air above his opponent, falling with a spinning sword slash. This move can only be blocked high.
Ninpou Migawari no Jutsu: Hotoke
LS + HS after being hit
Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, leaving only a log in his stead, then reappears above his opponent with a spinning sword slash.
Ninpou Migawari no Jutsu: Oni
MS +K after being hit
Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, leaving only a log in his stead, then reappears in front of his opponent with a low sweeping slash.
Ninpou Mozu Otoshi
HS +K (close)
Hanzo grabs his opponent and flies into the air, then drives his opponent head-first into the ground. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. It can be done from a dash.
Super: Fuujite Mijin Gakure
LS + MS
Hanzo explodes in a burst of flame that can harm nearby opponents, then reappears.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Hanzo can jump off the edges of the screen.
Ninpou Bakuen Ryu: Kai
S
Hanzo summons a fire dragon, which moves across the ground like a wave. It knocks over the opponent on impact. The speed and distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
Ninpou Reppuu Shuriken
S in midair
Hanzo throws shuriken diagonally downwards. He throws one shuriken with LS , two shuriken with MS , or three shuriken with HS .
Ninpou Kage Bunshin
LS or MS
Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then two flashing mirror images appear, one on each side of the screen. Galford reappears in place of the leftmost image with LS or the rightmost image with MS .
Ninpou Kage: Shizune
+S
Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in the same position.
Ninpou Enbu
S or K
Hanzo disappears in a cloud of smoke, then reappears in the top-left with LS , the bottom-left with MS , the top-right with HS , or the bottom-right with K.
Super: Fuujite Dokuryuu
LS + MS
Hanzo flips upside down while leaping forward. If he lands on top of his opponent, he drops several bombs at their feet, which explode in a large burst.
Rival battle:
Ukyo Tachibana
Kyoshiro Senryo
A kabuki performer. He hears in his travels that demons have been unleashed in Hizen and goes to verify.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Chikemuri Kuruwa
+S in midair (requires weapon)
Kyoshiro spins around like a top while holding his naginata out.
Oo Tsunami
S
Kyoshiro spins around and causes a tsunami to roll across the ground. The speed of the wave depends on the strength of the button used.
Gama Jigoku
K
Kyoshiro summons a giant toad, which extends its tongue to swallow the opponent. Kyoshiro then leaps on the toad's belly to eject the opponent. This move can only be blocked low.
Kaiten Kyokubu: Ten
S (requires weapon)
Kyoshiro rises into the air while spinning like a whirlwind and holding his naginata out. The height and angle increases with the strength of the button used.
Kaen Kyokubu
S
Kyoshiro breathes a tall cloud of flame in front of him, which knocks over his opponent on impact.
Choubi Jishi
S (requires weapon)
Kyoshiro vaults onto his naginata and kicks forward while radiating with fire, which knocks over his opponent on impact.
Super: Aragotoshi Kyoshiro "Oni no Mai"
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Kyoshiro attacks his opponent multiple times with his naginata, then breathes a cloud of fire that bursts into an explosion.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Chikaze Goma
S
Kyoshiro spins around like a top while holding his naginata out. He spins around more when a stronger button is used. When performed with HS , he becomes dizzy for a moment after he finishes spinning.
Choubi Jishi: Ranshin
S
Kyoshiro vaults onto his naginata and kicks forward while radiating with fire, which knocks over his opponent on impact.
Kyoushiro Enbu
K (requires weapon)
Kyoshiro slides forward with a palm strike, then spins around with a downward naginata slash and finishes with an upward naginata slash.
Yamata no Orochi
S
Kyoshiro spins around and shoots multiple snake-like fireballs in front of him. The number of fireballs depends on the strength of the button used.
Super: Aragotoshi Kyoshiro "Ketsuniku no Honoo"
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Kyoshiro spins around like a top while holding his naginata out until bursting into a ball of fire.
Rival battle:
Galford D. Weller
Tam Tam
A Mesoamerican warrior. He is told by his chief that the evil god has been resurrected and returns to Japan to battle him again.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Paguna Paguna
+SSSSS (requires weapon)
Tam Tam twirls his scimitar in front of him. He can move forward with while doing this move.
Mura Gaburu (Joudan)
S
Tam Tam throws a skull through the air. The speed of the skull depends on the strength of the button used.
Mura Gaburu (Gedan)
S
Tam Tam rolls a skull along the ground. The speed of the skull depends on the strength of the button used.
Ahau Gaburu
S
Tam Tam puffs up his chest and floats into the air, then spits a fireball diagonally downwards to the ground.
Paguna Dios
S
Tam Tam splits his legs and moves across the ground while rotating. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
Super: Ahau Tiuwakan
LS + MS
Tam Tam puffs up his chest and floats into the air, then spits a giant fireball diagonally downwards to the ground.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Mura Mura
LS or MS
Tam Tam throws a skull through the air with LS or rolls a skull along the ground with MS .
Gaburu Gaburu
HS (close)
Tam Tam grabs and bites his opponent repeatedly. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked. It has longer reach than most grabs.
Paguna Dios
S
Tam Tam splits his legs and moves across the ground while rotating. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
Super: Ahau Tiuwakan
LS + MS
Tam Tam puffs up his chest and floats into the air, then spits a giant fireball diagonally downwards to the ground.
Rival battle:
Haohmaru
Shizumaru Hisame
An adolescent boy who suffers from memory loss. He again senses the presence of a "demon" and traces the source of the feeling to Shimabara.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Shizumaru can jump off the edges of the screen.
Hitouryuu Kirisame Jin: Gouu
S (requires weapon)
Shizumaru throws his open parasol across the screen, which returns to him like a boomerang. The parasol knocks down the opponent on impact and can hit opponents on its way out or back. The distance traveled by the parasol depends on the strength of the button used.
Hitouryuu Baiu Ensatsu Jin
S (requires weapon)
Shizumaru swings his parasol around like a bat, unsheathing the blade, then rises into the air with it. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used.
Hitouryuu Samidare Giri
S (requires weapon)
Shizumaru spins his parasol beside him like a large buzzsaw. He spins it for longer when a stronger button is used.
Hitouryuu Hisame Gaeshi
K (requires weapon)
Shizumaru opens his parasol in front of him. It hurts his opponent if the opponent touches or tries to attack it, and it reflects projectiles.
Hitouryuu Amanagare Kyouraku Zan
Hold K for at least 1 second, then release (requires weapon)
Shizumaru throws the canopy of his parasol into the air, unsheathing the blade inside it. He charges forward with the blade, finishing with a sideways slash as the canopy falls back down. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
Super: Hitouryuu Fuujite Bouu Kyoufuu Zan
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Shizumaru swings his parasol upwards like a bat, then fans it out and spins it like a large buzzsaw while carrying the opponent into the air.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Shizumaru can jump off the edges of the screen.
Hitouryuu Shigure
+ HS in midair (requires weapon)
Shizumaru stabs downward with his closed parasol. If he hits his opponent, he bounces back up and can keep stabbing until he is hit or returns to the ground.
Hitouryuu Kosame
+ HS in midair (requires weapon)
Shizumaru opens his parasol and floats down slowly until he is hit or attacks. He can move with or while floating or can fall to the ground with . He can attack diagonally downward while spinning his parasol like a large buzzsaw by pressing S or K.
Hitouryuu Kirisame Jin
S (requires weapon)
Shizumaru throws his open parasol across the screen, which returns to him like a boomerang. The parasol knocks down the opponent on impact and can hit opponents on its way out or back. The distance traveled by the parasol depends on the strength of the button used.
Hitouryuu Baiu Ensatsu Jin
S (requires weapon)
Shizumaru swings his parasol around like a bat, unsheathing the blade, then rises into the air with it. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used.
Hitouryuu Amanagare Kyouraku Zan
Hold K for at least 1 second, then release (requires weapon)
Shizumaru throws the canopy of his parasol into the air, unsheathing the blade inside it. He charges forward with the blade, finishing with a jumping slash as the canopy falls back down. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
Super: Hitouryuu Fuujite Amanagare Ressatsu Jin
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Shizumaru swings his parasol upwards like a bat, then fans it out and spins it like a large buzzsaw while carrying the opponent into the air.
Rival battle:
Genjuro Kibagami
Rimururu
A priestess and the younger sister of Nakoruru. She travels to Shimabara after detecting the evil radiating from it.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Rimururu can jump off the edges of the screen.
Rupu Kamui Wheh Sampekol (Atama)
LS + HS while dashing and unarmed
Rimururu dives forward and lands on her front.
Rupu Kamui Wheh Sampekol (Ashi)
MS +K while dashing and unarmed
Rimururu trips and lands on her back.
Konru Shiraru
+S in midair
Rimururu creates an ice platform beneath herself in midair, which then falls and harms her opponent if it hits. Rimururu can jump off it or fall with it.
Rupush Kuare: Nishi
S
Rimururu tosses an icy spiked ball in an arc, which explodes into an ice lotus after hitting the ground. The opponent is frozen for a moment if they touch the ice lotus (but not the icy spiked ball). The distance the icy spiked ball is thrown depends on the strength of the button used.
Konru Nonno
S
Rimururu creates an ice lotus that flies straight upwards.
Konru Memu
S
Rimururu creates an ice puddle in front of her, which does no damage but causes her opponent to slip when walking over it, stunning them momentarily.
Kamui Shituki
S
Rimururu creates an ice barrier in front of her. It hurts her opponent if the opponent touches or tries to attack it, and it reflects projectiles.
Super: Rupushi Kamui Emushi: Nishi
LS + MS
Rimururu creates a humongous ice block that she throws in an arc forward.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Rimururu can jump off the edges of the screen.
Rupu Kamui Wheh Sampekol (Atama)
LS + HS while dashing and unarmed
Rimururu dives forward and lands on her front.
Rupu Kamui Wheh Sampekol (Ashi)
MS +K while dashing and unarmed
Rimururu trips and lands on her back.
Rupushi Kuare: Toitoi
S
Rimururu throws an icy spiked ball on the ground that slides forward. The opponent is frozen for a moment if they touch it. The speed of the projectile depends on the strength of the button used.
Rupushi Tum
Rimururu slices her frozen kodachi upward, which freezes her opponent momentarily.
Upun Op
+SSSSS
Rimururu creates a wall of icy spears in front of her, then pushes them a short distance forward as one large ice spear.
Konru Memu
S
Rimururu creates an ice puddle in front of her, which does no damage but causes her opponent to slip when walking over it, stunning them momentarily.
Super: Rupushi Kamui Emishi: Toitoi
LS + MS
Rimururu creates a humongous ice block in front of her, then breaks it.
Rival battle:
Gaira Caffeine
Basara Kubikiri
A yuurei who was murdered, along with his lover Kagaribi, by the possessed swordsman Zankuro. His rest is again interrupted with the resurrection of Zankuro.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Basara can jump off the edges of the screen.
Sashi Ashi
+K in midair
Basara stomps downward. If he hits his opponent, he bounces back up and can keep stomping until he is hit or returns to the ground. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Tokotsu Wari
+K in midair
Basara does an axe kick. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Chisashi
S (requires weapon)
Basara throws his shuriken in a high arc. The distance it is thrown depends on the strength of the button used.
Sorasashi
S in midair (requires weapon)
Basara throws his shuriken diagonally downwards. The angle of the shuriken's trajectory depends on the strength of the button used, with LS being closest to vertical and HS being closest to horizontal.
Kage Nui
S (requires weapon)
Basara drops his shuriken into a portal in the ground beneath him. It reappears in the air, dropping down and moving forward a short distance. The distance it reappears away from Basara depends on the strength of the button used.
Kage Sui
S or K
Basara drops himself into a portal in the ground beneath him. He reappears after a moment. The portal can be moved with or before he pops back up, or the move can be canceled early by pressing any button.
Nue Dama
S or K
Basara throws a glowing projectile into the air that slowly travels in a circular path and partly homes in on the opponent.
Tomobiki
S or K (close) (requires weapon)
Basara grabs his opponent and they both fall into a large portal in the ground. The opponent is tossed back out by Basara's shuriken.
Super: Kage Mai: Mukui
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Basara hops back, then rushes at his opponent, pummeling them repeatedly while invisible as Kagaribi appears intermittently.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Basara can jump off the edges of the screen.
Sashi Ashi
+K in midair
Basara stomps downward. If he hits his opponent, he bounces back up and can keep stomping until he is hit or returns to the ground.This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Tokotsu Wari
+K in midair
Basara does an axe kick. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Chisashi
S (requires weapon)
Basara throws his shuriken in a high arc. The distance it is thrown depends on the strength of the button used.
Sorasashi
S in midair (requires weapon)
Basara throws his shuriken diagonally downwards. The angle of the shuriken's trajectory depends on the strength of the button used, with LS being closest to vertical and HS being closest to horizontal.
Kage Ide
S (requires weapon)
Basara drops through a portal in the ground, then reappears from a portal that appears beneath his opponent with a rising shuriken slash. The height of the jump depends on the strength of the button used.
Kage Sui
S or K
Basara drops himself into a portal in the ground beneath him. He reappears after a moment. The portal can be moved with or before he pops back up, or the move can be canceled early by pressing any button.
Kage Damashi
S or K
A duplicate of Basara pops out of him and performs a maneuver, then turns into a bat and disappears. The duplicate has no collision and cannot damage the opponent. It does a high forward jump with LS , a high vertical jump with MS , a high backward jump with HS , and a forward walk with K.
Super: Kage Mai: Yumebiki
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Basara hops back, then rushes at his opponent with a series of slashes and kicks. At the end, he raises his opponent into the air and slices their neck with his shuriken.
Rival battle:
Basara Kubikiri
Gaira Caffeine
A Buddhist monk in training. He suspects that Zankuro's body has been removed and heads to the castle to investigate.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Buchinomeshi
+S or K in midair (requires weapon)
Gaira slams his prayer beads to the ground. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Midare Uchi
S (requires weapon)
Gaira swings his prayer beads back and forth in front of him four times, which knocks down his opponent on impact.
Jishin Gan
S (requires weapon)
Gaira hops forward, punching down while holding his prayer beads and causing the ground to shake. This move knocks over opponents on the ground.
Kachi Age
S (requires weapon)
Gaira runs forward with a shoulder ram, then uppercuts the opponent into the air. This move can hit more times and travels farther when a stronger button is used.
Tsukamuzo: Kumi Tenjou
LS (close)
Gaira reaches into the air. If he grabs an airborne opponent, he slams them to the ground.
Tsukamuzo: Ishi Atama
MS (close)
Gaira grabs and headbutts his opponent three times. Unlike most grabs, this move can be blocked.
Tsukamuzo: Shiri Mekuri
HS (close)
Gaira grabs and trips his opponent. Unlike most grabs, this move can be blocked (but must be blocked low).
Super: Kenbu
LS + MS
Gaira moves forward while pummeling his opponent with alternating palm strikes, then knocks them into the air with several punches and finishes with an uppercut.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Hyakkan Otoshi
+S or K in midair
Gaira drops his body to the ground. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Katsu!
S
Gaira shouts, causing the kanji 喝 to appear in front of him and knocking down his opponent on impact. This move can reflect projectiles.
Enshin Satsu
S (close) (requires weapon)
Gaira swings his prayer beads over his opponent like a belt, then spins around in a circle before throwing the opponent. This move is a grab that cannot be blocked.
Super: Nioh Baku Un Satsu
LS + MS
Gaira jumps forward and slams his prayer beads on the ground, creating an explosive Asura-like figure.
Rival battle:
Sogetsu Kazama
Kazuki Kazama
A member of the Kazama ninja clan specializing in fire jutsu. He deserts to rescue his younger sister, Hazuki, from Amakusa's clutches.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Kazuki can jump off the edges of the screen.
Saien
S or K (requires weapon)
Kazuki conjures a fireball that empowers his special moves. This effect can be stacked up to three times. He uses no fireballs when he performs a special move with LS , one fireball with { MS , two fireballs with HS , and three fireballs with K. The more fireballs he uses, the more the move is empowered.
Shakunetsu Kon
S or K (requires weapon)
Kazuki throws a fireball across the screen. The move hits more times when more fireballs are used. At maximum strength (with K), Kazuki is knocked over from the force of throwing the fireball.
Daibaku Satsu
S or K (close) (requires weapon)
Kazuki grabs his opponent and raises them into the air, then explodes them with flames. The move hits more times when more fireballs are used. At maximum strength (with K), Kazuki is knocked over from the force of the explosion.
En Metsu
S (requires weapon)
Kazuki teleports a short distance away, leaving a duplicate behind that explodes.
Homura Gaeshi
LS + HS when knocked down
Kazuki launches his fireballs (if any) at his opponent after being knocked down.
Super: Baku Bou, Kaen Geki
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Kazuki infuses himself with fire, then runs at his opponent and causes an explosion on contact.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Kazuki can jump off the edges of the screen.
Rikudou Rekka
LS (requires weapon)
Kazuki does a flaming slide kick. This can be followed up with MS for a double axe-handle swing, which knocks the opponent back, bouncing them off the side of the screen. Then this can be followed up by HS for a rising drill kick into an uppercut as the opponent flies across.
Guren Kyaku
S or K
Kazuki does a rising drill kick. This can be followed up with +S or K to kick off a short distance or +S or K to kick off a long distance, putting space between the fighters.
En Metsu
S (requires weapon)
Kazuki teleports a short distance away, leaving a duplicate behind that explodes.
Super: Enja Kakusei
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Kazuki erupts into a tall pillar of flames.
Rival battle:
Kazuki Kazama
Sogetsu Kazama
The older brother to Kazuki and Hazuki who uses water jutsu. Unlike Kazuki, he stays with the clan and is ordered to assassinate his brother for leaving.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Sogetsu can jump off the edges of the screen.
Fugetsu
S or K (requires weapon)
Sogetsu throws a big water drop, which hangs in the air for a moment if it does not hit an opponent. The distance it is thrown depends on the strength of the button used (with K being the furthest).
Tsuki Gakure
S (requires weapon)
Sogetsu sinks into a puddle of water, then reappears on the far side of the screen behind him with LS , in front of the opponent with MS , or behind the opponent with HS .
Gekkou
S (requires weapon)
Sogetsu spins around, creating a pillar of water that bursts out of the ground, knocking over opponents on impact. The distance that it bursts depends on the strength of the button used.
Super: Shouha Fuugetsu Zan
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Sogetsu runs forward with multiple lateral slashes, then stabs the ground, creating a splash of water that tosses the opponent into the air.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Sogetsu can jump off the edges of the screen.
Getsurin Ha
S (requires weapon)
Sogetsu holds an arm out and barrages the opponent with balls of water. He throws one water ball with LS , two with MS , or three with HS . This move can be done in midair.
Shigetsu
S in midair
Sogetsu dives diagonally downwards, grabbing and throwing the opponent by the head.
Engetsu
S in midair (requires weapon)
Sogetsu surrounds himself in a giant water bubble that shields him from damage.
Super: Suichuu Ha
LS + MS (requires weapon)
Sogetsu creates four pillars of water that spin rapidly around him.
Rival battle:
Hanzo Hattori
Shiro Tokisada Amakusa
A powerful sorcerer. He goes to Shimabara to destroy his evil counterpart and become one again.
Move list (Slash (修羅))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Amakusa can jump off the edges of the screen.
Oumaga Toki (Mae)
K
Amakusa glides forwards. He is invulnerable and passes through opponents while doing this.
Oumaga Toki (Ato)
K
Amakusa glides backwards. He is invulnerable and passes through opponents while doing this.
Shirei Jin
S (requires weapon)
Amakusa shoots a skull-shaped fireball from his orb. The speed of the projectiles depends on the strength of the button used.
Nanji, Anten Nyuumetsu Seyo
S (requires weapon)
Amakusa jumps into the air, then shrouds his body in a sphere of destructive energy that shoots to the ground. He can shoot to the ground earlier by pressing S or cancel out of it with K. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Tenshou Fuuou Jin
S (requires weapon)
Amakusa throws his crystal ball in a fireball. The ball teleports a distance away, then shoots a short distance forward. If it touches the opponent, the opponent is swept up in a pillar of light, then dropped to the ground. The distance that the ball is teleported depends on the strength of the button used.
Shouki Dan
K (requires weapon)
Amakusa creates a second crystal ball, and both crystal balls revolve around him.
Super: Kyoumei Jussatsu Jin
LS + MS (close) (requires weapon)
Amakusa throws his crystal ball a short distance forward. If it hits his opponent, it traps the opponent in a magic prison, then Amakusa retrieves the ball and uses it to shoot the opponent with violent energy.
Move list (Bust (羅刹))
Name
Command
Description
Sankaku Tobi
D-Pad in the opposite direction when jumping onto the edge of the screen
Amakusa can jump off the edges of the screen.
Oumaga Toki (Mae)
K
Amakusa glides forwards. He is invulnerable and passes through opponents while doing this.
Oumaga Toki (Ato)
K
Amakusa glides backwards. He is invulnerable and passes through opponents while doing this.
Meifu Mashou Dan
S (requires weapon)
Amakusa shoots a sphere of destructive energy from his magical orb. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
Nanji, Anten Nyuumetsu Seyo
S (requires weapon)
Amakusa jumps into the air, then shrouds his body in a sphere of destructive energy that shoots to the ground. He can shoot to the ground earlier by pressing S or cancel out of it with K. This move is an overhead attack that can hit characters who are crouch blocking.
Kouma Shourai Ha
S (requires weapon)
Amakusa throws his crystal ball on the ground, which creates a dark portal that moves along the ground and sucks the opponent into it when close. A pillar of light blasts out from the portal, then the opponent is ejected from it. The distance traveled by the portal depends on the strength of the button used. This move can only be blocked low.
Kairetsu Shou
K (requires weapon)
Amakusa slaps his opponent repeatedly.
Super: Kyoumei Jussatsu Jin
LS + MS (close) (requires weapon)
Amakusa throws his crystal ball a short distance forward. If it hits his opponent, it traps the opponent in a magic prison, then Amakusa retrieves the ball and uses it to shoot the opponent with violent energy.
A resurrected evil sorcerer. He resurrects Zankuro Minazuki from the dead and kidnaps the kunoichi Hazuki Kazama to use her powers.
Zankuro Minazuki
A demonic swordsman. He was slain by Shizumaru in the last game, but he is returned to life by Amakusa.
Move list
Name
Command
Description
Mugenryuu Shippuu Zan
S (requires weapon)
Zankuro slashes his glowing sword through the air, causing an energy wave to shoot across the ground.
Mugenryuu Tenpou Zan
S (requires weapon)
Zankuro charges forward with a shoulder ram, then follows up with an upward sword slash. The distance traveled depends on the strength of the button used.
Mugenryuu Muhou Ken
K
Zankuro charges forward with a glowing fist that knocks his opponent over.
Mugenryuu Fudou
K (requires weapon)
Zankuro pulls his sword back and creates a glowing energy spike with his hand. If the opponent attacks while he is doing this, Zankuro knocks the opponent's weapon away, grabs them, then hits them with a downward sword slash.
Super: Ougi Musou Shingeki Zan
LS + MS
Zankuro stomps the ground, which causes the opponent to lose balance, then slashes his sword down.
Stages
For the first time in the series, stages are not associated with characters. Instead, the player takes one of two routes to the castle, determined randomly at the start of the game, with a map of Shimabara appearing between matches. The western route starts at Funatsu and goes through Obama, Kushiyama, Kuchinotsu, Dohsaki, Fukae, and ends at Amakusa Castle. The eastern route starts at Koga and goes through Fukae, Arie, Kushiyama, Obama, Kusenbutake, and ends at Amakusa Castle. Each route has three unique stages and shares four stages with the other route. The castle appears in the background of many of the stages.
The stage background changes when both characters have flashing red health, when the third round is low on time, or during the fourth round.
Funatsu
Obama
Kushiyama
Kuchinotsu
Dohsaki
Arie
Koga
Fukae
Kusenbutake
Amakusa Castle
History
Amakusa Kourin is the fourth main entry in the series. Had it been released in the Western world, it would have likely used the name Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge like other ports. Despite being a Japanese exclusive, the game offers a language selection option, and if set to either English, Spanish or Portuguese, the title screen will use the localised name.
Production credits
企画: Head-Ken., Tomi-Yan, Kouji.T, Guro
人物: Yes,I Do!, Masami.T, R Y U !, Datefu-Macky, Takachan･0, Y･Koyasu, Bugyo, Y･Kaneko･N, Ito ?, Mine-Chan, Grappler-J.K, Solt-Moon, Wonbat-Dera., Nancy, Charie･Tani, Haggy
背景: Yasu-Puu, Anta-Baka?, Y.Yoshimitsu, Yoshiko, Pu-Suke, HAS, Y, Azumi, CHU
プログラム: Kura, Llaoyllakcuf, Dan･･･Abe
音響: Yamapy-I, Kitapy, Mitsuo, Sha-V
協力: Masami Nakaoka, Eiji Shiroi, Y.Kawase, Araiichi, Nao.Q., E.Kawasaki, Y.Koudou, H.Kawano, Bad Apple
or 
. They backstep or dash with 
and jump behind and ahead with 
or 
. They crouch with 
. Characters can slash (or punch if disarmed) with 
(weak), 
(normal), or 
(heavy) and kick with 
. Heavy attacks do more damage but are significantly slower. Attacks can be done while standing, crouching, jumping, or dashing. Performing a counter-hit (hitting the opponent while the opponent is attacking) does extra damage. Characters can evade attacks with 
(or 
+
+
(or 
), which causes the character to "explode" and push back the opponent (but the explosion inflicts no damage). The character turns red and attacks with increased damage for long as the "Explosion gauge," which replaces the POW gauge, lasts. The Explosion gauge drains quickly over time, and its duration is inversely proportional to the amount of health that the character has remaining. During this state, the character can perform a Link Slash (連ね斬り), a Weapon-Flipping Technique, or a Fatal Flash (一閃). A Link Slash is an automatic combos performed with 
). The damage inflicted if it connects is inversely proportionate to the amount of health that the player's character has remaining, which is potentially a severe amount of damage if the character is close to defeat. However, it can only be performed once per match (the player loses the POW gauge for the rest of the match afterwards) and can be blocked.
LS LS MS MS HS HS LS MS HS HS HS HS HS 
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