The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai

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The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai
System(s): Sega Dreamcast
Publisher: Agetec (US), SNK (Japan), Playmore (Japan; SNK Best Buy)
Developer: SNK
Original system(s): Neo Geo
Peripherals supported: Jump Pack, Dreamcast Arcade Stick, Visual Memory Unit
Genre: Fighting Action/Kakutou Action (格闘アクション), Action
Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code JP 2000-12-21 ¥5,800 (6,090)5,800e T-3107M JP (SNK Best Buy) 2002-05-23 ¥2,800 (2,940)2,800e T-47301M US 2001-08-07 T-44305N
Non-Sega versions Arcade Neo Geo Neo Geo CD

The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai, known as Bakumatsu Rouman Dai Ni Maku: Gekka no Kenshi Final Edition (幕末浪漫第二幕 月華の剣士 ファイナルエディション) in Japan, is a versus fighting game by SNK, originally released for the Neo Geo. It was ported to the Sega Dreamcast and released in Japan in 2000. It was released in the United States in 2001 by Agetec.

Story

The Four Gods of the world possess the spirits of people who are found worthy of their powers. They are Seiryuu, the Azure Dragon; Suzaku, the Vermilion Sparrow; Byakko, the White Tiger; and Genbu, the Black Tortoise. There is also a fifth god, Kouryuu, the Yellow Dragon, whose possessor gains the abilities of the Four Gods.

Our world and the underworld, Makai, are linked by a great portal called Hell's Gate. The Four Gods have the responsibility of protecting the seal on the portal and separating the two worlds. Suzaku, inhabiting the body of Shinnosuke Kagami, is offended by the people's indifference to their existence with the growing acceptance of European ideals, so he shirks his duty and opens the gate. This act of defiance awakens the other gods in their avatars. Suzaku is defeated by Seiryuu, inhabiting the body of the young swordsman Kaede, but the portal remains open.

In order to close the gate again, a Sealing Maiden must perform a ritual with the Four Gods and seal it again. The maiden is protected by the avatars of the Four Gods, but she is threatened by the Yellow Dragon and by a warrior known only as the "Messenger from Afar," who was born from the first death in the world.

Gameplay

Character select

The game is a weapons-based 2D fighting game that takes place during the Bakumatsu era in Japan (about a century after the setting of the similar Samurai Shodown), at the end of the Sakoku period of isolation.

light slash hard slash kick repel + throw + unblockable attack in Power ("no guard slice"), overhead attack in Speed and EX taunt Super Desperation in Power and EX, Desperation in Speed

Fighting styles

After selecting a character, players can choose from three different playstyles, which affect the way the character is played.

	Power
	Speed
	EX

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
HS	Hard slash

K

Kick

TAUNT	Taunt
REPEL	Repel

Playable

The game introduces three new characters: Hibiki Takane, Setsuna, and Kaori Sanada (in disguise as her brother Kojiroh). Shikyoh returns in a zombified form as Mukuro. The boss of the previous game, Shinnosuke Kagami, is now a normally selectable character.

Musashi Akatsuki is exclusive to the Dreamcast and Neo Geo CD versions of the game.

	Kaede
	An orphan who was adopted by a warrior named Gaisei, a master swordsman, along with two other orphans, Moriya and Yuki. On his journey to find and defeat the man who killed his master, he learns that he possesses the power of the legendary dragon Seiryuu and transforms into an "awakened" form, Kakusei Kaede (覚醒楓), with the ability to control electricity. Kaede and Yuki learn about the Sealing Rite from Genbu no Okina and set out to find and protect the maiden to ensure that the ritual is accomplished. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Shinmei Rai Tei K+ REPEL  in midair (close) Kaede grabs and tackles his opponent to the ground. Shinmei Hayate S Kaede slashes his sword against the ground, sending a surge of electricity rushing across the ground. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HS . Shinmei Kuuga S Kaede spirals into the air while slashing his sword out, shocking and knocking down his opponent on impact. When the move is performed with  HS , he ascends higher and can follow up with an additional rising slash by pressing  HS  near the apex. Shinmei Renjin Zan (super cancel) S Kaede runs to his opponent, then performs three successive slashes. When the move is performed with  HS , the second slash launches the opponent and Kaede jumps to meet the opponent in the air for the final slash. Shinmei Oite S in midair Kaede slashes his sword in a circle, channeling a bolt of electricity that shoots diagonally downward, shocking and knocking down his opponent on impact. He carries his aerial momentum when the move is performed with  LS , and he bounces back and higher into the air when the move is performed with  HS . Taitou Tabakaze K Kaede rolls a short distance forwards. This move can pass through opponents (if close enough) but not attacks. Shinmei Arashi Uchi K (close) Kaede hits his opponent with an elbow strike, a lateral slice, and a downward slash. Kaede then raises his hand into the air and electrifies his opponent with a big ball of lightning. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Kasshin Fuku Ryuu  LS + HS  Kaede stabs the ground with his sword, then a series of lightning strikes hit the ground in front of him in a line. The move can be delayed by holding  LS + HS  for longer before releasing. Kasshin Sei Ryuu  LS + HS  Kaede swings his sword back over his head and charges it with electricity, then swings it down to the ground as it glows with a thick beam of lightning. Super: Kasshin Kou Ryuu  HS  Kaede stabs the ground with his sword, then a lightning dragon sweeps up and down the screen in front of him in a line. The move can be delayed by holding  HS  for longer before releasing. Super: Kasshin Sou Ryuu  HS  (close) Kaede stabs his opponent with his sword, then launches the opponent with a rising sword slash as a giant lightning dragon follows.
	Moriya Minakata
	A young swordsman who trained under the legendary teacher Gaisei, along with Kaede and Yuki. One day, he discovered his master dying and the assassin fleeing. Gaisei asks Moriya not to reveal the identity of the murderer to Kaede because he fears that he will be killed trying to avenge him. Moriya flees in order to avoid Kaede and to find the real killer. However, after years of searching, Kaede finds and defeats the killer before Moriya can. He now sets out to seek the truth about Hell's Gate. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Ittou Shingetsu S Moriya turns to the side and slashes his sword in a large circle around him, which knocks his opponent down on impact. When the move is performed with  HS , he takes two steps forward while slashing. When the move is performed with  LS  in Speed mode, he can follow up with a second circular slash (Ittou Sogetsu) by quickly pressing  HS . Ittou Tsukikage (super cancel) S (up to 4 times) Moriya lunges forward with a lateral slash. When the move is performed with  LS , the button combination can be repeated two more times for an upward slash, then a jumping slash. When the move is performed with  HS , he dashes forward a short distance before the initial slice, and the button combination can be repeated three more times for a downward slash, an upward slash, and a final downward slash. Regardless of which button is used, Moriya can follow up any slash by slashing his sword in a large circle around him (Ittou Shingetsu) by pressing  LS , which can itself by followed up with a second circular slash (Ittou Sogetsu) by quickly pressing  HS . Ittou Oboro S or K Moriya quickly slashes his sword, leaving a damaging stroke in the air. He slashes his sword high with  LS , mid with  HS , or low with K. The move can be delayed by holding S or K before releasing; the hold can be canceled without performing the move by pressing  REPEL . Taitou Hogetsu S or K Moriya vanishes in a blur, then reappears somewhere else. He reappears on the other side of the screen from his opponent with  LS , in front of his opponent with  HS , or behind his opponent with K. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Kassatsu Izayoi Gekka  LS + HS  Moriya repeatedly slashes his sword high, mid, and low. The move can be delayed by holding  HS  for longer before releasing. Super: Kassatsu Midare Setsu Gekka  HS  Moriya runs forward, then hits his opponent with a swift series of sword slashes, ending by slashing his sword in a large circle around him.
	Yuki
	The daughter of a foreign family that managed ship trades. After her family died in a maritime disaster, she was adopted by Gaisei and trained alongside his two other students, Kaede and Moriya. She wields a naginata instead of a katana like her cohorts. With the opening of Hell Gate's, the stone on the necklace that she has worn since childhood began to glow. Kaede and Yuki turn their attention to the Sealing Rite and discovering the identity of the maiden who is destined to perform the ritual. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Hyou Jin S Yuki swings her naginata and flings an ice shard across the screen. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HS . Sou Ka S Yuki stabs her naginata into the air at a diagonal angle, shooting a splash of snow from the ground in the same trajectory, which knocks her opponent over on impact. She steps forward slightly when the move is performed with  HS . Shun Setsu Zan (super cancel) S Yuki runs forward. If she reaches her opponent, she slashes her naginata downward, which knocks her opponent over on impact. When the move is performed with  HS , she runs farther and the move knocks the opponent over. Hyou Kou K Yuki spins her naginata, creating a circular shield of ice in front of her. If she is attacked while doing this, she counters by quickly stabbing her opponent with her naginata, which has a freezing effect. Shizu Giri K (close) Yuki attacks with a stomp, a high kick, a stab, a downward slash, then an upward slash that knocks her opponent into the air. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Juuyou  LS + HS  Yuki stabs her naginata forward, as it is encased in a cone of ice that freezes the opponent momentarily. Super: Shin Yukishi Maki  HS  Yuki spins her naginata above her head with one hand, creating a whirlwind of snow that pulls the opponent in from any distance. Once caught in the vortex, the opponent is tossed into the air before falling onto Yuki's weapon and becoming suspended in midair. Yuki then leaps away and falls with a powerful slash. The move is unblockable.
	Setsuna
	An evil spirit from Makai, believed to be the "Messenger from Afar." After escaping from the underworld, he possesses the body of a child, which rapidly ages. He ravages the land in a merciless killing spree in search of the Sealing Maiden, wishing to slay her and prevent Hell's Gate from being closed. He is accompanied by a pet owl named Nagi. He forced the master swordsmith Genzou Takane to forge him his black katana, known as the Yasomagatsu Hinotachi or the Eighty Day Sword after the time it took to be create it, but the tireless effort led the artisan to become bedridden and die soon after. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Mumei (Ichi) (super cancel) S Setsuna pulls his sword back, then slashes it down as it is followed by a trail of electricity (which can negate projectiles). The move is slower but knocks the opponent over when it is performed with  HS . Mumei (Ni) S Setsuna jumps up and slashes his electrically charged sword in a tall arc in front of him, which knocks his opponent down on impact. He steps forward before jumping when the move is performed with  HS . Mumei (San)  HS  Setsuna leaps forward while turning and slashing his electrically charged sword in a wide arc downward, which knocks his opponent down on impact. Mumei (Yon) K (close) Setsuna thrusts his hand into the air. If it connects with an airborne opponent, he grabs and slams the opponent into the ground in a burst of electricity. Mumei (Go) K Setsuna holds his sword out in front of him, which surges with electricity. He flashes for 5 seconds; while this effect is active, he can be hit without being knocked out of whatever he is doing, but the effect ends after being hit. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Mumei (Zetsu)  LS + HS  Setsuna pulls his sword back, then slashes it down as it is followed by a very wide trail of electricity (which can negate projectiles). The move can be slightly by holding  LS + HS  for longer before releasing. Super: Mumei (Kyoku)  HS  Setsuna holds his sword out in front of him, which surges with electricity. He flashes for 10 seconds; while this effect is active, he can be hit without being knocked out of whatever he is doing, and the effect only ends when its duration expires.
	Akari Ichijou
	A young girl with an adventurous spirit who comes from a family of onmyoudou. She can open dimensional portals and summon demons from the underworld. After her older sister succumbs to a mysterious illness, she believes it has something to do with Hell's Gate and rushes away to try to seal the gate. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Shiki Gami Tenkuu S Akari throws a glowing talisman card, which transforms into a demon's head and flies across the screen. The projectile travels the full width of the screen with  LS  but only the partial width with  HS . Tenmon Hoshi no Meguri (super cancel) +K Akari twirls into the air at a slight angle while surrounded by streaks of magic energy, which knocks her opponent over on impact. She can follow up by spinning her staff in the air (Tenmon Kakageshi Tenshin) by pressing + HS  or holding a charged hand in the air (Tenmon Kakageshi Tenshin) by pressing +K, both of which electrify the falling opponent. Gaiki Dorota Bou S or K Akari falls into a portal that appears beneath her, then a demon head appears somewhere and spits her back out. The demon head appears on the same side of the screen and spits her diagonally downward while rolled in a ball with  LS , it appears on the opposite side of the screen and spits her diagonally downward while rolled in a ball with  HS , or it appears above the opponent and spits her directly downward while falling with K. With the S versions, she bounces off the ground while curled in a ball after landing and can control where she bounces after landing by holding an upward or downward direction on the D-Pad and pressing K. Before bouncing, she can roll away forwards by holding  LS  or backwards by holding  HS . After bouncing, she can finish by stomping on her opponent by pressing + HS . With the kick version, she can curl into a ball before landing by holding an upward or downward direction on the D-Pad and pressing K or finish by stomping on her opponent by pressing + HS . Gaiki Kiyo Hime  LS  Akari pounds the ground with her staff, causing three puffs of mist to rise from the ground in front of her. If her opponent touches this mist, a large bell wrapped in a serpentine demon falls from the sky, and the opponent is battered from inside the bell. This move is unblockable. Mamori Hito Gata  HS  Akari leans on her staff and dozes off. If she is attacked while doing this, she disappears, replaced by a paper doll, then reappears in a white portal above her opponent, falling with a stomp. Henge Hito Gata K Akari throws out a paper doll, representing Hagure Hitogata, and disappears. Hagure transforms into a duplicate of her opponent, which the player controls for 10 seconds. At the end of the duration, Akari drops down from a portal that appears above the duplicate, then the Hagure transforms back into a paper doll and disappears. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Shiki Gami Rikugou  LS + HS  Akari hops forward and places a talisman card on the ground. If the opponent is standing over the card, a giant centipede-like demon slithers up the screen while being ridden by Akari and consumes, then spits out the opponent. Super: Shiki Gami Hyakki Yakou  HS  Akari throws her spinning staff straight up into the air as it sparkles with magic. If the opponent touches it, a parade of youkai rush across the screen from both sides and trample the opponent (and Akari, though she is not damaged by it).
	Juzoh Kanzaki
	The adopted brother of Akari Ichijou. He carries a kanabou and fights using his brute strength. After learning that Akari has run away to Hell's Gate, he pursues her to join her on her journey. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Happa S Juzoh lunges forward and slaps his kanabou against the ground, which hits with a burst of fire. When the move is performed with  HS , he hops forward a short distance and knocks the opponent over on impact. Yasegaman K Juzoh glows red and runs forward; while this effect is active, he can be hit without being knocked out of whatever he is doing, but the effect ends after being hit. The effect can be interrupted by performing a special move or pressing  REPEL . Mozuhana K Juzoh leans back, then stomps the ground in front of him as he sneezes. Iwakudaki Hold for 1 second, then +K Juzoh leans back, then lunges forward with a headbutt, which knocks his opponent over on impact. In Power mode, the move is unblockable and knocks the opponent down. In Speed mode, the move can be followed up with up to three more headbutts by pressing K up to three times. The last headbutt knocks the opponent down. Yurashi (super cancel) S Juzoh hops and jabs the butt of his kanabou onto the ground. The opponent is knocked over if near enough. He hops in place with  LS  and hops forward with  HS . Tatakitsuke  LS  (close) Juzoh leans back and stands on one leg while holding his arm up. If he connects with an airborne opponent, he grabs and slams them against the ground, then whacks them with his kanabou. He can whack the opponent multiple times with the kanabou (Bokunaguri) by pressing  LS  or jab them twice with the butt of his kanabou before whacking them away (Suritsubushi) by pressing  HS . While performing the Bokunaguri, he can perform a Desperation move (Katsumoku!) by pressing  LS + HS , which jabs the opponent three times with the end of his kanabou, the last time ending with an explosion. He can follow this move up with an additional Super Desperation move (Chougeki Dou Jai!) by pressing  HS , where he jumps higher into the air for a final, more explosive jab of his kanabou. Bunnage  HS  (close) Juzoh grabs and tosses a grounded opponent high into the air. While the opponent is airborne, he can swing his kanabou like a baseball bat (Kattobashi) by pressing  HS , which knocks the opponent back into the air. Or he can swing his kanabou to shoot a large fireball (Saraniutsu) by pressing K, which can be done after the initial or the follow-up hit. Or he can perform a Desperation move (Houmuran) by pressing  LS + HS , where he swings his kanabou for a final explosive hit. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Daitan Muteki  LS + HS  Juzoh jumps high into the air, then comes down jabbing the butt of his kanabou downward, landing with a big explosion. Super: Chougekiretsubouzen Gyoutendaifunka  HS  Juzoh lunges forward with a headbutt, then swings his kanabou like a baseball bat, knocking the opponent into the air, and finishes by jamming the butt of his kanabou onto the ground, creating a huge explosion.
	Hyo Amano
	A care-free and fun-loving individual who wears a bathrobe and lives a life of debauchery. He fights with a bokken that in fact conceals a real sword inside. Seeing that his beloved sword, Otokomae, has lost its edge, he travels to his old friend Genzou Takane to have it repaired, then learns of his death. He now searches for Genzou's daughter Hibiki to prevent her from following a dark path of vengeance. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Keima no Taka Gari K Hyo slides forward with an uppercut that knocks his opponent over, causing a spray of cherry blossom petals to appear in its wake. Suzume Sashi (super cancel) S Hyo charges ahead while driving his bokken forward, which knocks down the opponent and moves Hyo to the other side. He charges partway across the screen with  LS  and all the way across the screen with  HS . Kaza Guruma  LS  Hyo hooks his sake jug around on a string, which causes the opponent to stumble back after hitting. Ibisya Anaguma  LS  LS  LS  LS  LS  Hyo swings his bokken around wildly, finishing with a final downward swipe. Hisshi  HS  Hyo pulls his bokken back, then swings it downward toward the ground in front of him. The move can be delayed by holding  HS  for longer before releasing, which increases the damage it inflicts; the hold can be canceled without performing the move by pressing  REPEL . Takabisya K Hyo taunts his opponent. If he is attacked while doing this, he counters by sliding to the other side and smacking his opponent with his bokken. Syougi Daoshi K (close) Hyo grabs and headbutts his opponent three times. Choujouhatsu  TAUNT  Hyo takes a sip of sake, recovering part of his power gauge. This move can be interrupted if he is attacked. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Banjouhi no Itte! "Tokin"  LS + HS  Hyo pulls his bokken back, then swings it downward, throwing a shogi piece that explodes upon hitting the ground or the opponent. The move can be delayed by holding  LS + HS  for longer before releasing. Super: Banjouhi no Itte! "Hisya"  LS  Hyo pulls his bokken back, then swings it downward, throwing a shogi piece diagonally upwards that bounces the opponent off the ceiling and ground before exploding. The move can be delayed by holding  LS  for longer before releasing. Super: Banjouhi no Itte! "Kaku"  HS  Hyo pulls his bokken back, then swings it downward, throwing a shogi piece straight ahead that bounces the opponent off the ceiling and ground before exploding. The move can be delayed by holding  HS  for longer before releasing.
	Hibiki Takane
	The daughter of the famed swordsmith Genzou Takane. She is searching for the silver-haired man, Setsuna, who requested the final blade her father would ever make, believing him to be responsible for her father's death. She is initially shy and reserved and uncomfortable with violence, but she becomes increasingly cold and callous if the player chooses to finish her opponents with fatal blows, and she has two different endings depending on how she is played. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Touma ni te Kiru Nari S Hibiki draws and slashes her sword laterally in a wide arc, then sheathes her blade. When the move is performed with  LS , she slashes high. When the move is performed with  HS , she slashes low and knocks the opponent over. Chikayoru te Kiru Nari (super cancel)  HS  Hibiki runs forward while  HS  is held, then draws and slashes her sword laterally in a wide arc when  HS  is released, which knocks down the opponent and moves Hibiki to the other side. Kami Hitoe ni te Kawasu Nari  LS + HS  Hibiki leans into the background, dodging incoming attacks. While doing this, she can dash forward (Ma o Tsumeru Koto Kanyou Nari) with +K, which can pass through her opponent but not attacks, or hop backwards (Ma o Oku Koto Kanyou Nari) with +K, which she can attack while doing with S or K. Suigetsu o Tsuku Nari K Hibiki turns around and raises her sheathed sword, then jabs behind her with the scabbard, knocking down the opponent on impact. The move can be delayed by holding K for longer before releasing. Iwoawasu Nari K Hibiki waves her hand in front of her. If she is attacked while doing this, she counters by quickly grabbing and throwing her opponent in a circle. After the throw, she can follow up by slashing her opponent (Nukaba Kiru Nari) by pressing K or by jabbing the opponent with her sheathed sword (Nukazuba Kiranu Nari) by pressing  HS +K. Sanae o Okotaranu Kokoro Nari Hold  TAUNT  Hibiki grasps her sword and asks her father for help, causing her sword to glow and recovering her power gauge. This move can be interrupted if she is attacked. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Hasshou Suru Shinki Nari  LS + HS  Hibiki quickly dashes past her opponent with a slash. As she is sheathing her blade, the opponent collapses from the wound. Super: Shi o Osorenu Kokoro Nari  HS  If done from a distance, Hibiki's sword glows, and she slashes it in front of her, which knocks the opponent back on impact. If done in close range, the screen flashes with a slash, then Hibiki is shown resheathing her blade as her opponent stands incapacitated. The two figures are seen in silhouette, and a spurt of blood gushes from the opponent's body. The opponent collapses as the scene is restored to color.
	Keiichiro Washizuka
	A unit leader of the Shinsengumi, a militant organization tasked with protecting the weak, who firmly believes in restoring order to Japan and in the old ways of Samurai sword fighting. He is extremely loyal to his Shinsengumi unit and to his friend Kojiroh Sanada. He is one of the few people who is aware that "Kojiroh" is actually Kojiroh's sister Kaori. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Shikku Satsu Hold for 1 second, then +S Keiichiro slashes the air, sending an energy wave flying across the screen. He slashes one time and produces one projectile that travels most of the width of the screen with  LS  and slashes two times and produces two successive projectiles that travel the full width of the screen with  HS . Koku Satsu Hold for 1 second, then +S Keiichiro stabs his sword upwards at a diagonal angle, which projects a needle-like energy blast in the same trajectory. Rouga (super cancel) Hold for 1 second, then +K Keiichiro charges forward most of the width of the screen and rams into his opponent. He can follow up with a downward stab that hits low and knocks the opponent over (Rouga Fukushiki) by pressing  HS , with a jumping stab that hits high (Rouga Onshiki) by pressing K, or with a forward stab that hits mid and knocks the opponent over by pressing K. Shun Satsu S Keiichiro stabs his sword at head level in a rapid blur. He can follow up by rapidly stabbing his sword high, mid, and low (Shun Satsu Ren) with SSSSS. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Shin Rouga  LS + HS  Keiichiro charges forward most of the width of the screen and rams his opponent into the corner, then rapidly stabs his sword high, mid, and low, knocking the opponent into the air and finishing by stabbing his sword upwards at a diagonal angle and projecting a wide energy blast in the same trajectory. Super: Saishu Rouga  HS  Keiichiro dashes forward while holding his sword in front of him. If it connects with his opponent, the kanji 誠 (loyalty) appears imprinted behind him on a white background as the opponent collapses from the wound. The move can be delayed by holding  HS  for longer before releasing, which increases the damage it inflicts. The move is unblockable if fully charged.
	Kojiroh Sanada
	The captain of the Shinsengumi Unit Zero, who was investigating Hell's Portal. Kojiroh is actually Kaori, his sister, in disguise; she assumes his identity after his death to carry on his work. She hopes to confront her brother's killer, the former Shinsengumi and now zombie Mukuro. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Shikku Satsu S Kaori slashes the air, sending an energy wave flying across the screen. She slashes one time and produces one projectile that travels most of the width of the screen with  LS  and slashes two times and produces two crossed projectiles that travel the full width of the screen with  HS . Koku Satsu S Kaori stabs her sword upwards at a diagonal angle, which projects a needle-like energy blast in the same trajectory. Shoubi Sen  LS  Kaori slides forward while slashing her sword in a V-shape along the ground and then into the air in front of her, which knocks down the opponent if close. Mu Myou Ken (super cancel)  HS  Kaori steps forward three times with three stabs. This move can only be canceled into a super move on the first stab. Shunjin K Kaori runs forward. This move can pass through opponents (if close enough) but not attacks. She can try to grab and throw her opponent by pressing K during the run. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Mu Myou Ken Nie  LS + HS  Kaori runs forward most of the width of the screen, then stabs her sword repeatedly until the opponent collapses, finishing by stabbing her sword upwards at a diagonal angle and projecting a wide energy blast in the same trajectory. Super: Rouga Zero  HS  Kaori dashes forward while holding her sword in front of her. If it connects with her opponent, the kanji 誅 (punishment) appears imprinted behind her on a white background as the opponent collapses from the wound. The move can be delayed by holding  HS  for longer before releasing, which increases the damage it inflicts. The move is unblockable if fully charged.
	Genbu no Okina
	One of the three guardians of Hell's Gate. He was found by Kaede, who wished to train with him to improve his own sword skills. Genbu taught the young man all he knew, and Kaede left after he had improved his skills. Sensing the boy's departure and inquiry for training as signs of trouble, Genbu sets out on a journey to find the Sealing Maiden and protect her from the "Messenger from Afar." He is the avatar of Genbu, the Black Tortoise, which granted him with his longevity and with the power to control water. He fights with a fishing rod and a creel. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Ki Paku S or K Genbu opens his basket, and a large tortoise hops out and shuffles across the screen. When the move is performed with  LS , the tortoise pops out near Genbu and knocks over the opponent on impact. When the move is performed with  HS , the tortoise flies out in a high arc before hitting the ground. When the move is performed with K, the tortoise launches high, then walks back toward Genbu, partially healing him when they touch; if it touches the opponent, the opponent is healed instead. There is a random chance that a flashing tortoise is released that moves much faster. Kame Mai Chi (super cancel) S Genbu holds his basket and spins forward in a whirlwind. When the move is performed with  HS , he travels further and the last hit causes the opponent to collapse (which can then be canceled into a super move). Make Mai Ten K Genbu spins through the air in an arc while his fishing pole whirls around him, which knocks down his opponent on impact. Chouka Tairyou S or K Genbu whips his fishing rod, entangling and tripping his opponent in the line. When the move is performed with  LS , he does not extend the line. When the move is performed with  HS , he extends the line, which has a turtle attached to the end of it, a little more than half the width of the screen. When the move is performed with K, he extends the line, which has a turtle attached to the end of it, the full width of the screen. Mukuyu S or K Genbu disappears into a puddle of water. When the move is performed with  LS  (Mukuyu Ten), he reappears on the opposite side of the screen from his opponent. When the move is performed with  HS  (Mukuyu Chi), he reappears in front of his opponent, then leans over so a tortoise can emerge from his basket and peck at his opponent. When the move is performed with K (Mukuyu Jin), he falls from the sky above his opponent. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Genbu no Houkou  LS + HS  Genbu opens his basket, then spins around while moving forward as as a tall pillar of water gushes out around him. Super: Genbu no Ikari  HS  Genbu opens his basket, and a giant dragon turtle jumps out and lands on his opponent, then walks away.
	Mukuro
	Once known as Shikyoh, he was a member of the Shinsengumi, who joined only as a means to innocents (including his fellow Shinsengumi, Kojiroh Sanada). He was expelled from the group by Keiichiro but escaped before he could be punished for his actions. He meets a strange man, Shinnosuke Kagami, who tells him to venture to Hell's Gate to satiate his bloodlust, but he is lured into it and trapped in Makai. He returns as the animated corpse Mukuro, wandering the land as a zombie and continuing to kill innocents.
	Lee Rekka
	A Shaolin monk from Qing dynasty China. He has mastered a martial art that allows him to control fire and fights using a folding fan and powerful kicks. One day, he witnessed a "red star" (the opening of Hell's Gate). Knowing it to be a sign of great evil, he travels from his homeland of China to stop the evil before it spreads across the world.
	Zantetsu
	One of the last of the numerous ninja clans that once roamed ancient Japan. Now considered a relic of a forgotten time, he seeks to prove his strength again before he dies. When he hears of the opening of a portal called Hell's Gate, he sets out to defeat the enemies within.
	Shinnosuke Kagami
	One of the three guardians of Hell's Gate. After deciding that the humans he protected were weak and inferior to himself, he releases the seal on the portal and goes on a horrific killing spree, murdering various warriors, including the master swordsman Gaisei. Shinnosuke is eventually found and defeated by Kaede, who has the latent power of Seiryuu, the Azure Dragon. Shinnosuke is inhabited by Suzaku, the Vermilion Sparrow, giving him the power to control fire. He is reincarnated in a new form to fulfill his role as a guardian and atone for his misdeeds by ensuring that the portal is sealed again.
	Shigen Naoe
	One of the three guardians of Hell's Gate. He was magically sealed in a massive stone for ten years by a friend who perceived him to be a threat. He eventually escaped, but clouded by his rage and anger, he could only think of getting back at his captor and sets out to exact revenge. He houses the spirit of Byakko, the White Tiger, granting him control of earth, and wears the Rosary of Byakko, which transforms his arm into steel and grants him superhuman strength. He watches over Kotetsu, his adoptive daughter who was held captive by Shinnosuke Kagami for ten years.
	Musashi Akatsuki
	A legendary swordsman who once traveled the countryside, honing his skills and challenging worthy opponents along the way. During one of his battles he was killed by another swordsman. When Shinnosuke Kagami begins his plan to open Hell's Gate and bring about a new world order, he resurrects Musashi to further his plans and kill innocent people.

Bosses

Kouryuu

The legendary warrior once known as Gaisei, who trained Kaede, Moriya, and Yuki, was killed by Shinnosuke Kagami after trying to prevent him from removing the seal on Hell's Gate. Though an honorable man in life, he has now been possessed by Kouryuu, the Yellow Dragon, and driven to madness. His sword is infused with four gems representing the powers of Seiryuu (electrokinesis), Suzaku (pyrokinesis), Byakko (hydrokinesis), and Genbu (geokinesis).

Hidden

Main article: The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai/Hidden content.

In addition to these characters, Kotetsu, the adoptive daughter of Shigen Naoe, can be selected using a cheat code. However, she only appears at the beginning of the match before Shigen interrupts and tosses her away, taking her place in the fight.

	Original Kaede
	This is an alternate version of Kaede that represents his form in the first game, before his awakening.
	Hagure Hitogata
	One of Akari's paper dolls that has become self-aware. He is a shikigami trickster with the ability to shapeshift. He always transforms into his current opponent, making every match with him a mirror match.

History

Legacy

Hibiki Takane would reappear as a playable character in Capcom vs. SNK 2 Millionaire Fighting 2001 in 2001 and as a DLC character in the 2019 reboot of Samurai Shodown. Kaede, Moriya Minakata, Akari Ichijou, and Keiichiro Washizuka appeared in NeoGeo Battle Coliseum in 2005.

Versions

Localised names

Also known as

Language	Localised Name	English Translation
English (US)	The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai	The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai
Japanese	幕末浪漫第二幕 月華の剣士 Final edition	Bakumatsu Rouman Dai Ni Maku: Gekka no Kenshi Final Edition

Magazine articles

Main article: The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

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Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average

Publication Version Score 576 Konzol (HU) 40 Dreamcast Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 63 Dreamcast Magazine (UK) NTSC-J 39 Dorimaga (JP) NTSC-J 83 Edge (UK) NTSC-J 60 Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U 70 Entsiklopediya igr dlya Dreamcast (RU) 82 Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J 65 Game Informer (US) NTSC-U 78 Gamers' Republic (US) NTSC-J 67 MAN!AC (DE) NTSC-U 71 Neo Plus (PL) 70 Next Generation (US) NTSC-J 50 Play (PL) 80 PSX Extreme (PL) NTSC-U 73 Power Unlimited (NL) 77

	67
Based on 16 reviews

The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai

Dreamcast, JP
Cover
Spinecard Disc Manual Inlay

Dreamcast, JP (SNK Best Buy)
Cover
Spinecard Disc Manual Inlay

Dreamcast, US
Cover
Disc Manual Inlay

Technical information

Main article: The Last Blade 2: Heart of the Samurai/Technical information.

ROM dump status

System	Hash	Size	Build Date	Source	Comments
?	CRC32 MD5 SHA-1			GD-ROM (JP)
?	CRC32 MD5 SHA-1			GD-ROM (US)

External links

• Sega of Japan catalogue pages (Japanese): Dreamcast, Dreamcast (SNK Best Buy)
• Sega.com Asia webpage: Dreamcast
• Sega.com Asia webpage (Chinese): Dreamcast
• Agetec webpage: Dreamcast