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

Gameplay

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. Every character has three modes (Power, Speed, or EX) that change the playstyle in certain ways. Compared to the first game, the EX mode has been added, characters can no longer be disarmed, and repelling can now be done in midair. 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).

Characters move with or . They backstep or dash with or . They jump upward with and jump behind and ahead with or . Tapping the direction does a short hop, while holding it for slightly longer does a full jump. They crouch with . Characters can attack with a weak slash with , a strong slash with , or a kick with . Attacks can be done while standing, crouching, jumping, or dashing. The weak slash is quicker but weaker, and the strong slash is stronger but slower. Both slashes have variations that can be performed while standing: the character can perform a quick jab by pressing + (or + when facing left) or a longer-ranged, typically lunging stab or slash by pressing + (or +). Similarly, there are two special kicks available to every character: a kick that sends the opponent flying into the side of the screen and bouncing off by pressing + (or + when facing left) and a sweep that trips the opponent by pressing + (or +). Characters can perform a taunt by pressing .

Guarding is done by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent, which can be done while standing or crouching. Characters can also guard in midair when jumping straight up or backwards, but grounded normal moves and several special moves cannot be guarded in midair, and the character is knocked back a distance after air guarding. Most attacks can be guarded while standing or crouching, but many attacks must specifically be guarded high (such as sweeps) or low (such as jumping attacks and overhead strikes). Similar to parries in Street Fighter III and Just Defends in Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves, attacks can be repelled instead of blocked by pressing . This requires timing the repel precisely with the opponent's attack hitting. If successful, the opponent is left vulnerable to counterattack for a moment; if mistimed, the character is left open for attack instead. Special moves can be repelled in addition to normal moves, but the timing required is more precise. Like guarding, repelling can be done while standing or crouching or in midair. If done on the ground, the repel can be directly followed up with a knockdown counterattack by pressing again.

Throws are done by pressing + simultaneously when close to the opponent. Throws cannot be blocked, but they can be whiffed if the opponent is outside of range, which leaves the character open to attack. Downed fighters can be hit with a pounce attack by pressing + or (or + or when facing left) or + or . They can also be kicked by pressing if near enough.

Characters can become dizzy and stunned momentarily after taking repeated damage, and some moves cause the character to stagger backwards in a dazed state after being hit. The player can recover from either state more quickly by moving the D-Pad and pressing the attack buttons rapidly. When characters are knocked into the air, they can recover by pressing while still ascending (though this makes the character vulnerable to attack again until landing). Characters can also recover after being knocked to the ground by pressing after bouncing off the ground. Not all knockdowns cause the character to bounce off the ground and offer the opportunity for recovery. Characters can also perform a recovery roll after being knocked down by holding or .

Each character has a power gauge that is increased by hitting with normal moves (even if guarded by the opponent), performing special moves (whether or not they connect with the opponent), or taking damage (included blocked attacks). The power in the gauge is retained between rounds but not matches. When either the character's life gauge is low and flashing or the power gauge is full, characters can perform desperation moves, called Super Secret Slashes (超奥義). These are more powerful special moves that can do a large amount of damage if they connect, but they cost the entire power gauge to perform (but can be performed an unlimited number of times when the life gauge is flashing). There are additional types of super moves that can be performed depending on the mode that the player has selected. Characters can also spend half of the power gauge to perform a guard cancel by pressing (or when facing left) while guarding. This allows the character to break out of the block sooner than usual and counterattack.

Fighting styles

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

	Power (力)
	This mode gives the character increases damage output. Normal slashes inflict chip damage on block, like special moves, but also have increased recoil when blocked (pushing back and momentarily stunning the character). Every character has one move that can cancel into a super move, known as a super cancel (昇華), allowing the character to combo into a super move if the first move connects. Characters can perform a "no guard slice" by pressing +. These attacks are unblockable and knock down on hit but have a delayed startup. They can be charged for a more powerful strike by holding + for longer before releasing. Characters can perform Hidden Secret Slashes (潜在奥義). Similar to the Super Desperation moves in The King of Fighters, these moves can be performed when both the character's life gauge is low and flashing and the power gauge is full, and they cost the entire power gauge. The button combination for these moves varies by character, but they can also be performed by pressing .
	Speed (技)
	This mode does less damage but allows the character to easily chain normal attacks together into combos, from weak to strong slashes, and more normal attacks can cancel into special moves. Blocked attacks do not cause recoil, so the character can attack more aggressively since there is less consequence to having an attack blocked. Normal attacks also do not cause chip damage. Characters can perform a "launching slice" by pressing +, which is an upward slice that launches the opponent into the air. This attack can only be blocked standing; if blocked crouching, the opponent is hit but staggers backward instead of being launched. Characters can initiate a Furious Fandango (乱舞奥義) when the power gauge is full by pressing  LS  or  HS . While in this state, characters can string multiple attacks together into long combos, similar to the Deadly Rave move used by Geese Howard (first seen in Real Bout Garou Densetsu). Each character has a different combo chain, with multiple branches that vary in difficulty and damage inflicted, usually ending with a special move. These moves cost the entire power gauge. Pressing performs the character's regular super move.
	EX (極)
	This mode is new to The Last Blade 2, and it is a mix between the Power and Speed modes. The character inflicts slightly more damage than Speed mode but less than Power mode and takes more damage from attacks. Normal slashes inflict chip damage on block, like special moves, but do not have recoil. However, normal moves that are blocked by the opponent no longer increase the character's power gauge. Normal moves link together into combos or special moves more easily, as in Speed mode, and every character has a super cancel (昇華), as in Power mode. Characters can perform a "launching slice" by pressing +, which is an upward slice that launches the opponent into the air. This attack can only be blocked standing; if blocked crouching, the opponent is hit and staggers backward instead of being launched. Characters have access to both the Hidden Secret Slashes from Power mode, which requires flashing red life and a full power gauge, and the Furious Fandango from Speed mode, which requires a full power gauge. Both cost the entire power gauge to perform. As a consequence, the power gauge increases more slowly in EX mode. Pressing performs the character's hidden super move.

Modes

Art gallery

The game has the following modes:

• Story Mode: The main single-player mode. The player selects any character and fights eight opponents. There are special dialogue scenes before and after the seventh match (with Japanese voice acting), which is a rival battle where the opponent depends on the chosen character, and the eighth match, which is always the final boss Kouryuu. There are eight difficulty levels. The game can be continued an unlimited number of times if the player loses a match; when continuing, the player may optionally accept a bonus to help. There is an extended ending if the player finishes without using a continue. A second player can enter the game at any time by pressing  START  to start a two-player match.
• Vs Mode: A dedicated two-player mode where players can choose any character, a handicap, and any stage. Players also have the option to "mask" (conceal) their life or power gauges.
• Time Attack Mode: A single-player mode where the player has 90 seconds to try to defeat as many opponents as possible. The player's character has unlimited life, and opponents are fought in a random order. When one opponent is defeated, the next one drops into the battlefield immediately. The faster an opponent is defeated, the less life the next character has. When there are only 30 seconds remaining, the character's life drops and begins to flash, indicating that the player can perform unlimited Super Secret Slashes for the remainder of the bout.
• Training Mode: A practice mode where the player can choose a character and an opponent. Both characters have unlimited life, and there is no time limit. The opponent can be set to stand, crouch, or jump and to be passive, attack, or block, and the power gauge can be set to normal or max.
• Art Gallery: The game includes an artwork gallery with character art.
• Demo Viewer: This mode allows the player to view the opening sequences and the rankings for the Story Mode and the Time Attack Mode (which are saved to a VMU). Additionally, after completing the game with a character, the dialogue scene for the character's rival battle ("Innen Start" and "Innen Win," though not all characters have the latter) and the character's ending are unlocked so they can be viewed at any time. The cutscene preceding the final boss ("Story Demo") is unlocked after completing the game with any character. In the Japanese release of the game, an additional "Memorial Movie" section can be unlocked by completing a game in the hidden Hanafuda mode. This contains all of the cutscenes and endings (including the opening sequence) for the original The Last Blade.
• Hanafuda: This mode is exclusive to the Japanese release of the game and unlocks after completing the game with any character. It is a Hanafuda card game. Completing a game unlocks Hanfuda card artwork in the Art Gallery and the Memorial Movie section in the Demo Viewer.

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: Setsuna, Hibiki Takane, 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. He can only be used in the Vs Mode and the Training Mode.

Nickname: Shining Soul (時代を継ぐ少年) Rival battle: Moriya Minakata	Kaede
	An orphan who was adopted by a master swordsman named Gaisei 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 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 (Shinmei Kabutowari) 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. Shinmei Rai Tei K+ REPEL  in midair (close) Kaede grabs and tackles his opponent to the ground. 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. Hidden: 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. Hidden: 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.
Nickname: Moon Destiny (月の宿命に生きる士) Rival battle: Kaede	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. Having failed in his mission, he secludes himself in the wilderness to improve his skills. Sensing a great evil rising, he decides to journey to Hell's Gate for answers. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Ittou Shingetsu S Moriya turns to the side and slashes his sword in a large crescent 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 swirling his sword in a large crescent 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. Hidden: Kassatsu Midare Setsu Gekka  HS  Moriya runs forward, then hits his opponent with a swift series of sword slashes, ending by swirling his sword in a large crescent around him.
Nickname: Anxious White (運命を貫く槍) Rival battle: Setsuna	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's Gate, the stone on the necklace that she has worn since childhood began to glow. Having avenged their master, 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. Hidden: 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. This move is unblockable.
Nickname: The Dark Soul (暗闇の殺戮剣) Rival battle: Yuki	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 his black katana, known as the Yasomagatsu Hinotachi or the Eighty Day Sword after the time it took to forge 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. Hidden: 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.
Nickname: Magical Little Girl (小さな陰陽師) Rival battle: Juzoh Kanzaki	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. Hidden: 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).
Nickname: Big Heart (陽気な羅漢) Rival battle: Akari Ichijou	Juzoh Kanzaki
	The adoptive 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. Hidden: 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.
Nickname: Romancing Wanderer (江戸の喧嘩桜) Rival battle: Hibiki Takane	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 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. Hidden: 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. Hidden: 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.
Nickname: Innocent Slash (純潔の太刀筋) Rival battle: Hyo Amano	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. 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. Hidden: 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.
Nickname: Sword Wolf (誠忠の剣) Rival battle: Kojiroh Sanada	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. Hidden: 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.
Nickname: Shadow Wolf (壬生の陰狼) Rival battle: Mukuro	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. Hidden: 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.
Nickname: Fighting Hermit (闘う隠者) Rival battle: Yuki	Genbu no Okina
	One of the three guardians of Hell's Gate. He is the avatar of Genbu, the Black Tortoise, which granted him with his longevity and with the power to control water. He was found by Kaede, who wished to train with him to improve his own sword skills, so Genbu taught the young man all he knew. Sensing the reemergence of a familiar evil spirit, Genbu sets out on a journey to find the Sealing Maiden and protect her from the "Messenger from Afar." He fights with a fishing rod and 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 rapidly spinning water gushes out around him. Hidden: Genbu no Ikari  HS  Genbu opens his basket, and a giant dragon turtle jumps out and lands on his opponent, then walks away.
Nickname: Hell Beast (地獄ノ淵ニ棲ムモノ) Rival battle: Kojiroh Sanada	Mukuro
	Once known as Shikyoh, he was a member of the Shinsengumi who joined only as a means to murder 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. He fights with his "lunatic blade," two long knives that can be joined together at their hilts to form a single twin-bladed weapon. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Kaiten Kimo Eguri S Mukuro spins his lunatic blade in front of him like a pinwheel. He holds it directly in front of him with  LS  or at an upwards angle with  HS . He can throw the blade further ahead before retracting it by pressing SSSSS. Hage Washi S Mukuro throws his spinning lunatic blade, which knocks his opponent down on impact, then it returns to him like a boomerang. It travels in an arc with  LS  or straight ahead with  HS . He can stop the blade partway through its travel (Tsuibami) by pressing + HS , which causes it to stop moving and hover in place until it returns. Zan Niku Kamaitachi S Mukuro crawls forward. If he reaches his opponent, he climbs on top of them and slices their neck. He crawls further when the move is performed with  HS . Ji Name Suberi K Mukuro crawls forward. He crawls a set distance if is immediately released or crawls until is released if the button is held down. This move can pass through opponents (if close enough) but not attacks (though it is low enough to evade many attacks). Mujihi Sashi K (close) Mukuro trips his opponent, then stabs them in the stomach with his lunatic blade and grinds his blade repeatedly. Zan Niku Obasami (super cancel) S in midair Mukuro drops from the sky with a dive attack. He drops straight down while stabbing his blade with  LS  or at a diagonal angle with his blades crossed in front of him with  HS . Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Mei Kyo Shisui Kyoki  LS + HS  Mukuro spins his lunatic blade in front of him like a pinwheel. This move hits many more times and covers a larger radius than the Kaiten Kimo Eguri. Hidden: Mei Kyo Shisui Kyoki  HS  Mukuro crawls forward. If he reaches his opponent, he slashes across the opponent, then forms an X with two jumping slashes. The kanji 凶 (misfortune) appears over a black background, which is sliced in half as the opponent collapses from the wounds.
Nickname: Oriental Justice (黄土からの使者) Rival battle: Setsuna	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. He has a different ending if the game is completed without using a continue. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Ryu Tsui Sen K (up to 3 times) Lee rolls through the air with a flaming kick, which knocks his opponent down on impact. If it connects with the opponent, the move can be repeated two more times, which kicks the opponent further into the air. Ryu Shou Sen K in midair (up to 2 times) Lee spins in the air with a flaming kick, which knocks his opponent down on impact. If it connects with the opponent, the move can be repeated one more time while still in the air, which bounces back up with another flaming kick. Muei Kyaku K in midair Lee floats downward with a dive kick. If it connects with his opponent, he kicks repeatedly while sideways. En Sen Shou Hold for 1 second, then + HS  Lee flips through the air while swinging his folding fan, which leaves a trail of fire. If it connects with his opponent, he can follow up by kicking the opponent to the ground by pressing + HS . Kasumi Hold  LS + HS  Lee leans back while holding his fan defensively, dodging incoming attacks. He can follow this up by turning and slapping his fan down (Hokage) with  LS , jumping with a flaming heel kick (Homura) with  HS  (which must be blocked high), performing a sweep kick (Senpuh) with K (which must be blocked low), or hitting with a palm strike (Hakkei) with  REPEL . The sweep kick can be followed up with up to two additional sweep kicks by pressing +K twice. Enryuu Haibi (super cancel) S Lee dashes forward with a shoulder ram, then swipes his burning fan, which knocks his opponent over on impact. When the move is performed with  HS , he dashes further and ends up on the other side of the opponent, and he can follow up a fiery blast by pressing S. Ibuki Hold  TAUNT  Lee channels in a horse stance, recovering part of his power gauge. This move can be interrupted if he is attacked. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Ougi Enryu Tenshin  LS + HS  Lee throws his flaming fan into the air and catches it, then rushes forward with it, exploding in a massive fiery pillar on impact. Hidden: Hiougi Soten Muei Kyaku  HS  Lee rushes forward, then hits his opponent with a barrage of kicks and rises into the air while spinning his flaming fan in circles, where a fire dragon flies up.
Nickname: Last Ninja (最強の忍道) Rival battle: Setsuna	Zantetsu
	One of the last remnants 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. He leaves his village for the last time to travel to Hell's Gate and defeat the enemies within. He fights with a tantou in each hand and wears a cape that he can use to render himself invisible. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Ryuu Eijin  LS  Zantetsu slashes upwards with a tantou, creating an arc of energy in front of him that knocks his opponent into the air on impact. Minamo Gakure  LS  Zantetsu ensconces himself in his cape and becomes invisible for 10 seconds, intermittently flickering into view. The invisibility is maintained even if he is hit. Kikou Hou (super cancel)  HS  Zantetsu thrusts his open hand ahead, shooting forward with a short-ranged blast of ki that knocks his opponent over on impact. Mukuro Nui S in midair Zantetsu turns and throws three kunai diagonally downwards to the ground. He can throw another trio of kunai by pressing S again before he lands. Kagehoushi K Zantetsu becomes a shadow and rushes forward part of the width of the screen. He is invulnerable while doing this and can pass through opponents (if close enough). He can follow up by slashing his tantou horizontally (Tachikoppa) by pressing  LS  or by slashing both tantou downward (Kasumigiri) by pressing  HS . Tenma Otoshi K (close) Zantetsu wraps his opponent in his cape, and they both vanish. They reappear, falling from the top of the screen with a slam. This move can be performed in midair. Oboro Giri K Zantetsu flips backwards with a rising kick while moving forward slightly. Tenma Kyaku +K in midair Zantetsu falls with a dive kick. If it connects with his opponent, he performs three additional kicks before landing. He can also finish with a backflip kick by pressing +K again after the initial hit. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Dankoujin  LS + HS  Zantetsu slashes the air with a tantou, creating a tall arc of energy, then swipes both of his tantou down to push the arc across the screen. Hidden: Yami Gari  HS  (close) Zantetsu wraps his opponent in his cape, and they both vanish. The screen turns black, then Zantetsu is shown slashing the opponent multiple times with a shadow duplicate before hitting the ground with a downward slash as the darkness recedes.
Nickname: Crisis Christ (堕天の剣) Rival battle: Shigen Naoe	Shinnosuke Kagami
	One of the three guardians of Hell's Gate. Shinnosuke is inhabited by Suzaku, the Vermilion Sparrow, giving him the power to control fire. 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 countless warriors, including the master swordsman Gaisei. Shinnosuke is eventually found and defeated by Kaede, who has the latent power of Seiryuu, the Azure Dragon. 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. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Hien Yoku  LS  Kagami conjures a ball of fire in his hand, then swings his arm upward, leaving a trail of fire in the air and shooting a flame arrow across the screen. Gouen Sou  HS  Kagami conjures a ball of fire in his hand, then swings his arm upward, leaving a trail of fire in the air. He can follow up by slashing the opponent with his flaming sword (Shiranui) by pressing  HS  again after the initial hit. Sho Hoko (super cancel) S Kagami twirls into the air while holding his flaming sword out, which knocks down his opponent on impact. He ascends slightly higher when the move is performed with  HS . En Hoko S (close) Kagami grabs and lifts his opponent into the air, then stabs them with his sword, pulling away in a burst of fire. Shizuka Naru Kodou K Kagami crouches and places a hand on the ground, slowly recovering his power gauge for as long as K is held. This move can be interrupted if he is attacked. Kouenshou +K in midair Kagami dives down from the air with his arms spread, setting his opponent ablaze on impact. This move can only be blocked high. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Guren Suzaku  LS + HS  in midair Kagami sets his body ablaze, then dives down from the air with his arms spread. If he hits his opponent, he rises into the air with an additional burning assault. Houou Tenshou  LS + HS  Kagami conjures a ball of fire in his hand, then swings his arm upward, sending a fiery explosion surging across the ground. This move is unblockable and dissipates any other projectile. Hidden: Funshokouju  HS  in midair Kagami sets his body ablaze, then dives down from the air with his arms spread. If he hits his opponent, he twirls as multiple eruptions stagger in front of him, then he rises into the air while surrounded in flames in the shape of a bird.
Nickname: Iron Tiger (鉄腕猛虎) Rival battle: Shinnosuke Kagami	Shigen Naoe
	One of the three guardians of Hell's Gate. 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 was magically sealed in a massive stone for ten years by his friend Shinnosuke Kagami, who perceived him to be a threat to his plan of opening Hell's Gate. He eventually escaped and reunited with his daughter Kotetsu, and he lived with her in the mountains for several months while training before he departed to contend with the evils released from the portal. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Retsu Hoko  LS  Shigen thrusts a steel hand forward, which hits multiple times and knocks down the opponent. Zetsu Hoko  HS  Shigen thrusts a steel hand into the air, which hits multiple times. If it connects with an airborne opponent, he grabs and slams the opponent after hitting. Byakko So (super cancel) S Shigen claws downward with a steel hand. The move knocks the opponent down when it is performed with  HS . Byakko Shu K Shigen hops forward with a shoulder ram that knocks his opponent over. When the move is performed in Speed mode, he can follow up by kicking the opponent into the air and performing another shoulder ram (Byakko Shuu Tsuika) by pressing K again. Hisui Sai S or K (close) Shigen grabs, then smacks his opponent with each hand. The move has longer range when it is performed with  HS  and the longest range when it is performed with K. Kongo Sai K (close) Shigen grabs and drives his opponent into the ground with a powerbomb, then crystals pop out of the ground under the opponent if not followed up. Or he can follow up by slamming the opponent into the ground again (Kai) by pressing  LS , then he stomps the opponent if not followed up. This follow-up move can be followed by slamming the opponent into crystals that pop out of the ground (Kai) by pressing  LS , by hitting the opponent away with a steel hand (Retsu) by pressing  HS , or by performing a Desperation move (Shinden Taichi) by pressing  LS + HS , where he lifts the opponent high into the air, then slams them into a bed of crystals. Or he can follow up the initial slam by holding the opponent into the air, then slamming them into the ground again (Aku) by pressing  HS , then stomps the opponent if not followed up. This follow-up move can be followed by hitting the opponent into the air with a steel hand (Shou) by pressing  LS , by swiping the opponent into the ground with a steel hand (Da) by pressing  HS , or when in Power mode, by performing a Super Desperation move (Dohatsu Taiten) by pressing  HS , where he roars as several wind blades thrash the opponent. Ruri Sai K+ REPEL  in midair (close) Shigen grabs and slams his opponent to the ground. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Bouko Hyouga  LS + HS  Shigen turns his body to steel, then charges forwawrd with a shoulder ram. If it connects with his opponent, he can follow up by smacking and stomping the opponent into the ground (Kyouten Douji) by pressing  LS  or by hitting the opponent away with a steel hand (Yuuchuu Maisai) by pressing  HS . Inga Ouhou  LS + HS  Shigen crosses his arms. If he is attacked while doing this, he counters by grabbing the opponent, flipping through the air with a slam into a bed of crystals, then bashing the opponent two times with his clasped fists. Inga Ohou  LS + HS  (close) Shigen grabs his opponent, flips through the air with a slam into a bed of crystals, then bashes the opponent with his clasped fists. Hidden: Fugu Taiten  HS  (close) Shigen grabs and chokes his opponent, flips through the air with a slam, then roars as several wind blades thrash the opponent.
Nickname: Ghost Blade (魔神二天流)	Musashi Akatsuki
	A legendary swordsman who fights with a katana and a wakizashi. He once traveled the countryside, honing his skills and challenging worthy opponents along the way, until he was killed by another swordsman during one of his battles. He was resurrected by Shinnosuke Kagami, who bound his soul to Hell's Gate so he acts as Kagami's unwilling bodyguard. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Kanketsu Sen  HS  Musashi thrusts his sword into the ground, causing a geyser of fire to erupt from it that knocks the opponent back. Obiyakashi (super cancel)  LS  Musashi charges forward with a shoulder ram. If it connects with his opponent, he slashes his sword from side to side, then slices downward, which knocks the opponent over on impact. Juji Gamae  HS  Musashi holds his swords into the air, then slashes them down in an X pattern, which knocks the opponent over on impact. The move can be delayed by holding  HS  for longer before releasing. Shuchu  LS  Musashi glows with fiery energy, slowly recovering his power gauge for as long as  LS  is held. This move can be interrupted if he is attacked. Makura Niren  HS  (close) Musashi lifts and slams the opponent with both blades. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Gorin Tsurane  LS + HS  Musashi charges forward while glowing with flames. If he hits his opponent, he performs a series of sword slashes. Hidden: Niten Muso Ken  HS  Musashi advances forward with multiple sword slashes. If they all connect, he lifts the opponent into the air with both blades, then slashes down in an X pattern.

Bosses

Nickname: Dragon Emperor (和する帝王) Rival battle: Kaede

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 (lightning), Suzaku (fire), Byakko (wind), and Genbu (water). Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description 空ヲ貫ク丹塗ノ矢 S Kouryuu raises his sword in front of him, which changes into a bow, then he shoots an energy bolt across the screen with it, which knocks the opponent down on impact. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HS . The move can be delayed by holding S for longer before releasing. 天津罪清メル大祓 (super cancel) S (up to 4 times) Kouryuu slashes his sword sideways, then slashes the opponent into the air with two more slashes, then back down to the ground with a final midair slash if the button combination is repeated. 別天懇親ノ一刀 K Kouryuu slashes his sword down in a wide arc. This move can only be blocked high. 変技ノカマへ  HS +K+ REPEL  Kouryuu pulls his sword back and switches between Power and Speed mode. It has no effect when playing in EX mode. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description 朱雀・高尚タル灼熱ノ火炎  LS  in midair Kouryuu shoots a burst of fire diagonally downwards from his sleeve. If it connects with his opponent, the kanji 朱雀 (Suzaku) appear in the background in red, and the opponent is set ablaze and sent flying through the air. 百虎・空ヲ裂ス猛虎ノ狂爪  HS  (close) Kouryuu levitates the opponent into the air, then slams them to the ground where several wind blades thrash them, as the kanji 白虎 (Byakko) appear in the background in yellow. 玄武・憂キ世ノ穢レ浄化ス水柱 K Kouryuu slashes his sword down in a wide arc. If it connects with his opponent, the kanji 玄武 (Genbu) appear in the background in green, and the opponent is carried away by a tall pillar of rapidly spinning water. 青龍・天地共鳴ス怒号ノ雷鳴  REPEL  Kouryuu jumps into the air while slashing his sword out. If it connects with his opponent, the kanji 青竜 (Seiryuu) appear in the background in blue, and the opponent is hit multiple times by a lightning dragon sweeping up and down the screen. Hidden: 四神ノ力集イテ是ナル騎レシ者黄泉国ヘト誘ワン  HS  Kouryuu rushes forward most of the width of the screen. If it connects, he slashes the opponent high into the heavens. A giant spear falls from Hell's Gate in the sky and impales the opponent back to the ground.

Hidden

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

In addition to these characters, Kotetsu, the 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 the awakening of Seiryuu within him. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Ittou Hayate S Kaede slashes the air in front of him, sending a dart of wind through the air. The projectile moves faster when the move is performed with  HS . Ittou Kuuga S Kaede jumps into the air while slashing his sword out, 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 (Ittou Kabutowari) by pressing  HS  near the apex. Ittou Renjin Zan (super cancel) S Kaede runs to his opponent, then performs a lateral slash, an upward slash that launches the opponent, and a final jumping slash to hit the opponent in midair. Taitou Tabakaze K Kaede rolls a short distance forwards. This move can pass through opponents (if close enough) but not attacks. Ittou Arashi Uchi K (close) Kaede hits his opponent with an elbow strike, a lateral slice, and a downward slash. Ittou Rai Tei K+ REPEL  in midair (close) Kaede grabs and tackles his opponent to the ground. Move list (Desperation moves) Name Command Description Kasshin Fuku Ryuu  LS + HS  Kaede stabs the ground with his sword, then a lightning strike hits the ground in front of him and creeps forward a short distance. The move can be delayed by holding  LS + HS  for longer before releasing. Hidden: 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.
	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.

Stages

The stages are always played in the same order in the Story Mode.

The stage can be manually chosen in the Vs Mode. The Graveyard stage is exclusive to this mode.

Shimiji Pass

Village of Twilight

Port City Building No. 13

The Night Before "Yuki-Machi"

Fire at the Wadamoya

Forest of Forgetfulness

Battle of Cloudy Sky

Shrine of the Vanquished

Hell's Gate

Graveyard

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