. . / / __. _/_ ___ .___ __. |_-' .' \ | / ` / \ .' \ | \ | | | | | | ' | | / \ `._.' \__/ `.__/| / `._.' SOUL OF THE SAMURAI WALKTHROUGH by Joseph Christopher version 1.2 Nov. 19, 1999 this faq is copyright 1999-2000 Joseph Christopher I didn't believe there will come a time when I'll have to write something like this just to remind some people of what they all should be knowing by heart :( Anyway, here goes... By gaining access to this faq you agree to the following terms: ___________________________________________________________________________________ =================================================================================== || || || 1) I, Joseph Christopher, the author of this faq, is not in any way || || liable for any harm that anybody thinks came from reading this faq. || || Examples of this harm include physical ones, such as getting mauled || || by someone who lost to you via a technique found in this faq, and || || emotional ones, such as experiencing humiliation upon the use or || || most likely misuse of yet another technique found in this faq. || || || || 2) If this faq was accessed from a source other than gamefaqs.com, nine || || out of ten chances are it is not in its latest update. 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On the || || other hand, by indirectly I mean using a part of or all the contents || || of this faq as a convincing factor for the purchase of another product || || thus directly or again indirectly yielding profit. || || || || 4) You will not use even a single phrase, sentence, or concept found || || anywhere in this faq on your own work, even if you expressed it in || || your own words, without at the very least giving me, Joseph Christopher, || || the author of this faq, full credit for it. If you in any way || || incorporated even a very minute part of the strategies found in this || || faq with your own in your work, then you must at the very least give || || me partial credit for it. || || || || 5) Ignorance of the law excuses no one, therefore if ever anything || || unlawful is done to this faq and/or to me, its author, the appropriate || || legal actions will be taken. If at any point you disagree to this || || or any of the above statements, delete this faq immediately and discard || || any help it has done for you. || || || =================================================================================== ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * This society does not care if you're the dumbest vegetable on earth, if you do something wrong, someone will make you pay the price! ;) * warning: DO NOT read this faq unless you are simultaneously playing the game with it or have already played the game before. This faq contains EVERY cinematic and dialogue directly related to gameplay and can therefore be considered a spoiler. Why read this guide: I. Starter Info II. Weapons III. Items IV. Moves V. Homecoming VI. Mystery VII. Soul Bugs VIII. The Nest IX. Friend X. Showdown XI. Ending XII. Credits XIII. Revison History XIV. Final Words %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ____ ___ ____ __ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ _ _ ____ _____ (_ _) / __)(_ _) /__\ ( _ \(_ _)( ___)( _ \ (_ _)( \( )( ___)( _ ) _)(_ \__ \ )( /(__)\ ) / )( )__) ) / _)(_ ) ( )__) )(_)( (____)() (___/ (__) (__)(__)(_)\_) (__) (____)(_)\_) (____)(_)\_)(__) (_____) It's raining---hard. Lin, a young female ninja enters the village and gets into a fight with a number of swordsmen. Kotaro, the masterless samurai, also arrives and hears some blade clashing. Kotaro: "What's this?" Kotaro then witnesses the skill with which Lin kills her foes. Just as one of them tries to pull off a sneak attack, the "honorable" samurai kills him from behind. (this, as you will find out, is one big inconsistency in a samurai's theme: honor) Kotaro: "Grown men picking on a child?" "Here baby, I'll lend you a hand." You then fight two men using Kotaro and you should find them very easy to beat, otherwise you're in for a loooong, loooong game. After you take out the trash, Lin : "Whoever you are, I don't recall asking for your help. I'm...!" Kotaro: "Oops, shouldn't have treated you like a child." "Relax, I just don't like bullies. I'm not interested in kids." "Lady, what did you do to get the authorities in your tail?" Lin : "I'm sorry but I don't have time to chat. As they exchange words, two men close in on them... Lin : "I have to hurry." Kotaro: "Alright. Maybe we will run into each other again." They split up. You then have to choose one of them as your player. This faq was written for those of you who want to choose Kotaro. GAMEPLAY--- Green bar: Your health. Turns to red when you're low in it. While red, you walk a LOT slower and hold your midsection, signifying your being wounded badly. Blue bar : Your chi. Comes in five blocks and are required to execute the different moves that you will "learn" throughout the game. Yellow bar : Your experience. Every time you kill or hit someone, this bar gets filled a bit. Every time it's all filled up, you learn a new move the code of which you can access by pressing start during the game. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ____ ____ _ _ ____ __ ____ _____ _ _ ___ (_ _)(_ _) ( \/\/ )( ___) /__\ ( _ \( _ )( \( )/ __) _)(_ _)(_ ) ( )__) /(__)\ )___/ )(_)( ) ( \__ \ (____)(____)() (__/\__)(____)(__)(__)(__) (_____)(_)\_)(___/ 1. Denta - A famous sword, but years of hard use have taken its toll on on its edge. - sharpness: dull - length: 4'3'' - weight: 46 oz. 2. Monohoshizao - Named "Laundry Pole" for its remarkable length. Famous as Kojiro Sasaki's sword. - sharpness: ordinary - length: 6' - weight: 71 oz. 3. Osafune - The renowned sword, Bizen Osafune. With a good balance of reach and heft, this sword is extremely easy to use. - sharpness: ordinary - length: 4'3'' - weight: 36 oz. 4. Ran-un - A jagged sword that is said to beckon storms. It appears to have been made in a foreign land. - sharpness: good - length: 5'4'' - weight: 34 oz. 5. Doujikiri - The sword that is said to have vanquished the legendary monster Shutendouji. Over time, it gained the power of fire. - sharpness: good - length: 5'4'' - weight: 34 oz. 6.Masamune - A short sword that is commonly known as the "butcher knife" Masamune. Its compact size enables rapid slashes. - sharpness: good - length: 2'9'' - weight: 26 oz. 7. Muramasa - Perhaps because of Yukinosuke's lingering despair, this sword could only be used for quick draw attacks. - sharpness: excellent - length: 4'2'' - weight: 33 oz. 8. Houou - An ancient Japanese sword. Although its sharpness is merely average, it exudes an oddly evil atmosphere. - sharpness: good - length: 5'6'' - weight: 37 oz. 9. Kogarasumaru and Onimaru - Two renowned swords that are specifically intended for use as a pair. It is unknown how Mushashi came into their possession. - sharpness: good - length: 4'3'' - weight: 36 oz. 10. Nihon - A magnificent sword that glitters with divine brilliance. Its sharpness is simply outstanding. - sharpness: excellent - length: 5'9'' - weight: 26 oz. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ __ __ ___ (_ _)(_ _)(_ _) (_ _)(_ _)( ___)( \/ )/ __) _)(_ _)(_ _)(_ _)(_ )( )__) ) ( \__ \ (____)(____)(____)() (____) (__) (____)(_/\/\_)(___/ 1. Heal herb - A mix of mugwort and other plants that cure infection. - HP recovery: low 2. Ointment - An ointment that supresses bleeding. Also prevents infection. - HP recovery: medium 3. Foreign Medicine - A medicine that instantly stops bleeding. Its ingredients are uncommon - HP recovery: high 4. Antidote - A curative herb that neutralizes poison. It must be ground into a paste and ingested. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ____ _ _ __ __ _____ _ _ ____ ___ (_ _)( \/ ) ( \/ )( _ )( \/ )( ___)/ __) _)(_ \ / ) ( )(_)( \ / )__) \__ \ (____) \/ () (_/\/\_)(_____) \/ (____)(___/ Normal 1. Thrust - any direction + [] well, you pierce the opponent's chest, what else? This is the most damaging of his normal moves and is sure to knock an opponent down. It cannot be comboed into anything so use it on opponents who generally can counter combos. 2. Quick Slash - any direction twice + [] you do an almost vertical slash that's very quick to come out and can be comboed into your basic three slash combo. Use this move after a sidestep for maximum efficiency. 3. Jump Slash - [] + >< well, you jump and slash downwards, what else? Use this move on zombies who can hit while lying on the ground to finish them off. Not to be used otherwise because if your timing is inaccurate, the opponent will be enough time to stand up and hit you. 4. One Hit Kill - Hold R1...[] the R1 you have to hold to block an opponent's attack. the [] you have to press just one moment before your attacker's blade clashes with yours. The screen will darken, the opponent will pause, and you will get a free, FATAL slash. Won't work on bosses, as that would make the game crap easy. Will be high on damage if it doesn't work, though. Special 1. Phoenix - Press [] rapidly: makes use of three blocks of your blue bar. May only be done when your life bar turns red, kind of a desperation move. This move you already know from the start and need not kill for. In this move, you kill EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE! There are some limitations, though. If done against a boss, won't kill 'em but would sure wreck havok! ALWAYS use this move whenever you get the chance before you even think of replenishing your life with a health item. 2. Spinning Eagle - right, left, [] makes use of only one block of your blue bar. Does some descent damage but what's important is you can hit everyone within a certain radius. In this move, you swing your sword in a 360 degree motion and it leaves a red light as a trail. 3. Pigeon Sonic - hold [] ... release makes use of two blocks of your blue bar. Your sword turns neon blue as you hold the [] and suddenly release a forceful, unseen projectile that cracks the pavement and hits everyone directly in front of you. Cannot be comboed from anything and hard to connect, having to target your opponent first, and all that. Use this move only against bosses but then again you should reserve your chi for the other moves. 4. Hawk Dance - Press [], [], then [] rapidly makes use of three blocks of your blue bar. Definitely can, and must, be comboed from your basic three slash combo. In this move, you make a multitude of slashes and hit everyone within your peripheral vision. Nice move and particularly useful for bosses. Weapon Based 1. Moonlight Cyclone - Press [], [], then [] rapidly makes use of three blocks of your blue bar. Can only be done while equipped with the Kogarasumaru and the Onimaru. Definitely can, and must, be comboed from your basic three slash combo. In this move, you make a multitude of slashes and hit everyone within a certain radius. Nice move and particularly useful for a multitude of minor opponents. 2. Rai-jin - hold [] ... release makes use of two blocks of your blue bar. Can only be done while equipped with the MURAMASA. Cannot be comboed from or to anything because of the nature of the sword. In this move, you charge up your chi while your sword is sheathed and then suddenly strike a heavy strike with lots of energy packed within. If you're hit before you release the hold, the move would be cancelled. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% _ _ _ _ _____ __ __ ____ ___ _____ __ __ ____ _ _ ___ ( \/ ) ( )_( )( _ )( \/ )( ___) / __)( _ )( \/ )(_ _)( \( ) / __) \ / ) _ ( )(_)( ) ( )__) ( (__ )(_)( ) ( _)(_ ) ( ( (_-. \/ () (_) (_)(_____)(_/\/\_)(____) \___)(_____)(_/\/\_)(____)(_)\_) \___/ Prologue text: Kotaro Hiba, a masterless samurai in training, makes his return to visit his parent's graves. Upon arrival, he is caught up in a deadly incident with a young girl and the law. The ronin makes his way to a bushido dojo to meet Yukinosuke, a childhood friend. Walkthrough: You are situated in an uninhabited area so nothing to do here but draw your sword and move on south. Fight the welcoming samurai, beat him up, and again head south. You fight two swordsmen this time, no problem. Take them one at a time and your done. Head to the obvious direction---south! Beat up the next two opponents and this time head west. Fight and defeat another one and head north. Two swordsmen confront you and they're too close for comfort. You can take them one at a time and hope to win unscathed but, the best way is to sheath your sword, go back, and make sure one of them follows you. NOW attack. Go back north and deal with the other samurai. Get the heal herb where the samurai was originally standing and don't enter the passageway, head north-east. Get the heal herb beside the gate and head east. Jackpot! Get another heal herb (beside the bird house of some sort) and get (not really) the flower beside it---that's your first save point. Save point quote: "First storm of the year holding an umbrella o'er small chrysantimums" (now i don't have the slightest idea of what this quote's use is in gameplay but help would be appreciated, and credited) Now go back to the passageway mentioned and enter. Go west, then southwest, west, then northwest (you should know that by mere observation but, ow well)... Kotaro : "Yukinosuke! Look who's back!" (enters the dojo where Yukinosuke is) Yukinosuke: "What!? You killed some law men?" Kotaro : "I don't care who they were." "They were in the wrong. But..." Yukinosuke: "But?" Kotaro : "Something about their eyes were odd." "I must've imagined it." Yukinosuke: "Well, I see you haven't changed your ways much." Kotaro : "This old dojo hasn't changed much either." Yukinosuke: "Do you remember? How you and I trained together?" Kotaro : "How could I forget those days" (engages in a flashback) Kotaro : "I'm bored of practicing!" "Come on, Yukinosuke. I'll take you on." Yukinosuke: "We can't Kotaro! Master will be angry with us." Kotaro : "Nobody's watching. Come on, it'll be alright." Yukinosuke: "Oh, ok, just this once, though. Little Yukinosuke will fight you using a kendo stick while you are armed with your own. None of you can die, of course, cause this is just a flashback and both of you are alive now, aren't you? Hit select to quit the cute fight scene and stay longer only if you want to learn a few basic moves from your best pal... Master: (arrives) "You two stop! You pups are far from ready!" And they both run away to save their own hides (from a lot of spanking, perhaps?) (back to present) Yukinosuke: "..." Kotaro : "Hey Yukinosuke! Are you listening?" Yukinosuke: "Huh? What?" Kotaro : "What do you mean what?" "I said I'm going up to the graveyard to pay my respects." Yukinosuke: "The graveyard? You mean to go to the temple?" Kotaro : "What are you flustered about?" "Is there something wrong with the temple?" Yukinosuke: "No, no. Uh, you just came back. What is your hurry?" Kotaro : "It's one of those things you do first. Duty calls!" Yukinosuke: "Bu-but..." Kotaro : "I won't be long." "Have the sake out, we need to catch up." As Kotaro leaves, Oda, a strange looking, predictably evil person enters the dojo... Oda : "Kotaro Hiba! When did you return?" Kotaro : "Ryu Oda, the military scholar." "Still the same, I see." Oda : "Have you finally decided to serve Lord Tohjo?" Kotaro : "Not on your life." "Why are your men acting so aggressively?" "I hope you're not firing them up for another war." Oda : "The age of the sword has ended." Kotaro : "My parents died in a war." "They would have enjoyed hearing that." (leaves) Oda : (to Yukinosuke) "Lord Tohjo has summoned for you." "Please get ready now." Yukinosuke: "Yes, right away." Oda : "By the way, Yukinosuke, how have things gone since...?" Yukinosuke: "I get the odd headache, but otherwise I'm fine." Oda : "I knew you would not disappoint." "Lord Tohjo shall be pleased." "Endure a little longer and be rewarded with fantastic power." "...Kotaro has come back." Yukinosuke: "Yes, he left to visit the graveyard." Oda : "The temple? Humph, that is amusing." Yukinosuke: (feels the headache) "Kotaro..." You're out of the dojo. Head south and back out of the passageway, beating up the two swordsmen waiting for your return. Go back to the first save point and re-save your game of you wish, but I'd rather head south and battle the incoming samurai to save time. Exit the dojo area after you're through with him and show-off against the next two. Head east and notice that the next area is lifeless. Go north... Two swordsmen close in on you. They're fairly easy to defeat. After you've killed them... Kotaro: "There is something strange with these castle law men." "They feel wrong even through the sword. This is creepy." After he leaves, one of the defeated samurai stands up, barfs something yucky, and then finally dies. Meanwhile, a poor man with his face covered in a basket has his life threatened by two samurai... Samurai: "There's no escape, die!" (notices Kotaro) "Who goes there?" Kotaro : "Heh, this just isn't my day." Fight the two big bullies, make them cry, and another cinematic takes place... Kotaro: "Are you alright?" Monk: "Th-thank you." Another ronin suddenly appears and kills the monk from behind, making all your efforts worthless... Ronin: "My sword shall taste your blood too!" Strategy: Wow, your first boss! Just block all his attacks and retaliate with your basic three-slash combo. Whenever he does his intimidating special move, don't get intimidated. It may be unblockable and comes out really fast, but tapping right or left like crazy while he's busy whirling his sword will make sure you side step and evade the whole attack altogether, leaving you with another free three-slash combo. Walkthrough: After you've defeated the no-good back stabber, you shall have obtained the MONOHOSHIZAO. Then you get one last cinematic before the chapter ends... Kotaro: "Hold on!" Monk : "N-no...I'm doomed. P-please, I n-need you t-to..." (hands over something to Kotaro) Kotaro: "What's this?" Monk : "G-give it t-to m-my c-colleagues." Kotaro: "Colleagues?" Monk : "T-this f-fiefdom...Bu-bu-bugs..." (dies) Kotaro: "Bugs..." (obtained stork code letter) Every after a level boss is defeated, you get to save your game. This boss is no different. Save point quote: "Bell flowers in sight my heart bouncing up and down from pure nostalgia" %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% _ _ ____ __ __ _ _ ___ ____ ____ ____ _ _ ( \/ )(_ _) ( \/ )( \/ )/ __)(_ _)( ___)( _ \( \/ ) \ / _)(_ ) ( \ / \__ \ )( )__) ) / \ / \/ (____)() (_/\/\_) (__) (___/ (__) (____)(_)\_) (__) Prologue text: On the way to the temple, Kotaro is beset by murderous samurai. After defeating the grotesque and sinister enemies, Kotaro comes to the aid of a mysertious monk. But too late, the monk dies before Kotaro's eyes, leaving only the words, Bugs. Kotaro meets up with Lin once again... Kotaro: "Hi, honey. Remember me?" : "I'm Kotaro Hiba. We seem to run into each other." Lin : "...I'm Lin. I suppose we're both lucky to be alive." Kotaro: (thinks: "Could this girl be a colleague that the monk spoke of?") Lin : "I'm sorry, but I have no time for idle chats. I'm going. Kotaro: "Wait, before you go..." "Honey, do you know anything about this?" (hands over your stork code letter) Lin : "Who did you get this from? Is he still alive?" Kotaro: "No, he's dead. What does that say? I can't read it at all." Lin : "Why do you want to know?" "You shouldn't get involved in this!" Kotaro: "I can't ignore this. If I had a kid sister, she'd be like you." Lin : "You, you have no right to say that." "But, I still owe you. Thanks for this." "Thank you. Farewell." (leaves) Kotaro: "Humph. So much for my lack of interest in kids." : "Anyways, the graveyard. Duty calls." Walkthrough: Being positioned in the center of the village, go north to discover your nearest save point. Equip your newly found sword and...save the game, of course! Save point quote: "Cape Jasmine flowers remind me of my dear mother lone clouds in the sky" Go back to your starting point and head west, then east, northeast, then west. Ignore the villagers as they would only give you some tips which this faq has already or will mention. Head north. Unsheath your sword and kill the first samurai you see. Head south. Kill the two samurai in front of you and again head south. Slay yet another samurai and move on west. Two swordsmen will challenge you, and you'll just have to prove they aren't worthy. Head north. You fight to short men that are not to be underestimated. Their poles do quite some damage so be careful. After you've shown them you're boss, go up the stairway. You'll be given a full view of the temple's entrance. Notice the beautiful lady just standing there?... Kurenai: "Excuse me, are you going to the temple?" Kotaro : "Yeah, I'm going to the graveyard." Kurenai: "May I tag along? There's something wrong inside the temple." Kotaro : "Something wrong?" "Well, whatever. Sure come on." "A pretty lady is always welcome." Kurenai: "Really? Thank you! I'm here to visit my mother's grave." Don't go in, yet. Save your game on the flower standing just at the right side of the temple entrance. Save point quote: still the same Enter the temple, now with Ms. Kurenai tagging along. Make sure she doesn't die, or you won't get the best weapon in the game! Anyway, you'll be rudely greeted by two law men... Law man: "Halt! No one passes here! Get lost!" Kotaro : "Castle lackeys are here too?" "What are you doing here?" Law man: "I don't have to answer that! If you refuse to leave..." Kurenai: "Wa-wait." Law man: "Then you can join the corpses. Die!" The two law men will fight you, finding out that you're too strong and fast for them... Kotaro : "Hey, are you all right?" Kurenai: "What is going on? Why did they attack us?" Kotaro : "The law men around here are all acting insane." "Lady, I think it's time you headed home." Kurenai: "This is the anniversary of my mother's death." Kotaro : "..." "Now, I'm convinced that this just isn't my day." "Lady, stick close to me." Ms. Kurenai won't quit, so now you still have to protect her. Watch her life bar, as I've told you wouldn't want her to die. Head north and fight another two welcoming swordsmen. Once more you'll head north and fight two swordsmen, this time one of them has a heal herb beside him. Collect your prize and head east. Add an antidote to your collection and fight the two swordsmen guarding it. Head northeast. Walk a little further and be introduced to your first two ninja opponents. Not much of a challenge, really. Beat them up and head north. Defeat the two swordsmen who guard that twinkling blue thingy. Pick that up and find out it's actually an iron key. Head north. Take out the two ninjas who just give you a hunch there's more upstairs. Go up the stairway (east), kill the samurai there, and enter the room (northeast). You'll see a Buddha statue with corpses all around it... Kurenai: "Eeeyaaaah!" Kotaro : "A mound of bodies? What are they doing here?" "This is awful." Pick up another blue thingy resting just in front of the statue and trigger the arrival of two ninjas. Kill them both and head northeas, where you came from. Go back down the stairs and exit southwest. Get your first ointment and beat the crap out of the two ninjas guarding it. Head northwest. Both of you will see the gates to the graveyard... Kurenai: "We must be safe here. Can I have the keys? "I'll go ahead." Kotaro : "Lady, I said to stick with me." Kurenai: "Eeeyaaaah!" Kotaro : "Tch, what did I tell you?" Obviously, you know where to go---up. Defeat your everyday samurai and hear Kurenai scream once more... Kurenai: "Help me!" Kotaro : "That way!" (exits west) There'll be another pair of samurai waiting for your blade to cut through their skin. Give them what they want, collect the ointment somewhere north, and move on northwest. Eradicate the opposition and head north. Save your game on the obvious flower and again head north. Save point quote: still the same You hear and feel rumbles, then you see a huge bald guy, and I mean really huge! You also see Kurenai knocked unconscious. Kotaro: "!" "You, you're the priest!?" Muga : "Hehehe, now this is a surprise. You came back, Kotaro!" Kotaro: "What happened to you? What are you doing with the girl?" Muga : "Hehehe. She will make a fine gift for Lord Tohjo." Kotaro: "Tohjo? What does he have to do with this?" Muga : "It would be a waste of breath to tell you, for you shall die!" Kotaro: "What?" Muga : "I had been praying to test my new powers." (cracks knuckles) "I am a priest. There is a graveyard." "It is a perfect place to die!" Kotaro: "I don't know what you are, but you're the one going to the grave." Strategy: It's kind of challenging to beat him up the first time you see him because you have no idea what his moves are. Eventually, you'll realize you can't block ANY of his moves so you'll have to be quick at sidestepping and striking after he attacks, during his slow recovery time. A good thing to do is to step back, wait for him to execute a body splash on you, side step, and whack him at the SIDE, where he could neither punch or butt you. Walkthrough: Defeating him will yield those yucky things that came out of the samurai you killed way back in the first stage... Kotaro : "Wha-what happened here?" Kurenai: (gains consciousness) "No, oh no." Kotaro : (comes to Kurenai's aid) Kurenai: "The graves have been dug up." "My father would be devastated." Kotaro : "Somebody's going to pay for this." "But why? What are they going to do with corpses?" Kurenai: "..." "Look, over there." Kotaro : "Is that a cave?" Kurenai: "Look at all the footprints." "Those men must have been in there." "Maybe they carried the bodies in there." Kotaro : "It looks that way. I want to get to the bottom of this." Kurenai: "Don't go in there. I have a horrible feeling about this." Kotaro : "Don't worry about me. But you should go on home." Kurenai: "I will, but listen!" "I live at the edge of town at a blacksmith shop named Beni." "If you need work done on your sword, come see us any time." "I'll speak to my father about you." Kotaro : "Alright. Good." Kurenai: "That's a promise to keep!" You now have the OSAFUNE at your disposal. Save your game afterwards. Save point quote: "Dew drops to the ground this must be a demon's lair or a nest of snakes" %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% _ _ ____ ____ ___ _____ __ __ __ ____ __ __ ___ ___ ( \/ )(_ _)(_ _) / __)( _ )( )( )( ) ( _ \( )( ) / __)/ __) \ / _)(_ _)(_ \__ \ )(_)( )(__)( )(__ ) _ < )(__)( ( (_-.\__ \ \/ (____)(____)() (___/(_____)(______)(____) (____/(______) \___/(___/ Prologue text : The temple priest, Muga, had been transformed into a bizarre monster. To solve the mystery of the priest's mutation, and a mound of newly disinterred corpses, Kotaro, alone, ventures into an underground cave where unknown horrors await. As Kotaro headed down into the cave... Kotaro: "Tch, the rope snapped. There's no going back." (lights up a candle) "Better look for another way out" Walkthrough: This area is empty so proceed northwest... You hear a bunch of roars and groans... Kotaro: "Wha-what? What is this?" The path leads to two separate ways. Don't worry, you can always go back to the other path when you change your mind but, for now, to avoid confusion, let's follow the "right" path. Equip your new weapon, unsheath your sword, and move on northeast. Get the heal herb and proceed north. The path once again splits, this time with a zombie coming out from the right path. Beware, his attacks are unblockable and he can hit while down. Still, he's easy to kill so exit northeast. Oops, dead end. Go back and exit through the other path. Damn, another fork! Like I said, choose the "right" path. And then...another fork! Kill the zombie entering fromthe right, colloct the heal herb in front of you, and go where the zombie came from. Save your game. Save point quote: "The moon hides her face digging soil for potatoes tell me the season" Obviously you can't go through the doors so go back. Exit west this time and run through the bridge. Get the ointment beside the candle and exit northeast. See another twinkling blue thingy just before the ledge? Pick it up, but be careful not to fall or be defeated by the samurai zombie that jumps at you from nowhere. You have just picked up an archer figure. Go back and exit northwest this time. You'll be in a steep surface so grab the shining object and immediately run back. Go back through the bridge, then proceed south, northwest, west, then northwest, killing all the zombies in your way. Collect the ointment you see beside the farther candle and head north. Walk towards the end of the cave and hit []... Kotaro: "What's this hole here?" Use both figures acquired and hear a rumbling sound... Kotaro: "Hm? What's that sound?" Head south, south again, northeast, east, northeast, and finally east, again killing everything in your path. Notice the doors have already been opened. Save your game, then go through the doorway. Save point quote: still the same You get a horrifying view of the stacked corpses in the cave... Kotaro: "Wh-what, whoa." "So, this is where they were bringing the corpses." Three zombies close in on you. Use your spinning eagle move to hit the three birds with one stone. After you're done, you again see those yucky things... Kotaro: "Did these things have something to do with the human monsters?" (steps on one of the moving yuckies) Urabe : "How dare you trod upon my beloved soul bugs." Kotaro: "Who's that? Soul bugs? Urabe : (reveals himself, floating) Kotaro: "Heh, is this some kind of trickery? What are you, a sorcerer? "So, you're behind all this! You're paying with your life!" Urabe : "Fwohoho. I am but a mere servant. I am master to only bugs." Kotaro: "What were you playing at, here with your bugs?" Urabe : "Soul bugs are born here and enter their hosts. This is their nest." "I hear they are have smashing fun in their human hosts outside." Kotaro: "Soul bugs are parasites that turn people into monsters?" Urabe : (giggles) "Ah, enlightenment! Lord Tohjo's plans cannot be stopped now." Kotaro: "Tohjo's plans?" Urabe : "Fwohoho. A mere slip pf my tongue. No matter." "You shall soon be a particularly fine host to my bugs." Strategy: He's floating yet I find him the easiest foe to beat (ok, maybe not easier than the first boss!) if you'd just be patient enough. Run towards him and slash, once. He'll teleport and execute a special, unblockable move so run away and evade whatever he throws at you. Run around him in circles to evade his every attack and when the time is right, run for him and slash. Just repeat this process over and over, and after your twelfth slash, hit him with a thrust move. (forward, forward + slash) When he's nearing death, he'll become a moving target so stop the circling and just run for him to smack. If that's a little too hard for you, don't worry. Once your life turns red you can execute your Phoenix move and that'd kill him WHEREVER he is! Walkthrough: After you've rendered his efforts futile, a cave-in starts to worry Kotaro... Kotaro: "The cave is coming down! Gotta get out!" (leaves) Urabe : (recovers) "Ah ah ah. My soul bugs!" Oda : "You have served us well, Urabe." Urabe : "That voice! Oda! What is the meaning of his?" Oda : (reveals himself) "You have outlived your usefulness." Urabe : "That cannot be! This plan cannot succeed without me!" Oda : "You failed to dispose of that lone ronin. What use are you?" Urabe : "Who do you think made the plan possible?" "And it was you, Oda, who promised to keep intruders out!" Oda : "You can save your excuses for the afterlife." Urabe : "L-let me talk to Lord Tohjo!" "H-he still needs my bugs!" Oda : "We have a new colony. Thanks to my research." "You can rot here with your beloved bugs!" Urabe : "Wait! Wait! No!" "No! I shall not die here alone!" "Kotaro Hiba! You are coming with me!" "My, my beautiful soul bugs!" "Give me, give me your strength!" (morphs into a monster) You have been awarded with a new sword, the RAN-UN. Equip it, now! Head south and find out about the sorceror's mutation. Strategy: Use only two slash combos to prevent him from being knocked down and jumping on you as he gets up. Corner him and slash like crazy. He's a very easy foe to beat once you got the hang of it. Walkthrough: You'll be awarded with yet another sword, the DOUJIKIRI, afterwards. Remember the dead end? You'll have to find that area again if you hope to make it out alive. Head south then northeast to exit the cave. You'll have to do this all within a time limit, which is too long to even be worried about. Save your game. Save point quote: "Giant katydid finding no good place to die keeps on walking 'round %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% _ _ ____ ____ ____ ____ _ _ ____ _ _ ____ ___ ____ ( \/ )(_ _)(_ _)(_ _) (_ _)( )_( )( ___) ( \( )( ___)/ __)(_ _) \ / _)(_ _)(_ _)(_ )( ) _ ( )__) ) ( )__) \__ \ )( \/ (____)(____)(____)() (__) (_) (_)(____) (_)\_)(____)(___/ (__) Prologue text: In the horrific cavern, Kotaro discovers a subterranean lake. The lake teems with soul bugs, profane creatures that turn mortals into monsters. Kotaro barely escapes the collapsing cave with the knowledge that the fiefdom's ruler is somehow involved. As Kotaro emerges from the cave... Kotaro : "Hm? The village square? I never expected to end up here." Villager : "Waaaah! Monsters!" "Help! Please!" Villagers: (run for their lives) Kotaro : "Damn! They've even invaded the village." (draws his sword) "I may have left once, but I won't allow this to happen here." Walkthrough: A multitude of zombies will attack you but all of them need only one hit to die so don't fret. If you manage to kill more than three hundred of them (highly possible only if you ignore to two goodies found near your starting point) before the next cinematic, you'll acquire...the "RUSTY SWORD"! (what!? all that work for a crumy old sword? well, you'll see...) Kotaro: "I guess that was the last of them." "Oh, damn! Yukinosuke!" "Damn! They better not have gone to the dojo!" Remember what item of value was there in the buddha statue when you first saw it? A save point! Go now, and save your game. Save point quote: "The hem of garments turn vermillion in autumn hoping it never ends" Head west and meet up with another stranger... Swordsman: "Kotaro Hiba, I presume." Kotaro : "Who are you?" Swordsman: "I shall await you at Ganryu Beach." "Come, for the sake of honor." (leaves) Kotaro : "Gah. What presence. He held me rooted. He reeks of death." "Ganryu Beach...Should I go?" Well, it's your choice...either you head northwest or, more likely, you'll go the other way---east. If you choose the former, you'll just have to make your way via obsevation, collect an ointment before you enter the dojo area, and head west to end the level. If, however, you choose to the latter, things will get more complicated (to your advantage, that is) and would therefore require another paragraph of my faq. Here's what you'll do: Head northeast then northwest... Kotaro witnesses two zombies threatening the life of a poor, defenseless merchant. Ito: "Y-you're not laying one finger on m-my shop!" The zombies roar and scare the merchant by splitting their upper bodies in half. Ito: "Ayeeeeeh!" (shrivles) My, my, how easily defeated these monsters are! Kill them both... Kotaro: "Hey, listen." Ito : "Ayaah! P-please take anything b-but don't kill me, please." "...?" (realizes the monsters are dead) "Oh ah, th-thank you." "I-I owe you my life!" "If there is anything I could do, just say it." "I, Ito, the master tailor, am at your service." Enter the house in front of you... Ito : "Ah, my savior! Thank you for coming!" "If there is anything, anything I can do for you, just say it!" Kotaro: "But what can you do for me?" Ito : "Ah, I know! This is what I will do!" "If we have any clothing that suits you, it's yours!" "Come, come, get out of those horribly scruffy clothes!" Choose from five different yet all cool-looking costumes (including your own), I'd prefer the...well, the... dam! I can't choose! Anyway, my choice is irrelivant. Now, YOU choose... Ito: "See, you look like an entirely new man!" "If you ever get tired of that outfit, come change it anytime!" Ok, enough of the fashion statements, and on with the honor at stake. Head south, east, south again, and finally another east. You'd be fighting a variety of opponents now, so I'll just be telling you where to go, it's up to you to slay all the demons who cross your path. Head south twice and collect the heal herb beside the gate, again killing everything on your path. Enter the gate, head south, east, and another south. Get the heal herb and kill the monsters who guard it, and continue running south twice. Enter the house with the black and white symbol... Kotaro : "Hello, is your daughter in?" Blacksmith: "Ah, you must be Kotaro Hiba!" "My daughter owes her life to you!" "Unfortunately, she has gone out." Kotaro : "That's too bad." Blacksmith: "As you can see, I run a blacksmith shop." "Please, may I see your sword?" (claims your rusty sword) "Oh my." "Though it is rusted, this is truly a most remarkable sword." "Please leave it with me for restoration." Kotaro : "Sure that's fine." Blacksmith: "Being such a fine instrument, it would take some time." "Please return for it. This will be a most challenging job!" Now, see? The rusty sword builds up your curiosity a bit. Could this actually be a better sword than the ones I already have? When you get it, which by the way is much, much later, you be the judge of that! Now, head west into the forest. Turn and exit through the south. You'll welcomed by a bat-like creature. Kill it and move on north. Get your heal herb at the center of the screen, kill another bat-like creature, and proceed east. This area is empty so head south and face a ninja. Show that you are far better than he could ever dream of and head west. See the pain-relieving save point? Do what you must, but not before claiming the heal herb beside it. Save point quote: still the same Head north to find another empty scene. Grab the ointment nearby and head west. The road splits into two: Don't bother going west as nothing would happen there. Go north instead, and find another fork. Use the same strategy I mentioned earlier, and always follow the "right" path first. Grab the antidote as you enter and dispose of the two ninjas that run towards you. Proceed to the north, get the heal herb at the center of the screen (sort of) and may its guardian ninja pay with his life. Go north then west. Grab the heal herb and go north, all this while slaying the bat-like creatures that come to annoy you. Yes! a save point! Save your game, again not before picking up the ointment beside the flower. Save point quote: still the same If you'd like to get an extra antidote, head southwest and claim it, saving your game again afterwards. If not, or if you're already through claiming, then head northeast. Spot and take the ointment again situated in the center of the screen and head southwest. You get a view of some sort of lair but that won't be relevant to your story. Head west then north. Grab another heal herb just as you enter the next scene and head north twice. You hear the sound of waves so head southwest, where they seem to grow louder. Another west and you get to view the beach that swordsman was talking about. Head north, west, another north, and collect your ointment. Head north... Swordsman: "So, you have come." Kotaro : "You have a name?" Swordsman: "I am Mushashi." Kotaro : "What do you want of me?" Mushashi : "I wish to challenge you to a duel." "Honor and death are at stake." Kotaro : "So you were hired by Tohjo." Mushashi : "No, that's not true. Like you, I serve no master." "I am a ronin." Kotaro : "Then listen, there is something happening in this fiefdom..." Mushashi : "I know all about it!" "But it is of no concern to my swords." "You dare not turn away from me now! Come! Defend your honor!" Strategy: Ahh...yes, another expert swordsman. He's a lot more powerful and speedy than your first boss so beware. He also has an unblockable, but he doesn't need to enter into a cinematic to warn you before he strikes (unlike your first boss) so always keep an eye out for that move so you could side step out of it. Also, remember to perpetually block unless he just attacked and it's you turn. Master the art of parrying, and always use the Spinning Eagle move after a two to three slash combo. Walkthrough: He's quite a challenge, but you'll certainly have the guts to beat him. He realizes his mistake, and then... Mushashi: "Th-that was ma-magnificent..." Kotaro : "Were you infected by those soul bugs too?" Mushashi: "Does it matter? To live for the sword is the s-samurai way." "T-to lose my life to a samurai like you, I am b-blessed." "T-to live and to die by the sword, th-that was all I d-desired." Kotaro : "..." Mushashi: "I-I wa-want y-you t-to..." "T-take mmm-my swords. W-will y-you?" Kotaro : "Yes, I will." Mushashi: "Th-thank y-y-you..." (dies) Holy! You've earned yourself TWO swords! And yes, you can use them like Mushashi did---TWO at a time! By the way, those swords are the KOGARASUMARU and the ONIMARU. But wait, you're not through yet! There are tons of goodies waiting for you by the shore so let's grab 'em all! Head east to get one (antidote) and go back. Head west twice this time and then south, southeast, west, southwest, another west, and finally north, where you'll spot a save point. What else to do? Save point quote: still the same Northeast is the place to go, as it will lead you to a shore filled with goodies (well, not really, just three of 'em) Grab them all, (they're all ointments) and head back to where you started, killing everyone who dares challenge you. When I said back, I meant WAY back---as in out of the forest! Re-enter the blacksmith's house and find out that he's still working on your sword (I told you this'd be much, much later!) Now, head back to the village square and proceed to where you met Mushashi--- beside the buddha statue, remember? NOW, head northwest! Head south thrice, collect the ointment, and proceed west. End of a seemingly short level. Kotaro: "Hang on, Yukinosuke, I'm on my way!" Save point quote: "The tranquil autumn sea ghouls and ghosts in harmony loudly choke in tears" %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% ____ _ _ ____ ____ ____ ____ _ _ ____ (_ _)( \/ ) ( ___)( _ \(_ _)( ___)( \( )( _ \ _)(_ ) ( )__) ) / _)(_ )__) ) ( )(_) ) (____)(_/\_)() (__) (_)\_)(____)(____)(_)\_)(____/ Prologue text: Kotaro emerges to find his home village overrun by monsters. Enraged, he mows them down in the knowledge that they are villagers who have been infected by the soul bugs. He hurries to Yukinosuke's dojo to protect his childhood friend from the ghastly carnage. Walkthrough: You should be familiar with this place now. Equip Mushashi's weapons head north and punish the swordsmen that await. Head northeast and enter the dojo through the front gate. Head west and before you enter the main room, look for the free ointment in the upper right area, covered by your own body. Enter... Kotaro: "Damn! The monsters are here too!" "Yukinosuke, be safe!" Finish the self splitting piece o' trash and proceed south. Collect the ointment and go through the open room. You'll face two easy-to-defeat zombies and proceed west---not north through the door. Pick up the ointment and now go back through the door I mentioned, where another oinment and two zombies await. Head east, deal with the lone zombie, north twice, and kill the hunk that barges in. Go through where he came from and kill the zombie outside, picking up the ointment from where he first stood. Head south, and another of those hunks barges in, er, out I mean. Kill him and you'll acquire the dojo key. Head south and save your game. Save point quote: "An injured wild boar willow branches are scattered by the winter winds" Go through another open doorway and get your prize---the MASAMUNE located at the upper right part of the screen. Being able to get this weapon triggers the arrival from nowhere of two zombies which you should find easy to kill. Go back out, save, head east, northwest, northeast, and again northeast, killing opponents that come your way... Kotaro: "It's locked. Let's try the key I found." Well, follow the tip. Use the key and guess what? Yukinosuke's inside! Safe and sound. You're the one who's not!... Yukinosuke: "What are you doing? Come in." Kotaro : "Yukinosuke." (enters) Yukinosuke: "Remember?" "How we used to fight all the time since we were kids?" Kotaro : "What are you nattering about?" "Monsters are roaming the streets!" Yukinosuke: "And always, our fights in draws, no winner, no loser." Kotaro : "Yukinosuke!" Yukinosuke: "It's time we put an end to this." Kotaro : "What are you saying?" Yukinosuke: "I've been infected with the infernal soul bug too." Kotaro : "Wha-what?" Yukinosuke: "My master Gendo Tohjo will conquer the world with the soul bugs." Kotaro : "So you were involved in this plan too?" Yukinosuke: "We can't afford to let you hamper us." "You have to die, Kotaro." Kotaro : "Are you serious? Tell me you're lying!" Yukinosuke: (draws his sword) "Draw! I have so much more power now!" Strategy: He's supposed to be as good as you are, and now that he's infected with a soul bug, he'd better find it easy to beat you, but he won't. Listen to the cool music, and you'll be able to sense when he'll launch his first attack. (nice strategy, no?) Block all day, and attack after he does. Keep an eye out for his unblockables which he'd be using more often than Mushashi and would cause a LOT more damage. You'll need your special moves, especially your Phoenix and your Hawk dance so use either your lightning sword or your fire sword instead of Mushashi's. Walkthrough: When you've finally proven your superiority... Kotaro : "...Why?..." "...Yukinosuke..." Yukinosuke: "Humph, it's funny how fate can turn." "If I had known that you were returning..." "No, what's done is done." Kotaro : "Why did you become a monster?" "To prove your loyalty to Tohjo?" Yukinosuke: "I wanted to become stronger, be better than you, Kotaro." Kotaro : "Than me?" Yukinosuke: "Ever since I was a child, I thought that, all the time." "I wanted to beat you, after your parents died and you left here." Kotaro : "Stop it! Don't say anymore." Yukinosuke: "I was so blinded by your presence, I lost sight of myself." "When I turned to the soul bug, I had already lost." Kotaro : "Come with me, let's leave here and train together again. Yukinosuke: "I can't. Once infected there, is no escaping the soul bug." "I can no longer go on living in your world." Kotaro : "You fool." Yukinosuke: "Lord Tohjo is ready and poised to start another war." "You might be able to stop him." "Go. M-m-my only f-f-friend..." (dies) Kotaro : "Uggh..." Yukinosuke: (appears in spirit form as a child) "What are you doing Kotaro?" "Hurry, before it's too late!" Kotaro : "Alright, Yukinosuke. I will put a stop to Tohjo's madness." (picks up Yukinosuke's sword) The MURAMASA, your best friend's sword, is now part of your collection. Save point quote: "Cold autumn showers pour over and soak thousands of wandering souls" %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% _ _ ___ _ _ _____ _ _ ____ _____ _ _ _ _ ( \/ ) / __)( )_( )( _ )( \/\/ )( _ \ ( _ )( \/\/ )( \( ) ) ( \__ \ ) _ ( )(_)( ) ( )(_) ) )(_)( ) ( ) ( (_/\_)() (___/(_) (_)(_____)(__/\__)(____/ (_____)(__/\__)(_)\_) Prologue text: Yukinosuke had been under the foul spell of a soul bug. His desire to best Kotaro made him fall prey to Gendo Tohjo's machinations. Clutching his fallen friend's sword, Kotaro races to the castle, his heart filled with sorrow and rage for the showdown with the mad tyrant. Kotaro and Lin meet for a third time... Kotaro: "Lin." Lin : "Kotaro?" Kotaro: "Have you heard about soul bugs?" Lin : "They're foul parasites that make monsters out of people." Kotaro: "Those things have infected the entire fiefdom." Lin : "The soul bugs took someone I loved from me." "This is all I have to remember him by." (shows something to Kotaro) Kotaro: "So you had a lover." "Lin. you were looking into what Tohjo was doing. Tell me." Lin : "No, it's over. I don't have any reason to keep fighting." Kotaro: "Lin! Snap out of it!" (holds Lin tightly) "Stop your sobbing. You're acting like a..." Lin : "Let go of me! I'm, I'm..." Kotaro: "I know, not a kid." (lets go of Lin) Lin : "..." "They sank the shogun's transport ship and stole the gold." Kotaro: "So, they're using that money to prepare for war." "With the soul bugs, all you need are corpses to make an army." Lin : "From corpses." Kotaro: "Lin." Lin : "Yes?" Kotaro: "I understand that you're broken up over losing your man." "But we're the only two left who can fight." "You're though enough to take it, right?" Lin : "No, I'm still a kid." Kotaro: "Heh, you're sure now?" Lin : "Our target is Gendo Tohjo in the castle." Kotaro: "That's where we're headed." Lin : "Kotaro, go from the inside. I'll approach from outside." Kotaro: "Alright. You watch yourself!" Lin : (as she left) "Listen!" "It was my brother!" Kotaro: "Hm?" Lin : "It was my older brother who died." Kotaro: "Oh, ah, I'm sorry." Lin : "..." "I'll meet you in the castle!" (leaves) Kotaro: "This is it. Watch over me, Yukinosuke." Walkthrough: You may save your game again, as you are near a save point, but I'd rather not to save time. You also be all psyched up for a final showdown in Tohjo's castle, but don't forget the rusty sword you gave to the blacksmith. Time to claim your ultimate prize! In case you forgot, the blacksmith can be found by going east, north, and then northeast. Follow the familiar path, killing the zombies and collecting the easy to spot goodies along the road. Enter the blacksmith shop... Blacksmith: "I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long." " I have never such a magnificent sword. I feel privileged!" Kotaro : "Ho. I agree, this is impressive." Blacksmith: "Please, take it, and bring justice to the evil-doers!" Told you this was a prize! Just try it! Come on, you'll feel great as its speed does not compensate, but rather COMPLEMENT its great power! This is the kind of sword you'll use till the end of the whole game. Equip it and head back for the castle, which is just west of the path leading to where you are right now. Go for a series of norths, sheathing your sword and ignoring the demons, to finally reach the castle gates. Kill the two welcoming ninjas and proceed northwest. Kill the next two ninjas and grab the ointment to your west. Head northwest and notice the save point beside a second gate. Save your game, of course. Save point quote: "Stems start bending down the silver grass realizes its own weight increase" Head north and deal with the two long-time-no-see samurai. Run towards the same direction twice and deal with another pair of the same kind of opponents. Go through the doorway to face yet another pair, and then head west to face your final pair---at least until the next, empty area found beyond the stairway. Head northwest from that area and kill another pair of swordsmen. The next area, (north of the previous) is home to yet another pair so deal with them as you please. Exit through the northeast and finally to the north. A fresh face will great you, that of a ninja. Kill him and go through the doorway. Kill the incoming ninja and pick up the sword on the wall, the HOUDOU, though I don't advise choosing that over your Nihon. Sheath your sword and start ignoring your enemies, or you'll get tired of them. Proceed south, east, west thrice, and get the ointment at the bottom center of the screen. Continue northeast, turn and exit through the stairway. Go west to face a bloody zombie, though you may not. Turn right at the farthest part of the screen, head north thrice and east twice. Hoard the goodies on the shelves and save your game on the flower to your left. Save point quote: "Harvesting rice plants the smell of fertility brings them hungry ghouls" Go east twice, then north. Grab the foreign medicine just below the stairs and climb up... Tohjo : "So, you have come." Kotaro: "Gendo Tohjo! I know all about your cursed plans!" Tohjo : "So what of it? Surely you don't think you could stop me." Kotaro: "This castle and the surrounding lands, they're not enough?" Tohjo : "The hell spawned soul bugs are our means to greater prosperity." Kotaro: "Do you realize how much bloodshed you caused?" Tohjo : "No mongrel ronin lectures me!" Kotaro: "I'm not your usual ronin." "Your lordship, this just isn't your lucky day." Tohjo : "You worm." "You will rue those words in hell." Strategy: Once the Nihon is in your possession, you can just slash him like crazy and never worry of the attacks he blocked. You can't block his attacks, but they come out slow enough for you to counter them. I don't think he has any desperation moves, unlike your previous samurai opponents, except for his healing, but you don't need to worry about that. Just attack as you normally would and he's fish bait. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% _ _ ____ ____ _ _ ____ ____ _ _ ___ ( \/ )(_ _) ( ___)( \( )( _ \ (_ _)( \( ) / __) ) ( _)(_ )__) ) ( )(_) ) _)(_ ) ( ( (_-. (_/\_)(____)()(____)(_)\_)(____/ (____)(_)\_) \___/ Lord Tohjo is defeated, and Lin arrives from outside the castle. Kotaro: "What took you? I guess this is the end." Lin : "It seems a little too easy." But Lord Tohjo is NOT dead! After our heroes left, a cinematic features the last boss being resurrected by an unknown energy... Save point quote: "One autumn twilight in the name of the Hell Lord I slay those demons" If you start the game again, using Kotaro, you'll get all you had during the first game! (weapons, items, moves, everything!) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% _ _ ____ ____ ___ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ___ ( \/ )(_ _)(_ _) / __)( _ \( ___)( _ \ (_ _)(_ _)/ __) ) ( _)(_ _)(_ ( (__ ) / )__) )(_) ) _)(_ )( \__ \ (_/\_)(____)(____)() \___)(_)\_)(____)(____/ (____) (__) (___/ Red Phoenix (red_phoenix_1@hotmail.com) for info on the whats and hows of ASCII arts Randy Hicks (rjhicks@home.com) for this little added info: "Those "quotes" are the hiakus, or Japanese short form poems. I don't think they have anything to do with the game, or give clues. They are just kind of telling what is happening in the game. (well, sort of)" Gamefaqs.com for paying attention to this faq Konami and all its affiliates for creating such a great game Ms. AsianCuteness for inspiring me in just about everything I do! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% _ _ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ _ _ ____ ___ ____ _____ _ _ ( \/ )(_ _)(_ _)(_ _) ( _ \( ___)( \/ )(_ _)/ __)(_ _)( _ )( \( ) ) ( _)(_ _)(_ _)(_ ) / )__) \ / _)(_ \__ \ _)(_ )(_)( ) ( (_/\_)(____)(____)(____)() (_)\_)(____) \/ (____)(___/(____)(_____)(_)\_) _ _ ____ ___ ____ _____ ____ _ _ ( )_( )(_ _)/ __)(_ _)( _ )( _ \( \/ ) ) _ ( _)(_ \__ \ )( )(_)( ) / \ / (_) (_)(____)(___/ (__) (_____)(_)\_) (__) v1.2 - fixed some errors v1.1 - improved ASCII art %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% _ _ ____ _ _ ____ ____ _ _ __ __ ( \/ )(_ _)( \/ ) ( ___)(_ _)( \( ) /__\ ( ) ) ( _)(_ \ / )__) _)(_ ) ( /(__)\ )(__ (_/\_)(____) \/ () (__) (____)(_)\_)(__)(__)(____) _ _ _____ ____ ____ ___ ( \/\/ )( _ )( _ \( _ \ / __) ) ( )(_)( ) / )(_) )\__ \ (__/\__)(_____)(_)\_)(____/ (___/ Please feel free to email me if there's something about Kotaro I left out or if you just want to comment on my work. Thank you. If ever I revise this faq and add something you feel came from one of your emails to me, email me again and remind me bout it so I can give you credit. Thanks again. General tips - You can go back to any save point as much as you want and save your progress again and again. - On the higher levels, when you are faced with a variety of opponents, you can sheath your sword on situations you think are too tough for you, go back, and re-enter the place to find a different set of enemies, possibly even less than before! - You can also keep your sword sheathed, run through the different parts of the village, and always be allowed to passed through the next area without having to beat the current opponents. This is a risky strategy, however, because if your opponents were able to hit you before you leave, you'll have nothing to defend yourself with. - Always block in hostile environment unless you're ready to attack. - Every after a chapter ends, you can re-visit every part of the town now accessible and hope to find lots of goodies and, unfortunately, badies as well. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% And just in case you read the last part of this faq before the first, allow me restate my legal notice... By gaining access to this faq you agree to the following terms: ___________________________________________________________________________________ =================================================================================== || || || 1) I, Joseph Christopher, the author of this faq, is not in any way || || liable for any harm that anybody thinks came from reading this faq. || || Examples of this harm include physical ones, such as getting mauled || || by someone who lost to you via a technique found in this faq, and || || emotional ones, such as experiencing humiliation upon the use or || || most likely misuse of yet another technique found in this faq. || || || || 2) If this faq was accessed from a source other than gamefaqs.com, nine || || out of ten chances are it is not in its latest update. 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