W A Y O F T H E S A M U R A I ... ###### ####### ## ## ######## ####### *#*. ## ## ## ## ### ### ## ## ## ## *#.#* ## ## ## #### #### ## ## ## ## **####* ## ## ## ## ### ## ######## ## ## ** *#* ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## .##. *#*....** ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## ## *###*...*########* ###### ####### ## ## ######## ####### *#.#############* *#' *#* *#*... *#* *#########* ######## ### ####### *#* *########*. ## ## ## ## ## *#* .. *#* ## ## ## ## ## *##* *# *#* ###### ## ## ## ## *#* ## ######### ## ## ## *###* ## ## ## ## ## *##* ## ## ## ##### ## *# + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + FAQ Title : Combo FAQ + + + + Written by : TheManFromEngland + + + + Ascii Art by : TheManFromEngland + + + + Contributors : TheManFromEngland + + : harimaka + + : SpAz + + : Dzik + + : True Kyo Kusanagi + + : Chris Dawkins + + : OmnislasherX + + : Dragon Scholar Ryu + + + + Email : TheManFromEngland@hotmail.com + + + + Last Updated : 3 February 2004 (Version 1.25) + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Game Title: Way of the Samurai (PAL Version) Developers: Acquire, Spike Publisher: Eidos Platform: PS2 =========================================================================== TABLE OF CONTENTS =========================================================================== To find a section in the table below quickly, press Ctrl+F and then copy (ctrl+C) and paste (ctrl+V) the QUICK LINK of that section into the 'find what:' textbox. Then press either the return key or click the find next button. QUICK LINK 1. Update Information [--U--I--] 2. Copyright Information [--C--I--] 3. Introduction [--INTR--] 4. Swords List [-S-LIST-] 5. Sword Name Translations [-S-TRAN-] 6. Middle Stance Sword Combos [--MSSC--] a) Gonbuto (Gonta in NTSC Version) b) Uraotogi c) Kakkazan d) Shodai-Tamahikari e) Nidai-Kikumasa 7. Up Stance Sword Combos [--USSC--] a) Dai-Kuronama b) Axe c) HARUYUKI d) Toho-fuhai 8. Side Stance Sword Combos [--SSSC--] a) Naginata b) Niitakayama c) Sickle d) STRIFE e) Kachouhugetsu f) Chigusa g) Jukkaimaru 9. One-hand Stance Sword Combos [-ONEHSC-] a) Binetsu b) Kamikaze c) Kurenai-tennyo 10. Down Stance Sword Combos [--DSSC--] a) Okhotsk b) Ippatsumaru c) Saw d) TAKUMA e) Jurokumon 11. Ninja Stance Sword Combos [--NSSC--] a) Zangetsu 12. Dull Swords {Yawn! - Don't bother...} [--DULL--] 13. Mastering your Sword [-MASTER-] a) Learning moves i) Techniques [-LMTECH-] ii) Collecting Blue Scrolls [-LMCOLL-] iii) Suggested methods [-LM--SM-] b) Increasing the Life stat of your sword [-INCLIF-] c) Increasing the Attack stat of your sword [-INCATT-] d) Increasing the Defence stat of your sword [-INCDEF-] e) Increasing the Enhancement stat of your sword [-INCENH-] 14. Other Powerful Combos/Moves I like to use [-OTHERC-] on unsuspecting foes... 15. Thanks [-THANKS-] * - Swords with a * have not yet been covered in this FAQ, feel free to send me suggested combos by Email at TheManFromEngland@hotmail.com, any suggestions used will be given credit. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Update Information [--U--I--] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16th February 2003 - Started typing up my first FAQ, not sure what I'm doing so I hope that it is all okay, and my typing skills get faster writing this thing or I'll be here all year! 17th February 2003 - Got 4 swords done today on my own, only 47 more I think. A bit of a problem while experimenting with the Saw, some weapons have very similar combos, may have to change the FAQ structure. 18th February 2003 - Back to work, Doh! Apologies for the gaps in the FAQ but I want to upload it so people don't send me too many duplicated combos! 19th February 2003 - Did a big update on the down stance sword section today, possibly the biggest section because these swords have some awesome combo potential. 28th February 2003 - Prepared FAQ for posting on GameFAQs, added some swords in the side stance section. All popular swords complete, with a few exceptions, Shodai-Tamahikari, Kakkazan, Takefuji. If I have missed any others you can find where to post/E-mail in the introduction, thanks. 2nd March 2003 - Kakkazan, Axe and HARUYUKI covered today, and an update in the intro. Thanks to gamefaqs for posting version 0.8 and Dzik for posting more combos. 13th March 2003 - Woke up from a Tenchu and coursework educed daze, and had a bit of a general tidy up of the FAQ. Also added the 'Mastering your sword' section, hope it helps. I decided to add this section due to the number of question on these topics on the message boards. I have nothing against that but I would personally prefer to refer people to this FAQ than type an explanation every time it is asked for. Special thanks goes to Faust 17, Xtreme Offroader and many others for answering my questions on this topic in the past. 14th March 2003 - More work on the mastering your sword section. Now I'm taking a break for the weekend! 18th March 2003 - Hit the memory limit for Notepad (Doh!) so I had to move to WordPad. Just hope it doesn't cause any problems... More work on the Mastering your sword section today. 29+30th March 2003 - Just had the craziest coursework deadlines of my life! Whoa, glad thats over. Here's the update as promised thanks to Dzik and True Kyo Kusanagi this time, plus myself as I have added a bit to the mastering... section. 7th April 2003 - Updated to allow www.neoseeker.com to post this FAQ as well. I hope that is okay with all who contributed to it. Also off to start a new FAQ project, keep your eyes peeled at the Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven board soon! 16th April 2003 - Added a Swords List (Section 4), had a bit of a tidy up and added Kachouhugetsu combos. 4th May 2003 - Added combos submitted by Dzik and Woopanoo. Also added 'Way of the Samurai' logo ASCII art to the title. What do you think? The sword list is really growing now! Thanks to everyone who has helped! 18th May 2003 - Added Chigusa and Jukkaimaru combos, as well as a search function due to this FAQ swelling in size. I hope it makes it easier to navigate. 5th June 2003 - Complete re-format, general tidy up and new ASCII again! 20th July 2003 - Added information submitted from Chris Dawkins on the description of the enhancement items. This new info can be found in section 12 of this FAQ. 8th October 2003 - Added sword name translations with a lot of help from Dragon Scholar Ryu. 31st January 2004 - Well I finally got my ass around to finishing this update today. Sorry it took so long, I never expected my final year of uni to be this busy ^_^ 3rd February 2004 - Corrected a few mistakes in the last update. Whoops... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Copyright Information [--C--I--] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This FAQ is the property of Daniel Swatton (TheManFromEngland) and is subject to all applicable copyright laws. If you want to use this FAQ on your website or any other form of publication, then please contact me and request permission first. I will agree if the request is reasonable and keeps the FAQ in its entirety, with the credit going to myself and the others involved in writing this FAQ. All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their respective trademark and copyright holders. www.gamefaqs.com www.neoseeker.com If you read this FAQ in any place other than the ones listed above, please Email me at TheManFromEngland@hotmail.com and let me know. Thanks! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Introduction [--INTR--] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to my combo FAQ for the Way of the Samurai videogame. This is a collection of combo moves to get the most from the swords in the game. This FAQ will be of use to seasoned players and novices, however some of the moves will only be achievable with a mastered sword. There is a section on this later in section 12 of the FAQ. For more info on achieving a mastered sword consult the other FAQs for this game here at www.gamefaqs.com. Due to the fact that this FAQ will take a long time to compile, I have tried to cover the most talked about swords on the boards first, but some swords are proving more difficult to find decent combos for than others. Some good examples of a combo can be seen in the training video 'For whom the sword is taken...' in the game after you complete it twice. As the computer AI likes to spoil your combos by awasing a lot on hard I suggest you try these out in easy and normal game difficulties for best effect. All the power values stated are basic damage, i.e. ignoring sword upgrades. If you want to know what my favourite sword to combo with is the answer would have to be the Okhotsk (Down stance, Red Sheath). There are so many different combo options with it. I would recommend this sword to anyone wondering which sword to spend the time mastering. If you wish to submit a combo to this FAQ, full credit will be given where due, then feel free to Email me at TheManFromEngland@hotmail.com. Please ensure that you mention Way of the Samurai (WOTS) in the subject line to ensure a response. I apologise in advance for a late reply, I have a life to lead here you know! Glad we got that over with, hope the FAQ helps. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Swords List [-S-LIST-] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Middle Stance Swords -------------------- *-* Chuyo-tou *-* Black Sheath *-* Starting Sword *-* *-* Kakkazan *-* Black Sheath *-* Don's Sword *-* *-* Aizome *-* Black Sheath *-* Murasaki's Sword *-* *-* Nidai-Kikumasa *-* Black Sheath *-* Hyuga's 1st Sword *-* *-* Dokumushi *-* Red Sheath *-* *-* *-* Uroatogi *-* Green Sheath *-* *-* *-* Tonpu *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* Shodai-Tamahikari *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* Chugen *-* Green Sheath *-* *-* *-* Gonbuto *-* Red Sheath *-* *-* *-* Dull sword *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* Dull sword *-* Brown Sheath *-* *-* Down Stance Swords ------------------ *-* Ippatsumaru *-* Black Sheath *-* Tsubohachi's Sword *-* *-* Jurokumon *-* D/E Hooked Bar *-* Jose's Weapon *-* *-* Mawarusekai *-* Green Sheath *-* *-* *-* Abashiri *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* Umanami *-* Green Sheath *-* *-* *-* Okhotsk *-* Red Sheath *-* *-* *-* Saw *-* Wood Saw *-* *-* *-* Dull sword *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* TAKUMA *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* Up Stance Swords ---------------- *-* Dai-Kuronama *-* Decorated Sheath *-* Tesshin's Sword *-* *-* Takefuji *-* Hammer *-* Dojima's Hammer *-* *-* Samehada-tou *-* Decorated Sheath *-* Karibe's Sword *-* *-* Osorezan *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* Onibi *-* Green Sheath *-* *-* *-* Toho-fuhai *-* Red Sheath *-* *-* *-* Axe *-* Battle Axe *-* *-* *-* Dull sword *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* HARUYUKI *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* Side Stance Swords ------------------ *-* Jukkaimaru *-* Black Sheath *-* Shiretoko's Sword *-* *-* Kachouhugetsu *-* Black Sheath *-* Toyoko's Sword *-* *-* Chigusa *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* Ukigumo *-* Green Sheath *-* *-* *-* Niitakayama *-* Decorated Sheath *-* G. Tamagawa's Sword *-* *-* Naginata *-* D/E Naginata *-* *-* *-* Sickle *-* Reaper's Scythe *-* *-* *-* Dull sword *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* STRIFE *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* One-hand Stance Swords ---------------------- *-* Kamikaze *-* Black Sheath *-* Kitcho's Sword *-* *-* Binetsu *-* Western Sword *-* Chelsea's Sword *-* *-* Higan *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* Dainagon *-* Green Sheath *-* *-* *-* Kurenai-tennyo *-* Red Sheath *-* *-* *-* Iron ball *-* Spiked Iron Ball *-* *-* *-* Dull sword *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* YUMIKO *-* Red Sheath *-* *-* Ninja Stance Swords ------------------- *-* Zangetsu *-* Black Sheath *-* Hyuga's 2nd Sword *-* *-* Ninja-sword *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* Ninja-power *-* Black Sheath *-* *-* *-* Magic wand *-* Two Skulled Wand *-* *-* All 51 available swords are listed here. Note that swords in capitals are only available through the 'Add Random Sword to Warehouse' cheat code. However they also have identical moves to the 'special' weapon in their class. For example Saw = TAKUMA, Axe = HARUYUKI, Sickle = STRIFE and Iron ball = YUMIKO. Green Sheathed Sword are generally carried by opponents on 'Normal' and 'Hard' difficulties, while Red Sheathed and Special weapons are found on 'Hard' only. One exception to this is the Gonbuto, which is always carried by the Generals lackey (on any difficulty) at the end, if you choose to join Dojima and fight to save Suzu. D/E - Double ended --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Sword Name Translations - Submitted by Dragon Scholar Ryu [-S-TRAN-] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's about 30 sword name translations. I used the kanji from Muni Shinobu and Muni Masatsuki's Swords Guide for the Japanese version of the game to do all these. Abashiri : (This is a port in Hokkaido, Japan.) Aizome : Beautiful Dye. Binetsu : Slight Fever. Chigusa : Great Variety of Flowering Plants. Chugen : 15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month. (The last day of a Bon lantern festival.) Chuyo-tou : Mediocre Sword. Dai-Kuronama : Great Kurou. (Kuronama is a variant pronunciation of the two kanji that make up Kurou.) Dainagon : Chief Councillor of State. Dokumushi : Poisonous Insect. Gonta : Great Power. Higan : Equinoctial Week. (When Buddhist services are held.) Ippatsumaru : Single Shot. Jukkaimaru : Ten Commandments. Jurokumon : Sixteen Gates. Kachouhugetsu : Flowers and Birds, Nature's Beauty. Kakkazan : Active Volcano. Kamikaze : Divine Wind. Kurenai-tennyo : Crimson Celestial Maiden. Mawarusekai : Rotating World. Namakura Katana : Dull Sword. Nidai-Kikumasa : 2nd Generation Chrysanthemum Justice. Niitakayama : (Refers to the mountain in Japan.) Okhotsk : (Refers to the Ohotsuku Sea in Japan.) Onibi : Will-o'-the-Wisp. (I'm guessing this could also refer to onibi no jutsu, Art of the Demonic Fire, which was the use of naphtha-like liquid fire.) Osorezan : Fear Mountain. (This is an actual place in Japan. I've heard various descriptions of it, but it seems to be the interior of an extinct volcanic crater that people compare to Hell. As such, it's said that dead people's ghosts go there.) Samehada-tou : Fishskin Sword. Shodai-Tamahikari : The First Jewel's Radiance. Takefuji : (Difficult to translate. The first and second kanji can spell Taketomi, as in the island. The second and third kanji can spell Fuji, as in the mountain.) Toho-fuhai : My Invincibility. Tonpu : East Wind. Ukigumo : Drifting Cloud. Umanami : Ordinary Horse. (Please note, the suffix "maru" was often appended to names as a sign of affection, I believe.) - Thanks to Dragon Scholar Ryu for doing all the work here ^_^ Actually I noticed something strange with some of the 'sword names'. HARIYUKI for example (and most hidden swords) are named after the designers. just look at the names when the credits roll. - Submitted by OmnislasherX --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Middle Stance Sword Combos [--MSSC--] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The middle stance is my personal favourite, it has a good balance of speed and power and some great swords in the selection available. If you are looking to master a sword of this stance I would recommend any of these three. 1) Gonbuto [Gonta in NTSC version] 2) Nidai-Kikumasa 3) Shodai-Tamahikari -*-*-*-*-*-*- a) Weapon name: Gonbuto (with weak R1 + tri move) [Gonta in NTSC Version] Description: Sword with red sheath. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, /\ + ->, <- + /\, <- + /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, forward stab (and catch), lift over and drop, lift over and drop. Power: 90 + 10 + 90 + 30 + 60 + 90 = 370 damaged health points. Combo 2 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, /\ + ->, R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, forward stab (and catch), kick off blade. Power: 90 + 10 + 90 + 30 + 60 = 280 damaged health points. Combo 3 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, <- + /\, R1 + /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, upward stab, foot sweep and downward stab into floor. Power: 90 + 10 + 90 + 80 + 10 + 140 = 420 damaged health points. Combo 4 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, /\, R1 + /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, back spinning low slash, back spinning slash, weak back spinning slash, weak back spinning slash, weak back spinning slash, weak back spinning slash, powerful upward slash, foot sweep and downward stab into floor. Power: 90 + 10 + 90 + 95 + 105 + 40 + 40 + 40 + 40 + 110 + 10 + 140 = 810 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- b) Weapon name: Uraotogi Description: Sword with green sheath. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, <- -> + /\, R1 + []. Description: Upward slash, overhand slash, kick away. Power: 80 + 120 + 50 = 250 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- c) Weapon name: Kakkazan Description: Sword with black sheath. Don's sword. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, jump*R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick. Power: 80 + 10 = 90 damaged health points. Notes: All finishers can be performed independently. *-* Finisher A for Combo 1 - Submitted by Dzik Commands: /\, <- -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, overhand slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher A: (90) + 80 + 120 = 290 damaged health points. *-* Finisher B for Combo 1 Commands: /\, -> + R1 + [], <- -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, shoulder charge, overhand slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher B: (90) + 80 + 30 + 120 = 320 damaged health points. *-* Finisher C for Combo 1 Commands: /\, -> + /\, <- -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, dodge forward and powerful upward stab, overhand slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher C: (90) + 80 + 120 + 120 = 410 damaged health points. *-* Finisher D for Combo 1 - Submitted by Dzik Commands: /\, R1 + [], <- + /\, <- + /\. Description: Lifting slash, weak kick, cappoeira slashes. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher D: (90) + 80 + 5 + 45 + 45 = 265 damaged health points. Notes: Difficult to perform sometimes to improve your chances start the combo as close to your opponent as possible, and only kick when you are sure it will connect. *-* Finisher E for Combo 1 - Submitted by Dzik Commands: /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, upward stab. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher E: (90) + 80 + 80 = 250 damaged health points. General Note for the Kakkazan sword from Dzik: The R1 + /\ attack can be added on to most combos for an extra 50 damage. The <- + R1 + [] attack can also be used in the same way but gives less damage although it is quicker. -*-*-*-*-*-*- c) Weapon name: Shodai-Tamahikari Description: Sword with black sheath. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*[], <- -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, powerful overhand slash (often connects up to four times on a downed opponent). Power: 80 + 40 + 120(x4) = 600 damaged health points. Combo 2 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, lifting slash. Power: 80 + 10 + 80 + 40 = 210 damaged health points. Combo 3 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, R1 + /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, lifting slash, turning slash, spinning slash, spinning slash, leg sweep, downward stab. Power: 80 + 10 + 80 + 95 + 105 + 40 + 10 + 140 = 560 damaged health points. Combo 4 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, lifting slash. Power: 80 + 10 + 80 + 120 = 290 damaged health points. Note: You can try your luck with <- -> + /\, R1 + [] after combos 2 and 4 if you wish for extra damage. -*-*-*-*-*-*- e) Weapon name: Nidai-Kikumasa Description: Sword with black sheath. Hyuga's katana sword. Combo 1 - Submitted by Dzik --------------------------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, forward stabbing thrust. Damage: 80 + 10 + 80 + 80 = 250 damaged health points. Combo 2 - Submitted by Dzik --------------------------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 +[], /\, -> + /\, R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, forward stabbing thrust and impale, kick off of blade. Damage: 80 + 10 + 80 + 80 + 60 = 310 damaged health points. Combo 3 - Submitted by Dzik --------------------------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, <- -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, two handed push away with blade edge. Damage: 80 + 10 + 80 + 30 = 200 damaged health points. Note: Useful for putting some space between you and your opponent. Combo 4 - Submitted by Dzik --------------------------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, lifting slash. Damage: 80 + 10 + 80 + 40 = 210 damaged health points. Note: Useful for putting space between you and your opponent. Combo 5 - Submitted by Dzik --------------------------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, <- + /\, <- + /\ [sometimes <- + /\, <- + /\, /\ will hit, but you have to be in good position] Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, back turn and slash, spinning slash[, strong upward slash.] Damage: 80 + 10 + 80 + 40 + 40 [+ 110] = 250 [360] damaged health points. Combo 6 - Submitted by Dzik ---------------------------- Commands: /\, *jump*/\. Description: Lifting slash, jump flip and slash. Damage: 80 + 80 = 160 damaged health points. Note 1 from Dzik: If you can't do these combos, instead of that starter /\, jump R1+[], /\, do this starter: /\, jump R1+[]. Now it works, don't it?? Note 2 from Dzik: If you're quick you can add R1 + /\*/\ [140 dmg points] for almost every combo as the last hit. Try it... -*-*-*-*-*-*- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Up Stance Sword Combos [--USSC--] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Up stance swords in general tend to be high on power + heat production and low on speed. They also tend to have quite jerky movements which can make them difficult to awase (I think). I would recommend these three up stance swords: 1) Dai-Kuronama 2) Axe 3) Toho-fuhai -*-*-*-*-*-*- a) Weapon name: Dai-Kuronama Description: Decorated sword with black decorated sheath. Tesshin's sword. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, -> + R1 + [], /\, -> + R1 + [], ... , /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, forward palm thrust, lifting slash, forward palm thrust, ... , lifting slash, Kurou family secret skill. Power: 100 + 20 + 100 + 20 + 100 + 730 = 1070 damaged health points. Notes: The /\, -> + R1 + [] part of this combo can be continued indefinitely so in theory the move will outlast your enemy! The power value above is based on two repetitions of this part of the combo. Your sword must have a durability of at least 5 to stand a chance of surviving this attack. Combo 2 ------- Commands: /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, Kurou family secret skill. Power: 100 + 730 = 830 damaged health points. Notes: Popping he lifting slash in first helps prevent you turning your prized Dai-kuronama into a smouldering heap. Your opponent cannot block it without an awase. Combo 3 ------- Commands: /\, -> + R1 + [], <- -> + /\, /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, forward palm thrust, lifting jump slash, lifting jump slash, downward slash from jump. Power: 100 + 20 + 100 + 100 + 70 = 390 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- b) Weapon name: Axe Description: Double edged battle axe. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, <- + R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, catch followed by a flip over and throw. Power: 100 + 200 = 300 damaged health points. Notes: Looks very cool, but difficult to fit a larger combo. By all means try fitting it in after combo 2 though... Combo 2 ------- Commands: /\, -> + R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, forward palm thrust. Power: 100 + 20 = 120 damaged health points. Notes: This combo can be continued indefinitely when you get the timing right. All finisher can be performed independently. Your sword must have a durability of at least 5 to stand a chance of surviving this combo with Finisher A. *-* Finisher A for Combo 2 Commands: /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, powerful 5 hit combo. Power (Combo 2) + Finisher A: (120) + 100 + 500 = 720 damaged health points. *-* Finisher B for Combo 2 Commands: /\, <- -> + /\, /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, lifting jump slash, lifting jump slash, downward slash from jump. Power (Combo 2) + Finisher A: (120) + 100 + 100 + 100 + 70 = 490 damaged health points. Notes: This finisher can be difficult to perform, if you have trouble leave out the lifting slash (/\) and start the finisher with the lifting jump slash (<- -> + /\). -*-*-*-*-*-*- d) Weapon name: HARUYUKI Description: Sword with black sheath. CHEAT ONLY SWORD. See the Axe section above for combos, these two weapons share the same move set. -*-*-*-*-*-*- e) Weapon name: Toho-fuhai Description: Sword with red sheath. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, *wait ~ 1/2 sec*, /\, *wait ~ 1/2 sec*, ... , /\, /\, /\. Description: Jumping upward slash, pause, jumping upward slash, pause, jumping upward slash, jumping upward midair slash, slash enemy on way down from jump. Power: 100 + 100 + ... + 100 + 100 + 70 = 470 damaged health points. Notes: The (/\, *wait ~ 1/2 sec*) part of this combo can be repeated for extra damage. Damage based on two repetitions of /\, *wait ~ 1/2 sec*. Combo 2 ------- Commands: -> + R1 + [], <- + R1 + [], ->, /\, /\, /\. Description: High side kick, knock opponent down with thrown item, step towards opponent, jumping upward slash, jumping upward midair slash, slash enemy on way down from jump. Power: 20 + 40 + 100 + 100 + 70 = 330 damaged health points. Combo 3 ------- Commands: -> + R1 + [], <- + R1 + [], *wait ~ 1 - 2 secs*, -> + /\[hold]. Description: High side kick, knock opponent down with thrown item, pause - wait for opponents head to bob up followed by powerful forward stabbing thrust. Power: 20 + 40 + 200 = 260 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- More Coming Soon, including Takefuji. -*-*-*-*-*-*- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Side Stance Sword Combos [--SSSC--] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Side stance swords are the most stylish in the game (well except for the way your character sheaths his sword, it looks like he is committing seppuku >_<). They usually have over-the-top attacks that require some skill to use effectively. However once you get the hang of the side stance you can dish out serious pain; even some of the weaker swords have great combo potential, the stronger ones such as the sickle are absolutely deadly. One thing to watch out for though is your heat meter. Some of these swords start to cook all too easily. Here are my side stance recommendations: 1) Sickle 2) Kachouhugetsu 3) Naginata I couldn't finish this section without mentioning the Chigusa. It doesn't quite cause enough damage to make the top three, but it deserves a mention as a great starting sword if nothing else. -*-*-*-*-*-*- a) Weapon name: Naginata Description: Double ended naginata. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, dash forward powerful slash to the side. Power: 55 + 10 = 65 damaged health points. Notes: All finishers can be performed independently. *-* Finisher A for Combo 1 Commands: /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, dash forward powerful slash to the side. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher A: (65) + 55 + 350 = 470 damaged health points. *-* Finisher B for Combo 1 Commands: /\, *jump* /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, dash forward powerful slash to the side. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher B: (65) + 55 + 70 = 190 damaged health points. *-* Finisher C for Combo 1 Commands: /\, <- + /\, <- + /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, turn and slash behind, turn and slash behind. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher C: (65) + 55 + 100 + 100 = 320 damaged health points. Combo 2 - Submitted by Dzik --------------------------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, -> + /\, /\, /\. Description: Amagoi - goe, jump kick, amagoi - goe, rinrin kai Power: 55 + 10 + 55 + 20 + 20 + 20 = 180dmg points Combo 3 - Submitted by Dzik --------------------------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, -> + /\, -> + /\, -> + /\. Description:Amagoi - goe, jump kick, amagoi - goe, zenkai Power: 55 + 10 + 55 + 15 = 135dmg points (?) -*-*-*-*-*-*- b) Weapon name: Niitakayama Description: Gold(?) Sword with gold sheath. General Tamagawa's Sword. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick. Power: 55 + 10 = 65 damaged health points. Notes: All finishers can be performed independently. *-* Finisher A for Combo 1 Commands: /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, dash forward powerful slash to the side. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher A: (65) + 55 + 350 = 475 damaged health points. *-* Finisher B for Combo 1 Commands: /\, *jump* /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, powerful jumping slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher B: (65) + 55 + 70 = 190 damaged health points. *-* Finisher C for Combo 1 Commands: /\, <- + /\, <- + /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, lifting slash, turn and slash behind. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher C: (65) + 55 + 100 = 220 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- c) Weapon name: Sickle Description: The grim reaper's scythe. Combo 1 ------- Commands: <- + /\, ->, /\, *jump*R1 + []. Description: Spin around and kick opponent down, step towards, lifting slash, jump kick. Power: 50 + 55 + 10 = 115 damaged health points. Notes: All finishers can be performed independently. *-* Finisher A for Combo 1 Commands: /\, -> + /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, dash forward slashing through opponent, turn around slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher A: (115) + 55 + 90 + 40 = 300 damaged health points. *-* Finisher B for combo 1 Commands: /\, <- -> + /\, /\, <- + R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, upward sword sweep, powerful turn around slash, throw shuriken. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher B: (115) + 55 + 45 + 300 + 35 = 550 damaged health points. *-* Finisher C for combo 1 Commands: /\, R1 + /\, <- -> + /\, /\, <- + R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, three strong slashes, upward sword sweep, powerful turn around slash, throw shuriken. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher B: (115) + 55 + 309 + 45 + 300 + 35 = 859 damaged health points. Notes: Probably the most powerful combo in the game for the amount of heat build up. -*-*-*-*-*-*- d) Weapon name: STRIFE Description: Sword with black sheath. CHEAT ONLY SWORD. See the Sickle section above for combos, these two weapons share the same move set. -*-*-*-*-*-*- e) Weapon name: Kachouhugetsu Description: Sword with black sheath. Toyoko's Sword. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick. Power: 55 + 10 = 65 damaged health points. Notes: All finishers can be performed independently. *-* Finisher A for Combo 1 Commands: /\, *jump*[], /\, -> + /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, weak jumping slash, lifting slash, dash forward slashing through opponent, turn around slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher A: (65) + 55 + 40 + 55 + 90 + 40 = 345 damaged health points. *-* Finisher B for Combo 1 Commands: /\, *jump*[], /\, <- + /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, weak jumping slash, lifting slash, spin around opponent, powerful turn around slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher A: (65) + 55 + 40 + 55 + 100 = 315 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- f) Weapon Name: Chigusa Description: Sword with black sheath. General Note: For all these combos *jump*R1 + [] can be used in place of *jump*[] if you wish. Combo 1 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1 + [], ->, /\, *jump*[], /\, -> + /\, /\. Description: Kick opponent down, step towards, lifting slash, weak jump slash, lifting slash, dash forward and slash to the side, spin around and slash. Power: 50+55+40+55+90+40 = 330 Damaged health points. Combo 2 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1+[], ->, /\, *jump*[], /\, *jump*/\. Description: Kick opponent down, step towards, lifting slash, weak jump slash, lifting slash, strong jumping slash. Power: 50+55+40+55+70 = 270 Damaged health points. Combo 3 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1+[], ->, /\, *jump*[], /\, [], [], []. Description: Kick opponent down, step towards, lifting slash, weak jump slash, lifting slash, weak slash combo. Power: 50+55+40+55+10+10+50 = 270 Damaged health points. Combo 4 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1+[], ->, /\, *jump*[], /\, *jump*[], /\, <- + /\. Description: Kick opponent down, step towards, lifting slash, weak jump slash, lifting slash, weak jump slash, lifting slash, turning strong low slash. Power: 50+55+40+55+40+55+100 = 395 Damaged health points. Note: It can be difficult to pull off, but it is possible so keep trying and you'll get it. Combo 5 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1+[], ->, /\, <- -> + /\. Description: Kick opponent down, step towards, lifting slash, Iai slash. Power: 50+55+120 = 225 Damaged health points. Note: <- -> + /\ has to be entered extremely quickly after the /\ hit. I get best results entering it as soon as /\ is pressed. Combo 6 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1+[], ->, /\, <- -> + /\[hold]. Description: Kick opponent down, step towards, lifting slash, charged Iai slash. Power: 50+55+300 = 405 Damaged health points. Note: Release <- -> + /\[hold] after two steps or when your opponent twitches to get up for the highest chance of hitting. Combo 7 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1+[], ->, /\, *jump*[], /\, R1 + /\. Description: Kick opponent down, step towards, lifting slash, weak jump slash, lifting slash, wind opponent and then (hand) chop them on the neck. Power: 50+55+40+55+50 = 250 Damaged health points. Note: Looks cool if used as the finishing move on an opponent. -*-*-*-*-*-*- g) Weapon Name: Jukkaimaru Description: Sword with black sheath. Shiretoko's sword. Combo 1 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1 + [], ->, /\, ->, /\, ..., ->, /\, <- -> + /\, <- + /\, R1 + /\. Description: Kick opponent down, step towards, downward slash (knocks opponent back), step towards, downward slash (knocks opponent back), ..., step towards, downward slash (knocks opponent back), 'confused' stance, stab and draw opponent to you, wind opponent and (hand) chop to the neck, stab opponent on the floor and twist. Power: 50+55+55+...+55+50+50+80 = 395+ Damaged health points. Note: Can be continued until your opponent is dead where , ..., is written. Looks best if you time 'stab opponent on the floor and twist' to be the fatal blow. Combo 2 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1 + [], <- -> + /\, -> + /\. Description: Kick opponent down, 'confused' stance, duck back and then lunge forward. Power: 50+125 = 175 Damaged health points. Combo 3 ------- Commands: <- + /\[hold]-R1 + [], ->, /\, ->, /\, ..., ->, /\, R1 + /\. Description: Kick opponent down, step towards, downward slash (knocks opponent back), step towards, downward slash (knocks opponent back), ..., step towards, downward slash (knocks opponent back), wind opponent and (hand) chop to the neck, stab opponent on the floor and twist. Power: 50+55+55+...+55+50+80 = 345+ Damaged health points. Note: Can be continued until your opponent is dead where , ..., is written. Looks best if you time 'stab opponent on the floor and twist' to be the fatal blow. General Note: Pretty good sword really, though I never used it before. I have to mention the <- -> + /\, R1 + [] move as well, looks great as a finisher! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. One-hand Stance Sword Combos [-ONEHSC-] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- One-hand swords also have very stylish moves in this game, however unlike side stance swords they are incredibly fast. Unfortunately though they do lack power, a disadvantage that is made up for by their combo ability. Some of these combos can be tricky to pull off though so using this style will take some practice. These three swords are all excellent: 1) Kurenai-tennyo 2) Kamikaze 3) Binetsu -*-*-*-*-*-*- a) Weapon name: Binetsu Description: Western style sword with decorated sheath. Chelsea's sword. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + [], <- + /\, /\ + ->, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick, backspin stab, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash. Power: 60 + 20 + 65 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 = 495 damaged health points. Combo 2 ------- Commands: /\, -> + R1 + [], /\, <- + /\, /\ + ->, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, spinning kick, lifting slash, backspin stab, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash, roundkick and slash. Power: 60 + 15 + 60 + 65 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 50 = 550 damaged health points. Combo 3 ------- Commands: /\, -> + R1 + [], /\, /\, <- -> + /\, <- + R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, spinning kick, lifting slash, lifting slash, flip and slash, throw dagger. Power: 60 + 15 + 60 + 40 + 85 + 15 = 275 damaged health points. Combo 4 ------- Commands: /\, <- -> + /\, /\, <- + R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, flip and slash, flip and slash, throw dagger. Power: 60 + 85 + 75 + 15 = 235 damaged health points. Combo 5 ------- Commands: /\, -> + R1 + [], /\, *jump* + /\. Description: Lifting slash, spinning kick, lifting slash, jump and slash on landing. Power: 60 + 15 + 60 + 90 = 225 damaged health points. Combo 6 ------- Commands: /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, kick-flip over opponent slashing their back. Power: 60 + 140 = 200 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- b) Weapon name: Kamikaze Description: Sword with black sheath. Kitcho's sword. Combo 1 - Submitted by harimaka ------------------------------- Commands: -> + /\ [Hold], /\, /\ [Hold], *jump*R1 + [], <- + /\, [], [], []. Description: Stab in stomach then kicks into air, hits higher into air, hits again then kicks, jump kick, turn around slash, weak slash, weak slash, weak slash. Power: 130 + 30 + 60 + 90 + 40 + 20 + 65 + 10 + 10 + 40 = 495 damaged health points Notes: Much easier if you don't learn the /\, /\ move. If you think you have the skill then you can try <- + [], -> + R1 + [], <- -> + /\ in place of the [], [], [] but this makes it very difficult. Combo 2 - Submitted by True Kyo Kusanagi ---------------------------------------- Commands: -> + /\ [hold], Double tap /\ then [hold], [], [], []. Description: Stab in stomach then kicks into air, hits higher into air, hits again then kicks, weak slash, weak slash, weak slash. Power: 130 + 30 + 60 + 90 + 40 + 10 + 10 + 40 = 410 damaged health points Combo 3 ------- Commands: -> + /\ [hold], /\, *jump*R1 + [], /\, *jump*[], /\, <- + /\, <- + /\. Description: Stab in stomach then kicks into air, hits higher into air, jump kick, lifting slash, weak jumping slash, lifting slash, turning slash, turning slash. Power: 130 + 30 + 60 + 20 + 60 + 40 + 60 + 65 + 75 = 540 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- c) Weapon name: Kurenai-tennyo Description: Sword with red sheath. Combo 1 ------- Commands: Double Tap /\ then [hold], -> + /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, high jumping slash with kick, flip and slash, flip and slash. Power: 60 + 90 + 40 + 85 + 75 = 350 damaged health points. Combo 2 ------- Commands: Double Tap /\ then [hold], /\, /\, /\, <- + /\, < + /\. Description: Lifting slash, high jumping slash with kick, lifting slash, lifting slash, lifting slash, turn and slash, turning slash. Power: 60 + 90 + 40 + 60 + 40 + 60 + 65 + 75 = 490 damaged health points. Combo 3 ------- Commands: Double Tap /\ then [hold], /\, /\, /\, <- + /\, -> + /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, -> + /\.. Description: Lifting slash, high jumping slash with kick, lifting slash, lifting slash, lifting slash, turn and slash, spinning slash, spinning slash, spinning slash, spinning slash, spinning slash, spinning slash, spinning slash, moonsault. Power: 60 + 90 + 40 + 60 + 40 + 60 + 65 + 50 + 40 + 45 + 45 + 45 + 45 + 45 = 730 damaged health points. Combo 4 ------- Commands: Double Tap /\ then [hold], /\, /\, <- -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, high jumping slash with kick, lifting slash, lifting slash, flip and slash. Power: 60 + 90 + 40 + 60 + 40 + 85 = 375 damaged health points. Combo 5 ------- Commands: /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, kick-flip over opponent slashing their back. Power: 60 + 140 = 200 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Down Stance Sword Combos [--DSSC--] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Down stance swords are my personal favourite. I know a lot of people don't like the way your character runs in this stance but I think it is a small price to pay for good power, speed and some infinite combos! The main disadvantage of down swords is their heat build-up but this is only tend to be a problem when cutting down enemies too quickly! Here are my top three: 1) Okhotsk 2) Saw 3) Ippatsumaru -*-*-*-*-*-*- a) Weapon name: Okhotsk Description: Sword with red sheath. Combo 1 Commands: /\, -> + R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, dash forward lifting opponent with shoulder. Power: 65 + 20 = 85 damaged health points. Notes: Can be repeated indefinitely. All finishers can be used independently. *-* Finisher A for Combo 1 Commands: /\, R1 + /\, /\, /\, ... Description: Lifting slash, spin around powerful slash, spin around powerful slash, spin around powerful slash, ... (can be repeated indefinitely) Power (Combo 1) + Finisher A damage: (85) + 65 + 182 = 332 +182 for each successful following /\ hit. Notes: After knocking down opponent, only every other /\ hit will connect. *-* Finisher B for Combo 1 Commands: /\, -> + /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, forward stab, forward stab, forward stab, forward stab, forward stab, forward stab, spin around powerful slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher B damage: (85) + 65 + 60 + 55 + 45 + 45 + 45 + 45 + 182 = 627 damaged health points. *-* Finisher C for Combo 1 Commands: /\, /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, lifting slash, spin around powerful slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher C damage: (85) + 65 + 45 + 182 = 372 damaged health points. *-* Finisher D for Combo 1 Commands: /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, powerful backward turning slash, powerful backward turning slash, spin around powerful slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher D: (85) + 65 + 100 + 110 + 182 = 542 damaged health points. *-* Finisher E for Combo 1 Commands: /\, -> + /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash,forward stab (and catch), lift over and drop, lift over and drop, kick. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher E: (85) + 60 + 60 + 90 + 5 = 300 damaged health points. Notes: Can try and restart combo 1 after this, with the finisher of your choice for huge damage. -*-*-*-*-*- b) Weapon name: Ippatsumaru Description: Sword with black sheath. Tsubohachi's sword. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, *jump*R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, jump kick. Power: 65 + 10 = 75 damaged health points. Combo 2 ------- Commands: -> + /\, R1 + []. Description: Forward stab, two weak kicks to opponents ankles. Power: 95 + 10 + 10 = 115 damaged health points. Notes: Combo 2 can be repeated indefinitely. All combo finishers can be used independently. *-* Finisher A for Combo 1 or 2 Commands: /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, powerful backward turning slash, powerful backward turning slash, leg grab and neck slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher A: (75) + 65 + 100 + 110 + 110 = 460 damaged health points. Power (Combo 2) + Finisher A: (115) + 65 + 100 + 110 + 110 = 500 damaged health points. Notes: Looks cool when the R1 + /\ move lands the killing blow. *-* Finisher B for Combo 1 or 2 Commands: /\, /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, lifting slash, leg grab and neck slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher B: (75) + 65 + 45 + 110 = 295 damaged health points. Power (Combo 2) + Finisher B: (115) + 65 + 45 + 110 = 335 damaged health points. Notes: Looks cool when the R1 + /\ move lands the killing blow. *-* Finisher C for Combo 1 or 2 Commands: /\, /\, <- -> + /\, /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, lifting slash, roll and stab, leg grab and neck slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher B: (75) + 65 + 45 + 100 + 110 = 395 damaged health points. Power (Combo 2) + Finisher B: (115) + 65 + 45 + 100 + 110 = 435 damaged health points. Notes: Looks cool when the R1 + /\ move lands the killing blow. This one is very difficult to pull off. Combo 3 - Submitted By SpAz --------------------------- Commands: -> + /\, R1 + [], R1 + [], /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, R1 + /\ Description: Forward stab, two ankle kicks, two footed kick into air, lifting slash, powerful backward turning slash, powerful backward turning slash, leg grab and neck slash. Power: 95 + 10 + 10 + 30 + 65 + 100 + 110 + 110 = 530 damaged health points. -*-*-*-*-*-*- c) Weapon name: Saw Description: A large tree cutting saw. Combo 1 ------- Commands: /\, -> + R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, dash forward lifting opponent with shoulder. Power: 65 + 20 = 85 damaged health points. Notes: Can be repeated indefinitely. All finishers can be used independently. *-* Finisher A for Combo 1 Commands: /\, -> + /\, <- + /\, <- + /\, R1 + []. Description: Lifting slash, forward stab (and catch), lift over and drop, lift over and drop, kick. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher A: (85) + 60 + 60 + 90 + 5 = 300 damaged health points. Notes: Can try and restart combo 1 after this, with the finisher of your choice for huge damage. *-* Finisher B for Combo 1 Commands: /\, -> + /\, /\, /\, /\, /\, /\. Description: Lifting slash, forward stab, forward stab, forward stab, forward stab, forward stab, forward stab. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher B damage: (85) + 65 + 60 + 55 + 45 + 45 + 45 + 45 = 445 damaged health points. *-* Finisher C for Combo 1 Commands: /\, /\, <- -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, lifting slash, spin around powerful slash. Power (Combo 1) + Finisher C damage: (85) + 65 + 45 + 182 = 372 damaged health points. Notes: Cool. Look at them fly! Combo 2 ------- Commands: /\, R1 + /\. Description: Lifting slash, catch opponent and saw their back before throwing them down face first. Power: 65 + 160 = 225 damaged health points. Notes: Looks very cool but difficult to catch in time, not for the squeamish. -*-*-*-*-*-*- d) Weapon name: TAKUMA Description: Sword with green sheath. CHEAT ONLY SWORD. See the Saw section above for combos, these two weapons share the same move set. -*-*-*-*-*-*- e) Weapon name: Jurokumon Description: Double Ended Hooked Bar. Jose's weapon. Combo 1 - Submitted by Woopanoo ------------------------------- Commands: -> + R1 + [], /\, /\, R1 + /\[, another R1 + /\ can sometimes be added.] Description: Lifting slash, upward thrust, two handed downward blow, wild swinging slash[, wild swinging slash.] Power: 20 + 105 + 90 + 182 [+ 182] = 397 [579] damaged health points. Notes: If your opponent is on higher ground you might be able to add -> + /\, <- + /\, <- + /\ for an extra 90 + 100 + 100 = 290 damage. -*-*-*-*-*-*- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Ninja Stance Sword Combos [--NSSC--] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The ninja stance swords are kind of strange and will take some time to get used to. They offer very fast attacks however you are left very exposed while attacking. If your opponent dodges your attack, or even just blocks it in some case you will be a sitting duck. I find that this stance also lacks power, which is a fair trade for the extra speed I guess. If you want to master a ninja sword, the Zangetsu is by far the best in my opinion. It is dropped by Hyuga if you follow the Kurou storyline. -*-*-*-*-*-*- a) Weapon name: Zangetsu Description: Ninja-tou with black sheath. Hyuga's ninja sword. Combo 1 - Submitted by SpAz --------------------------- Commands: /\, /\ [hold], <- -> + /\. Description: Lifting slash, lifting slash (two hits), crazy fast blender move. Power: 60 + 90 + (30 x ?) + 90 = 240 + (30 x ?) ~ 300+ damaged health points -*-*-*-*-*-*- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Dull Sword Combos [--DULL--] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the name suggests these swords are indeed very dull. However most do come fully maxed out the box, so maybe they are useful? I think the down stance sword is the best of the bunch, but the best one for you is probably [Insert your favourite stance here]. There really isn't much between them. As you can see I haven't come up with any combos worth noting here for dull swords, but if you do please send them to me, you will get the credit. Emails to TheManFromEngland@hotmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. Mastering your Sword [-MASTER-] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -*-*-*-*-*-*- a) Learning moves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i) Techniques~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [-LMTECH-] There are many techniques for learning new moves with the sword you are using. All of which you are informed about during the game if you pay money to the people who approach you asking for money in exchange for information. If you plan on using the individual techniques below I suggest using the foundry and the 100 man fight very first thing on on day one in Rokkotsu pass. There is very little risk fighting the punks there, and you can quickly leave the pass with your improved sword when you have finished training. Here is a summary of all the techniques I have found and where I find it best to use them: Experience: ----------- You will gain new moves for a sword simply by using it to fight with. However the moves you will learn by this method alone are limited and often result in weaker moves. I believe each sword has an invisible experience meter and as you land both strong and weak blows on your opponent this fills. Strong moves gain you more experience than weak ones, and just practicing with your sword against thin air gets you no experience. The hits have to be landed on an opponent in battle, so no bashing non combatants to learn new moves either : ) Move upgrades: -------------- This is where a new move is not added to your list but an old one is upgraded. This generally involves making it faster or more powerful, damage wise or how high your opponent is lifted into the air. Not entirely sure how these work, but I think they are something to do with experience. Examples of moves that I have had upgraded include almost all the (/\) moves for any sword, or the Niitakayama's (R1 + /\) move. Blue scrolls will also unlock these moves when collected. Ukemi: ------ This is the art of falling, or the quick recovery technique that is performed when you press the (R1) or (X) buttons just before landing when your character is thrown or knocked into the air. I believe you have a 1/16 chance of learning a move each time you pull off a successful ukemi. However this technique can only be used once per sword. It will only learn one move but this move will generally be more powerful than the simple experience based moves for that sword. It also has to be used BEFORE the experience based move is learned, it will NOT replace it. A good example of this is the 600 basic damage Kishinmetsuretsu move for the Gonbuto sword, that is learned in place of the 160 damage one if learned by ukemi. Scramble backwards: ------------------- This technique involves you first being knocked down or tripping over something and falling on your ass. Then hold the direction away on the analogue stick from which you are facing and you will scramble backwards. Do this for 10 seconds to learn a new move. However this technique can only be used once per sword. It will only learn one move but it is generally the only way of learning that move, unless you pick up a blue scroll. You can do this technique in complete safety by getting knocked down by the train with your sword out and then scrambling backwards before getting up. Near Death fighting: -------------------- This involves fighting with under 100 health points left. Try out all of your currently learned moves with the sword, and some new ones will usually be learned. I would suggest you only try this on easy. It can be very risky, just one hit from an enemy on normal or hard can kill you and all your work will be lost! On easy however things are not so difficult, both your opponent and the moves used against you are generally weak enough to avoid any one hit kills on your character. Only use this technique in the 100 man fight at the foundry, as these opponents are the most predictable. Finishing Blow: --------------- Some new moves are learned simply by landing the final blow on an enemy with an already learned strong move. This generally adds another move on to the original one used as the finisher, creating a combo. Air Combo: ---------- Some new moves have to be learned by landing a move on an enemy while they have been thrown in the air from a /\ move. If a sword does not have a /\ that lifts your opponent in the air, then it generally doesn't learn a new move from this technique. Awase: ------ Some moves can be learned by blocking them with the awase technique. This involves tapping R1 just as your opponent moves to attack you. It will not only block the attack but will give you an opening to counter as well. As if that wasn't enough, if you block an attack from someone using the same weapon as you, there is a chance that you will learn that technique. The best example of this is the Kurou family secret skill for the Dai-kuronama sword, which you can only learn by awasing, or a Blue Scroll. Thanks to Dzik for reminding me of the Awase technique! If you know of any more techniques, please let me know on the message board at www.gamefaqs.com or Email me at TheManFromEngland@hotmail.com. As usual you will be given credit. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ii) Collecting Blue Scrolls~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [-LMCOLL-] This is the quickest and most reliable way of mastering a sword, the catch is that you need a good weapon to be able to do it. Each Blue Scroll teaches you a move at random for the sword you are currently equipped with. The fastest method of collecting blue scrolls is by doing the endless ninja battle on the hard difficulty setting. To do the endless ninja battle, go to the foundry on the morning of the second day and join the Kurou family there, it doesn't matter what you have done to them before this point. As long as you swear you allegiance to Tesshin he will let you work as their mercenary. When Tsubohachi you and a punk go to fight Akadama at the railway track, try and get Tsubohachi killed. My method for this is to taunt him and get him to use his powerful moves to break his sword. He is now defence-less and can only awase attacks. Karibe and Chelsea should finish him off if the Akadama punks don't. This will make things much easier at the station. When the story reaches the station and Hyuga and his Ninja troop attack, first thing run straight into Amaguri (the restaurant) and head to the back run around the partition and out again. This should trap Hyuga, leaving you to fight an endless stream of ninjas for as long as you wish. Note that this will require a lot of health, and as this is limited to the food available in the station. Unless you use the health cheat while no one is looking...or are a true master with the sword! So be careful, you have been warned. You can collect blue scrolls out of combat (well after other peoples combat!) by picking up blue scrolls dropped by fallen opponents when they are killed by other characters. The easiest and most reliable (but a bit boring) way to do this is as follows; On hard mode get to the bridge at night on the first day, do not draw your sword and watch Akadama punks fighting Kurou punks. If any of the ones killed drop any good items, ie Blue Scrolls, pick them up with []. Hey presto, learn moves out of combat! This fight goes on forever as long as you don't intervene. Other places to get Blue and Yellow Scrolls include the Akadama Mansion at night on the first day or after the fight with Kitcho (If you joined Kurou). Just fight the soldiers in there repeatedly as they get regenerated every time you leave. Again this is on hard difficulty so be careful. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~iii) Suggested methods~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [-LM--SM-] Once you find a sword that you like I suggest you collect a few untouched ones in your collection. From my experience with the Gonbuto and the Ippatsumaru, there are a few routes a swords development can take. Depending on your fighting style you may prefer some moves over others, and it may take a few attempts before you have a mastered weapon that suits your style. The Gonbuto has two differences in its move list depending on its development. While the Ippatsumaru cannot learn the three powerful turning slashes that Tsubohachi uses on you if you develop it wrong. I haven't noticed differences in any other weapons move sets, but as I have not experimented with them anywhere near as much. I cannot speak for other swords as I have not experimented with them anywhere near as much, sorry! My first suggestion is if possible master your sword by collecting blue scrolls. I have found this to work best for all swords, however if you wish to master it using the techniques shown in section (i), then I recommend using them in the following order: 1. Ukemi 2. Scramble Backwards 3. Finishing Blow [For (<- + /\), (/\) and (-> + /\) attacks] 4. Experience 5. Air Combo 6. Near Death Fighting 7. Move Upgrades This order should learn the best moves from the specified techniques. -*-*-*-*-*-*-[-INCLIF-]-*-*-*-*-*-*- b) Increasing the Life stat of your sword ----------------------------------------- This can be done either at the sword smith's shop or by picking up the yellow bottles (with a white label) dropped by fallen opponents. These yellow bottles are bottles of choji (clove) oil, used to oil the blade preventing the ferrous steel from rusting. Choji Oil information submitted by Chris Dawkins. To find the most yellow bottles, either do the infinite ninja battle on hard difficulty, or fight as many government officials as possible on normal difficulty. Both of these methods drop a lot of yellow bottles, but the ninja battle is more effective. Also note that opponents will drop items at random anyway, the methods described just drop these particular items at a higher rate. Each bottle increases the max Life stat on the currently equipped sword by 100 health points, but does not increase you current stamina. The maximum life upgrade in +999 health points on any sword. To get Dojima (The Sword smith) to increase the life of your sword say 'I would like it improved' and then ask him to do 'Nothing in particular'. Be warned that this will not always increase your swords life and will sometimes lower it, it is a bit of a gamble option. It can increase or decrease any two of the following at a time; Attack, Defence or Life. -*-*-*-*-*-*-[-INCATT-]-*-*-*-*-*-*- c) Increasing the Attack stat of your sword ------------------------------------------- This can be done either at the sword smith's shop or by picking up the 'white balls with a stick in them' dropped by fallen opponents. This is most likely an uchiko powder ball, which is used to powder the blade for polishing, keeping the blade sharp and in top condition. Uchiko powder information submitted by Chris Dawkins. To find the most attack power ups do the infinite ninja battle on hard difficulty. Also note that opponents will drop items at random anyway, the method described just drops these particular items at a higher rate. Each of these pickups increases your swords attack power by 4% up to a maximum of 50%. To get Dojima (The Swordsmith) to increase the attack power of your sword say 'I would like it improved' and then ask him improve 'Sharpness'. The improvement value is random, usually somewhere between 2% and 6%. Be warned that increasing sharpness this way will also reduce your defence at the same time. -*-*-*-*-*-*-[-INCDEF-]-*-*-*-*-*-*- d) Increasing the Defence stat of your sword -------------------------------------------- This can be done either at the sword smith's shop or by picking up the 'Red charms' dropped by fallen opponents. These red charms are probably packets of rice paper, used in maintenance of the blade along with the uchiko powder and choji oil. The colour red is considered lucky in Japan. Rice paper information submitted by Chris Dawkins. To find the most defence power ups, fight government officials on normal or hard difficulty. Also note that opponents will drop items at random anyway, the method described just drops these particular items at a higher rate. Each of these pickups increases your swords attack power by 4% up to a maximum of 50%. To get Dojima (The Sword smith) to increase the defence power of your sword say 'I would like it improved' and then ask him improve 'Flexibility'. The improvement value is random, usually somewhere between 2% and 6%. Be warned that increasing sharpness this way will also reduce your attack power at the same time. Some interesting extra information submitted by Chris Dawkins: How the sword cleaning kit items are used on real blades... ----------------------------------------------------------- "In case you're wondering, here is a summary of how these items are used: first the old oil is removed from the blade with the rice paper, then the blade is powdered on both sides using the powder ball. The powder is then removed with some more rice paper. Next, the sword is oiled using the choji oil (can be done with a piece of soft material (silk used traditionally) soaked in the oil, or by applying directly to the blade then spread out using more rice paper or a cloth). Finally, most of the oil is removed, leaving a very thin film of it on the blade, and the sword is returned to its sheath." -*-*-*-*-*-*-[-INCENH-]-*-*-*-*-*-*- e) Increasing the Enhancement stat of your sword ------------------------------------------------ The Enhancement stat of your sword is shown when you press -> at the move list screen. It shows the percentage of moves performed on you that you will now awase automatically, and then lists what all those moves are below. There are two ways to 'collect' blocked moves and enhance you sword. First of all, when you block strong attacks by awasing them there is a chance that the move blocked will be added to the enhancement section. Second, Yellow Scrolls can be collected in the same ways as Blue Scrolls, which will add moves at random to the enhancement section. This is very useful for adding moves that are difficult to awase to your blocked list. So to avoid wasting them I would suggest that you block as many moves as possible by awasing them first. You can only permanently learn to block strong moves, not the weak unbalancing ones. Also you learn more with a sword you have maxed out or a completely fresh sword, but less while you are maxing it out unfortunately. For more information about Enhancement consult the excellent Mikiri (Awase) Skill FAQ by Muni Shinobu at www.gamefaqs.com. -*-*-*-*-*-*- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. Other Powerful Combos/Moves I like to use on unsuspecting foes... [-OTHERC-] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -*-*-*-*-*-*- Move: Kishinmetsuretsu (R1 + /\) Swords: Gonbuto (Gonta in NTSC version), Chugen. This very handy move does a hefty 600 health points of basic damage and is well worth learning. It only builds up heat of 2-3 bars even when blocked as well. To learn this move with the Gonbuto you must not have learned the weaker R1 + /\ move, as I don't think it can be upgraded. Next you must repeatedly pull of the quick recovery (ukemi) technique just before you hit the ground after being juggled. I believe you have a 1/16 chance of learning the move each time you pull off a successful ukemi. As for learning with the Chugen, I assume the method is the same but I'm not sure, sorry its been a while! -*-*-*-*-*-*- Move: Kanebokudaki (<- -> + tri[hold]). Swords: Onibi, Takefuji. I have found this move to be even more powerful than the 730 points of damage move on the Dai-Kuronama sword when used properly. It also causes little heat build up and breaks your opponents sword if they try and block it all. So which swords have this move you ask? The answer is the humble Onibi (up stance green sheath) and the Takefuji that Dojima the sword smith carries. Which one you chose is up to you though my preference is the Onibi. I think it looks stupid when you run someone through with a hammer and then kick them off it! How do I learn this move? As with most of the best moves in the game the quick recovery (or ukemi) does the trick, or if your feeling lazy pick up enough blue scrolls. What the **** are you talking about TheManFromEngland this move only does 50 damage? How do I make it that powerful? Use your brain, corner your opponent or press his up against a wall and use the move again. Then watch as your opponent is cut to pieces. Then sheath your sword again before he/she hits the ground turn your back and walk away. Not a combo but immensely powerful none the less, probably the most powerful single move in the game. The damage from this move depends on how many hits you can get in before the move ends, 50 endurance a time (before sword upgrades). The most hits I have managed is 16, so thats 16 x 50 = 800 damaged health points! -*-*-*-*-*-*- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15. Thanks [-THANKS-] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- To gamefaqs and CJayC for being such a good resource, and hosting this FAQ (when I actually post it!) To NeoSeeker for also posting this FAQ, and providing an excellent forum. All the people who helped put this together: Myself, and many at the WOTS message boards and FCB who answered my Q's. Special Thanks to Dzik and Swiftshark here : ) Chris Dawkins for his information on the sword maintenance kit, and a good website for information on Japanese blades at http:\\samuraiblades.tripod.com Acquire for starting the wonderful Tenchu series and then making this game. Hagakure2002 for your PAL cheats which stopped me from losing a fifth Gonbuto. To IGN for their excellent fix it tool, which saved me lots of time. Dragon Scholar Ryu for all his effort in translating the sword names, and putting up with all the people asking for them again and again before I finally posted this thing! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for Reading! Enjoy your new found ability to gut your enemies like a haddock... Copyright 2003 Daniel Swatton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------