recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Kamui Kotan

***Kamui Kotan*** (カムイコタン *kamui kotan*) is a series of stages and recurrent location found in the Samurai Shodown series of fighting games by SNK Playmore. It’s a fictional village of the Ainu tribe which serves as hometown and battle stage for the characters Nakoruru, Rimururu, and Rera. All Kamui Kotan stages shares common elements, like a cottage house, winter weather, pines, various animals, and mountains in the distance, as well the musical themes in each game.

This village is surrounded by forest and mountains, and its inhabitants are friends of the animals (they can communicate with them, like Nakoruru with Mamahaha or Rera with Shikuro), as well also revere Mother Nature. From it, villagers only take the necessary to survive the four seasons, mainly winter due its geographical location, but during summer forest and mountains show beautiful scenery. In return, their habitants (especially the priestess Nakoruru) are able to do anything to protect it from evil threats.

The next is a list of Kamui Kotan stages. Only *Samurai Shodown IV*, *V Special*, and *VI* lacks of a stage on this location.

* *Samurai Shodown* – Hokkaido
* *Samurai Shodown II* – Northern Country
* *Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood* – Northern Country
* *Samurai Shodown V* – Ezo
* *Samurai Shodown (2019)* - Ezo

## Definition

Kamui Kotan or kamuy kotan, whose standard Japanese spelling is 神居古潭, can be roughly translated as “kamui village” or “the place where God lives”. It’s a term used by the Ainu people to name purely natural places, hidden from civilization, which can be difficult to access for people, according to their legends and myths. A kamui (Ainu: カムイ japanese: 神居) is the spiritual or deity being in the Ainu tribe.
Iroha

Samurai Shodown (2019). Design by Ogura.

English: *(male) Phoenix Qilin & (female) Phoenix Beak*, two stylized butterfly swords.

### Fighting style

None, just a way that best serves her Master.

### When you feel at peace:

*"When there is a good weather for laundry."*

### First appearance

*Samurai Shodown VI*

**Iroha** is a character from the *Samurai Shodown* series. She is one of the main protagonists and one of the new characters from *Samurai Shodown VI*, and is the first non-canonical character to have her canonical debut in *Samurai Shodown (2019)*.

She is very popular character in Japan, and stars in her own mobile game called *Maid by Iroha*. Another game based around her was acheduted for release on the Nintendo DS, but was canceled. She has also been added to a roster of usable characters in the *Queen's Blade* series, which is an extension of the fantasy game series, *Lost Worlds*. She also has several different figurines, hard cast and otherwise, made in her image.
Hida

*For stage description see Kokain page.*
**Hida** (飛騨・枯華院, *Hida - Kokain*?, can be translated as *Hida - House of the Dried Flower*) is background stage found in the game *Samurai Shodown V*. Gaira Caffeine is the titular character of this stage during Arcade mode, and the CPU choses this stage randomly in a Versus match. Also the player Sankuro Yorozu can challenge the player on this stage.

Hida recycles the second form of the Kokain stage first featured in *Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood*. The first, misty form of this stage was discarded, and the 2 tōrō (灯籠 literally light basket, light tower) located in the foreground were removed.

*Hida animation during the match**Background during the final moments*
## Music

*Old Temple* (古寺, *Koji*?) is the title for this stage's theme. An ambience piece with the sound of insects and dog barkings. Same track as Koga stage of *Samurai Shodown IV*.
Jubei Yagyu

Samurai Shodown (2019). Design by Ogura.

### Weapon(s)

The twin Mamoru Yamato: Tora Setsu & Sukehiro (大和守・虎鉄 / 大和守・助広) - *Protector of Yamato: Steel Tiger & Wide Assistant*, uchidachi and wakizachi respectively.

### Fighting style

Yagyū Shinkage-ryū (柳生新陰流) - *Modified Shadow Style of Yagyu*

### When you feel at peace:

*"The moment sparrows begin to peck at their feed."*

### The path of the sword is:

*"Its meaning is found in mastering the Shadow Style of Yagyu"*

### First appearance

*Samurai Shodown (1993)*

**Jubei Yagyu** is a recurring character in the *Samurai Shodown* franchise, first introduced in original game. He is a fictionalized interpretation of the real-life samurai and fork hero, Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi. A seasoned warrior, he is the one-eyed master of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, and a close friend of Hanzo Hattori.

Jubei was dropped from the series following *Samurai Shodown II*, but returned (alongside the likes of Tam Tam and Charlotte) in *Samurai Shodown IV*. According to a Gamest Mook, he was intended to have appeared in *Samurai Shodown 64*, but was removed due to time constraints. Prior to the release of *Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage*, he was the only true samurai in the series.

In the RPG, Jubei was an occasional guest member controlled by the computer, and thus was unplayable.

## Storyline

### Biography

* **Samurai Shodown V:** *The single-eyed swordsman and shogunate intelligence officer. He spends his days and modify the secret ways of Yagyu. He hears the rumor, " the Gaoh Kyougoku Hinowanokami treason", and heads for Hinowa's base, working independent of Hanzo Hattori.*
* **Samurai Shodown Sen** (alternative timeline)**:** *Jubei is a one-eyed master of Yagyū Shinkage-ryū style of swordsmanship and friends with the elusive ninja, Hanzo. He also doubles as a master of his own dojo and as an agent for the bakufu (government). One day, after receiving a report from Hanzo, Jubei learned of a foreign ship secretly harbored off the waters of Japan. The ship's purpose, it seemed, was linked to a princess of Amori and some other undisclosed errand. Ordered by the bakufu to deal with the matter quietly, Jubei left Edo.*
J.

J.
--

Samurai Shodown Sen. Design by Senri Kita.

• Grandfather, Grandmother, Mother, Father, 3 younger sisters and 2 younger brothers.

### Job / occupation

• Former sailor.
• Wanderer.

### Likes

• His favorite people smiling.
• The letter from that girl.

### Weapon(s)

Nihontō - Eruvuisu (日本刀 • エルヴィス) - *Elvis*, a japanese sword.

### Fighting style

Gentsuchū-Ryū (月誅流) - *The Arts of the Executing Moon.*

### First appearance

*Samurai Shodown Sen*

J. is a character found in Samurai Shodown Sen.

## Storyline

### Biography

* **Samurai Shodown Sen:** *Going by the simple moniker of "J", this Lesphian sailor miraculously survived the sinking of his ship when it was near the island of Japan and made his way ashore where the slowly learned to live among the inhabitants. Despite his poor skills when he first arrived, J managed to persevere at fighting due to his incredible physical prowess. He wandered for many years improving on his sword technique and eventually fell in love with a geisha. In order to secure her freedom, however, he was instructed to procure an enormuous sum of gold. The destitute wanderer had no choice but to accept a job to bring back a missing princess from Amori in oder to reease his beloved. With his trusty sword "Elvis", J set out in pursuit of Suzu.*

## Combat characteristics

*Also see: Move list of J.*
Pending

## Catch Copy

***"The guy of the rumors"***

噂のアイツ

*Uwasa no Aitsu*
Danilo

## Visão geral

Danilo é um personagem não-jogador, humano e seitista. É um bruxo e seu caminho principal é Arkanun (demônios). Fazia parte do Círculo, atualmente foi expulso por Sabrina.

## Aparência

Danilo é um homem alto, tem o semblante sério que chega a ser assustador.

### Roupas

Gosta de usar roupas pesadas, como casacos longos e de couro. calças largas e botas. Além de usar roupas na cor escura.

## Personalidade

Reservado, tem um ar sério e maligno, e misterioso também. É o tipo que não sorri, é direto com suas palavras e pode parecer não tão amigável, mas já mostrou que sabe ajudar e pode, quem sabe, ser um amigo bom e leal. Quem pode confirmar isso é Pierre, já que são amigos, mas ajudou muito Liz quando ela precisava.

## Background

Nada se sabe sobre seu passado, mesmo ele dando pequenas e rasas informações às vezes, tudo que rodeia Danilo é um mistério.

## Poderes e habilidades

Danilo é um tipo perigoso, poderoso e assustador de bruxo. Ele pode atormentar a vida das pessoas com demônios, evocar entidades para pactos e afins, criar garras em si próprio, assumindo uma forma apavorante...
Samurai Spirits Arrange Sound Trax

Japanese cover art

***Samurai Spirits Arrange Sound Trax*** is an music album released in 1998 through Scitron/Pony Canyon record label for the japanese market. Includes arranged tracks from the 1997 video game *Samurai Shodown 64* original soundtrack released exclusively for the Hyper NeoGeo 64 arcade system.

## Track listing

* English
* Japanese

1. Samurai Spirits -Title- - 01:09
2. Concentration -Haohmaru- - 03:17
3. Four Seasons -Nakoruru- - 03:32
4. Thin Snow -Rimururu- - 05:04
5. Dreams -Ukyo Tachibana- - 02:24
6. Ogre Song -Genjuro Kibagami- - 05:34
7. Blaze -Kazuki Kazama- - 04:01
8. Dew -Sogetsu Kazama- - 02:26
9. Hi Tension -Galford- - 03:31
10. Carved Seal -Yagyu Hanma- - 03:33
11. Dark -Hanzo Hattori- - 02:17
12. Jet Black -Shiki- - 04:40
13. Gandara -Gandara- - 05:20
14. Yin & Yang -Yuga- - 05:01
15. End -Ending- - 02:56
16. With a Smiling Face - 05:01

- 侍魂―タイトル― - 01:09

- 精進―覇王丸― - 03:17

- 四季―ナコルル― - 03:32

- 沙雪―リムルル― - 05:04

- 夢想―橘右京― - 02:24

- 鬼唄―牙神幻十郎― - 05:34

- 焔―風間火月― - 04:01

- 露―風間蒼月― - 02:26

- Hi Tension―ガルフォード― - 03:31

- 刻印―柳生磐馬― - 03:33

- 闇―服部半蔵― - 02:17

- 漆黒―色― - 04:40

- 巌蛇羅―ガンダラ― - 05:20

- 陰陽―ユガ― - 05:01

- 終幕―エンディング― - 02:56

- 笑顔でいるよ - 05:01

## Credits

Arranger info from the liner notes

* YAMAPY\_1: 01, 06 (vocal by MITSUO), 07, 11, 13, 14
* Jojouha Kitapy: 02, 03, 09, 10, 12, 15
* Mitsuo: 04, 11, 16
* TATE\_NORIO: 05
* SHIMIZM: 08

Musicians
* Bass: Naoki Watanabe
* Guitar: Jun Kajiwara
* Keyboards: Chizuko Yoshihiro
* Drums: Masaharu Ishikawa
* Shakuhachi: Mamoru Shoda
* Vocal: Keiko Kamitani (16)

Sound Operations
* Ayumi Yasui

Recording studio
* Sonata Club

Recording engineer
* Masahiko Konno (Sonata Club Studio)

2nd engineering
* Takuzi Ishiguro (Sonata Club Studio), Kaori Miyazaki (Sonata Club Studio)

Mastering
* Yuiko Mizokami (Pony Canyon)
Slaughterhouse Tumble

The **Slaughterhouse Tumble** (肉転突き, *Nikutentsuki*?, roughly translated as *Meat Stab*), also known with names like *Butcher Thrust* or *Buzz Saw*, is part of Genan Shiranui moveset in the Samurai Shodown series.

## Input

Character facing right:

* *Samurai Shodown*, *II*, *VI* -  **+**

## Description

Genan begins to glow with energy, rolling on the ground towards the adversary. His weapon Azami creates a barrier around him that can damage the opponent. When hits the adversary fall knocked-down. Regardless of whether the opponent covers himself or not, the rolling Genan bounces in the air in the opposite direction of the opponent, keeping the barrier until he returns to the ground. The distance Genan rolls and height of the bounce depends on which Slash intensity is used.

SamSho VI. Genan performing Slaughterhouse Tumble from a short distance
## Notes and tactics

* When this attack is bloqued by the opponent can deal 1, 2 and even 3 times chip damage. If the opponent stop blocking can be hitted and knocked-down.
* Is good to use Slaughterhouse Tumble with Light Slash when opponent is cornered to keep pression.
* Like any projectile, use this attack when the adversary's Life Gauge is near KO, or during the animation when he's standing up after being knocked-down.
* In the original *Samurai Shodown* the Medium Slash animation can be canceled to input Slaughterhouse Tumble. For *Samurai Shodown VI* even Strong Slash can be canceled to perform this combo. In *Samurai Shodown II* Genan's Slash animations cannot be canceled with this Special Move, but alternatively the player can use Kicks.
* Jump towards the opponent and use Strong Slash, if hits, the adversary gets stunned briefly. Just when Genan returns to the ground input this Special move.
* This attack can be countered with basic low attacks or Special moves with the right timing.
* If Slaughterhouse Tumble is inputted with Medium or Strong Slash and the opponent keep blocking, the player will be very vulnerable to projectiles while in air during the high bounce.
Concentration One

***Concentration One***, also known as *Circumstance of Nothing*, *State of Nothingness*, or *Way of Nothingness*, and named in Japan as ***Mu no Kyōchi*** (無の境地 where the kanjis 境地 Chinese: *Jìngdì*, means situation, circumstance, or condition), is a special technique introduced in *Samurai Shodown V*. The Concentration One serves to slow down the opponent’s moves and take advantage of it to connect chains of hits (very similar as Custom Combos featured in *Street Fighter Alpha 2*), or execute the Fatal Flash.

## Concept

In the same way as Rage Explosion, this is a move that last few seconds and only can be done once per match. First, the player needs to meet certain conditions to perform it:

1. To having lost a round.
2. Rage Gauge active. If the player uses Rage Explosion first, Concentration One is canceled for the rest of the match, and vice-versa.
3. Life Gauge turned into blue. This happens when the health exceed the meditation marker; if the player meditate abundantly will be able to enter Concentration One faster and with more life.

When all requirements are met, the player can do the follow command to enter on concentration state:

 **+**

* For *Samurai Shodown V Special* and *Perfect* the command is pushing    at the same time.

* In *Samurai Shodown VI*, using the Spirit V the player needs to press

Right at that moment, the character says a phrase, his portrait appears, and the background turns in grayscale. The Rage Gauge is replaced by a new blue meter similar to Explosion Gauge called “Concentration Gauge”, which as usual it will drain quickly and automatically; once finished, the player cannot use Rage Gauge for the remaining match. The length and duration of Concentration Gauge is determined by how much the meditation marker was moved with meditating. *Samurai Shodown V Special/Perfect* offers a longer Concentration Gauge and meditation marker in exchange of a faster gauge drain.

During Concentration One the round time stops (in *Samurai Shodown V Special/Perfect* just runs slow), and only the opponent’s character will move very slow, leaving him exposed to attacks and combos while the Concentration Gauge is active; the key is that every attack leaves the opponent stunned and unguarded. If the opponent is in the air, juggle combos are possible according to the player ability. However, if the player receives a hit from the opponent, the Concentration One is canceled immediately. Despite his slowness, the opponent still can attack, jump, block, and use moves like Sword Stun or Barehanding Sword Snag in real time, but anyway the enemy is too slow to make a counter attack. Both characters using Concentration One at the same time is possible.

For *Samurai Shodown V*/*Special*/*Perfect*, and *VI* (using Spirit V), the player can perform the Fatal Flash only during Concentration One, and is possible to use it as final attack in a combo. The use of Fatal Flash will conclude Concentration One instantly.
Sogetsu Kazama

Samurai Shodown (2019). Design by Ogura.

**Sogetsu Kazama** is one of the co-protagonists introduced in *Samurai Shodown IV* who continues to appear in the series, In the 1997 Gamest Heroes Collection, Sogetsu was ranked the staff's 21st favorite character. He is voiced by Naoki Oikawa from *Samurai Shodown IV* to *Samurai Shodown V Special* and by Junji Majima in *Samurai Shodown VI*.

## Storyline

### Biography

* **Samurai Shodown V:** *One of the hidden ninja of Hizen, and a member of the Kazama clan. With the blade of his ancestors, he controls water thanks to the strenght of his sword, the Blue Dragon. Sogetsu smiles as he receives the following information: "an evil creature has left Towada and heads for the Land of Hinowa.*
* **Samurai Shodown Sen** (alternative timeline)**:** *Sogetsu is a member of the Kazama ninja clan and has the ability to manipulate water. As an incredibly skilled ninja he is being considered to take over the role of clan leader when the current leader passes. He is also Kazuki's older brother. When a strange foreign ship arrives off the coast of Japan the Kazama ninja are dispatched to investigate at the order of the shogunate. Seeing the mission as an opportunity to prove his worthiness to assume command, Sogetsu accepts and sets out.*
Ezo

**Ezo** (蝦夷・カムイコタン, *Ezo - Kamui Kotan*?) is a battle stage found in *Samurai Shodown V*, which is part of the Kamui Kotan series of scenarios in the Samurai Shodown franchise. During Arcade Mode the player faces Nakoruru, Rimururu, or Rera on this stage, and it’s randomly chosen by the CPU during a VS match, no matter which characters are controlled by both players. Also sometimes here takes place the match against Sankuro Yorozu.

## Differences

*Main article: Ezo House*
Ezo was taken directly from Rimururu’s Ezo House in *Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood*. Background elements have remained intact, but there are no animations, and the background size was increased (the sky can be seen wider). Ezo is divided in 3 forms, where each one presents new colors to those seen in *Samurai Shodown III*.

Each form of Ezo its located in a different day time: night (versus Rimururu), midday (Rera), and sunset (Nakoruru).

When a player activates Rage Explosion, the climax background is the same as *Samurai Shodown III*; only the sprite of a tree branch located in the upper right side was removed.

Ezo during nightEzo stage during dayEzo during sunsetEzo stage during Rage Explosion climax
## Music

This stage recycles Nakoruru and Rimururu themes found in Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge. For Nakoruru the track is called *Banquet of Nature* (自然の宴, *Shizen no Utage*?). Rimururu and Rera share the track called *Mirror of the Heart* (心の鏡, *Kokoro no Kagami*?).

Stage of Nakoruru - Banquet of NatureNakoruru's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack.Stage of Rimururu - Heart MirrorRimururu (and Rera) theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack.Samurai Shodown 4 AST Banquet of nature (Nakoruru Theme)Nakoruru theme, arranged version found in the PS2, XB home versions, and the SamSho 5 & 6 bundle soundtrack.Samurai Shodown 4 AST Heart mirror (Rimururu Theme)Rimururu and Rera theme, rranged version found in the PS2, XB home versions, and the SamSho 5 & 6 bundle soundtrack.
Sword Gauge

The ***Sword Gauge***, also known as **Sword Spirit** or **Stamina Gauge**, it’s a special gauge introduced in *Samurai Shodown 64* and has since appeared in some sequels, usually located below Life Gauge. In Japan is named **Kenki Gauge** (剣気ゲージ – *Ken ki gēji*), where the first kanji 剣 (*ken*) can be translated as "sword" or "blade", and the second kanji 気 (*ki*) as "spirit".

Sword Gauge is employed in:

* *Samurai Shodown 64*
* *Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage*
* *Samurai Shodown V*
* *Samurai Shodown V Special*
* *Samurai Shodown V Perfect*
* *Samurai Shodown VI*

At the start of every match the Sword Gauge is full. When the player does a slash attack (wherever if hits the enemy or not) or a move that hits the opponent (slashes, kicks, special moves, and unarmed punches), the gauge loses certain portion of energy. This means that, while the Sword Gauge it’s lower than 100%, the potential damage will be below normal. The player can continue making attacks but the gauge will continue to decrease too; the lower the Sword Gauge gets, the lower damage becomes; in *Samurai Shodown 64* if the Sword Gauge reaches zero, the player’s character becomes stunned for an instant. The gauge refills automatically if the player does nothing for a brief moment (it takes longer as it approaches 100%), but if the player performs certain moves the refill pauses momentarily.

In *Samurai Shodown V* and *Special*, while a player has the Rage Gauge at MAX, the Sword Gauge increases its length. With the Explosion Gauge active, the Sword Gauge grows even more. In both cases, the potential damage increases, since the gauge it’s able to fill up beyond the normal length.

The reason of this feature is to prevent the classic misuse of the “button smash” playstyle; the battles become more unhurried and methodical, and each player must wait for the best chances to do more effective attacks.
Shiki

Samurai Shodown (2019). Design by Ogura.

**Shiki** is a character introduced into the *Samurai Shodown* series in *Samurai Shodown 64*. Her Bust form in *Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage* is referred to as Half-Shaded Shiki. She is a character who was made to appeal to the adult audience. Her name hints to both her different colored eyes and her overly sexual behavior. Shiki is symbolized by a fetus; and she's easily distinguished by her purple snake tattoo on her back.

Shiki is most likely modered after Makie Otono-Tachibana from the *Blade of the Immortal* series. Developers admit that her personality and part of win quotes were based on Rei Ayanami from *Evangelion*.
Gairyu Isle (Samurai Shodown II)

* Evening
* Night

The **Gairyu Isle** (骸流島, *Gairyūjima*?) is a battle stage found in the 1994 game *Samurai Shodown II*. It has 2 phases: **evening** (骸流島・夕の刻, *Gairyūjima - Yū no Koku*?, *Gairyu Island - Evening Time*) where Haohmaru fights during Arcade or Versus modes, and **night** (骸流島・宵の刻, *Gairyūjima - Yoi no Koku*?, *Gairyu Island - Night Time*), where Ukyo Tachibana is the titular character.

## Description

* *Also see: Gairyu Isle*

Same as the previous versions of this stage, once again the battle unfolds on a rocky ground, where the waves break when hitting the rocks (only during Haohmaru stage, there aren't strong waves in Ukyo stage). New to this stage is the addiction of a series of *Torii* (鳥居 lit. "bird abode") which lead to a building in the middle of the sea. At the left of the stage there is a woman (dressed with red Kimono during Haohmaru stage, and blue Kimono in Ukyo stage) watching the battle behind the pole (柱 *Hashira*) of a *Torii*. Mount Fuji looks very closely than previous *Samurai Shodown* game.

Background animation during evening.Background animation during night.
## Musical themes

Haohmaru song for this stage is called "Path of Men" (男道 *Dandō*), and Ukyo theme is called "Moon Flower" (月の花 *Tsuki no Hana*).

"Path of Men"Haohmaru's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack."Moon Flower"Ukyo's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack."Path of Men" - ArrangedHaohmaru's arranged version found in the Neo Geo CD and PlayStation One versions of *Samurai Shodown II*, and *Shin Samurai Spirits: Arrange Sound Trax*."Moon Flower" - ArrangedUkyo's arranged version found in the Neo Geo CD and PlayStation One versions of *Samurai Shodown II*, and *Shin Samurai Spirits: Arrange Sound Trax*.
Meditation

**Meditation** (瞑想 *Meisō*) is an action the player can perform first introduced in *Samurai Shodown V*, followed by *Samurai Shodown V Special*. It is a command which works in conjunction with Rage Gauge, whose purpose is provide to the player faster access to Concentration One.

## Concept

A player only can do meditation when Rage Gauge has any amount of energy; no works if the gauge is at MAX, empty, or during Rage Explosion. To meditate, the character player must be standing (joystick/directional pad must not be move/pressed), and then press and hold Special button. Rage Gauge will begin to drain while the Special button is held. This makes a white marker above Life Gauge starts moving to the left (right in the player two side).

In *Samurai Shodown V*, the meditation marker is located nearly the end of Life Gauge (aprox. on the 3% of life), making longer the meditation process. For *Samurai Shodown V Special* the marker distance was increased to 20%.

Hot-tempered characters (those who fill Rage Gauge quickly with few attacks received) need to meditate more, because when they do receive a lower increase in the meditation marker. On the other hand, cold tempered characters who obtain small amounts of Rage Gauge when are hit can move the meditation marker faster. All this is to provide a balance between both types of characters.

Because the cost of Rage Gauge the player could sacrifice chances to get into Rage Mode and do super special moves, but the advantage is to activate Concentration One with more life what is required by default.
Claude

Samurai Shodown Sen. Design by Senri Kita.

Claude is a character found in *Samurai Shodown Sen*.

## Storyline

### Biography

* **Samurai Shodown Sen:** *Orphaned as a child after his ship wrecked off the coast of Japan, Claude was rescued and raised by a monk He retained no memories of his previous file, and for the next few years he lived and studied under the monk who trained him in the ways of the sword. One night while practicing on his own he was attacked by an assassin. He repelled the mysterious assailant, but whether the attack was aimed at him because he was a foreigner or if there was some ulterior motive he hadn't a clue. Claude resolved to find out and try to discover his own forgotten past along the way.*

## Combat characteristics

*Also see: Move list of Claude*
Pending

## Catch Copy

***"The raging golden wolf"***

荒れ狂う金色の狼

*Arekuruu Kin'iro no ōkami*
Iwayama

**Iwayama** (岩山, *Iwayama*?, literally *Rocky Mountain*) is a background stage found in *Samurai Shodown V Special* and the *Perfect* update. During Arcade and Versus modes this stage can appear randomly regarless the characters.

This background is directly taken from Obama stage first found in *Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge*, which in turn is a enhanced version of Active Volcano, stage originally featured in *Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood*. The only changes are the color palette change (rocks and clouds with grey tones), the removal of Amakusa Castle, and the addiction of the climatic background from Active Volcano, which appears when a player triggers Rage Explosion.

*Iwayama animation**Special background*
## Music

The track for this stage is also called **Iwayama** (岩山, *Iwayama*?, translated as *Rocky Mountain*).
Deku & Dekuina

Samurai Shodown 64. Designs by Senri Kita.

**Deku** & **Dekuina** are characters in the *Samurai Shodown* series. In Japan, they are alternatively called Deku-o and Deku-mi. Deku is voiced by Daiki Nakamura and Dekuina is voiced by Kaori Minami. Deku and Dekuina are symbolized by the same stylized eye shared among Yuga and all of its servants.
Samurai Shodown RPG (drama)

**Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits: Bushidou Retsuden ~ Drama CD** is a dramatization of the first chapter in the RPG. It was aired on Game Dra Night, a Japanese radio show, before its Pony Canyon release on April 9, 1997. The story mainly focuses on Nakoruru as the protagonist and her party consists of Haohmaru and Galford. The tracks split to tell two sides of the same story, both sides end differently.

The writers for this drama are the same one from the RPG.
Nagasaki

* Day
* Night

**Nagasaki** (長崎・出島, *Nagasaki - Dejima*?, where Dejima can be translated as *"exit island"*) is a battle stage exclusively found in the fighting game *Samurai Shodown V*. Nagasaki is one of the brand-new backgrounds created by Yuki Enterprise specifically for the game. The stage had 2 phases: day and night. Here in Nagasaki stage the player can fight against Charlotte with the day background, or Tam Tam during the night version. Sometimes the character Sankuro Yorozu can challenge the player here, and during Versus Mode this stage and any of its phases is selected randomly by the game.

## Description

The battle takes place on the main deck of a three-masted ship that is about to reach the port that can be seen in the distance. Another ship is located at the distance and its closer to the port. Behind the port town there are several mountains. On the floor of the main deck there are items like boxes, barrels, sacks, and an iron mesh to cover the ship’s hold. A little in the back the main mast is located, including a crow’s nest. Some riddings are tied from the main deck and rise to the top. In the back of the ship can be seen the quarter deck and a portion of the doors that leads to the captain’s cabin.
Because this stage has 2 forms here are the main differences:

* During day, behind the main mast it’s the main sail with the symbol of a red cross.
* During day there is a red carpet with a coat of arms covering the iron mesh.
* During day, when the player triggers Rage Explosion the black background looks full of red roses. The floor is covered by pink petals, and appear a layer with yellow design.
* During the night the main sail is coiled, as well the mizzen sail of the quarter deck.
* During the night, an oil-burning lantern is tied from the crow’s nest.
* During the night, when the player triggers Rage Explosion the stage background changes, the colors are inverted, the sky looks black, and over a field appears 8 statues with the same design from Green Hell stage.

*Nagasaki during day**Special background during day**Nagasaki during night**Special background during night*
## Trivia

Dejima was a a Dutch trading post located in Nagasaki, Japan from 1641 to 1854.

## Music

The track for this stage is called *Southern Barbarians Visiting* (南蛮渡来, *Nanbantorai*?)
Sabre Thrash

The **Sabre Thrash** (八はっ相そう発はっ破ぱ, **Hassō Happa**?, lit. *Eight-Phases Explosive Blast*), is one of the classic Special Moves performed by the character Jubei Yagyu since his debut on the original *Samurai Shodown* game.

## Input

Character facing right.

* *Samurai Shodown*, *II* -
* *IV* (only SLASH), *V* (*Special*, *Perfect*), *VI*, *SamSho '19* - Hold  **+**

## Description

Using both of his twin blades, *Steel Tiger* and *Wide Assistant*, Jubei starts to deliver fierce continous thrusts at high speed towards the opponent, coming out with incredible speed and power, even the blades show energy blazes. Sabre Thrash can land several hits, doing decent damage if not blocked, and doing good chip damage even when blocked. After a brief moment Jubei stop the thrusts.

In the original *Samurai Shodown* game, eath time Jubei touch the opponent (hit or block) is pushed away from the opponent, while in *Samurai Shodown II* can easly land 3-4 hits with minimal recoiling, but the damage inflicted is less than the previous game. Also in this game Jubei shouts the Special move's name, *Hassō Happa!* The blade's energy color varies with each Slash intensity: blue for , red for , and a combination of both using

From *Samurai Shodown IV* (using SLASH Technique) onwards the player needs to hold Forward on the arcade joystick/directional pad to perform this Special move.

This Special move is more suitable to perform when the opponent is cornered and with very low Life Gauge to inflict chip damage at least. Because, during Sabre Thrash, Jubei is unable to move or block attacks, leaving him vulnerable to punishment. Also, if opponent block all the thrusts, he/she will be ready to attack Jubei because he is still performing the Sabre Thrash.

Animation in *Samurai Shodown IV*.
Link Slashes

The **Link Slashes** (連ね斬り *Tsuranegiri*, lit. lined sword) is a special command exclusive of *Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa’s Revenge*. It works to inflict automatic short slash combos to the opponent.

Link Slashes only can be done while the Rage Explosion is active. During this state, the player can press Light Slash, Medium Slash, and Strong Slash at the same time to perform a 4, 5, or 6-hit combo automatically. This command reduces certain amount of Explosion Gauge each time it’s used; assuming the Explosion Gauge began full, in average the player only can use Link Slashes from two to three times.

After Link Slashes concludes, it can be finished with Knocking on the Sword super specials, special character movements, or do Combo Slash to continue the chain. Because certain hits during a Combo Slash can be canceled by other moves, a player can do Link Slashes once again to link combos. Linkers in the *Killer Instinct* series had already worked in a similar way.
Concealed Sabre Swallow Swipe

The **Concealed Sabre - Swallow Swipe** (秘剣 つばめ返し, *Hiken Tsubame Gaeshi*?, literally *Secret Sword - Swallow Return*) is one of Ukyo's classic Special movements found in each title of the Samurai Shodown series.

## Input

Character facing right.

* **All games** -     **+**
* Ground variation - Hold , then    **+**

## Description

During the air Ukyo rotates and perform a circular Slash attack with his sword. Only in the first two *Samurai Shodown* games the attack releases a flaming swallow that works as projectile (the distance and direction of the swallow depends on the Slash intensity). If the swallow or Ukyo's weapon hit sucessfully, the opponend will be knocked down covered in flames. When the enemy blocks the Swallow Swipe Ukyo make an automatic jump backward the opoonent.

### Differences in each game

* *Samurai Shodown II* - Even if hits the opponent Ukyo will do the automatic backward jump.
* Samurai Shodown III - The swallow projectile was removed from this game onwards. If the player uses  or  Ukyo will cough, increasing the recovery time. Only the Strong Slash version of this attack can cover the opponent in flames.
* *Samurai Shodown IV* - The coughs and the automatic backward jump when blocked were removed.
* *Samurai Shodown V Special* - Now the  version of this attack can deal 7 hits, but after that Ukyo coughs 2 times, no matter if hit or fail.
* *Samurai Shodown VI* - The automatic backward jumps when blocked returns. If the player uses the  version of the Swallow Swipe Ukyo puts one knee on the ground and cough heavily, holding on his sword.

## Tactics

In the First *Samurai Shodown* title the Swallow Swipe is the only projectile in the entire game throwed straight to the opponent in mid air, and additionally thanks to its quick recovery time is regarded as a very effective special move. If skilled enough the player can spam the opponent with the fire swallows, and its a great deal against jumping enemies.

Even without the "fire swallow" the Concealed Sabre Swallow Swipe has a very good air hit-box. One famous variation is the sorpresive "ground" version. In the ground the player can perform the command in the joystick/directional pad, then instead of press Slash button the player quickly must input a jump (backward up, up, or up fordward), and finally press Slash button. Ukyo will do a small jump and immediately perform the Swallow Swipe move.

Keep in mind that Strong Slash versions of this attack have horrid recovery.

Ukyo jumping towards the opponent with Swallow Swipe.
Osorezan

**Osorezan - Hell** is the last stage found in the video game *Samurai Shodown II*. It serves as the stage of Mizuki, the final boss of the game. *Samurai Shodown V Special* and *Perfect* features a remake of this stage with the same name. In Japan this bacgkround is called **Osorezan - Advent of the Demon World** (恐山・魔界降臨, *Osore-zan - Makai Kōrin*?).

## Description

The ground has an irregular formation of rocks, and there is a red, flashing symbol. At the center, in the middle back of the stage there is a temple where two spheres (purple and green) where they are floating. On each end side of the stage there is a stone protected with Shide (紙垂) and engraved with a flashing red symbol. From the bottom of these (and other) rocks emanates a red energy, and from the top there are rays which rises up to the center of the stage. On the top of the stage there is a big black sphere with an eye in the center; in the eye's pupil can be seen an embryonic demon. The blue sky features a wave special effect and behind the rocks and temple large amounts of smoke are issued. In general this stage features the staple chaotic look for a final boss battle.

The name of this stage is based on Mount Osore (恐山 *Osore-zan*, literally "Mount Fear"), a caldera volcano in the center of remote Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori Prefecture, Japan. According to popular mythology, Mount Osore marks the entrance to Hell, with a small brook running to the neighboring Lake Usori that is equated to the Sanzu River, a river that deceased souls needed to cross of their way to the afterlife.

Background animation.
## Musical themes

The song's name for this stage is a orchestral piece called "Evil God" (邪神 *Jashin*).

"Evil God"Mizuki's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack."Evil God" - ArrangedNicotine's theme, arranged version found in the Neo Geo CD and PlayStation One versions of *Samurai Shodown II*, and *Shin Samurai Spirits: Arrange Sound Trax*.
Ezo House

**Ezo House** (蝦夷の家, *Ezo no Ie*?, literally *House of Ezo*) is a battle stage found in *Samurai Shodown III*, which is part of the Kamui Kotan series of scenarios in the *Samurai Shodown* franchise. During Arcade Mode the player faces Rimururu, or when a New Challenger chooses her in Versus mode.

## Description

Since Zankuro is roaming the surroundings, the northern region of Hokkaido island has experienced a extreme temperature decline, disturbing mother nature.

This location is surrounded by a coniferous forest. In the right side there is a rock path which serves as dam and bridge to cross the river (now frozen). In the left side of the screen there is a hut where lives members of the Ainu tribe; in the front yard there are wolves, behind the hut there is a horse, and at the other side of the river there are many deers. In the distant there are mountains.

During the round 1 can be seen a snow storm during the night. In round 2 the storm stops and the day dawns. Some members of the Ainu people leave the hut to watch the match (now with Nakoruru as cameo) and all animals in the stage looks more lively (a couple of wolves are player between them, a couple of rabbits appears, the horse in the back breathes restlessly, and a deer in the right moves one leg).

When the match reaches the definitive moment, all stage takes blue tones, the background is replaced by a blue vacuum with rotating snowflake animations. Little snowflakes begin to fall slowly.

Background animation, 1st round.Background animation during 2nd and 3rd round.Animation during Limit Space.
## Musical themes

The song for this stage is called "Heart's Mirror" (心の鏡 *Kokoro no Kagami*).

"Heart's Mirror"Rimururu's theme from the original MVS/AVS soundtrack."Heart's Mirror" - ArrangedRimururu's theme, arranged version found in the Neo Geo CD, PlayStation One, and Sega Saturn versions of *Samurai Shodown III*, and *Samurai Spirits Zankuro Musouken Arrange Sound Trax*.
Africa

The ***Africa - Nyagoro Plains*** is a stage featured in the sixth installment of the *Samurai Shodown* series of weapon-based fighting games released by SNK Playmore in 2005.

## Description

The battle takes place during the sunset in a small african village. Throughout the stage there are many animals of different species. In front: birds, elephant, a family of lions, zebras; at the back: giraffes, flamingos drinking water from a lake, a cattle, antelopes, and more. There are many trees in the stage: two on the left, one at the right, and many more in the distance. At the right side of the stage there are five native people watching the match. Behind of them, there are three huts. A great mountain can be seen in the distant horizon.

Background animation.
## Musical themes

The soundtrack for this stage is a tribal song called "Party of Gratitude" (感謝の宴 *Hansha no Utage*)

"Party of Gratitude"Original arcade version."Party of Gratitude" - ArrangedArranged version that can be heard in the home versions of *Samurai Shodown VI* and the *Samurai Spirits Tenkaichi Kenkyakuden & Zero Sound Tracks* album.
Saya

## Saya

Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage. Design by Senri Kita.

### Full name (japanese)

サヤ (also written as 沙耶) - *Saya*
サシャ - *Sasha*

### Date of birth

Unknown (22 years old during *Warriors Rage*).

### Birthplace

England (*Days of Memories*). Akatsuki Village, Japan (current location).

### Family / relatives

• Unnamed mother and father (deceased).
• Benten (adoptive mother).

### Weapon(s)

Shi'en & Hien (止燕 • 飛燕) - *Halting Swallow & Soaring Swallow*, twin kamas.

### Fighting style

Megumi Bonshiki Sōsai-Jutsu(慈梵式相殺術) - *Compassionate Arts of Cancellation*.
Mikoto

## Mikoto

Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage. Design by Senri Kita.

### Date of birth

Unknown (19 years old during *Warriors Rage*).

### Family / relatives

• Shiki (mother)
• Shadow Asura (father, fused with Asura)
• Haohmaru (foster uncle)
• Tohma Kuki (love interest)

### Job / occupation

Priestess of the Three Blades of Domination.

### Weapon(s)

Yōtō Kokurin (妖刀 哭麟) - *Ghost Sword - Qilin*, a stylized nagayari.
Hanzo Hattori (Warriors Rage)

Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage. Design by Senri Kita.

**Hattori Hanzo(服部半蔵***Hattori Hanzou)* is the name used by the leaders of the Hattori clan of Iga Ninja. The Hanzo in Warriors Rage is the persona assumed by Hanzo's eldest son, Hattori Shinzo who takes up his father's position as Chief Ninja of the Iga Ninja Forces loyal to the Tokugawa Bakufu.

## Early Life

Hattori Shinzo was born the eldest son of Hanzo Hattori, head of the house of Hattori and Master Ninja of the Iga-ryu Ninja sect. His mother Kaede was of the Koka, and through their union the feud between the Iga and Koka was quelled.

One day Shinzo was possessed by the spirit of Shirou Amakusa; a Christian turned vengeful spirit after the slaughter at Shimabara decades prior. He would be trapped in the demon plane until Kaede managed to retrieve his soul, but due to exposure to the demon plane's evil energies, Shinzo was in danger of fading away, and so to save him, his mother gave her life so that Shinzo would live.

Years after that, Shinzo would take up the name Hanzo, proving a gifted leader like his father, with his own unique take on the Iga ninja arts. Sometime later, Hanzo would inherit the leadership as well after his father's retirement following the expulsion of a rogue ninja.

## Warrior's Rage

Learning that Oboro, the traitor that was bested by his father was running a lawless zone with plans to overthrow the Bakufu, Hanzo took it upon himself to investigate the island and eliminate the threat and report back to the Tokugawa. During his travels he'd meet with his old family friend and savior, Haohmaru, and would ultimately track down and kill Oboro.

After reporting to the Shogun, Hanzo is praised by his colleagues for his bravery and skill, leaving the master ninja touched. From the shadows, his father Hanzo watches on, proudly.
Ninja Shrike Dash

The **Ninja Shrike Dash** (モズ落おとし, **Mozuotoshi**?, literally *Shrike Drop*) is a Special grab move performed by the character Hanzo Hattori since the first game of the Samurai Shodown series. In *Samurai Shodown II* there is variation of the same Special move called Whistling Shrike Drop; in essence it's the same movement but at the same time considered a separate Special skill. The sub-boss Yumeji Kurokouchi from *Samurai Shodown V* is also able to do this move when morphing as Hanzo.

## Input

Character facing right. Player needs to be close to the opponent.

* *Samurai Shodown*, *II* -  **+**
* *Samurai Shodown III* (BUST)-  **+**
* *Samurai Shodown IV* (BUST), *V* (*Special*, *Perfect*), *VI*, *2019* -  **+**
* *The King of Fighters 2006* -  **+**

## Description

Hanzo makes a movement with his arms to grab the enemy, then he do a big jump in the air without letting go of the opponent. During the descent Hanzo stands upside down in the air (as well the opponent), and finally strike his / her head to the ground while Hanzo does an acrobatic jump backward to land safely. Height of the jump and level of damage is determined by the button intensity (Kicks on the first two *Samurai Shodown* games, and Slashes since *Samurai Shodown IV* onwards).

## Differences in each game

* *Samurai Shodown II* - During both ascent and descent of the Special move Hanzo makes spins in the air, making the enemy's body turn as well. Also, during the hit in the ground 5 flame pillars appears from below and enemy is enveloped in flames. This is the first game where Hanzo can also do the Special move while dashing, but this variation later was ranamed as *Whistling Shrike Drop*.
* *Samurai Shodown III* - The flame pillars and the animation of the opponent surrounded by fire were removed. This is the first time where the player can do the input and see the grab animation without need to be close to the opponent. Also, after landing successfully Hanzo crouches down with one knee on the ground.
* *Samurai Shodown IV* - Once again the flames returned when the opponent's character is hit on the ground, and now such flames have a "spreading" animation effect. This Special move is **enhanced** during Rage Mode (bar at MAX): first Hanzo strikes some vital points of the opponent's character body, and then does the rest of the routine.
* *Samurai Shodown V*, *Special*, *Perfect* - same as Amakusa's Revenge but the Special move isn't enhanced anymore when Rage Gauge is full.
* *Samurai Shodown VI* - Same implementation as *SamSho V*. This time, after do the back flip to land Hanzo has a new taunt animation settling his red scarf.
* *Samurai Shodown (2019)* - Same as *SamSho V* but now with improved graphics and effects quality.

Animation in the first entry of *Samurai Shodown*.*Samurai Shodown II*, the fire effects were added.*Samurai Shodown III*, the fire was removed.The Enhanced version found in *Samurai Shodown IV*.Yumeji morphing into Hanzo to perform Ninja Shrike Dash. *Samurai Shodown V*.*Samurai Shodown VI*. After perform Hanzo makes a taunt.Ninja Shrike Dash in *KOF 2006* (*Maximum Impact 2*)
Yoshino

**Yoshino** (吉野・千本桜, *Yoshino - Senbon Sakura*?, literally means *Yoshino - Thousands of Cherry Blossoms*) is a battle stage featured in the 2003 fighting video game *Samurai Shodown V* produced originally by SNK Playmore. Like others in this game, Yoshino stage has 2 phases: day and night. In Arcade Mode the player can face Haohmaru during the day phase, and Rasetsumaru on the night. Sometimes the player can also face Sankuro Yorozu. During Versus Mode this stage is selected randomly.

## Description

*For a complete description check Arie page.*
The next is a list of differences betwheen Yoshino and Arie stages.

* The new day phase: the color palette was changed to reflect such state of the day. The ground and tree trunks looks more brown, the grass now looks green, the sky color is light turquoise, the *tōrō* lanterns (灯籠) are off, and the cherry blossoms looks pink instead purple.
* The night phase of Yoshino removes Amakusa Castle.

*Yoshino during day**Yoshino during night**Special background animation during climax*
## Music

The track for this stage is called "Cherry Blossom" 桜 (Sakura, *桜*?). It's the same track of Arie stage, and also can be heared in Kyoshiro's Edo stage.