recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Devastated Post Town

The **Devastated Post Town** (荒廃した宿場町, *Kōhaishita Shukuba Machi*?, can be translated as *Ruined Post Town*) is a battle stage found in *Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood*. The player faced Genjuro Kibagami during Arcade mode, or when a New Challenger chooses him in Versus mode. This stage was later recycled in *Samurai Shodown V*, and a remake was featured in *Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge*.

## Description

This location is a shukuba (宿場, *shukuba*?), post stations (also called post towns) during the Edo period in Japan where travelers could rest on their journey around the nation. The battle unfolds in the middle of a street, during a day where the wind blows strong, and grey clouds are prelude of storm. On the left side of the stage there is a building with red curtains moving with the air; it has a letter with the kanjis 瑠絵加 signed with よ. On the right side there is another building also with shorter red curtains. A broken cargo carriage can be see aside of that building. In the second floor there is a small letter about to fall because the strong wind. More buildings can be seen far away, as well high amounts of dust in the street. When the match ends a thunder strikes between both characters.

Briefly after the match begins there are three children in the street: two boys dressed in blue playing swordsmanship with sticks and a girl dressed with pink Kimono (着物). Moments later the girl and a boy (the left one) go to seek refuge, leaving the other child alone. When he is about to cry, an adult woman arrives to take him to a refuge.

During the decisive moments the stage takes a dark pink tone, with an animation giving the impression that energy flows from the ground to the sky. There is nothing in the stage but the ground.

Background animation at the beginning of the match.Background animation after the children leavesBackground animation during the last moments of the match.
## Musical themes

The soundtrack for this stage is called "Ogre Song" (鬼唄 *Oni-uta*), which is regarded as one all-time favorite among SNK fans.

"Ogre Song"Genjuro's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack."Ogre Song" - ArrangedArranged 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*.
Kuroko

Samurai Shodown (2019). Design by Ogura.

### Family / relatives

Younger brothers: Jiro, Saburo, Shiro, and Goro. Kuroko is the older of the quintuplets.

### Special skill

• Resurrecting the dead (SamSho II).
• Able to learn techniques after see them once (VI).

### Flaw(s)

Can't face people unless he hides his face.

### The path of the sword is:

*"An opportunity to witness a great match."*

### First appearance

*Samurai Shodown (1993)*

**Kuroko** was used as an official who officiated the match in early *Samurai Shodown* games. He starts to challenge players as a hidden boss in *Samurai Shodown II* and continues to do so in other games of the series. Kuroko is an alias; his real name is shown in the credits of the second game; but it, keeping with the kuroko theme, is blurred with mosaics. His "real" name is revealed to English fans nearly a decade later a Dueling Judge: "Slick" Sukihiro. On his card in the English version of Card Fighters Clash he is called "The Ump".

Although he appears as his own character in the series, real life kuroko are meant to be anonymous and "invisible" stage men in Japanese theater. The color black (kuro) in Kabuki and Noh theaters, means to be invisible.

Similar characters appear in the *Power Instinct* series, though they have no relation to Stick, aside from a common occupation.
Hanma Yagyu

Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage. Design by Senri Kita.

### Fighting style

Ura Yagyū Taijutsu Kai (裏柳生体術　改) - *The Reverse Yagyu Life Figure Arts-Revised*.

### First appearance

*Samurai Shodown 64*

**Hanma Yagyu** is a character who is exclusive to the *Samurai Shodown 64* iterations. Although they are members of the same clan, he is not directly related to Jubei. He is voiced by Takeshi Watanabe.
Izumo

**Izumo** (出雲・両翔寺跡 (りょうしょうじあと), *Izumo - Ryōshōjiato*?, literally *Izumo - Traces/Remains of Temple Ryōshō*) is a battle stage featured in the 2003 fighting game *Samurai Shodown V*. Has 2 different phases: afternoon where the player faces Hanzo Hattori and night where the battle is against Basara Kubikiri. Sometimes the character Sankuro Yorozu challenges the player on this location.

## Description

*For a complete description please check Temple Ruins page.*
The next is a list of main differences between Izumo stage and Temple Ruins:

* While Temple Ruins background from *Samurai Shodown III* changes during Round 2, Izumo background does not change during the match (except de climax background).
* Color pallete change: during the night phase (Basara) blue with black colors predominate, and orange tones in the afternoon phase (Hanzo).
* The *Shōji* doors (障子) were removed.
* Outside scenography was changed, now can be seen a building in poor condition (the same from Koga).
* The climatic background change of Temple Ruins is also featured in Izumo. But during a match against Hanzo or other characters (except Basara) the girl who appears in the center is removed.

*Izumo stage during Basara match**Background change during climax**Izumo stage during Hanzo match**Special background for Hanzo*
## Music

The track for this stage is called *Dog* (犬, *Inu*?). It's the same track from Kuchinotsu stage of *Samurai Shodown IV*.
Rage Build

The ***Rage Build***, known in Japan as ***Ikari Tame*** (怒りの造る roughly translated as **Anger Reservoir**), is a basic command found in *Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood* and *Samurai Shodown VI*.

Right after the round begins a player can press and hold    buttons simultaneously; then the character takes a special stand and an energy begins to emanate from his feet, which makes hair and clothes move with the air. Input for *Samurai Shodown VI* is hold   buttons using the Spirit III.

During Rage Build the Rage Gauge gradually begins to fill without the need of being hit by the opponent; thus, the player can reach Rage Explosion faster. However, the active time of Rage Explosion is significantly lower if the player fills the gauge only with Rage Build.

Rage Build is inspired by the classic *Art of Fighting*’s spirit bar system, and the Extra Mode made famous by *The King of Fighters* series, both creations by SNK.
Our God's Crack-Spirit Transmutation

**Our God's Crack-Spirit Transmutation** (我が神しん変へん裂れつ魂こん, **Genshin Henretsu Kon**?), also known as *Swine Curse*, is a Special Move performed by the final boss Mizuki Rashojin in the 1994 game *Samurai Shodown II*.

## Input

Character facing right.

* **+**

## Description

Mizuki points his weapon, the Sacred Tree Sprig of Mi-Goh, towards the opponent, and gives an order to Maju. Then, her pet assume its monstrous form, charging an energy ball to shoot it towards the opponent, and after that Maju returns to its base form.

This projectile has regular speed and can be easily bloqueable, but if the player fails to block it, a smoke explosion occurs and the character will be transformed into a pig. During this state, the player's character is unable to do any attack, block, or jump, only move left or right, and sweat drops are aso visible above his/her head to reflect the state of urgency the character is in. After some seconds the character returns to normal.

While transformed into a pig, the player is very vulnerable to receive punishment from Mizuki. The only strategy to remain safe during this state is to move quickly and be placed right under Mizuki's skirt. In this blind spot the CPU is unable to hit or grab the player.

## Pig Gallery

SNK developers added special details to the pig transformations of the main characters. While pig forms like Earthquake, Sieger, and Kuroko are the same and with no details, others morphs into his pet or companions.

Cham Cham morphs into Paku Paku.Charlotte with a rose above her head.EarthquakeGalford morphs as Poppy.Genan with a piece of clothing.Genjuro with the scar in his back.Hanzo using the red scarf.Haohmaru with red wristbands.Jubei using the eye patch.Kyoshiro with kabuki makeup.Nakoruru using a pink strip.Nicotine looking old.Sieger.Ukyo with the flower for his beloved.Wan-Fu using the same necklace.KurokoMizuki morphs as Maju.
San Francisco (Samurai Shodown II)

**San Francisco - Noon** is the name of a stage found in the second game of the *Samurai Shodown* series, released for Neo Geo during 1994 by SNK. In Arcade mode the player faces Galford on this stage, or when a New Challenger chooses him in Versus Mode. In Japan this stage is best known as **San Francisco - PM12:00** (サンフランシスコ・PM12:00, *San Furanshisuko - PM12:00*?).

## Description

This is a remake of the original San Francisco stage found in the previous *Samurai Shodown* game. One more time, this stage represents a sea port and the battle unfolds on a dock. On both sides of the stage there are one barrel, and if the player makes an Slash attack the barrel will be cut. The content of both barrels is shown randomly, sometimes both barrel has either red apples or fish. In the left side of the screen it can be seen a wooden pole, from which a sailor has grabbed a freshly caught, rotating shark. Behind the wooden pole there is a shrimp boat with some public. In the right side of the screen there are more public watching the match and another wooden pole. Behind there is a big black ship with both a bowsprit and figurehead of a woman in gold. Far away there is a white ship.

Background animation.
## Trivia

* Sometimes, Kim Kaphwan from Fatal Fury 2 appears slithering in the back of the dock from left to right.

## Musical theme

The soundtrack for this stage is, once again, a J-Rock oriented song accompained with traditional Japanese instruments called "Bluefin Tuna" (黒鮪 *Kuromaguro*). There is no Arranged version of this track.

"Bluefin Tuna"Galfords's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack.
Battlefield

**Battlefield - The Sunset**, best known in Japan as Dewa - Sunset (出羽・落日, *Dewa - Rakujitsu*?), is a fighting stage found in the second installment of the Samurai Shodown series. Hanzo Hattori is the character who fights in this scenario during arcade mode, or when a new challenger choose him in Versus mode.

## Description

Basically, this stage is a mirrored version of *Samurai Shodown's* Yamagata stage with different colors and minimal changes.

Before the battle starts, a flock of crows flies, and then their black feathers fall slowly.

At the site it can be seen two roads, one horizontal in the front, and another upright in the left side which lost in the distance. With some lawn, there are old wooden fences and one old tree trunk on which is posing a crow. More crows are posing on a small stone pilar, a buddhist statue, and two more on a stone written with the kanjis 臍毛村 (Hosoge Village); this stone is destructible with an Slash attack, when it happens the crows fly out leaving black feathers. Also it can be seen a piece of flag at the middle distance. Far in the background, there are shadow silhouettes of an old construction and another tree trunk. In the near front it can be seen two rice plants moving with the air. The sky is purple with animations that gives waves effect, and at the right side the sky can be seen with orange and red tone because the sunset.

These details give the impression that, besides the direct "battlefield" description, there was a kind of natural dissaster that destroyed everything, with a feeling of abandonment and bleakness.

Background animation
## Musical theme

The song for this stage is called "Portrait" (真影 *Shin'ei*).
Power Gradation

The ***Power Gradation*** is a special attack in the *Samurai Shodown* series used by Charlotte.

## Input

* *Samurai Shodown*, *II* -
* *Samurai Shodown IV*, *V*, *V Special*, *VI* -

## Description

Charlotte starts this special attack first crouching down and putting his left knee on the ground, prepares her weapon *La Roche*, and then perform an upright jumping attack. The weapon produce a wake of energy beam (green in *Samurai Shodown*, rainbow-colored in *Samurai Shodown II*, and white/blue since *Samurai Shodown IV*) than can damage the opponent together with the weapon itself. When reaching certain height the beam concludes and Charlotte return to the ground. The height depends on which Slash intensity was used by the player).

## Tips

* Because of its uppercut-move nature, the Power Gradation is a great technique for air defense. Use it against jumping opponents or physical airborne attacks.
* In *Samurai Shodown I* and *II* Charlotte takes a little bit time to perform the movement, but since *Samurai Shodown IV* and onwards the animation is faster and can hit multiple times.
* Unlike other famous uppercuts like the "*Shoryuken*", the invincible gap and air range of Power Gradation are very limited.

Charlotte performing Splash Fount.Splash Fount knocking-down the opponent.
Northern Country

**Northern Country - Summer**, best known as **Ezo - Spring** (蝦夷・春, *Ezo - Haru*?) in Japan, is a stage found in the *Samurai Shodown II* videogame released in 1994 by SNK. The player faces Nakoruru in this stage during Arcade mode, or when a New Challenger chooses her in Versus mode. This is the second entry in the Kamui Kotan stages.

## Description

Because Mizuki's evil power, the northern region of Hokkaido island has experienced a temperature increase, causing the snow melts and disturbing nature. Unlike previous Nakoruru stage, now looks like in the middle of summer, as the name suggest.

This location is surrounded by a coniferous forest. Far in the back there is a waterfall which feeds the river that can be seen at the right side of the stage. There is a path of rocks which serves as bridge to cross the river. A little in the back there is a bunch of sticks on the river. In the left side of the screen there is a hut where lives members of the Ainu tribe; in the front there are some natives and animals of different species: birds in a bucket, a bovine (other bird is standing on his back), a family of wolves, a couple of monkeys in the hut's roof, a pair of rabbits, another pair of monkeys on a table, a couple of squirrels, a bear who holds up a little girl (surely Rimururu), behind the hut there is a white horse, and at the other side of the river there are many deers. In the distant there are mountains.

Background animation.
## Musical themes

The soundtrack for this stage is a song called "Nature's Banquet - Spring" (自然の宴　春 *Shizen no Utage - Haru*). It's the same name as previous Nakoruru song.

"Nature's Banquet - Spring"Nakoruru's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack."Nature's Banquet - Spring" - ArrangedNakoruru'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*.
Waterfall Bridge

**Waterfall Bridge** (大滝前の吊り橋, *Ōtaki Mae no Tsuribashi*?, roughly translated as *The Hanging Bridge in Front of the Big Waterfall*) is a battle stage first found in *Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood*. The player faces Galford D. Weller during Arcade mode, or when a New Challenger chooses him in Versus mode. This stage was later recycled for *Samurai Shodown V*.

## Description

The characters moving through an old bridge made of ropes and wooden boards. On each side of the stage there is a tree with green leaves. Behind each tree there are big rocks. In the back there is the waterfall. Up there is a blue sky with some clouds. Randomly a bird appears overflying the stage. Sunlight can be seen sometimes during the match.

When the match reach the final moments all stage darkens, and the sky is now indigo color. Lightning can be seen in the sky and other places of the stage.

Background animation.Animation during Limit Space.
## Musical themes

As usual, theme of Galford's stage is a J-Rock piece called "Purifying Waterfall" (精進の滝 *Shōjin no Taki*).

"Purifying Waterfall"Galford's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack."Purifying Waterfall" - ArrangedGalford'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*.
Grendel Elliott

Appears in **The Marketplace**, **The Slave**, **The Trainer**, and **The Academy**.

Grendel has been a Spotter as well as a Trainer. He specializes in novice slaves. Marketplace slaves that he has trained include Robert Grafton, Sharon Brosa, Brian Cohen and Claudia, as well as several unnamed slaves.

**Personal Description:** "Black hair, close-cropped beard salted with strands of silver; above average height. Eyes are softly touched with humor."

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Grendel was a competitive rider as a youth. He served a 2-year tour of duty in Vietnam before exploring San Francisco in the late 1960’s and geting involved in the alternative scene and finding the Marketplace. A very social man, Grendel has attended Academy events since the 1970's, and first meets Imala Anderson in the early 1980’s after completing his training with another unnamed trainer of good reputation. Through regular attendance at Academy events, Grendel meets Paul Sheridan, Janna Corliss, Corinne, Arturo Massimiliano, Matson, Alayne, Kyle van Dien, and Mr. Benjamin and his unnamed owner. He meets Michael LaGuardia briefly in San Francisco about a year before Michael moves to the East Coast to train with Imala Anderson.

In the early 1980's, Grendel joins with Alexandra Selador in the early 1980’s to develop the the Long Island Training House, where Chris Parker later joins the staff. The specialty of the house is new entrants in the Marketplace. He reluctantly (at first) hires Rachel as house assistant. Grendel owns no [Marketplace slaves"]. Grendel is primarily a gay man, and is an occasional fuckbuddy of OwnerGordon Reynolds. He is lovers with Alexandra Selador, one of the few women he’s interested in, and sexually sadistic to Chris Parker. Grendel’s dungeon is known as his “workshop.”

**Timeline of significant events**

1949 born in Lexington, KY
1967 drafted and has a two-year tour of Vietnam, returning to live in San Francisco
1971 finds the Marketplace and becomes a spotter
1975 attends his first Academy and meets a ["trainer'} who will take him on as an undertrainer
1978 begins training on his own
1981 meets Imala Anderson
1982 meets Alexandra Selador and begins a relationship with her
1983 joins forces with Alex to open the Long Island Training House
1985 the Long Island House is officially sanctioned by The Academy
1987 takes on Chris Parker as a major domo for the house
1991 takes Chris Parker and Rachel on vacation
1993 offers to buy Chris Parker from Imala Anderson
Edo (Samurai Shodown V)

**Edo** (江戸・狂死郎歌舞伎, *Edo - Kyoshiro Kabuki*?) is a battle stage found in *Samurai Shodown V*. Kyoshiro Senryo is once again the titular during Arcade Mode, but in a VS match the CPU selects this stage randomly, no matter which characters the players are controlling. This stage shares the same name with that which is in *Samurai Shodown II*, but with different scenography.

## Differences

*Main article: Kabuki Theater Stage*
This stage recycles only the first form of Kabuki Stage (background shown during round one) from *Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood*, and it remains present during the entire match. The butterflies on sakura trees were removed.

When a player activates Rage Explosion or if the match reach its final moments, the stage changes to its climax form, but with the animations of tarantula, serpent, moon, sun, and samurai warriors missed.

Edo background in *Samurai Shodown V*. The butterflies are out.Edo's climax background with not other animations.
## Music

For this game, Edo uses Arie and Yoshino default theme *"Cherry Blossom"* (桜, *Sakura*?).
Amakusa Castle (Samurai Shodown V Special)

The **Amakusa Castle** (天草城, *Amakusajō*?), sometimes called **Execution Place** (処刑場, *Shokei-ba*?) or simply *Gallows*, is a battle stage found in the 2004 arcade game *Samurai Shodown V Special* and the *Perfect* update. Randomly the player can fight on this stage during Arcade or Versus modes, as well when the player reach the match against Shiro Tokisada Amakusa.

Unlike the original Amakusa Castle castle, now the battle unfoulds outside the castle, just as shown Kusenbutake stage from *Samurai Shodown IV*. The main differences are the color palette change (the building with blue tones and the sky looks more purple), and the removal of the crows. A special background (invoked when Rage Explosion is activated) was added, showing the face of Amakusa; this was used in *Samurai Shodown IV* when he appeared suddenly during the match.

*The outskirts of Amakusa Castle**Special background*
## Music

The ambience piece for this stage is a track called *Gallows* (処刑場, *Shokei-ba*?).
Funatsu

**Funatsu** (船浄, *Funatsu*?) is a battle stage found in Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa's Revenge, released in 1996 by SNK for Neo Geo and home systems. Sometimes during Arcade mode this is the first stage of the "west route" in the way to Amakusa Castle. A remake of this stage is found in the prequel game *Samurai Shodown V*.

## Description

During the stage intro the opponent is standing on a cliff with the moon behind he/she. Then the battle unleash in a beach during the night. In the near front there is a rock on the sand, and a little rocky system at the left of the beach. On the right side of the stage there is a hill with some green branches. Such hill continues towards the distance beyond the beach; on the top the Amakusa Castle can be seen emanating a evil red energy. The waves of the sea hit continuously on the beach and rocks, while the moon illuminates the sea, sky and clouds. Some of such clouds cover the moon for some seconds and the whole environment looks a little darker.

During the decisive moments of the match the stage turns blue completely, and only a little portion of the beach can be seen.

Normal animation of Funatsu.Blue background during climax.
## Music

Funatsu theme is an ambience track called "Seaside" (三ノ宮, *San'nomiya*?). No arranged version was made.
Texas

**Texas** (テキサス -TEXAS-,, *Tekisasu*?) is a fighting stage found in the first *Samurai Shodown* videogame, which serves as stage for the character Earthquake. Another new Texas stage subtitled *Pacific Railway* is featured in *Samurai Shodown II* for Earthquake.

## Description

The background of this place is amoung the mountains, which closely resembles a Grand Canyon. The soil is dry and cracked, with few desert plants, dry branches, and a trunk. Two tumbleweeds appear rolling through the stage from right to left.

Erroneously the game mentions Texas as an United States of America location, but based on real-life history and the year of the events of the first *Samurai Shodown* game, which take place at 1789 (a work of fiction after all), Texas was part of Mexico. Therefore, the correct nationality of Earthquake is mexican.

Background animationSuper Nintendo version.
## Musical themes

The song of this stage is called "Earth" (大地 - *Daichi*), which is notable for being a rock-oriented song with a light shakuhachi arrangement.
Ukyo Tachibana

Samurai Shodown (2019). Design by Ogura.

**Ukyo Tachibana** is a character introduced in *Samurai Shodown* who continues to appear in most titles of the series.

## Storyline

### Biography

* **Samurai Shodown V:** *The ill-fated master swordsman afflicted with a fatal dissease. He's on a journey to find the son of his master Sakon Kurokouchi, whose whereabouts have not been known these past 3 years. The reason for his journey, which will shorten his life, is to see the sight of Yumeji's mother, who awaits the return of his son.*
* **Samurai Shodown Sen** (alternative timeline)**:** *Ukyo is an expert in iaijutsu, a quick-draw style of swordsmanship. Though extremely talented and much sought after by women, Ukyo is also afflicted with tuberculosis and does not have long to live. Ever aware of his limited time, Ukyo resists his love for a married noblewoman named Kei and instead fight for her honor. When Kei's husband goes missing during a mission to meet secretly with foreigners she breaks down and Ukyo is moved to discover his fater. With what little time he has left he fights for her sake once more, no matter the cost of himself.*
Michael LaGuardia

Michael Xavier LaGuardia appears in **The Trainer**, **The Academy**, **The Reunion** and**The Inheritor**.

Introduced to the Marketplace by his Uncle Niall, an **Owner** of two slaves, Ethan and Jerry, Michael begins training with Geoff Negel. While in training, he attends an event at **Rothmere** and learns that Geoff is not well respected. He also meets**Grendel Elliot** at an event in San Francisco. He attempts to train Karen to bad effect.

Michael is accepted for training by **Imala Anderson** and acts as her **junior**trainer while working with Tara and Joan. He meets **Owner** Emil and **Marketplace slave** Greta while training with Anderson. He manages to have sex with every slave in Anderson’s household, including Tara, Joan and Lorens. Eventually, Michael ends up being trained under **Chris Parker** using the difficult “classic” manner of training, and is aroused by Chris’ touch and, at times, his humiliation. Michael is moved from Anderson’s house to the Long Island **Training House** owned by **Grendel Elliot** and **Alexandra Selador** in the mid 1990’s.

Michael never completes his training; he marries Claire Cameron, a member of a **Marketplace family**, and names his first son Christopher. **Chris Parker** is the child's godfather.

During **The Reunion**, **Nigel Pepper** tracks Michael down and attempts to have him confirm the existence of **The Marketplace**. Later, Michael hires Nigel to host a talk show.

**Personal Description:** Italian father, Irish mother, giving him tanned skin a mop of black hair and blue eyes "ice blue of sapphires, ringed with black." Raised in Los Angeles, BA in communications from Berkeley, 26 years old at the time of **The Trainer**. As well as having an active sex life, Michael enjoys getting his toes sucked.

**Timeline of Significant Events**

1967 born and christened Michael Xavier LaGuardia
1985 goes to college (Berkeley)
1990 introduced to **The Marketplace** by Uncle Niall and meets Ethan and Jerry
1991 begins training with Geoff Negel
1992 continues training with Geoff, attends event at **Rothmere** Castle
1992 attempts to train Karen on his own to terrible effect
1993 begins training with **Imala Anderson**
1993 begins apprenticeship under **Chris Parker**, attends **The Academy** in Okinawa
1994 marries Claire Cameron Oct 25
1995 has a son, named Christopher LaGuardia Aug 21
Yashamaru Kurama

Samurai Shodown (2019) design by Ogura.

**Yashamaru Kurama** (鞍馬 夜叉丸, *Kurama Yashamaru*?) is a playable character from the Samurai Shodown series. Making his debut in the 2019 soft reboot title as one of the newcomers, Yashamaru is the lead face and protagonist of such game. He is a Karasu Tengu warrior (Crow Tengu) that punish common villains from the shadows, and also holds a great grudge towards the shogunate. Character voice (CV) is provided by Kouhei Amasaki.
Rimururu

Samurai Shodown (2019). Design by Ogura.

### Fighting style

Shikanna Kamui Ryūtō Bujutsu (シカンナカムイ流刀舞術) - *The Dancing Sword Arts of the Shikanna-Kamui.*

### The path of the sword is:

• *"I also want to be as strong as my sister."* (SamSho IV)
• *"How to get closer to my longing sister"* (SamSho 64)
• *"Something my big sister taught me"* (SamSho V, Sen)

### First appearance

*Samurai Shodown III*

**Rimururu**, known as **Rimnerel** in some translations, is a *Samurai Shodown series* character who has since become one of the most popular characters in the series. She appears in many of the series's merchandise, and even has her own character image CD.

Her prototype design in *Samurai Shodown II* was formerly a scrapped concept for one of the heroines from another SNK game, Robo Army. According to the creators' commentary for *Samurai Shodown V*, she is one of the main programmer's favorite characters. In the Neo Geo Freak's 1997 Volume 8 character poll, she was voted as the twelfth favorite character with a total of 840 votes. And in Neo Geo Freak's August 1998 issue, she was ranked as the 8th best character.

## Storyline

### Biography

* **Samurai Shodown V:** *Rimururu is Nakoruru's younger sister and a virgin maiden of the Ainu. While playing with Konril, her older sister suddenly disappeared. Tracing her sister's footsteps in the snow, Rimururu, in the mood for taking a little jaunt, leaves Kamui Kotan.*
* **Samurai Shodown Sen** (alternative timeline)**:** *A medium of the Ainu people of Japan and younger sister to Nakoruru, Rimururu can sense and commune with the great spirit of the land. One day, hovewer, the voice of the Holy Spirit fell silent and Rimururu was troubled. Never before had she not been able to hear or feel its presence. Not wanting to involve her sister and determined to discover the cause on her own, she set off in pursuit of the truth.*
Yuda

Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage. Design by Senri Kita.

**Yuda** is character introduced in *Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage*. He is the product of Asura merging with Shadow Asura. He is voiced by Kazuya Ichijo. He's occasionally depicted having a lone black wing at his left shoulder in various appearances (though its never shown in actual gameplay).

A fanart of Yuda can be seen at the *Samurai Shodown V* developers diary page. The background art sports a reversed greek inscription, that becomes "wappiopo paye" (Warriors Rage) if mirrored from left to right. The inscription in foreground reads "Angel of Death" - One-Winged Death God - Yuda". Developers express their desire to see him return in another game someday.
Yuga the Destroyer

Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage. Design by Senri Kita.

**Emperor of Destruction, Yuga**, often referred to as **Yuga the Destroyer** and the "mysterious puppeteer", is the apparently genderless main antagonist for the *Samurai Shodown 64* iterations of the series. Due to balancing issues, it is left unplayable in most of the games it appears in. It is seen both in the male and female bodies. It is symbolized by fetuses and eyes. An Alien-like creature is depicted in its crest.
Eric Parese

appears in **The Slave** and **The Trainer** and mentioned briefly in the story *The Nurse* in **The Academy**

Eric first appears in The Slave when he and his lover, **Jimmy Appleton**, purchase **Robin** at the New York “fall auction.” Eric lives in Topanga Canyon and is a professional model (including International Male) and collects art. He has modeled with Lamont. With his lover, he co-owns Raul, Jeff, and Steve (Muscledog), but does not co-own Carl.

Eric and Jimmy sometimes throw part that mix Marketplace and non-Marketplace people; Marketplace guests have included Monica, the Panskis (Eve and Tom), Roberto Vasques and his lover Lamont, and the unnamed **Owner** of Brian Cohen; non-Marketplace guests include April, who is a friend of Monica and is served by **Robin**. Eric also has a run-in with **Chris Parker**.

Personal Description: Bright blue eyes. "Wavy two-toned hair was expertly cut so that it fell across a distinguished forehead, a square jaw set off a firm but sensual mouth. He was about 6'2" slender and graceful." He loves to have his feet licked.
Temple

**Temple - Mist**, best known in Japan as Hida - Kokain (飛騨・枯華院, *Hida - Kokain*?) is a battle stage found in *Samurai Shodown II*. Nicotine Caffeine is the character who faces the player during Arcade Mode, or when a new challenger chooses him in Versus mode. Slightly reworked versions of Temple can be found in *Samurai Shodown III: Blades or Blood* and *Samurai Shodown V*.

## Description

The location of this place seems to be in the middle of a hidden forest surrounded by fog. The characters moves along a dirt road, while in the center stage there is a ascending stone staircase. This staircase is followed at the sides by traditional stone lanterns called *Tōrō* (灯籠 literally light basket, light tower), and leads to the entrance of a temple upstage. Around the staircase there are many tree trunks and green vegetation on the ground. At the left of the screen there is a trunk surrounded by many *Shide* (紙垂). In such truck it can be seen a skull.

Background animation.
## Musical themes

The song dedicated for this stage is called "Bewildering Fog" (迷い霧 *Mayoi Kiri*).

"Bewildering Fog"Nicotine's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack."Bewildering Fog" - 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*.
Versailles

**Versailles** (ベルサイユ -VERSAILLES,-, *Berusaiyu*?) is the name of a battle stage found in the first game of the series. Charlotte is who fights in this stage during arcade or versus mode. *Versailles* made a comeback in *Samurai Shodown II* with new elements, now called *Paris: the Versailles Palace*.

## Description

The battle is set inside an elegant palace hall. The floor is reflective marble black and white, with a pink carpet in the center of the hall with yellow embroidery on the edge; on the carpet there are two gold candlesticks with four burning candles respectively, and each candlestick is destructible during a battle with a Slash attack. A pair of gold ceiling chandeliers adorned with jewelry and burning candles are located in the heights; these also are destructible. On each side of the hall it can be seen a window decorated with pink room curtains. In the middle front on each side of the hall there are two marble statues of angels on pedestals. In the back of the room there is a big painting on the wall depicting an armed warrior on horseback subjecting an enemy. Under the painting at floor level there is a fireplace; above there are two vessels, and on the sides two guardsmen.

As the name implies, this stage is based on the famous Château de Versailles, whose construction was started by Louis XIII but expanded as it is now known by Louis XIV during seventeenth century.

Background animation
## Musical themes

The background music for this stage is called "Foreign Woman" (舶来女 *hakurai on'na*), which presents a classic, orchestral melody.

"Foreign Woman"Charlotte's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack."Foreign Woman" - ArrangedCharlotte's theme, arranged version found in the Neo Geo CD version of *Samurai Shodown*, and *Samurai Spirits Image Album*.
True Confucious Thunder Bomb

* Sword
* Column

The ***True Confucious Thunder Bomb***, also known with names as *Exploding Wave*, *Confucius Exploding Wave*, or *Rolling Spirit Blast*, is one of Wan-Fu's signature movements in every Samurai Shodown game where he appears.

## Input

* *Samurai Shodown*, *II* -
* *Samurai Shodown VI*, *'19* -

## Description

Wan-Fu, as practitioner of the "Shaolin Temple-style Drawn Sword Art" (少林寺流抜刀術 *Shōrinji-ryū Battō-jutsu*), he is able to control various types of weapons. In each game Wan-Fu controls a different weapon, keeping similar moves and commands.

In the first *Samurai Shodown* game Wan-Fu takes control of a broadsword named "Flesh-Cutting Large Sword" (斬肉大包刀 *Zanniku Daibōchō*). When the player perform the command, Wan-Fu's skin turns red, makes a big jump and throw the broadsword towards the opponent, which gives several twists engulfed in flames. When hits the opponent, a explosion occurs and he is knocked-out. If opponent is able to block, he should block 5 times.

If player uses Light Slash, Wan-Fu will back slightly during the jump, and the range of the throw will be medium range. When Medium Slash is used, Wan-Fu moves slightly forward and the throw will be large range. If the player uses Strong Slash, the forward jump will be long intending to jump over the opponent. When starts to fall Wan-Fu throws the broadsword directly vertically. This is very effective if opponent is at the edge of the stage, thereby, the player will be able to retrieve the weapon faster.

In *Samurai Shodown II* now uses the column named "Flesh-Pounding Large Stone Pillar" (撲肉大石柱 *Bokuniku Daisekichū*). When player uses Light or Strong Slash, Wan-Fu moves slightly forward. If Medium Slash is pressed Wan-Fu moves slightly backward.

For *Samurai Shodown VI* Wan-Fu uses the *Bakuniku Daitekkyū* (Flesh-Bursting Large Iron Ball). The attack style and description is similar to previous ones.

For all games, this move has a particular weakness: whatever success or fail, Wan-Fu will lose his weapon, but it can be retrieved on the ground
Shimabara

**Shimabara** (島原 -NAGASAKI-,, *Shimabara -Nagasaki-*?) is the name of the final stage in the first game of the *Samurai Shodown* series. Here, Amakusa fight against the player in the last match.

## Description

This stage is divided in two forms (before and after defeat Amakusa one round). The final battle takes place inside a courtyard. In the center of the floor there is a red symbol (presumably painted with blood). Also, there is big stone with numerous engraved symbols and protected by many Shide (紙垂). On both sides of the stone there are candles, and other small stones are placed through the courtyard. Behind the wall of the courtyard can be seen several buildings, highlighting the Shimabara Castle (島原城 *Shimabara-jō*).

If the player succeeds in beat Amakusa in one round, an earthquake occurs. After that, the place obtains a chaotic appearance as Amakusa unleash his powers. The buildings in the background have collapsed while are wrapped in purple flames, the sky shows waves that change color, and the big stone is broken into two parts, from which emerges the demon Ambrosia who seeks to return to the human world. A series of yellow lights rotate surrounding the demon.

Before Amakusa lose one round.After Amakusa lose one round.
## Musical themes

Before Amakusa lose one round, only can be heard heartbeats (動 *Dō*). After Amakusa lose one round, an brief intermission can be listened called "Flames" (炎 *Honō*), then begins the soundtrack of the final battle, a dramatic orchestrated piece called "Darkness" (暗黒 *Ankoku*).

"Heartbeat""Darkness"Shiro Tokisada Amakusa's theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack."Darkness" - ArrangedAmakusa's Arranged version found in the Neo Geo CD version of *Samurai Shodown*, and *Samurai Spirits Image Album*.
Technique

The ***Technique Selection***, known in Japan as **Sword Quality** (剣質, *kenshitsu*?) is a feature found in some games of the Samurai Shodown series of weapon-based fighting games by SNK. Over the years this has also been known as Alignment/Personality/Sword Type selection.

First found in the 1995 game *Samurai Shodown III*, Technique selection brings players the possibility to choose one two play styles of the same character, each one with different moveset (although some special moves can be found in both versions), win poses, phrases, and color palette. This feature somehow increases x2 the number of possible character selections, but also reminds other games with "identical character/different moveset" like ninjas of early *Mortal Kombat* titles. Technique selection also promoted the creation of EX versions of one same character with different attacks and movements.

## Games with Technique Selection

* *Blades of Blood*
* *Amakusa's Revenge*
* *Samurai Shodown 64*
* *Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage*

## SLASH

Sometimes referred as **Chivalry** in North America and Europe, and known in Japan as **Shura** (修羅, *shura*?). A SLASH character implies a warrior that follow the path of good. This version's move set tend to be nearly identical to the previous game *Samurai Shodown II*. The Japanese name refers to the alternative term to one of the six realms of reincarnation; the kanji are also used in the name for the Buddhist entities known otherwise as Asura, the lowest ranks of the deities of the Kāmadhātu. When Technique selection was removed since *Samurai Shodown V*, the SLASH identity was preserved, and some moves from the BUST version were added to this technique moveset.

## BUST

Also known in western as **Treachery**, and Japan as **Rasetsu** (羅刹, *rasetsu*?). This is a rule breaking, evil version of the character, which shows arrogant attitude and little respect to the enemies. Although certain special moves are shared with the SLASH version, most of the BUST movements are brand-new to the characters. Also, the character shows a different color palette in clothing and skin something darker. The Japanese name comes from Rakshasa, a mythological being in Hindu mythology typically associated with cannibalism and bloodlust.

BUST characters became more relevant in *Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage*. Aside the unique moveset the characters received exclusive designs; even some of them are independent characters with proper storyline and name. From *Samurai Shodown V* and onwards the Technique selection was removed, but thanks to the popularity of some character's BUST versions the developers introduced them as new characters to the roster.

* Asura - Shadow Asura (SS64WR only)
* Galford - EX Galford (SSVI only)
* Genjuro - Sankuro (similar moves)
* Hanma - Karakuri Hanma (SS64WR only)
* Haohmaru - Rasetsumaru
* Kazuki - Enja, Enja Kazuki (SS64WR only)
* Nakoruru - Rera, EX Nakoruru (SSVI only)
* Shiki - Half-Shaded Shiki (SS64WR only)
* Sogetsu - Suija, Suija Sogetsu (SS64WR only)
* Ukyo - Yumeji (similar moves)
Whistling Shrike Drop

*Main article: Ninja Shrike Dash*

**Whistling Shrike Drop** (モズ落おとし ―颯はやて―, **Mozuotoshi ―Hayate―**?, literally *Shrike Drop - Wind Sound*) is Special movement by the character Hanzo Hattori first featured in *Samurai Shodown II* and later named properly on *Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood*.

## Input

Character facing right. Must be close to the opponent.

* *Samurai Shodown II* - First  then  **+**
* *Samurai Shodown III* (BUST) - First  then  **+**
* *Samurai Shodown IV* (BUST), *V* (*Special*, *Perfect*), *VI*, *2019* - First  then  **+**

In essence this Special move is exactly the same as the Ninja Shrike Dash, which the player needs to input only when Hanzo is dashing towards the opponent. With this variation during the jump Hanzo will follow a parabolic line in air.

For *Samurai Shodown VI* after strike the opponent's character head on the ground Hanzo dissapear and re-appears away from the opponent.

In *Samurai Shodown (2019)* if the player stops to run there are some animations before return to neutral stance, here the player is still able to do the Ninja Shrike Dash command. Since update 1.70 now this variation is only accessible using

*Samurai Shodown II* animation.Whistling Shrike Drop in *Samurai Shodown VI*
Yumeji Kurokouchi

Samurai Shodown VI. Design by Takkun.

**Yumeji Kurokouchi** is the sub boss in *Samurai Shodown V*.

Yumeji is unique to the roster due to having no definite canon gender; the developers to the game, Yuki Enterprise, entreated players to "believe whatever you believe Yumeji to be". To add to the confusion, Yumeji speaks in gender neutral Japanese in both official story and in-game text, and Yumeji's voice actor is known for voicing both genders. Due to the openness of the statement, players still argue over Yumeji's gender to this day.

The game itself also makes several interpretations; The English version of *Samurai Shodown V* identifies Yumeji as a male, but storyline elements indicate Yumeji entered a nunnery later on. The art director of the game, Dorio Takaya, affectionately nicknamed Yumeji as "Souji", a reference to the Shinsengumi captain, Okita Sōji.

Yumeji is voiced by Mitsuki Saiga.

## Storyline

### Biography

* **Samurai Shodown V:** *Yumeji, born in the distinguished family of Sakon Kurokouchi's school of swordmanship, was indoctrinated to the ways of the samurai by his father since he was a tyke, and his inherent talent bloomed. But due to an inborn physical problem, Yumeji was driven from his home at 15. The exiled Yumeji lived while shunning others, and thanks to meeting Gaoh, found the path he was meant to trod. On orders from his reverend Gaoh, he seeks the mightiest warriors throughout Japan, but he rarely comes across those who are worthy of his appreciation...*
Towada

**Towada** (十和田・奥入瀬渓流, *Towada - Oirase Keiryū*?, translated as *Towada - Oirase Mountain Stream*) is a double battle stage featured in the 2003 video game *Samurai Shodown V*. First found in *Blades of Blood* as **Mountain Stream Valley**, Towada stage has 2 phases: spring and autumn. In Arcade mode the player can face Sogetsu Kazama on the spring phase and Suija for the autumn phase. Also sometimes the character Sankuro Yorozu can challenge the player on this stage.

## Description

*For a complete description check Mountain Stream Valley.*
The next are the main differences between Towada and Mountain Stream Valley.

* The yellow butterflies of the spring phase were removed, as well the dragonflies of the autumn form.
* The climatic special backgrounds triggered when Rage Explosion is actived where exchanged: the red background with flashing circles and blue water appears with the spring form of Towada, while the green background with turquoise water can be seen with the autumn phase.
* The tree branches located at the top of the stage during the climax where removed.

*Towada during spring**Special background during spring**Towada during autumn**Climatic background during autumn*
## Music

*Water Incarnation* (水の化身, *Mizu no Keshin*?) is the title track for Towada stage. It's shared between Sogetsu and Suija. Originally featured in the *Samurai Shodown IV* soundtrack as Sogetsu theme.

Stage of Sogetsu - Nizuno IncarnationSuija and Sogetsu theme from the original MVS/AES soundtrack.Samurai Shodown 4 AST Nizuno incarnation (Sogetsu Kazama Theme)Sogetsu (and Suija) theme found in the PS2/XB home versions, and the Arrange Soundtrack disc (bundled with SamSho VI soundtracks).
Tosa

**Tosa** (土佐・第三十三番札所, *Tosa - Dai Sanjusan Ban Fudasho*?, literally *Tosa - The Thirty-third Buddhist Temple*) is a battle stage featured in *Samurai Shodown V*. During Arcade Mode the player faces either Jubei Yagyu or Shizumaru Hisame , and occasionally Sankuro Yorozu , while during a VS match the CPU selects this stage randomly, no matter which characters the players are controlling.

## Differences

*Main article: Kushiyama*
Practically this stage represents Kushiyama ordinary aspect from *Samurai Shodown IV: Amakusa’s Revenge*: a forest surrounded by bamboos. The main differences are the absence of sunlight animations, Amakusa Castle replaced by a small pagoda, and the corresponding change of color scheme in the background.

Tosa is divided in two forms: morning (whites predominate in the sky), and sunset (sky turns orange tones).

During Rage Explosion, the climax background appears, and it’s the same to that used in *Samurai Shodown III’s* Bamboos, except that now presents an animation (leaves blinking slowly) and purple tones.

Tosa background (morning).Tosa during sunset.Tosa climax background (same as Bamboo Forest but purple).
## Music

As usual on this kind of stage the title track is *Bamboo Forest* (竹林, *Chikurin*?).