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type. Otherwise, it may permanently damage your TV screen.

USE OF UNAUTHORIZED PRODUCT:

The use of software or peripherals not authorized by Sony Computer
Entertainment America may damage your console and/or invalidate your
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DOA2 HARDCORE Contents
PROLOGUE

~ Disaster of Tengu at the end of the century ~

A great leader was killed at the end of the 20th century.

His name was Fame Douglas, and he was renowned as
the sponsor of the legendary world battle championship
"Dead or Alive." Since his death—and in the absence of
his charisma and leadership--the world has become
chaotic. Amid this chaos, it is announced that
"DOA2: HARDCORE Championship" will be held.
However, Douglas’ passing has taken with it the purpose
and significance of the tournament. Even worse,
the promoter of "DOA2: HARDCORE Championship,"
who is fond of conflicts and jealous of the strong, is
responsible for Douglas’s death. The new promoter is
more than just a corrupt mastermind, but a man of
pure evil. His involvement in the tournament has
brought a sense of terror to the world, resulting in the
infamous Tengu Disaster that occurred at the end of
the 20th century. The climax of the disaster is about to
begin with a roaring battle.
Prologue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Thank you for purchasing "DOA2:HARDCORE" software for
Starting the Game . . . . . . . . . . . .6
PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Be sure to read
this instruction booklet before you begin playing the game.
Basic Operations . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
This game can be backed up. Backup requires a memory Option Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
card(for PlayStation 2) sold separately. Never switch off the Basic battle know-how . . . . . . .25
main unit or insert/remove memory cards(for PlayStation 2) or Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
controllers while saving is in progress. The game screens used
The World of “Dead or Alive” . .41
in this manual may differ from those of the actual game.
Operation controller

DualShock™2 analog controller

This game is designed for use by one to four players. Operations shown in black letters are battle operations.
This section describes basic controller operations. represents the Square button in the game.
Likewise, represents the Triangle button and represents the Circle button.

L1/L2 buttons R1/R2 buttons + +

Combine with the Directional button for free steps.
Tag change (for use during Tag battle only)
Changing screens, displays, etc...
Changing screens, displays, etc...

DIRECTIONAL button
button
Controlling characters
Menu selection, etc.
PUNCH
Cancel menus, etc.

button button
(Multi-function button
FREE for holds, guarding, KICK
free steps, etc.)

SELECT button
button +
Not Used LED
light
THROW (Evade Throw)
ANALOG Mode Switch Executing menu commands, etc.

Turning this on enables Analog mode.

The LED lights continuously in red. * To play with two or more players, you will need to
START button purchase additional Controllers (sold separately).
* Use the Option mode (page 21) to switch the
LEFT ANALOG STICK / RIGHT ANALOG STICK Pause during game Vibration function on and off. If the Vibration
Start game function is on, the controller will vibrate regard
less of the setting of the ANALOG mode switch.
Used for free steps during operation in * The operation method shown uses the default
Analog mode (LED stays red). button assignments. Use CONTROLLER SETTING
in Option mode to change settings.
* Pressing the START button pauses the game.
Game Reset: To reset the game and return to the Title screen during a
game, press the START button and SELECT button at the same time.
4 5
Starting the Game start game

Mode Select Rules

Press the START button on the Title screen to display the
Mode Select screen. Use the directional buttons to select a 1. Criteria for winning battles
mode and press the START button or “X” button. In battle, the conditions specified below are required for a set
victory and the player that wins the predetermined number of
sets wins the battle.

KO: Opponent’s health falls to 0.

Character Select Time Up: Your health is greater than your opponent’s at time up.

Use the left and right arrows on the directional buttons to 2. Draws and sudden deaths
select characters. The character’s costume can be selected A draw occurs when both parties have the same amount of
using the Up arrow on the directional buttons when the cursor health remaining at time up, or in the event of a double KO.
is on a character in the top row, or the Down arrow when the In the event of a draw, both parties earn points for that set.
cursor is on a character in the bottom row. After making your If both parties reach the number of sets required for victory at
character and costume selection, press the “X“ button. Press the same time, a sudden-death match is held. If there is no
the triangle button to return to the Mode Select screen. clear winner even after sudden-death combat, the defending
champion is declared the winner.
*Different characters have different
number of character colors.

3. Continue
Press the START button within the allotted time following the
Game Over message to issue another challenge.

6 7
 start game

Battle screen

Set count: Time:

Displays the number of sets required for Time up occurs when this counter
victory. One light will illuminate for each reaches 0. The player with the most
set victory. The battle is won when all remaining on his or her life gauge wins.
lights are lit.

Life Gauge:
A player loses if his or
her gauge drops to 0.

About the menu during game pause

Pressing the START button during a game pauses
the game. A menu screen will be displayed.

Exit: Reset:
Exit closes the menu and Reset ends the Battle
returns to the game. mode and returns to
the Title screen.

In Tag Battle mode, 1P and 2P each have two life gauges.

Victory Icons:
Victory icons appear when a battle has been won (2P battles
The display will change so that the life gauge of the character
fighting is always displayed in front. only). If you win several battles in succession, the number of
icons will increase and the shape of the icons will change at one,
five, and ten continuous victories. Different characters have
different types of victory icons.

8 9
 Basic Operations operations

This section explains the basic operations applicable to all characters.

Instructions for keys apply when the characters are facing to the right. Strikes
Character Movements Punch Kick

Forward dash Run

Backward dash Crouching dash

Jump
straight up
Jump Jump Each character has its own strike moves. Combining them with the
back forward
use of the directional button, you can execute various attacks.
Standing guard Move forward
Types of attacks
Low Crouch High attack: Hits standing opponents
guard forward
Low Middle attack: Hits both standing and crouching opponents
guard
Low attack: Hits both standing and crouching opponents
Super High attack: Hits standing opponents, no guarding

Critical Combos
Free Steps When your opponent staggers, you have an opportunity for a series
of attacks. String your strikes together in the right combination to
Background movement Foreground movement cause maximum damage.

By using the directional button and F button together, you can execute Guarding
free steps that allow characters to move freely. After entering free-step
mode by entering one of the commands, then holding down the F button
while operating directional button, you can move freely. If you release the High and middle guard Low guard
F button or stop using the directional button, the game status will return
to normal. The same operation may be carried using the Left/Right sticks
on the Analog controller (DualShock™2 analog controller) or using the
directional button while holding down the L1/L2 buttons.

Legend
The F button shown is the Square button, the P button is the Triangle button and the
K button is the Circle button (when default settings are used).

• indicates a short press of the directional button, Attacks can be made high, in the middle, or low. To guard against high and middle attacks,
use left on the directional button. To guard against low attacks, use down. It is also possible
• while the indicates a long press.
to guard using the F button. You can guard against high attacks by crouching and low
attacks by jumping.
10 11
 operations

By properly timing the entry of your command against the strikes of your opponent, you
Throws can fend off his or her attacks and launch a counterattack. Be aware, however, that the
method of entering the Hold command differs depending on the type of strike.
+ Ordinary throw + Low throw
Critical Hold
When too close to your opponent, you can use When you receive a hit as a counter, you may be forced into “critical
the F + P buttons to throw him or her. Different status,” during which time you’ll be unable to guard yourself or
characters have their own special throws. Use the attack. Critical Hold will relieve you from critical status, providing a
directional button in combination with the F + P chance to recover from an unwanted situation.
buttons to execute more powerful throws.

Arcade Version Holding

Evade Throw The input procedures for holding moves can be changed to reflect
the ARCADE version. To change the setting, use the “CONTROLLER
+ Evading Ordinary throws SETTING” in Option mode.
The input procedures will reflect PlayStation 2 mode when "Command Type" is
(Well-timed) + Evading a string of throws set to "PlayStation2" and ARCADE mode when set to "ARCADE."

Ordinary throws can be evaded by pressing the F + P buttons the instant you’re thrown. (Against a high attack) High hold
Some characters will throw again soon after the first throw. Well-timed use of the F + P
(Against a middle punch attack) Middle punch hold
buttons will enable you to evade that throw.
(Against a middle kick attack) Middle kick hold
(Against a low attack) Low hold
Hold
(Against a high attack) High hold

Down Attacks
+ Down attack or Follow-up attack

When a character goes down, you can execute a follow-up attack. Use the P or K Button
(Against a middle attack) Middle hold for the follow-up attack, depending on the character.

Down attack
Down attack causes the opponent a bigger damage, but it also gives the opponent a
bigger chance to attack while you are trying to use the attack.

(Against a low attack) Low hold

12 13
 operations
Modes
Getting Up
There are eleven different game modes. Two players can play in Versus
1. Press P button several times in succession:
mode or during a surprise attack. When two or more people play,
Get up quickly at your present location
additional controllers are required (sold separately).
2. UP + Press F button several times in succession:
Side roll at back of screen
STORY MODE
3. DOWN´ + Press F button several times in succession:
Side roll at front of screen This mode allows you to follow a story involving the character you have
selected, and to attempt to complete the story. Battle in a tournament
4. Press the K button several times in succession while getting up: against the computer - if you knock out all of the enemies, the game will
Middle kick while getting up clear and you will be on your way toward completing it. If another player
intrudes during play, you must engage in battle with him or her. If you are
5. Press DOWN + K button several times in succession while getting up:
using 1P Controller, your opponent can press the START button on the 2P
Low kick attack while getting up
Controller, and if you are using the 2P Controller, he or she can press the
START button on the 1P Controller, to launch a surprise attack.
Use the directional button to get up after being knocked down. Some characters
also have special attacks that can be used while getting up. * At Game Over, the screen will switch to the Continue screen. Press the START
button while on this screen to resume play from Game Over. There is no limit to
the number of times the game can be continued.

14 15
 play modes

Four-Player Simultaneous Play

TIME ATTACK MODE Four players can enjoy tag-team battles simultaneously.
This mode involves fighting in a race against the computer, in which you’ll The combination of team members is the key to victory in four-
compete for the time remaining until Game Clear. Conduct a tournament player simultaneous play.
of eight bouts; when Game Clear is displayed, the Result screen will
* The number of potential players depends on the number of Controllers connected to the
appear. If your total time is in the top ten at Game Clear in Time Attack
controller ports.
mode, you can record your name. See “Name Entry” (page 21). * A maximum of four Controllers will be required. To play the game with two or more players,
you’ll need to purchase one or more Controllers, which are sold separately. To play the game with

VERSUS MODE three or more players, you’ll need to purchase a Multitap(for PlayStation 2), which is sold separately.

This is a special mode for two-player battles. After each bout, the display
returns to the Character Select screen and fighting continues until players Rules
exit the mode. By using Options to change settings such as health and the
number of sets, you can engage in combat under a variety of conditions. Knock out both opponents to win. Use Options to adjust the number of sets.

TAG BATTLE MODE Tag Change

This mode allows you to form a tag team of two characters and conduct a
two-on-two tag battle. Single players can fight five tournaments against + + Tag Change
the computer, fight another player, or engage in battles of up to four
players simultaneously.
Press F + P + K during a bout to switch a character in battle with a tag partner.
• Surprise attack combat OK. Characters not engaged in combat will gradually recover their health. When a
• Tag Battle mode uses the Danger Setup Stage only. character has already been knocked out, he or she cannot be used again.
• You can combine tag teams in any way you choose, but you cannot select the
same character twice for a tag team.

Tag Combos
Play Modes When your opponent is floating or in critical status, you can
perform a quick tag change. Practice this skill, and your team will
Tag Battle mode consists of five Play modes. Select a Play mode from among those function as a powerful unit.
displayed on the screen, in accordance with the number of players.

P1 vs COM One player

The player uses two characters to battle the computer. (One player)

P1 P2 vs COM Collaboration of two players

Two players form a tag team to battle the computer. (Two players)

P1 vs P2 Two-player battle
Each player uses two characters to battle. (Two players)
P1 P3 vs P2 Two against one
Two players form a tag team to battle a third player. The player who uses
Controller 2 will use two characters by him or herself. (Three players)

P1 P3 vs P2 P4 Two against two

Four players split into two tag teams to battle. (Four players)

16 17
 play modes

Tag Combo Items

(Move toward enemy) + +
or Tag Combo
(Move toward enemy) + + 5000 points
Minimum health recovery
Carrot
20,000 points if health is at MAX
In Tag Battle mode only, two characters can execute tag combos together. e.g. Hamburger
These may be initiated by either character. The moves available depend
on the character combination. However, tag combos cannot be 10,000 points
employed, when one character has already been knocked out. Lipstick
Medium health recovery
* Some character combinations have their own special tag combos. 30,000 points if health is at MAX
e.g. Rice ball
20,000 points
Moneybag

Maximum health recovery

30,000 points 50,000 points if health is at MAX
Melon e.g. Meat
Different health recovery item is assigned to each character.

Items appear when you knock out an enemy or launch a follow-up attack
on an opponent who is down. Obtain items to restore health and
accumulate points. There are several types of items, each with their own
effect. Items disappear after a fixed period of time.

SURVIVAL MODE Danger Reach

This mode is for one player, and involves fighting against the computer
until all your health is used up. Points are accumulated in accordance with If you set off a danger explosion during a game, in addition to earning
the clear time and various items that appear during the game, and the 3,000 points, you will enter bonus time known as Danger Reach. During
goal is to have the highest total score at Game Over. In this mode, your Danger Reach, you can increase your score significantly, such as by earn-
health is partially restored at the end of each round. The key to earning ing double the normal points for items or earning extra points for strikes
points is to minimize damage while fighting, and to take advantage of any and throws. Set off another danger explosion while you are in Danger
chances for points that come your way. Reach to continue Danger Reach status. Your ability to maintain Danger
If and when a Survival mode battle ends and your score is within the top Reach will be a major factor in achieving high scores.
ten, you can record your name. See "Name Entry" (page 21). *There are many other ways to earn points, such as time bonuses and appeal
bonuses.
*Surprise-attack combat OK
*You cannot Continue in this mode.
*The game will finish at Time up or in the event of a Draw.

18 19
 play options

TEAM BATTLE MODE UPS MODE

Players make up teams consisting of several characters and battle in UPS (User Profile System) mode allows the user to save and view the play-
teams. This mode can be used between players or against the computer. ers’ battle records and various other records using the 8 MB memory
* Number of team member is selectable from 1 to 5. card(for PlayStation 2).
* Matches are in tournament format.
In the UPS mode, an "Individual ID" will be issued to each new file creat-
ed and it will allow the user to save battle records with each opponent
player.
SPARRING MODE
New file
This mode allows you to learn the basic systems and techniques of the Creates a new file.
game, and to practice moves freely. Use it for training for real battles by Enter a ring name after a file is created.
practicing holds and developing original mid-air combos.
Viewer
* There are no KO’s. You can continue training until you exit the mode. Allows the user to view the battle record and other player records that
* Press the START button on the practice screen for the “Menu” that allows you to have been saved in the UPS file.
change settings such as the behavior patterns of the COM. Use the directional
button to move the cursor and to select and change settings.
Edit
Allows the user to edit the ring name.

SPARRING MODE MENU BATTLE REC. MODE

COM 1ST ACTION: This menu allows player to set the movement of COM (Computer).
This mode allows the user to save replays made during the game onto the
COM 2ND ACTION: This menu allows player to set the movement of COM’s counterattack.
8MB memory card((for PlayStation 2), and then to view them at any time.
COUNTER: This menu provides on/off of "Counter Hit" indication.
In addition to normal replay, player can also make reverse-replay, pause
RESET POSITION: This menu allows player to reset characters at their initial positions.
and change the viewing angle.
CHARACTER SELECT: This menu allows player to return to the "Character Select" screen.
GO TO TITLE: This menu allows player to quit the "Sparring Mode"
and return to the title screen. OPTION MODE
EXIT: This allows player to exit from the Menu screen.
This mode allows a player to change game settings to suit his or her
preferences. For further details, see page 22, “Option Settings.”

WATCH MODE Name Entry

This mode allows the user to watch a computer-operated battle, which will If your score ranks in the top ten in the Time Attack or Survival
continue until the mode is turned off. modes, you can record your name. Use the Direction Pad on the
Name Entry screen to select letters and enter your name. Move the
* Physical strength and battle time are unlimited. However, the specified cursor to END on the screen and press the “X” button to record
options will not be reflected in this mode. your entry.
* When you want to change characters, pause the game by pressing the
START button and choose CHARACTER SELECT. * You can view the rankings inside the RECORDS menu in Options.
* Select RESET to exit this mode. * To save records, a memory card (for PlayStation2) is required.

20 21
 Option Settings settings

Players can select OPTION MODE from the Mode Select screen to
reconfigure the game to suit their preferences. AUDIO SETTING
Settings for game sound
GAME SETTINGS SPEAKER:
Switches between stereo and mono sound
[STEREO/MONO]

These settings control the difficulty of the game and rules. Settings can be BGM VOLUME:
Sets the volume of the background music during the game
adjusted for each mode.
SE VOLUME:
CPU DIFFICULTY: [EASY/NORMAL/HARD/VERY HARD] Sets the volume of SE (Sound Effects) during the game
Configures the strength (difficulty) of COM VOICE VOLUME:
Sets the volume of character voices
CPU MATCH POINT: [1/2/3/4/5] SOUND TEST:
Sets the number of sets required for victory against COM Sound test of BGM during the game

VOICE:
VS MATCH POINT: [1/2/3/4/5] Switches between english and japanese character voices during the game.
Sets the number of sets required for victory against other players

CPU LIFE GAUGE: [SMALLEST/SMALL/NORMAL/LARGE/LARGEST/NO-LIMIT] CONTROLLER SETTINGS

Sets the stamina level of COM
Used to customize Controllers. Functions can be assigned freely for each button
VS LIFE GAUGE: [SMALLEST/SMALL/NORMAL/LARGE/LARGEST/NO-LIMIT] VIBRATION: [ON/OFF]
Sets the stamina level of VS matches Used to turn vibration on/off
COMMAND TYPE: [PlayStation 2/ARCADE]
ROUND TIME: [30/40/50/60/99/NO-LIMIT] Sets the way of the whole operation between “PlayStation®2” mode or
Sets the time allotted for a single round “Arcade” mode
BUTTON CONFIG.:
VS STAGE SELECTOR: [OFF/1/2/3/4/5] Switch the setting with left or right directional button holding down the button
Used to turn the Stage Select screen on/off you want to change the setting of.

QUICK SELECTOR: [ON/OFF]

Sets the simple character select screen on and off RECORDS
Displays the various rankings and player data stored in the 8MB memory
LANGUAGE: card(for PlayStation 2)
Select the language subtitled displayed during the game, with a choice of TIME ATTACK MODE RANKING:
English, French, German, Spanish or Italian. Displays the top ten clear times for Time Attack mode
SURVIVAL MODE RANKING:
DEFAULT SETTING: Displays the top ten in terms of point/number of opponents beaten in Survival
Restores default settings mode
CHARACTER PERCENTAGE:
EXIT: Displays rankings for each character used in each mode
Returns to Option Mode screen VERSUS DATA:
* The items that can be configured differ by mode. Displays battle data such as win/loss status and win ratios for each
character used
22 23
 settings
Basic battle know-how
MEMORY CARD
The techniques and tips below will help you win DOA2:HARDCORE
Used to save/load data such as settings and match records
battles.
SAVE DATA:
Saves data on the memory card (for PlayStation 2)
Defensive Position
LOAD DATA:
Loads saved data from the memory card (for PlayStation 2). Use the When you are about to be knocked to the ground, press the P, K, or F
START button to load; all other button functions will be cancelled button to adopt a defensive position and avoid going down.
* The defensive position cannot be used against some types of attacks.
AUTO SAVE: [ON/OFF]
Turns the Autosave function on/off

* A memory card (for PlayStation 2 sold separately) is required to save files.

Counters
* 85KB in the memory card (for PlayStation 2) is required to save. Use the same type of attack as your opponent – strike or throw – to
* Do not switch off the main unit unless the Title screen is displayed. execute a counterattack. A counter causes more damage to your opponent
Do not remove/insert memory card (for PlayStation 2) when Autosave is “ON.” than a normal attack. In addition, when a strike is used to counter a throw
Otherwise, data being saved may be damaged. or a throw is used to counter a hold, an even more powerful high counter-
* Do not switch off the main unit or remove/insert memory card (for PlayStation 2), attack is launched, doing massive damage to your opponent.
extension units, or Controllers during saving.

Attacks and defense by the wall

With some strike moves, if you strike near the wall you can send your
EXIT opponent toward the wall. Proper use of this move, such as putting some
distance between yourself and your opponent or forcing him or her
Exits the Option screen and returns to the Title screen.
toward the wall, will help turn the fight in your favor. Some throws change
if used near the wall.

* Escaping from the Wall

If you are knocked against the wall, you will lean on the wall in a
weakened state for a fixed period of time. In such an event, hold
the directional button on UP or DOWN as you stand up. This will
enable you to stand up while pivoting against the wall..

24 25
 skills
Characters
Off the Edge
Stages such as “The Great Opera” and “The Dragon Hills” feature
multiple levels. You can send your opponent off the edge by striking or
throwing him or her at the edges of these stages, or by the wall. Be aware
that falling to the lower levels of these stages will result in damage. The
key to winning is using free steps to position yourself in accordance with
the layout of the stage.

* When you send an opponent off the edge, your character will jump down after
him or her, but you will not receive any damage.
* The tiered structure will differ depending on the stage. You cannot fall off
the edge in some places.
* Not all attacks allow you to send your opponent off the edge.

Instructions for keys apply when the characters are facing to the right.

26 27
 Kasumi Ryu Hayabusa
~ The Kunoichi of Destiny ~ ~ Solitary Super Ninja ~

28 29
 Gen Fu Helena
~ The Legendary Goken ~ ~ The Prima donna of Revenge ~

30 31
 Tina Armstrong Bass Armstrong
~ Women’s Wrestling Superstar ~ ~ Unhappy Father Pro-wrestler ~

32 33
 Zack Leon
~ Funky Muay Thai Dude ~ ~ The Warrior ~

34 35
 Jann Lee Leifang
~ Passionate Fighter ~ ~ T’ai Chi Quan Genius ~

36 37
 Ayane Ein
~ Kunoichi with Murderous Intent ~ ~ The Iron Fist with a Lost Past ~

38 39
 Tengu The World of
“Dead or Alive”
What is a "Shinobi"?
The word "shinobi" is a very old one, preceding the modern word "Ninja." In
Japanese, "shinobu" is a verb meaning "to perform actions with the utmost
secrecy." In a more general sense it means "to endure by maintaining calm-

!?
ness." However, this kind of endurance means perseverance beyond the limits
of one’s imagination, even to the point of accepting death calmly. This is where
Shinobi philosophies are readily apparent. For the Shinobi, the single most
important principle is the continued existence of their tribe, and for this they
require the will to endure all pain and suffering.

The famous realization of Hagakure, "Bushido is found only in death," is a

discovery made by samurai. But in the world of the shinobi death is calmly
viewed as a common philosophical view of a higher state. This philosophy is
from an early age infused within the depths of the soul.
The Shinobi are a group of elite people who use their highly advanced tech-
niques to perform espionage, combat operations, assassinations, etc. Internal
struggles reached their peak in 16th century Japan. Accordingly, the Shinobi
He’s an evil villain of the Tengu world, having murdered were similar to modern-day intelligence agencies and military SOG’s*, yet they
“Kuramasan Maouson,” the Tengu at the top of the hierarchy. were unique in many ways. For one thing, they formed their own tribe, and
Subsequently he has broken the Tengu rules, descending into their technology was inherited through a closed bloodline. Accordingly, training
the human world. His official name is “Gohhyapou started very early in life. But only after completing tests and training so intense
Bankotsu-bo.” He considers all functions of the human world it cannot be described using words did they combine with the highly trained
to be insignificant, claiming that all disasters are nothing bloodline. All members were specialists of extreme skill.
more than illusions he has brought about. All disasters that Secondly, as this shows, they were a very independent group of people.
have befallen the age will later be referred to as the They made their living from espionage and military operations, but they
weren’t simply an organization placed into effect by some government. They
“Disaster of the end of a century.”
had skills exceeding even the most experienced samurai, and were masters of
strategy. They were few in number, but they possessed enough defensive
power to keep those in power at a constant distance.
Nationality: Unknown This, however, was a state of independence on the brink of breakdown due
Gender: Male to their existence as outsiders, along with the fact that they were so small in
Birthday: January 1; age 1500 number. In order to maintain this independence, they sold their overpowering
Blood Type: Unknown technology as a unique product to those in power. Even when the members of
Height / Weight: 7 shaku 1 sun, 60 kan the same shinobi tribe were to become enemies during the course of their mis-
Body size: Unknown sions, professionalism was never sacrificed. Thus, personal ties were a hin-
Fighting style: Tengu Do drance to that professionalism. Once the shinobi left their home villages, par-
Occupation: Unknown enthood and siblinghood meant nothing to them. To live in this cruel chain of
Likes: Unknown society was the only way for them to continue their existence.
Hobbies: Unknown

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The secret to living life in this manner can be summed up in one word: "shi- Ninjutsu strongly emphasizes the technology employed by the tengu, and is
nobi." Their very existence and purpose required that each Shinobi be able therefore an interesting subject in and of itself. For example, the Ninpo "Izuna
endure circumstances that would otherwise be impossible to accept. The weak Otoshi," which is displayed in a fantasy-like manner in this game, is actually
who were willing to abandon this endurance were considered a threat to the derived from the laws of Izuna pioneered by the great Tengu, Saburo Iizuna.
shinobi tribe, and were often killed on the spot. This iron-clad unity was the Therefore, Ninjutsu is feared and held as being superior to all other forms of
rule of blood that allowed the shinobi tribe to carry forth its tradition. martial arts.
Hagakure is the beauty of samurai philosophy, but the Ninja viewed life and
death more in fundamental terms. In light of this severity, even a samurai is * SOG: Special Operations Group. A military SOG is quite different from a non-
merely a part of the general population. This structure allowed the shinobi to military SOG, since it’s related to the military and often supercedes the law, and
exist independently in small numbers yet be considered the strongest of the is of utmost secrecy. For example, in terrorist situations the military SOG priori-
strong. tizes the destruction of the terrorists over saving the lives of the hostages. A
The shinobi tribes lived in hidden villages in the mountains, participating in nonmilitary SOG, on the other hand, is usually a part of the police or similar
power struggles without ever being a part of them. agency and under all circumstances must obey the law. Their priority is to save
What is interesting is the ties between the shinobi and Tengu. the lives of the innocent.
The origin of the shinobi is thought to lie in a force of mountaineers who
would not submit to the will of a centralized government (see "What is a
‘Tengu’?"). The shinobi technologies and beliefs, which are passed down
through the ranks and generations, are notably similar to the personality train-
ing practices and physical training philosophies of the yamabushi, who are con-
sidered to be the closest people to the mythical tribes of mountain beasts
known as tengu.
Yamabushi were mountain priests who worshipped the tengu. They were
obsessed with the God-like power of the tengu, and trained their minds, bod-
ies and souls by running through the mountains in order to obtain that power.
Generally, though, they couldn’t hope to attain as much power as the tengu.
Of course, the yamabushi weren’t members of the tengu tribe, and their physi-
cal limits were no different than those of other Japanese people. However, on
rare occasions a member of the yamabushi tribe would produce a tengu; a man
with tengu-like powers and an amazing capacity for education and strategy.
It is known that the shinobi and yamabushi are hard to tell apart. In fact,
there is a tendency to consider them as being one and the same. Since both
groups of people maintained secrecy, there are no existing historical records
depicting the relationship between the two. But certain evidence points in that
direction.

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What is a "runaway shinobi"? What is the "Epsilon"?

Runaway Shinobi are ninjas that abandon the Shinobi tribe to which they’re related. At the end of the 20th century, a human modification experiment was performed
Secession is under circumstances allowed in Shinobi society. The shinobi always on Hayate, one of the strongest Shinobi. The purpose was to develop a physical
keep their secrecy, and in order to do so they follow an unbreakable code that main- body of superhuman abilities. "Epsilon" was the code name given to Hayate, who
tains their livelihood and existence. Accordingly, those who escape the tribe’s control
was captured for the experimental subject. Apparently most of the modifications
with sensitive internal information are a very serious threat. These threats must be
were made to Hayate’s nervous system, but it failed to produce an improvement in
eliminated at all costs, and a band of Ninjas is often dispatched to kill the "runaway"
Epsilon, and in fact resulted in the latter’s destruction.
Shinobi.
It is thus considered suicidal to become a "runaway" Shinobi. A cruel fate awaits To succeed the Epsilon Project, there was a plan involving the cloning of Hayate’s
anyone who should attempt it. younger sister, who was considered genetically superior to Hayate. The first test sub-
ject in this second attempt is called Kasumi. Éø.
What is the Mugen Tenshin style Ninjutsu?
This is a faction of Ninjutsu. This faction can be further separated into "Tenjin What is "Pi Qua Quan"?
Mon" and "Hajin Mon," and these two make up the foreground and background of Pi Qua Quan, among all the Chinese martial arts, involves the most movements.
Mugen Tenshin. The legacy is inherited by those belonging to the Mugen Tenshin Mainly, it emphasizes mid- to long-range attacks, in which the opponent is confused
faction.
by the attacker’s constant motion.
Tenjin Mon Pi Qua Quan is named from the movement of the hands during an offensive. The
This is the foreground of the Mugen Tenshin style of Ninjutsu. Most of the Ninjas downward movement of the hand is referred to as pi, while the upward movement is
from the Mugen Tenshin faction belong to this side of Mugen Tenshin. They’re referred to as qua. As the name suggests, Pi Qua Quan is the circular motion of the
trained in order to acquire superhuman physical strength and battle technique.
hand, much like a windmill. A fist is seldom used. Instead, much of the offensive
They’re highly resistant to physical pressure.
comes from hands relaxed with fingers extended, being used in a manner resem-
Hajin Mon bling a whip. The moves are full of beauty, yet the offenses are sharp and heavy.
This is the backside of the Mugen Tenshin style of Ninjutsu; a well-kept secret In Pi Qua Quan the moves are smooth and flexible. It demands the greatest
within the already secretive Ninja society Mugen Tenshin. Members of this side are
degree of flexibility, even among the northern faction of Chinese martial arts, which
believed to possess superhuman physical strength and battle technique.
demand flexibility of the body.
Additionally, they’re said to have magical abilities, and this makes them all the more
feared.
The members of this side of Mugen Tenshin—a very exclusive group--are known What is "Jeet Kune Do"?
to provide background support to the Tenjin Mon. The Haijin Mon possess unbeliev- Jeet Kune Do is the fighting style developed by the greatest martial arts master.
able powers, but strangely they’re sworn to utmost obedience to the Tenjinmon. The advantages of other martial arts have been incorporated creating the concept
behind Jeet Kune Do, which is "freedom."
What is the Hayabusa style of Ninjutsu? This unique style, which involves entering battle in a free-form concept that is not
his is another faction of Ninjutsu. The Hayabusa don’t form a large tribe as the governed by any rigidly prescribed form, was born only because Bruce Lee didn’t
Mugen Tenshin do, but instead carry forth their legacy through the skills of a few just stop at becoming a great martial arts user but possessed the open perspective
elite individuals. They’re undoubtedly close to the Mugen Tenshin in terms of tech-
of a performer, as well.
nology, but as with all shinobi history there is no documentation that explains how
these two tribes are related.
The Hayabusa are considered to have the closest relationship with the Yamabushi
and Tengu, and are accorded much respect.

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What is "Xynyi Liuhe Quan"? What is a "Tengu"?

Xynyi Liuhe Quan is a powerful form of martial art capable of ending a battle with Tengu is a mythical tribe of beasts living in the wilderness of the mountains of
a single blow. In fact, it’s considered by many to be the most powerful of all Chinese Japan. It is quite understandable that they are referred to as goblins by the
martial arts, and is a secret martial art form passed down through the ultimate secre- Japanese public at large. Yet this mountainous tribe is too different from the norm.
cy of the Kaizoku (Chinese followers of Islam). Xynyi Liuhe Quan was introduced into It’s no wonder they’re so different, since they’re a completely different race than the
the world recently, and its deadly combat characteristics became quickly well-known. Japanese.
Today there is virtually no martial artist that doesn’t know of its existence. The Tengu’s appearance is strikingly different to begin with. They have very high
Xynyi Liuhe Quan completely ignores any weakness on the part of the user, who noses and in the physical sense are significantly superior. There are people who
aggressively engages in battle at close range. The intended result is to defeat claim they have seen Tengu fully 10 shaku in height. This is probably an exaggera-
before one can be defeated. Therefore, the offensive is extremely heavy and damag- tion and it’s unlikely that they are that tall, but the average height of a male Tengu is
ing, often not even allowing time for the opponent to retaliate. Headbutts and bodi- easily over six shaku. It’s common enough for Tengu to reach seven shaku in height.
ly collisions are its main weapons. Their bodies are generally broad, and they possess great physical strength. The
everyday game of "Tengu Daoshi" reflects the strength of these beings. In this game
What is "T’ai Chi Quan"? they knock over full-grown pine trees in the mountains. It seems like simple vandal-
T’ai Chi Quan is a Chinese martial art popularized in Japan and the United States ism, but apparently there’s a competitive side to the activity. The thicker the tree one
as a physical exercise that can be performed by even the elderly. Nevertheless, it’s can knock down, the more status one can earn. There must be some secret to this;
original intention is as a method for combat. some secret that only experience can teach. Nevertheless, it’s clear they must pos-
The strength guided by chi, the breathing and the curving of the physical body, is sess inhuman strength in order to knock down full-grown pine trees in such a leisure-
used to instantaneously send a blow to the opponent. Since it doesn’t rely heavily ly fashion.
on muscles, it can be used by the elderly to produce damaging blows. The disad- Their skin tone is dark, and is usually red to dark red, but there are some Tengu
vantage is the fact that it takes a long time to master. that have the same skin tone as the average Japanese. The language they use is no
Among the Chinese martial art forms that do not emphasize structure, T’ai Chi different than the historical language of ancient Japan.
Quan places a considerable emphasis on it. The reason is that the proper chi can't The Tengu seemed to have arrived from the Asian continent, and had a drastic
be obtained without the proper form. effect on the Japanese, acting as teachers in order to demonstrate various technolo-
gies. The technology that is the basis of the various martial arts is usually obtained
What is "Command Sambo"? through the Tengu. From this it’s apparent that the Tengu enjoy teaching others.
The Central Asian region of the former Soviet Union is a vast storehouse of mar- A point of contrast is that Tengu seem to live in the deep mountain forests, main-
tial arts. Sambo is a technology developed by combining over 200 types of regional taining a degree of secrecy. Their magical technologies and knowledge are the basis
martial arts in the area. Its advanced moves, which target the joints, are feared by of Japanese occultism. No matter the kinds of tricks they may use, their god-like
many. The damage toward the joints is definitive, immediately obliterating the oppo- powers are undeniable, and their knowledge and strength is the fear of many.
nent’s ability to fight. Of course, this carefully constructed system gets real results in The full details of their existence are still shrouded in mystery. This is due to the
battle. difficulty of contact with the Tengu in recent years. Also, the Tengu veil their exis-
Command Sambo is a military martial art form based on Sambo, as developed by tence as the central sect in a society of mountain cultures.
the former Soviet Union to focus completely on the offensive. Command Sambo
leaves no room for mercy. It’s a cold, mechanical martial art created for the purpose
of surviving modern warfare and the constant struggle between life and death.

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 Staff

The term "mountain people" refers collectively to those who live in the mountain- Producer & Director Voice actors Recording Engineers
Tomonobu ITAGAKI AONI PRO Frank Rinella
ous regions that make up the majority of Japan. It refers to those people who don’t Project manager KASUMI Stephen Hart
Yasushi MAEDA ˇSakura TANGE Engilish voice actors
conform the central governmental society of Japan. (Ninjas originated from these Planner GEN FU Brian Vouglas
mountain people. See "What is a ‘Shinobi’?") Hiroaki MATSUI ˇTakeshi AONO Donna Mae Wong
Lead programmer TINA Gina Rose
Mountain people are independent and secretive, with little respect for any Takeshi KAWAGUCHI ˇYuko NAGASHIMA Jeremy Hou
Hiroaki OZAWA ZACK John Parsons
attempt at control by the centralized government. Furthermore, the Tengu--moun- Game system designer ˇBin SHIMADA Lucy Kee
tain people among mountain people--are even more secretive. In fact, they’ve had Katsunori EHARA JANN LEE Roger Jackson
Motion managers ˇToshio FURUKAWA Sally Dana
very little contact or relationships with the Japanese. Noriaki KAZAMA AYANE Terence McGovern
Chitose SASAKI ˇWakana YAMAZAKI Timothy Enos
Motion design director HAYABUSA Zoe Galvez
The Wings of Tengu Masaki KOSHIKAWA ˇHideyuki HORI Executive producer
Assistant CG manager HELENA MAX NAKA
Tengu apparently have wings growing out of their backs. One theory holds that Hideyuki KATO ˇYuka KOYAMA Presented by
Character modeling BASS TECMO, LTD.
they can fly, and there are witnesses to support that. It’s a wild and careless bedtime Yasushi NAKAKURA ˇDaisuke GOURI TeamNINJA2000
story that they are winged people. However, it is true that they wear wings on their Character texture LEON
Muneaki KUBOTA ˇKoji TOTANI U.S. Project Director
backs as a fashion statement. Tengu appear in front of people unabashedly donning Sound composers LEI FANG John Inada
Makoto HOSOI ˇYumi TOUMA
the wings on their backs. Effect designer EIN Project Coordinators
One theory says the reason people say the Tengu can fly is due to the fact that Yasuo EGAWA ˇHikaru MIDORIKAWA Tiffany Stratton
Programmers TENGU John DeNovi
the Tengu have amazing agility and have been observed jumping from tree to tree Takeshi SAWATARI ˇOsamu SAKA
Junichi ARAKI ROLAND Lead Tester & Q&A
and rock to rock. However, this theory has been attacked by those who state that Mitsuo OSADA ˇYuka KOYAMA Brian "Finn" Hoisko
their wings aren’t capable of sustaining flight. Tetsuya IMAMURA SYSTEM VOICE Michelle Cortado
Kazuhiro KOSUGE ˇMiyako ENDO
The light-bodied actions by the Tengu don’t really require wings, however. Ninjas Takashi WATANABE ??? Designers
Taiyo ARAMAKI ˇBanjo GINGA Tom Lee
perform such feats as a part of their training. It seems people have incorrectly Naoyuki OHASHI Martial arts coaching Jun Hasunuma
deduced that they can move the way they do because of their superficial wings. Junichi UENO Motion actors
Tomonobu KINUGASA Buto Kempo Kyokai Special Thanks:
It is a fact, however, that they can jump from tree to tree and rock to rock. There Takuro SASAKI Zheng-Bao FENG Norma Matautia
Nobuhiro ODA Taisuke KITAMURA The Staff at TECMO, INC.
are simply too many eyewitness accounts. It’s no wonder they’re considered magical Kei SHINOHARA Kaimon Kensha
when they move so freely, despite potentially dangerous and even life-threatening Planners Tetsuya HATTORI
Masanori SATO Koka Kokujutsu Shudokai
situations. Motohiro SHIGA Shigeki OOKI
Hiroyasu ITAKURA Motion actors
As with all masters, the God-like Tengu can make mistakes. A corpse of a Tengu Motion designers Miho IIJIMA
with various abrasions and bodily damages was discovered at the base of the Kiso Jitsuo KONDO Mako KOGISO
Hideki SAITO JAPAN ACTION CLUB
Mountain Range. It is thought that this particular Tengu faltered in his course along a Yuki NARUSE Tsutomu KITAGAWA
Tomoo HIRAOKA Yoichi NISHIMURA
rock high above, and fell to his death. Shigefumi ISHIZUKA Jiro OKAMOTO
Ryuji IKEDA Artwork
Taro MATSUSHITA Takashi MIYAMAE
Takuji OTSUKA Publicity
Koji MOTOUME Kazumi FUJITA
Motion script Teruaki ICHIKAWA
Sousuke SAMESHIMA Satoshi KANNO
Character modeling Marketing executive
Yoshiki HORIUCHI Satoshi KANEMATSU
Haruhiko SHIKATA Toru AKUTSU
Character texture Juntaro KONO
Hideaki TAKAHASHI English Voices produced by
Stage designers Berkeley Sound Artists
Hideki NIIMI Casting Directors
Akira IZUMI James LeBrecht
Takaaki EBATA Patti Tauscher
Kenichiro NAKAJO Director
Katsuhiro MUKASA James LeBrecht
Hideaki KATO Editor
Junichi IKEYA Rob Liam
Realtime movie script Recording Facilities
Yukihiro FUJITA Fantasy Studios, Berkeley,
Masato ONISHI California
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