______________      __________________________
.'`.          ,'              |   ,'                          `.
/    \        /                |  /                              \
/      \      |       __________| |        _____        ____       |
/        \     |      |__________  |       /     |      |    |      |
/          \    |                 | |      |      |      |    |      |
/            \   |                 | |      |      |      |    |      |
/      /\      \  |       __________| |      |      |      |    |      |
/      /  \      \_|      |            |      |      |      |____|      |
/      /    \              |            |      |      |                  |
/      /      \             |            |      |       \                /
/______/        \____________|            |______|        `.____________,'
_____             _______    _   _    ____         _
/ ____|    /\     / _   _ \  | | | |  / ___| /\    | |
| |___     /  \   | | | | | | | | | | | |    /  \   | |
\___ \   / /\ \  | | | | | | | | | | | |   / /\ \  | |
____| | / /  \ \_| | | | | | | |_| | | |  / /  \ \_| |
|_____/ /_/    \____| |_| |_|  \___/  |_| /_/    \____|
==============================================================================
AFRO SAMURAI
FAQ/Walkthrough
Copyright (c)2009 DomZ Ninja
==============================================================================
Author: DomZ Ninja
E-mail: domzninja[at]hotmail[dot]com
Updated: 02/20/09
Version: 1.0
NOTE: This guide does contain spoilers!
______________________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
______________________________________________________________________________
See that series of numbers to the right of each section? If you want to find
a specific section in the FAQ, press CTRL + F to open a search box. Type in
the series of numbers for the desired section that you're trying to find and
press Enter. Whabam! The search function will take you there in an instant.
1] - Version History.................................. [0100]
2] - Controls......................................... [0200]
3] - Walkthrough...................................... [0300]
3.01] Prelude.................................. [0301]
3.02] The Daimyo's Story....................... [0302]
3.03] School Invasion.......................... [0303]
3.04] Sword Master's Story..................... [0304]
3.05] Okiko's Story............................ [0305]
3.06] The Lowdown East Pass.................... [0306]
3.07] Doppelganger............................. [0307]
3.08] Kuma's Story............................. [0308]
3.09] The Empty Seven's Story.................. [0309]
3.10] Ninja Ninja's Story...................... [0310]
3.11] Justice's Story.......................... [0311]
4] - Move List........................................ [0400]
5] - Collectibles..................................... [0500]
5.1] Mementos.................................. [0510]
5.2] Otsuru Bears.............................. [0520]
6] - Treasures........................................ [0600]
7] - Achievements..................................... [0700]
8] - Bestiary......................................... [0800]
8.1] Enemies................................... [0810]
8.2] Bosses.................................... [0820]
9] - Thanks/Credits................................... [0900]
______________________________________________________________________________
1] VERSION HISTORY                                                     [0100]
______________________________________________________________________________
FAQ/Walkthrough #39
-------------------
Version 1.0 (02/20/09) - FAQ/Walkthrough complete and submitted.
______________________________________________________________________________
2] CONTROLS                                                            [0200]
______________________________________________________________________________
.-----------------------------.----------------------------------------------.
|  D-Pad                      |  Ninja Ninja Compass (Down)                  |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  Left Analog Stick          |  Move, Dash (Click)                          |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  Right Analog Stick         |  Move Camera, Center Camera (Click)          |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  Start                      |  Pause                                       |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  Back                       |  Skill Menu                                  |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  X Button                   |  Light Attack                                |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  Y Button                   |  Heavy Attack                                |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  A Button                   |  Jump                                        |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  B Button                   |  Kick                                        |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  Right Trigger              |  Guard                                       |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  Left Trigger               |  Focus (Hold)                                |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  Right Bumper               |  N/A                                         |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|  Left Bumper                |  Over Focus (With a full Focus meter)        |
'-----------------------------'----------------------------------------------'
______________________________________________________________________________
3] WALKTHROUGH                                                         [0300]
______________________________________________________________________________
==============================================================================
3.01] PRELUDE                                                          [0301]
==============================================================================
After the opening cinema (yeah, get used to the blatant use of profanity in
this game), you will begin on the outskirts of town. Ninja Ninja directs you
to a bar in town, but you'll have to get past a few thugs first. Hey, it's
hard work being Number 2.
--- TOWN ---------------------------------------------------------------------
A pair of thugs will charge across the bridge towards your location. Use light
attacks by pressing X and heavy attacks with Y. You can access your skills
list by hitting Back, allowing you to view a list of your available moves and
combos. The enemies go down in a hiccup, so randomly mashing buttons works
just as well too.
- A note about health:
As you can probably notice, there is no HUD screen displaying your health or
anything of the sort. You must pay attention to Afro's figure to determine
how much health you currently have. When Afro is nearing death, his body
will produce a red outline. Killing enemies or finding Otsure Bears will
replenish Afro's health.
Proceed into town after the fight and locate the bar, which is on the left
side of town (look for the shining door). Kick open the door with B and barge
into the bar. The man you're looking for is inside, but a few commonfolk
looking for fame and fortune decide to tango with Afro.
Ninja Ninja will teach you the basics of Focus. Hold the Left Trigger to enter
Focus mode. Time will slow down and Afro's sword will shine when he holds down
X or Y.
Hold down either button when facing an enemy; once the shimmer of light
reaches the very tip of your sword, let go to perform a devastating slice.
This is known as a Perfect Slice, and will automatically kill a weak enemy if
pulled off currectly. You can also use the Left Analog Stick to aim your
slices, allowing you to chop enemies up in various ways.
After defeating three enemies, your target runs out the back door. Enter the
alley to encounter a handful of ronin assassins. Use your Focus attacks and
remember to block with the Right Trigger; they aren't too tough.
A few ninjas chase after Afro once the coast is clear. Ninjas are much more
agile than the regular street thug and can often overwhelm you with their
speed and evasion. Enter Focus mode and try pressing B to execute a sweeping
kick. If it connects, the ninja will be knocked to the ground and will be
susceptible to a few cheap hits.
Afro will lose sight of his target after killing two ninjas. Press Down on the
D-Pad to view the Ninja Ninja Compass. Ninja Ninja will appear in a puff of
smoke in the direction that you should be heading. It's a great tool whenever
you get lost during a mission.
--- COURTYARD ----------------------------------------------------------------
Your destination is behind the bar and to the left. Continue through the alley
to reach a large clearing, but also take note of the teddy bear lying on the
floor.
- Otsuru Bear #1
The first Osturu Bear in the game is right under your nose. It is lying on
the ground in front of the large clearing behind the bar.
When struck with your sword, Otsuru Bears replenish Afro's health and also
increases his Focus. Next up, enter the courtyard to confront the large number
of assassins.
This is your first large-scale fight. There are 20 or so ronin assassins and a
few ninjas thrown in here. Luckily, Afro has another trick up his sleeve. Hit
the Left Bumper to activate Over Focus.
When in Over Focus, everything around Afro slows down while you attain your
normal speed. This allows you to skate between enemies, chopping 'em up with
ease. Your attacks also increase in power, as it only takes one or two hits to
kill an enemy in Over Focus.
- A note about Focus
Like with your health, there is no bar to determine how much Focus you have.
Pay attention to the pendant dangling from the sword in Afro's right hand.
When it glows, it means that your Focus is filled, meaning you can use Over
Focus. To fill up your Focus, kill enemies.
When your Focus empties, Afro will return to his normal state. Continue
slaying ronin assassins and ninjas by executing various combos. When your
pendant begins shining again, enter Over Focus.
- Otsuru Bear #2
You will find this Otsuru Bear in front of a door in the enemy-filled
clearing; it's incredibly hard to miss.
Once the enemies are defeated, your target is stopped and brutally murdered by
a mysterious man. The good news is that he's out of your way, but the bad news
is that you are then prompted to fight this fiend. The catch is that it is
impossible to win this swordfight. Try and fight back only for Afro to get
his ass handed to him on a silver platter.
==============================================================================
3.02] THE DAIMYO'S STORY                                               [0302]
==============================================================================
This chapter starts off with a flashback, before Afro even obtained the Number
2 headband. Walk forward on the bridge towards the crows.
- Memento #1
When you spot a murder of crows, walk through to make them scatter and for
you to obtain the Memento. Unlocking all five in each level will earn you
a new skill. The first Memento is in front of you at the level's start.
--- TOWN ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Defeat the assassin waiting on the other side of the bridge and enter the
town. A few more enemies come rushing to your location, so disembowel them
with your range of combos. You will receive a message after the assassins'
defeat, which suggests that wall climbing may be in order to continue on.
First off, lets explore the town.
- Otsuru Bear #3
Ignore the main pathway for now and cut to the right side of town. Pass by
the buildings and stay near the water's edge to reach a small pier. Descend
the stairs onto the pier to find the bear.
- Otsuru Bear #4
From the town's entrance, pass by the two houses on the right and sneak in
between the second and third. The building in front of you has a low roof,
so jump and pull yourself onto the roof. Hop onto the roof of the building
just to the left and you should spot the bear next to you.
Afro will encounter a gunner high up on the adjascent balcony. As he loads and
begins to fire his gun, block the bullet shots to avoid taking damage. Drop
down from the roof and follow the mansion's outer wall towards a small nook.
Wall jump up to the ledge; jump towards a wall, then press A as your foot hits
the wall. Alternatively, you can wall run by jumping towards the wall, then
holding down A. Either technique will lead you to the balcony.
Enter the room and come out on the other side to confront of the gunner.
Eliminate him however you wish and head inside the room behind him. Approach
the lever on the left wall and wall run to reach it. Afro will pull the lever
to unlock half of the mansion gate.
Exit the room and slowly walk across the narrow beam. You will find the second
level inside this next room. Pull it to fully open the mansion gate, then drop
down and proceed inside.
--- MANSION ENTRANCE ---------------------------------------------------------
Upon entering the entrance to the mansion, Afro will immediately be surrounded
by four ronin assassins and one samurai. The assassins are a bit tougher than
the foes you have previously clashed with, but they can still be taken down
with ease if you use Focus.
More assassins will jump out of the water to replace fallen comrades. In
total, there are about ten assassins.
The samurai is the toughest foe you have faced, for he is the most skilled. He
can easily dodge your Focus attacks and is a quick striker. Block constantly
and activate Over Focus if your Focus meter is filled. It's easiest fighting
the samurai if the other enemies have all been dispatched.
After slaying all the competition, head up the stairs to the front porch.
- Otsuru Bear #5
The fifth Otsuru Bear is on the far end of the porch's right side.
- Memento #2
You can find the Memento on the left side of the porch; again, the Memento
is represented by a murder of crows.
Kick open the mansion door after collecting both items.
--- MANSION ------------------------------------------------------------------
You will be greeted by Daimyo in the foyer, who toys with Afro by sending out
some assassins. After killing them, Daimyo reveals himself as the brother of
the Sword Master.
- Otsuru Bear #6
The bear is located on the back left-hand corner of the foyer.
- Otsuru Bear #7
The bear is located on the back right-hand corner of the foyer.
Snag the two Otsuru Bears and kick open the door on the left side of the
mansion foyer. Run down the hall and defeat the trio of assassins waiting for
you down the staircase. Dash into the clockwork room at the end of the hall.
Proceed across the balance beam and walk to the left once on the other side.
Jump towards the metal bar hanging just out of reach; Afro will grab onto it
and perch on top. Do the same with the next railing, then hop onto the ledge.
Go carefully across the next beam and drop down the platforms on the left to
reach ground level again.
Kick the switch on the piece of machinery to move the clock hands back in the
foyer, conveniently creating a platform to the upper floor. Walk across the
beam to the other side of the room and go through the now-open caged door.
A few assassins will be waiting at the end of the hallway, but they should
pose no real threat. Kick open the door and climb the stairs to reach the
foyer again.
Returning to the foyer triggers another assassin ambush. This battle is fairly
difficult due to the presence of two samurais. Like always, take out the lowly
assassins before targeting the deadly samurais. Or if you don't mind using
Over Focus, use it to immediately slice the two apart.
Climb the stairs and walk to the left to reach the clock hands. Proceed across
to reach the second floor, then follow the walkway to reach a dead end. To
make your way to the other end of the second floor, you'll have to use the
front door as a stepping stone.
While standing at the edge of the walkway, jump towards the wall in a diagonal
line. Hold A to perform a wall run to reach the middle point -- the top of the
front door.
- Otsuru Bear #8
After wall running onto the balcony above the front door, grab the Otsuru
Bear; it's in plain sight and impossible to miss.
Wall run to the other side of the foyer, then go to the right. Follow the
walkway into a small side room.
- Memento #3
After reaching the left side of the second floor, follow the walkway into a
side room. The Memento is located in the dark corner of the room; it's hard
to spot, so walk around until you spot the flapping wings of the crows and
hear your father's disturbing lauch.
Backtrack and proceed through the open door. Kick open a door at the end of
the hallway to enter the stripper room. Yes, the stripper room.
I'm pretty sure this is the only game where you have to kill ninja strippers.
Hell, this is the only game where you can even encounter ninja strippers!
Despite their scantily-clad appearance, these chicks are very durable and hard
to take down. If you want to end things quickly, just go into Over Focus and
slice 'em all up in one smooth motion.
- Otsuru Bear #9
Before leaving the stripper room, make sure to pick up the Otsuru Bear lying
on the chair. That's got to be the dirtiest bear alive...
Round the corner to encounter two more naked ninjas! Oh, and two assassins.
After eliminating the group, move ahead and kick open the door. Drop down into
the trophy room to find two more stripper ninjas.
- Otsuru Bear #10
You can find another bear by smashing the glass case in the left side of
the trophy room.
After healing with the Otsuru Bear, leap onto the tipped trophy display and
use it to reach the ledge above. Pull yourself up and open the door to
ultimately reach the upper portion of the clockwork room.
There are plenty of enemies in this room just dying to end your life, so
things may get a lil' hairy. Jump onto the central wall and fight the enemies
up here. It's too narrow to carry a lot of enemies, so once they hop on you
can knock them right off. Keep this up to clear out the whole crew.
After emptying the clockwork room, kick the four switches in the four corners
of the room to activate an elevator. After the room rises, don't leave through
the exit just yet.
- Memento #4
After elevating the clockwork room up one floor, locate the metal rails and
perch on top of the lowest one. Jump to the second, then onto the ledge just
above you. Go across the wooden beam and continue across the perimeter to
find the Memento in the far corner.
Drop down onto the central wall and kick the door wide open.
- Otsuru Bear #11
The bear is lying in the hallway just past the clockwork room.
Take the Otsuru Bear and enter the next room. Daimyo continues antagonizing
Afro and leaves the room, but not before filling it with poisonous gas! Afro
will slowly take damage every second he breathes in the poison. You can click
the Left Analog Stick to dash, so use this nifty ability to quickly progress
through the room.
There are a few Otsuru Bears in this room to keep your health in top-notch.
- Otsuru Bear #12
The Otsuru Bear is found in a side room on the second floor.
- Otsuru Bear #13
The Otsuru Bear is found in a side room on the third floor.
- Otsuru Bear #14
The Otsuru Bear is found in a side room on the fourth floor.
- Otsuru Bear #15
The Otsuru Bear is found on the fifth floor, just before the ramp leading
up to the sixth floor.
Once you reach the top of the room (the seventh floor), kick open the door to
free yourself from danger.
--- MANSION ROOF -------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, we're outside the mansion. Well, the only way is up, so get moving!
- Otsuru Bear #16
You can locate yet another Otsuru Bear laying next to a support beam beside
the staircase.
As you go up the stairs, you'll come to a fork.
- Memento #5
Take the left path leading down towards the side of the roof. Go under the
swirling dragon archway and proceed down the narrow path to reach the last
Memento at the end.
- Otsuru Bear #17
After collecting the fifth Memento, head under the dragon arch to the right
to find the bear lying dangerously on the wooden railing.
Return to the forked staircase and take the upper path to encounter a crapload
of ronin assassins. This'll be fun. If you find a few grouped together, enter
Focus mode and use a charged horizontal slash to cut two or three unlucky foes
in half. Try to keep your health up by blocking constantly, because the battle
isn't over once you kill the assassins.
BOSS: Daimyo
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't bother wasting Focus at the start of the boss battle. Slash Daimyo a few
times as he charges towards you. After a handful of sword slashes, a cutscene
will start where Daimyo teaches Afro how to parry. Why? I'm gonna have to get
back to you on that one.
To parry, press the Right Trigger just as the enemy strikes to temporarily
stun them, essentially opening up a large window of attack. Once the enemy is
knocked back, deliver a few quick blows. I will admit that I had a very hard
time pulling off a successive parry.
A tip for a successful parry is to pay attention to the shimmer on Daimyo's
sword; when it reaches the very tip of the sword, press the Right Trigger. A
small puff of smoke along with the enemy being knocked back signifies a
successful parry.
The entire boss battle against Daimyo revolves around parrying. Continue using
parries to damage Daimyo; try to avoid using focus and instead rely on quick
combos to deplete his health. Remember, Daiyo's body slowly turning dark red
symbolises his health bar slowly draining.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After Daimyo's death and the subsequent cutscene, the mission will end.
==============================================================================
3.03] SCHOOL INVASION                                                  [0303]
==============================================================================
Afro confronts his mentor, Sword Master, in regards to his status as Number 2
or not. Before a conclusion is reached, the school is invaded (hence the name,
duh) by ronin assassins.
--- SCHOOL -------------------------------------------------------------------
Afro and Sword Master begin on the third floor of the school. Follow Sword
Master as he descends down to the second floor. Help him defeat the small band
of assassins here, then continue to the first floor. After helping your master
kill more enemies on the ground floor, he will show you the exit.
- Otsuru Bear #18
Before exiting the school, head towards the far-right wall. Hop onto the
short ledge and you should find the Otsuru Bear tucked away in the corner.
--- TRAINING GROUNDS ---------------------------------------------------------
The Sword Master is already tackling groups of assassins just outside the
school. Your master is a very competant fighter, so you shouldn't have too
much of a load in your hands. Three more assassins drop down from the rooftop
after their friends have been taken out of the picture, but they should go
down just as easy.
- Otsuru Bear #19
Locate the Sword Master after the enemies have been defeated. Hug the rock
wall to his left and you should eventually spot the bear lying on a rock
near the school.
- Memento #1
To the right of the Sword Master is a small nook between a building and a
rock. Sneak through the small passage to reach the Memento.
Pass by the Sword Master and follow the cliffside. At the gap, wall run across
the wooden boards and proceed through the canyon. At the dead end, perform a
criss cross jump to reach the upper ledge. To do this, wall run up the wall on
the right, then press A at the peak of your run to jump. Press A again to jump
back and over the edge.
The training grounds are occupied with assassins. Figures. Activate Over Focus
to do away with the large amount of enemies. You will also find a sole ninja,
who usually stays back from the action. Locate and take him down.
- Memento #2
From the entrance to the training grounds, walk to the left to reach some
wooden dummies and targets. You should be able to find a murder of crows in
between them.
Go north through the training grounds and down the stairs. Continue across the
walkway, jumping over the many holes in the floor. Slay the three assassins
while keeping your footing, then move forward.
- Otsuru Bear #20
The Otsuru Bear is lying in plain sight on a rock just after crossing the
wooden walkway.
You'll have to take the hard route to reach the other side of the cliff. Drop
down the steps towards the stone spires. The game will teach you how to jump
during a wall run. It's simple: as you are wall running, press A to leap
forwards with great might. Try it on the smooth rock wall to your right. Jump
to the stone spire, then do it again to reach the grassy ledge.
Follow the winding path to reach a very steep slope leading up to the gate
area. Wall run up the ledge on the right, then continue up the second ledge.
Hop to the left and pull yourself up to the next step. Walk across the beam
and you'll be on your way.
As a rude assassin flips you off from across the walkway, follow him to the
alarm bell. Stand your ground as a group of assassins jump you. Use Over Focus
if you'd like and watch out for reinforcements. Try not to get surrounded by
multiple enemies.
Sound the alarm bell with your foot after the enemies have been eradicated.
Just as you do, a giant and his ninja buddies try to break through the main
entrance. Defeat the ninja that ambushes Afro and jump through the wall he
broke down.
Your goal is to stop the three enemies from breaking in. The ninjas will
notice you first, so try to kill them without alerting the giant. Go into Over
Focus if you can; if not, enter Focus mode and use a sweep kick to take the
ninjas off their feet.
Once it is time to square off with the giant, slash his back to get his
attention. The giant is a naturally powerful enemy, so take your time to block
and/or dodge his spiked club. Throw him off-balance with heavy attacks, then
go into Focus and use charged blows to finish him off.
- Otsuru Bear #21
If you need health from the battle against the giant or just in the mood to
collect, you can find an Otsuru Bear to the left of the main door, lying on
a pile of small rocks.
More ronin assassins will charge towards Afro. They should be no match for a
fully-healed Afro. Make way through the open gate and across the bridge to
confront the gunner; he chickens out and flees as ninjas rush onto the scene.
Ignore the ninjas right off the bat and go after the gunner. If you leave him
be, he will snipe Afro from afar while you tango with the ninjas. You can try
going into Over Focus and eliminating the gunner along with a few ninjas as
well. More ninja reinforcements appear after dispatching the initial bunch.
You may notice a ninja dressed in gray and blue garb -- clothing unlike that
of the ninjas we have previously encountered. These guys are a bit tougher
than your average ninja: possessing superior strength and agility. Don't mess
around with these guys, so go right into Focus and stick it to them.
We won't be able to continue down the trail due to a raging fire, so turn
around and head back towards the gate.
- Memento #3
After crossing the bridge back towards the school entrance, look to the left
of the open gate to spot the Memento.
- Otsuru Bear #22
After crossing the bridge back towards the school entrance, look to the left
of the open gate to spot the Otsuru Bear. It's right next to the Memento.
- Otsuru Bear #23
After crossing the bridge back towards the school entrance, go to the right
to find an Otsuru Bear lying on a rock next to the bridge's base.
Proceed through the gates leading back to the front door and turn around. Jump
on top of the catwalks on either side of the gate, then wall run up the wall
to grab the lever. Doing so will temporarily raise the bridge up.
However, the bridge will lower back down after a few quick moments. You must
pull both levers in a matter of seconds to fully raise the drawbridge. As you
try to pull the levers on either side of the gate, assassins will try and halt
your progress. After pulling the first lever, drop down and pass the gate,
then hop up to the next catwalk and yank the second lever.
Kill the remaining enemies after the bridge has successfully been raised to
start a cutscene.
--- RESCUING THE CHILDREN ----------------------------------------------------
Three children, including Otsuru, have been abducted. Follow Jinno out of the
safe house towards the training ground. The first child is stashed in a wooden
hut in the center of the training ground.
Your goal is to protect the youngster from assassins and ninjas. Only target
the enemies that are physically attacking the kid; let Jinno deal with the
other baddies. Once the first wave of assassins are eliminated, some ninjas
appear in pursuit of the child. Use Over Focus to dispatch them with ease.
Once protecting the child against three waves of enemies, he will be rescued.
The second child is hiding under a water tower next to the school. Jinno
suggests splitting up, which pretty much means that you're going to have to do
this alone. Backtrack along the cliff path to reach the water tower. Unlike
the previous kid, this rascal is being pestered by hordes of ninjas. No
assassins here; just ninjas and the masked blue and gray ninjas.
The enemies here are a lot more difficult, and the fact that you have no
reinforcements makes defeating them a chore. Use Over Focus to take out the
tougher enemies and leave the stragglers to normal combos. Jinno arrives just
in time to rescue the kid.
Otsuru is the third child needed to be rescued, but lets pick up one of her
bears first!
- Otsuru Bear #24
After rescuing the second kid, turn around and walk away from the alley
towards the stone staircase leading to the school. The Otsuru Bear is hidden
on a stone step next to the staircase leading to the school's entrance.
Return to the alley and round the corner.
- Otsuru Bear #25
Behind the burning building is a pile of sandbags and a few crates. Jump
over the beam in the way, then immediately turn around; the bear is lying on
one of the crates.
As you try to enter the building's back entrance, Afro will be spotted by a
band of ronin assassins. Quickly use Focus attacks and wait for the next wave
to appear. A total of three groups attack Afro at a time. Once the fighting
ceases, quickly enter the dojo.
An assassin has found Otsuru and slowly stalks her. You must reach her and
eliminate her pursuer before the worst can occur.
- Memento #4
Immediately after entering the burning building, jump onto the ledge and
follow the right path to find the Memento.
Turn around from the dead end and take the left path instead. Two assassins
round the corner and attack, so defeat them as quickly as possible. Proceed
onward and jump over the falling beam that blocks your path. Enter the small
courtyard on the right and dash through to reach Otsuru's attacker.
Once the jerk is killed, Jinno will swoop in and save Otsuru.
- Otsuru Bear #26
The Otsuru Bear is directly to the left of the doorway leading back into the
courtyard.
Backtrack into the courtyard, where another impromptu battle will begin. A
samurai orders a group of assassins to do you in. They should give you little
trouble. Next up, the samurai sends a few ninjas down. Go into Over Focus and
take them out before they even know what hit 'em.
Of course, the samurai flees after his henchmen get mowed down. Exit the
building and head back towards the water tower, which promptly collapses to
the ground. It blocks the path back to the training ground, leaving the
burning school as the only entryway.
--- SCHOOL -------------------------------------------------------------------
Upon entering the school, burning beams will block the entrance and seal your
fate inside. Eliminate the wave of rogue assassins on your tail, then make a
beeline to the second floor.
Afro encounters two ninjas and a gunner across the hall. Ignore the ninjas and
immediately charge towards the gunner, ending with a fatal combo. Slice up the
ninjas as well before heading up to the third floor.
You'll find Sasuke, one of the students, defending against ronin assassins on
the third floor. Help him dish out the pain to these fools until s'more jump
out onto the balcony. Continue slaying enemies until a cutscene.
--- BODHI TREE ---------------------------------------------------------------
The students watch as the Sword Master gets totally owned over at the Bodhi
Tree. Afro insists on helping him, and thus the mission begins.
- Otsuru Bear #27
After descending the second flight of stairs in the tunnel, look to the left
in the large opening to spot the bear resting on a rock.
Run through the tunnel until it empties out onto a cliffside. A few assassin
enemies storm the area, but defeating them is very simple. Use quick strikes
and kicks to knock the assassins into the raging waters below.
- Memento #5
Walk down the two sets of stone steps and immediately look to the left at
rock pillars. Their walls seem to be abnormally flat, allowing you to wall
jump across the two. Perform a criss cross jump to reach the top of the rock
spire. Leap across the gap to the pillar in front of you, where the final
Memento lies.
Drop down into the canyon passage until it spills out into another clearing.
Slay the two ninjas that get up in your face and follow the relatively
straightforward path. Kill the assasins that ambush you, then proceed up the
stone stairway.
- Otsuru Bear #28
As you make your way up the stone steps, you'll reach a stone pillar to the
side connected to the steps via a wooden beam. Carefully cross the beam to
reach the pillar, where the Otsuru Bear lies.
Head up the stairs the rest of the way to reach the Bodhi Tree and the Sword
Master. Accompany him in the task of disemboweling a few ninja groups. Nothing
too difficult here, especially since the Sword Master takes most of the abuse.
After the fight, a shocking cinema wraps up the level.
==============================================================================
3.04] SWORD MASTER'S STORY                                             [0304]
==============================================================================
The Sword Master reveals the Number 2 headband to Afro and challenges him to a
duel for the ages.
- Otsuru Bear #29
The first Otsuru Bear is lying out in the open near the left side of the
Bodhi Tree's base.
- Otsuru Bear #30
The bear can be found by straying to the right side of the area (facing the
tree) and searching the pile of rocks near the cliff's edge.
BOSS: Sword Master
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fight against the Sword Master is a lot easier than expected; it's in many
ways a rehash of the battle against Daimyo (though the Sword Master doesn't
hold your hand as much as the latter). At the very start of the battle, the
boss doesn't do much to protect himself from your onslaught of sword attacks.
After damaging him a bit and a cutscene snippet, the Sword Master will begin
blocking the majority of your strikes. Like the Daimyo fight, using Focus in
its entirety is out the window, for the Sword Master blocks any Focus attack
in near perfection. Use quick, horizontal strikes to pester the Sword Master
in hopes of him dropping his guard.
The Sword Master's attacks are easily predictable and aren't anything of great
note. His most powerful attack is his overhead slash, which can easily knock
Afro back on his butt. Remember to press the Right Trigger just as the boss's
sword shimmer reaches the tip of the blade; you will perform a parry and stun
the Sword Master.
The main basis of this swordfight is to block the Sword Master's attacks and
continuously parry. With the master stunned from your parry, unleash a mini
combo to knock a few chunks off of his health.
You will view another cinema snippet after taking away most of the Sword
Master's health; the battle will end soon after if you deliver a few more
powerful hits. He jumps around like a jackrabbit and manages to block even
moreso than before, but stick to the same strategy to come out victorious.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sword Master is dead, and Afro is in possession of the Number 2 headband.
I s'pose congratulations are in order.
==============================================================================
3.05] OKIKU'S STORY                                                    [0305]
==============================================================================
Afro wakes up in a strange house owned by a woman named Okiku. She describes
what has happened the past week the two have been together. So... it's pretty
much a flashback narrated by the strange Okiku.
--- THE FOURTH NIGHT ---------------------------------------------------------
There's nothing important inside Okiku's house, so leave and and watch as the
woman enters the valley.
- Memento #1
As you exit the house, hug the perimeter to the left. Once on the side of
the house, you should spot the crows resting on a wooden board in the corner
of the yard.
Go across the wooden bridge and follow Okiku into the valley. From the first
ledge, jump across the two green platforms to the other side. Hop up the ledge
to reach a tree trunk acting as a makeshift bridge. Run across the tree to the
next, enemy-filled, area.
These ronin assassins are a bit tougher than normal since they tend to block
much more than usual. After defeating the batch of enemies, hug the rock wall
where the waterfall is pouring down from.
- Otsuru Bear #31
There is a very narrow path stretching underneath the waterfall. Hug the
rock wall and follow the path underneath the roaring waters to reach a dead
end and an Otsuru Bear.
Return to the other side and jump across the streams using the stepping stone.
As a reminder, Afro cannot swim, so use extra caution when around water. Jump
up the rocks to encounter a large warrior named Takamori. Again, the fame and
fortune of wearing the Number Two headband.
Takamori is a big dude, but he isn't to be compared against bosses. He isn't
much tougher than normal enemies and can easily be blocked and attacked with
Focus attacks. Try using parries to block Takamori's attacks and temporarily
stun him. The battle shouldn't last too long.
The fight after Takamori's demise is much harder. A gunner is stationed on a
rock wall not too far away from your location and will continuously shoot at
Afro while he has his hands full with ninjas and ronin assassins.
It's best to take out the gunner first to avoid having to block his bullets
over and over. Run towards the rock wall and pull yourself up to his location,
then quickly dispatch him. Deal with the ninjas by using Focus attacks and so
on. There are a LOT of enemies here, so keep guarding and watch your health.
Backtrack a lil' bit to a small bridge leading into a cave. Head inside to
reach another waterfall. Drop down to its base to do battle with three more
assassins. Afterwards, jump across the waterfall's base by using the stepping
stone in the middle of the river.
- Otsuru Bear #32
Just after crossing the waterfall, look to your right to spot the bear
lying on the floor near a broken bridge.
There seem to be a few different ways you can reach Okiku here, because there
are plenty of rock ledges and various platforms to reach. Your main task is to
follow the lanterns, because they always lead you in the right direction.
Run forward across the narrow ledge to reach a log. Jump on top and move
across to a narrow passage. Hop up the ledge and proceed forward into a bamboo
forest.
You can either take the upper path or the lower path here; it doesn't really
matter which option you stick with. Take the high path at first and follow the
lanterns to a bamboo bridge.
- Memento #2
Drop down from the bamboo bridge and head towards the lit doorway on the
ground floor. Head through to reach a small hut, where you will find the
Memento on the front porch.
Backtrack through the doorway again and follow the lower path to another
bridge. Head across to an intersection, where Afro catches sight of Okiku
again. At the fork, take a left to reach the bridge Okiku crossed just now.
Follow her across the bridge to reach a second one. Head across for a scene.
Ooh, I knew Okiku was a little too strange! Follow Brother Two's android ninja
across the bridge in front of you. Pursue the android ninja to the next large
section of the valley.
Walk onto the dock, then jump to the rock formation to your right. Jump across
to the next ledge, then continue through a door. It's not too difficult and
despite the confusing nature and size of this level, it is fairly
straightforward.
Okay, now things are getting REALLY strange! We are back at the town from the
prologue!
- Otsuru Bear #33
The bear is lying just to your right at the entrance of the town.
Walk across the bridge to encounter another group of enemies; Ninja Ninja
feels this is a good time to introduce a game of his: Ninja Ninja's Body-part
Poker! Yep, that's what it's really called.
- A note about Ninja Ninja's Body-part Poker:
To start the game, first locate Ninja Ninja onscreen and run into him. His
hand will appear on the bottom of the screen, holding a cigarette and three
cards. The game ends once Ninja Ninja's cigarette runs out (usually around
60-90 seconds). You must slice and dice enemies to get a card and hopefully
achieve a playable hand.
The card's suit is represented by the enemy you are facing (ronin assassin,
samurai, ninja, etc.) and the face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are represented
by the enemy's body parts: head, arms, and legs. It's all about luck, so go
out there and start chopping body parts in hopes of successfully getting a
card; Ninja Ninja will let you know how you did. Here are the possible hands
you can get in the game:
Ronin Flush - get 3 any kind of "Ronin cards"
Ninja Flush - get 3 any kind of "Ninja cards"
Kunoichi Flush - get 3 any kind of "Kunoichi cards"
Android Flush - get 3 any kind of "Android cards"
Samurai Flush - get 3 any kind of "Samurai cards"
All Legs - get 3 any kind of "Legs cards"
Ronin Legs Flush - get 3 "Ronin Legs cards"
Ninja Legs Flush - get 3 "Ninja Legs cards"
Kunoichi Legs Flush - get 3 "Kunoichi Legs cards"
Android Legs Flush - get 3 "Android Legs cards"
Samurai Legs Flush - get 3 "Samurai Legs cards"
Heads Up - get 3 any kind of "Head cards"
Ronin Heads Flush - get 3 "Ronin Head cards"
Ninja Heads Flush - get 3 "Ninja Head cards"
Kunoichi Heads Flush - get 3 "Kunoichi Head cards"
Android Heads Flush - get 3 "Android Head cards"
Samurai Heads Flush - get 3 "Samurai Head cards"
All Arms - get 3 any kind of "Arms cards"
Ronin Arms Flush - get 3 "Ronin Arms cards"
Ninja Arms Flush - get 3 "Ninja Arms cards"
Kunoichi Arms Flush - get 3 "Kunoichi Arms cards"
Android Arms Flush - get 3 "Android Arms cards"
Samurai Arms Flush - get 3 "Samurai Arms cards"
Straight - Get any type of Head, Arms, and Legs card
Ronin Straight Flush - get 3 Ronin Head, Arms, and Legs card
Ninja Straight Flush - get 3 Ninja Head, Arms, and Legs card
Kunoichi Straight Flush - get 3 Kunoichi Head, Arms, and Legs card
Android Straight Flush - get 3 Android Head, Arms, and Legs card
Samurai Straight Flush - get 3 Samurai Head, Arms, and Legs card
The game is all about luck, so don't worry if you fail to get a good hand.
The reward for winning is experience, health, and Focus, so at least the
prize is nice. Don't fret if you fail your first time; there will be plenty
of other times to play Ninja Ninja's Body-part Poker in the future.
Okay, that was a long-ass note. Sorry. While the game may be over, the fight
certainly isn't. Your first priority is to jump onto the low roofs and defeat
the two gunners (one is across the courtyard). After they're toast, the battle
will be a lot easier.
- Otsuru Bear #34
Don't forget to collect the Otsuru Bear in this area; it is located in the
courtyard, tucked away in a small corner in front of the large building. If
you fail to collect it after the battle, you'll miss out on it for good!
The final enemy is another gunner in an alleyway near the courtyard. He is on
the floor, so dash towards him and end the poor sap's life to witness another
cutscene.
--- THE FIFTH NIGHT ----------------------------------------------------------
Luckily for us, the fifth night happens to be a heck of a lot shorter than the
fourth night. You start back at Okiku's home, so return into the valley.
Jump across the moss-covered platforms and up to the log bridge. Cross it to
reach the first waterfall. Okiku is waiting for you on the gazebo above; your
job is cut short as a cinema begins.
--- THE SIXTH NIGHT ----------------------------------------------------------
Told you it was short. Once again, exit Okiku's home. However, things turn out
unlike the norm when android ninjas start emerging from the well! An unlimited
amount of android ninjas emerge from the well as a pouncing tutorial appears
onscreen.
To pounce on an enemy, perform a parry then immediately press A just after as
the enemy is still stunned. Afro will, like the name implies, pounce on the
enemy. From here, you can perform a number of executions by pressing any of
the four main buttons (A, B, X, and Y). Alternatively, you can also throw the
enemy by using the Left Analog Stick while holding A.
Throwing enemies can also be used to solve puzzles... like this one here.
Since the android ninjas emerge from the well non-stop, destroying the well
itself doesn't sound too bad of an idea. Approach the well and pounce on an
android ninja after it jumps out. Hold A and aim for the well as you toss the
android; it should collide with the well and destroy it.
Like Ninja Ninja says, all we really need to do is plug up a few holes and
we're good to go. If only it was that easy. Head back into the valley. Head
across the two green platforms and instead of taking the log bridge, follow
the passage to a new open pathway.
- Mememto #3
Just after hopping over the green platforms and continuing straight ahead,
drop down to reach a fork: to the left is a log bridge and to the right is a
canyon. However, turn around to find the crows tucked in the corner next to
a lantern. You most likely jumped over them from the ledge above.
Go to the left across the log bridge. Run across and up the ledge. If you
haven't figured it out yet, the shining white lines point you in the direction
you should be going. The second android tunnel is located in the bamboo
forest. Let the wave of android ninjas lead you to it.
Again, pounce on an android ninja and throw it into the tunnel; it's a much
smaller target than the well. This tunnel will take two hits from android
ninjas before beind destroyed.
The third android tunnel is located in the town. I'm sure you remember how to