SHINOBIDO: TALES OF THE NINJA / SHINOBIDO: HOMURA
Comprehensive Walkthrough, Controls & Movelists,
Information Guide and Secrets/Codes Guide v1.0
Authored by Zephranthes, 09.13.10
Disclaimer: This guide contains spoilers from Shinobido: Way of the Ninja.
Then again, so does Shinobido: Tales of the Ninja since its a psuedo-sequel
which summarizes the plot of Way of the Ninja almost immediately. Read at your
own risk, I'm not spoiler-tagging everything.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
TABLE OF CONTENTS
/////////////////////////////////////////////
+Introduction
+What's Different From Shinobido: Way of the Ninja?
+Main Menu
+Mission Controls
-Basic Controls
-Item Actions
-Movement Actions
-Stealth Actions
-Combat Actions
+Abnormal Status Conditions
-Negative Character Status
-Status Ailments
-Enhanced Status
+Alert Modes and Enemy Vigilance
-Presence Icons
-Vigilance
+Chimatsuri-Sappo
-What is Chimatsuri-Sappo?
-Chimatsuri-Sappo Controls and Advice
+Chimatsuri-Sappo Techniques
-Asuka Chimatsuri-Sappo Techniques
-Other Chimatsuri-Sappo Techniques
+Ninja Tools
-Grapple Hooks
-Throwing Weapons
-Potions and Drugs
-Throwing Spheres
-Sushi
-Land Mines
-Ninpo Scrolls
-Gadgets
-Mushrooms
+Standard Enemies and NPCs
+Unique Characters
+Traps & Hazards
-Basic Floor Traps
-Hazardous Smoke Traps
-Beneficial Smoke Traps
-Other Traps
-Hazards
+Techniques and Tips
+Difficulty Modes
+Mission Types
+Mission Points
+Shinobido: Tales of the Ninja Story Mode Walkthrough
+Extra Missions
+Playable Characters & Movelists
-Asuka Ninja
-Ninja Clans
-Swordsmen
-Archers
-Riflemen
-Samurai Generals
-Feudal Lords
-Other Characters
-Special Characters
+Glitches & Bugs
+Cheats
+Exploits
+Single Mission Mode
+Multiplayer Mode
+Extra
+Thanks and Legal Stuff
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
INTRODUCTION
/////////////////////////////////////////////
Well, better late than never. The game was released in Europe in 2007 and its a
shame that it still doesn't have a FAQ so here it is.
(Imashime: Referring to the PS2 title "Shinobido: Imashime" or as it is known
in the west, "Shinobido: Way of the Ninja". Imashime is quicker to write.
Homura: This game. Same as Imashime, it's easier to refer to "Shinobido:
Tales of the Ninja" as simply "Homura.")
Shinobido, meaning "Way of the Ninja" or path of the shinobi is a stealth
action game made by Acquire, relatively well known for their Tenchu and
Samuraido (Way of the Samurai) series. Shinobido: Imashime is the first game in
this two-part series, made for the Playstation 2 and only released in Asia and
Europe.
The game featured a custom mission editor, much like the ones from Tenchu:
Shinobi Gaisen (JP released only), Tenchu 2 and Tenchu: Shinobi Taizen (aka
Tenchu: Time of the Assassins.) You could use this editor to make one-shot
missions with pre-determined item loadouts and enemy placement with customized
level terrain and an objective that the player would have to complete.
Shinobido: Homura (Way of the Ninja: Flame) is a PSP port of the Imashime game
engine with a collection of developer-created mission editor levels tied
together with a loose plot as a continuation of the PS2 title. Though it
primarily abides by the limitations of Imashime's mission editor, it does
feature some new enhancements (and deficiencies.) It also features a
multiplayer mode that supports up to 4 players via WLAN.
Last of all, Imashime and Homura can interface with each other using the
respective game console devices and a USB cord to connect them in order to
import missions from Imashime to Homura (but not vice versa.) This is a neat
feature but due to the trimmed-down inventory system and the weak physics
engine, the missions won't necessary play as intended without some foresight.
Overall, fans of Imashime aren't necessarily going to enjoy Homura but its a
pretty faithful port of the custom-mission engine that provides some great
ninja stealth action on the go.
Now, let's get started shall we?
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
WHAT'S DIFFERENT FROM 'SHINOBIDO: WAY OF THE NINJA'?
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////
This section will only really be of interest to people who have played
Imashime's mission editor mode since I'm not comparing Homura to Imashime's
story mode.
+ An automap for every single mission...no more being utterly lost on those
complicated maps!
+ A mission compass that directs you to objectives, just like in Imashime's
story mode.
+ 'Retry' option in the pause menu to make restarting a mission much
quicker.
+ 3 selectable difficulty modes and removal of the 100 point score cap (only on
HARD MODE)
+ 36 playable characters.
+ New attack each for Goh and Kinu.
+ Adhoc Multiplayer Mode that supports custom missions.
+ Kidnapping targets don't auto-alert just from being picked up.
+ Slight changes to status ailment effects.
+ No more auto-kicking prone enemies.
- Only 4 item slots.
- No inventory.
- Only one skybox for all tilesets.
- No rain.
- Character audio has been reduced greatly.
- Simplified object physics.
- No ragdoll physics.
- Shoji doors are now indestructable.
- Some Chimatsuri-Sappo techniques removed or altered to be faster.
- Greatly reduced random item drop rate, no ingredient or scroll drops.
- No high score name entry.
- No Crazy Ninja mode.
- No Japanese audio option.
- All merchants look like Ichijo Merchant regardless of faction.
- Enemies do not disarm land mines.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
MAIN MENU
/////////////////////////////////////////////
[Story Mode]
A single player campaign of over 60 missions and 36 playable characters.
[Single Mission Mode]
Play levels that you've imported from Shinobido: Way of the Ninja's Mission
Editor but with Shinobido: Tales of the Ninja's enhancements.
[Multiplayer Mode]
Play Shinobido: Tales of the Ninja with up to three others over adhoc
multiplayer.
[Download]
Import Shinobido: Way of the Ninja mission editor levels from your Playstation
2 via USB connection.
[Options]
Change game options: difficulty, controls, volume, save settings, etc.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
MISSION CONTROLS
/////////////////////////////////////////////
===============
Basic Controls
===============
-Analog: Movement (Walk/Run)
-D-Pad: Use Item
-Square: Attack/Draw
-Triangle: Contextual Action
-Circle(O): Draw/Sheathe Weapon
-Cross(X): Jump
-L Trigger: Hold for Target Mode, release and hold again quickly to switch
targets.
-R Trigger: Hold for Stealth Mode, makes you less visible. Tap to align the
camera to your character.
-Start: Pause Menu
-Select: Toggle Automap
-R+O: First Person Mode, items can be manually thrown and placed in this mode.
=============
Item Actions
=============
[Use Item]
Press the corresponding direction on the d-pad to use an equipped item.
-Many items can be manually aimed while in First Person Mode.
-While in Target Mode, throwing objects will automatically be aimed at your
current target.
[Pick up Item or Object]
Press triangle while near the item or object. Note that there are small objects
and large objects.
-Items will auto-stack with any that you already possess or automatically be
placed in an empty item slot. Otherwise, you cannot pick up the item.
-While carrying large objects, you'll be slowed and unable to perform most
actions other than hopping and using items.
-While carrying large objects, you're more vulnerable to heights and any
damage recieved will cause you to drop the object.
-People count as large objects, however they can only be picked up if they are
dead or a kidnap/rescue target.
[Throw Small Object]
Press triangle while holding a small object to fling it. Can be done while in
midair.
-This will cause explosive objects to detonate.
-Using your grapple hook or certain items while holding a small object can
cause you to drop it safely.
[Place Large Object]
Press triangle while holding a large object to set it down carefully.
-This will not cause explosive objects to detonate.
-Using First Person Mode can help for precision object placement.
[Throw Large Object]
Press triangle + direction while holding a large object to heave it in that
direction.
-This will cause explosive objects to detonate.
-You cannot throw large objects very far and throwing explosive objects on
level ground will probably catch you in the explosion.
[Auto-Grapple]
Activate your grapple hook while not in Aiming Mode. It will automatically
attach to the nearest ledge or wall (but not necessarily the one you wanted.)
[Grapple Cancel]
Press X while grappling to release the grapple.
-This can be useful to intentionally fall short of your target and enter a
ledge cling instead of exposing yourself by rolling onto the top of the place
you grappled.
[Grapple Attack]
Manually aim and fire your grappling hook at an NPC to yank them off their feet
and launch them towards you.
-This doesn't alert an enemy but they may spot you while in midair or prone.
-The place you aim on the target will affect their trajectory.
[Autoaim]
Throwing items (shuriken/spheres) will automatically target the nearest NPC
when used without Target Mode.
-This can be used to accurately hit enemies far outside Target Mode range.
-Shuriken will track moving enemies unless thrown in Aim Mode.
-Spheres will rarely hit targets at range or moving targets.
-Autoaim will target the nearest NPC, even if they are behind a wall.
[Air Item]
Throw an item while in midair, consumables will be thrown instead of eaten when
you do this.
-Items like mines and scrolls cannot be used in the air.
-Autoaim applies to air items.
-Using spheres in midair can actually make them more accurate at mid-ranges.
-This is a more convenient way to use drugs (potions with a negative effect) on
the enemy without resorting to Aim Mode.
-This is a more convenient way to use potions on friendly NPCs (useful in the
event you run out of health spheres.)
=================
Movement Actions
=================
These actions are largely restricted to ninja characters only.
[Dash]
Press Circle while moving normally to begin a dash.
-While dashing, you are faster but less maneuverable and can trip over objects
and collide with walls.
-Very unstealthy and will make you skid noisily when you change directions or
stop.
-Causes weariness and can make your character to become fatigued sooner (though
not by itself).
-Use R to stop a dash quietly and quickly.
[Dash Jump]
Press X while dashing to perform a long-distance somersault jump.
[Backflip]
Jump directly backwards. Looks cool but has no helpful function but can be
dangerous if you're not expecting it and there is a pitfall behind you.
[Wall Jump]
Jump against a wall and press X again to rebound off of it with a second jump
using analog to control the direction. This can be performed repeatedly.
[Climb Jump]
Jump directly against the wall and press X and up to jump again vertically.
Good for scaling walls of a specific height.
[Wall Run]
Press against a wall at an angle while in midair (jumping or falling). Youll
run along the wall in an arc for a short distance.
-You can wall jump off of a wall run.
-You can initiate CS during a wall run which is good against many enemies with
high vigilance.
[Ledge cling]
Jump or press against a ledge to automatically grab it. Pressing left or right
on analog will move you along the ledge. Mantle up by pressing X or drop down
by pressing X while holding down on analog.
-You can enter Target Mode and First Person Mode while ledge clinging.
-You can also perform a ledge cling by sneaking off a ledge in stealth mode.
-You can use consumables and throwing items while ledge clinging.
[Air Grapple]
Perform an Auto-Grapple (see above) while in midair.
-This can be handy while falling unexpectedly.
-Used along with wall jumps and wall runs can be very effective (and
dangerous.)
[Head Bounce]
Jump on someone's head to get a bit of a boost, especially during a dash
jump.
-This will alert an enemy and make rescue charges complain.
================
Stealth Actions
================
These actions are largely restricted to ninja characters only.
[Sneak]
In stealth mode, use analog to creep quietly and slowly. Back+Right or
Back+Left is used to turn.
[Quick Turnaround]
In stealth mode, press X to do a 180 degree roll.
[Roll]
In stealth mode, press X + analog to roll in that direction.
-Can be used to move through water quietly and faster than sneaking.
-In combat when paired with Target Mode, rolling can be used as an evasive
maneuver or for flanking your target.
[Wall Hug]
In stealth mode, press up against a wall to place your back against it. Analog
will move you along the wall. Release stealth mode to exit the wall hug.
[Corner Peek]
During a wall hug, move to the end of a wall and you will automatically peer
around it.
-Does not expose you and you can throw items around the corner.
[Open/Close Door]
Triangle when facing a door. Press it lightly to open the door a crack, press
it hard to open the door completely.
===============
Combat Actions
===============
Specific attack moves are covered in the "Playable Characters and Movelists"
section of this guide.
[Combat Movement]
While in Target Mode, use Analog to move in relation to your target.
-You can sneak or enter a dash during this mode.
[Guard]
Hold or tap L while facing the attack.
-Some attacks are unblockable like fire or smoke.
-Some attacks should be unblockable but can be blocked (bullets, explosions.)
-You can guard while in sneak mode.
[Air Recovery]
Press Triangle, Square or X when you are helpless in the air to regain your
balance.
-You can immediately perform an air attack or air item/grapple upon
recovering.
[Ground Recovery]
Press Triangle, Square, X or analog when you are knocked down to stand back
up.
[Recovery Attack]
Press Triangle, Square, X or analog when you are prone to stand up and kick
anyone nearby.
[Recovery Roll]
While prone, simply perform a roll in any direction.
[Warrior Climb] (Asuka Ninja and Miroku Only)
Roll into someone to run up their chest and vault over their head, landing
behind them.
-This move is very good for interrupting an enemy attack or combo.
-It doesn't actually alert an enemy so it has stealthy applications too.
-Many enemies have turn-around attacks specifically to deal with this sort of
situation.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
ABNORMAL STATUS CONDITIONS
/////////////////////////////////////////////
==========================
Negative Character Status
==========================
-Fatigued: Character is tired and their movements are slowed. If they do not
rest, they'll eventually be forced to stop for a moment to recover but will be
unable to take any action other than guarding. This condition is caused by
strenuous activity though different characters have varying levels of endurance
or may be completely immune to this status.
-Knocked Down: Character is sitting on the ground and unable to do anything but
stand up. This condition is caused by certain attacks, explosions or by dashing
into an Wall. NPCs in this state can often use a stand-up attack.
-Prone: Character has collapsed on the ground. This condition is caused by
certain attacks, explosions, knockout, falling from a high place or tripping
over objects while dashing. NPCs in this state can often use a stand-up
attack.
-Launched: Character has been propelled into the air by an attack and is
helpless. In this state they are particularly sensitive to falling damage. This
condition is caused by certain attacks and explosions.
-Knockout: Character is prone for a time and completely helpless and senseless.
This condition is caused by certain attacks.
-Burning: Character has caught on fire and will continuously lose health for a
short period of time. Fire cannot be quenched with water but will go out on its
own. This condition is caused by coming in contact with fire.
-Deceased: Caused by total health loss or falling into a pit. NPCs become prone
indefinitely and count as a large object (except bears which cannot be picked
up.) Players in this state automatically fail the mission (unless objective was
achieved simultaneous to death.)
================
Status Ailments
================
These can afflict both you and NPCs though they may have completely different
effects on NPCs. They are caused by status items or traps. A depleting bar will
show you how long the status will affect you.
-Weakening: Hands glow blue and attack power is reduced.
-Confusion: Players uncontrollably move in random directions during this state
but can still control their other actions. NPCs in this state will act insane,
attacking anyone and running around aimlessly.
-Amnesia: Players will have only their movement and item controls reversed in
this state. NPCs in this state will remain motionless and senseless for the
duration of effect and will not even respond to pain. They will stare blankly
at the sky unless they are knocked prone.
-Unconscious: Same as knockout.
================
Enhanced Status
================
Like status ailments but these have positive effects. A depleting bar will show
you how long the status will affect you.
-Strength: Hands glow gold and attack power is increased.
-Speed: Character moves at a far faster rate and everything they do is sped
up.
-Potency: No visual indicator. Many used items will be more effective and/or
much larger than usual.
-Cure: No visual indicator. Immune to negative status ailments though resisting
an ailment depletes the duration of immunity.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
ALERT MODES AND ENEMY VIGILANCE
/////////////////////////////////////////////
===============
Presence Icons
===============
The rectangular icons on the top of the screen notify you of nearby NPCs
(except cats). The color of the eye will tell you their state of alert and the
opacity of the icon indicates proximity. Icons with three points signify
hostiles, icons with nine points signify extremely dangerous hostiles. Curved
icons represent friendly/neutral NPCs.
The color of the eye will indicate the alert state of the NPC.
-Unalert (White): Enemy is utterly unaware of immediate threats. In this mode
they will guard or patrol as usual and pick up items they come across.
-Curious (Purple): Enemy has heard a suspicious noise or caught a glimpse of a
suspicious item or person. In this mode, they might turn towards the
disturbance, peer at it, walk or run towards the disturbance or continue to
behave normally but at a raised level of vigilance. After satisfying their
curiosity and finding nothing, they will revert back to Unalert.
-Searching (Orange): Enemy knows there is danger nearby from having seen a
corpse, being injured or having lost sight of their target after having gone
hostile. In this mode, they will search for targets with their weapon drawn. If
they cannot find anything for an amount of time, they will revert to Unalert
and sheathe their weapon.
-Hostile (Red): Enemy has a target and is intent on killing it. In regards to
the player, this counts as being spotted. In this mode, they will chase and
attack until they lose sight of their target for an amount of time at which
point they revert to searching status. Keep in mind that enemies can become
hostile to you without line of sight such as when an elite warrior activates an
alarm, and will head to your current position with all possible haste. Also in
escort and protect missions, enemies will spawn in permanent red alert though
their target is not immediately you.
**These colors only appear for friendly NPCs**
-Friendly Searching (Green)
-Friendly Hostile (Yellow)
==========
Vigilance
==========
Vigilance is the general level of awareness and suspicion of an enemy. It is
different from alert status but can be raised due to disturbances and will
affect the enemy's level of perception and reaction to threats as well as
their resistance to Chimatsuri-sappo (see below).
Initially enemies begin with a low vigilance level and will not notice small
noises or be as attentive to their surroundings. Putting them into a higher
alert mode will also raise their vigilance level and sufficiently disturbed,
they will notice even the slightest sounds like running footsteps, a weapon
being sheathed, the sound of you landing from a jump, or even stealth rolling.
Other behaviors involve looking around more frequently, hesitating to pick up
items, running to investigate sounds and remaining in alert status for longer
periods of time.
It is in your best interests to not just avoid being spotted, but to avoid
drawing any attention at all as it will only make the enemy more dangerous and
on guard. Making loud noises, being glimpsed or leaving corpses for the enemies
to find is a fast way to cause increased enemy vigilance.
Note that dangerous hostiles usually have a raised vigilance to start with.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
CHIMATSURI-SAPPO
/////////////////////////////////////////////
==========================
What is Chimatsuri-Sappo?
==========================
This is an important element of Shinobido, the "Victim Execution Technique"
(not a precise translation.)*
They are similar to Tenchu's Ninsatsu (stealth kill) & Tenchu 4's Hissatsu
(certain kill), however there are some major differences even though
'Shinobido: Way of the Ninja' and 'Shinobido: Tales of the Ninja' both
localized the term as "stealth kill," likely for familiarity with players of
the Tenchu series.
Ironically, Tenchu 4 began using the term 'Hissatsu' and for the first time
in the series, made the enemy able to resist stealth kills rendering them
'uncertain kills'.
Shinobido's Chimatsuri-sappo is not activated with your attack button and
unless you recieve the certain-kill indicator (gleam of light over your head
and a shrill sound), you are not guaranteed to slay your victim as they might
struggle and overpower you. Also unlike Tenchu, even unaware opponents are
capable of resisting Chimatsuri-Sappo (hereforth abbreviated as CS) if their
vigilance is particularly high and Chimatsuri-sappo can be attempted even on an
alert foe.
Chimatsuri-sappo is not merely a stealth assassination technique, it is also a
combat option that can be utilized to finish off a weakened or careless
opponent. A clever ninja can use his superior mobility to exploit a missed
attack to instantly finish the enemy or use only his strength and endurance to
force a wounded opponent to succumb. You can initiate basic CS at any time
though certain techniques are only available in precise situations.
It may seem like quibbling over semantics on my part, but the difference
between Stealth Kill and Chimatsuri-Sappo is an important feature of Shinobido
and more relevant than it may seem from playing localized versions of the
games.
*Literal translation of the kanji is 'Victimization Killing Law' or 'Blood
Festival/Sacrifice Killing Law'.
=====================================
Chimatsuri-Sappo Controls and Advice
=====================================
Initiate CS: Triangle when near a target.
Force CS: Press Triangle rapidly if enemy resists.
Cancel Force CS Attempt: Do nothing.
-Be careful when using CS during a mission with friendly NPCs (not counting
Rescue) since for some stupid reason, they're as vulnerable to it as the enemy
is.
-CS scenes can be interrupted by either person involved taking damage. If a CS
scene is interrupted before the enemy actually recieves the lethal blow, they
will not be killed, but they will probably be angry.
-You can be spotted during a CS scene so make sure there are no witnesses
during the particularly long ones.
-CS techniques will reliably place you somewhere in relation to your victim at
the end of the animation. If there is a pitfall where the CS places you, guess
what? Keep this in mind when choosing your approach.
-Concerning the resulting corpse, sometimes it might get flung into the midst
of the enemy or slide off the rooftop you're on to be immediately discovered
by enemies below. Choose the right CS for the situation.
-Failing a forced CS will leave both you and your enemy exhausted. Sometimes it
will leave just you exhausted. It's good to know when to cancel a forced CS
attempt.
-Don't press triangle too early or your character will try to grab the enemy
and miss! A simple but embarrassing error that can get you spotted.
-When a large enemy throws an Asuka shinobi off their back after resisting the
CS, as long as they weren't alerted beforehand, they won't even notice the
assassination attempt and you are free to try again.
-Assassinating Generals (Asuka Only): Sometimes Samurai Generals in unalert
mode will resist your air or frontal CS for no reason. The best thing to do is
not try to force it as you will likely fail and be thrown off and fatigued.
Instead, let the Samurai General throw you off almost immediately and before he
can become alert, you will get a certain-kill prompt which succeeds easily.
-The Hungry Well Technique (Asuka Only): Set up a corpse where someone will
find it and hide in a nearby well. When whoever comes to dispose of the corpse,
ledge CS them and pull them into the well and they'll drop the corpse for
someone else to pick up. If you can draw more victims by using doghouses or
throwing potions, even better. Note that you can't use this tactic on enemies
that aren't susceptible to ledge CS and it's less effective on enemies that
don't carry corpses like Samurai Generals or Yojimbo (though if you can lure
them close to your well some other way...)
-CSing a Caged Bear (Asuka Only): Easier than CSing an uncaged bear. Open the
cage with triangle and then target the bear who will be in orange alert as he
walks out of the cage, right through you. Start mashing triangle while jumping
up and down and you should enter CS as soon as the bear is out but before he
goes into automatic red-alert. Keep in mind like any bear, sometimes he'll
just throw you off no matter how hard you try to force it which in this case is
an instant red-alert.
-Rapid Approach CS (Asuka Only): CS can be performed when dashing, dash-jumping
over an enemy or grappling near them, however if not done perfectly, you run
the risk of alerting them or worse. The advantage is that this method can close
distance very quickly and reduces the chance of you getting spotted by a random
glance to the sides. Use L targeting to improve your chances and try not to
actually make physical contact with the enemy while still passing close enough
to be within CS range.
-Reversal CS (Asuka Only): If an unaware enemy's position is disadvantageous
in some way such as CSing them would cause you to fall into a pit or throw the
corpse in front of other enemies, you can perform a Warrior Climb and CS them
either during or after it to change their facing...the maneuver itself doesn't
actually alert them (though you think having a ninja running up your face would
be a cause for concern...)
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
CHIMATSURI-SAPPO TECHNIQUES
/////////////////////////////////////////////
Of course while waiting for the certain-kill indicator is ideal, it is not
always necessary or possible. In the case of certain techniques, they can be
initiated under any circumstances though the results are not guaranteed to be
favorable.
-Can be resisted: Though there are no restrictions on initating, the victim can
fight you off (which also means you can force it.)
-Cannot be resisted: The victim cannot fight you off once initiated and it will
succeed unless interrupted by something.
-Not always possible: Can only be initiated in certain circumstances dependent
on factors such as the victim's vigilance, alert state and facing.
-Can Miss: Though there are no restrictions on initating, you can miss the
victim completely with no chance of forcing it.
-Can be dodged: Though there are no restrictions on initiating, the victim can
avoid it completely with no chance of forcing it.
==================================
Asuka Chimatsuri-Sappo Techniques
==================================
These techniques are only applicable to the Asuka clan shinobi (Goh, Kinu, Zaji
and their variants.)
Zaji and Goh use the same techniques while Kinu (due to her unique weapon) has
her own set though they function mostly the same.
[From the Back]
Initiated from behind or the sides of the victim. Can be resisted.
-Goh: Activated from behind or the sides of the enemy, Goh places his hand on
the enemy's shoulder, barely giving them time to glance backwards in surprise
before killing them with a powerful turning slash. A relatively quick CS that
throws the corpse forward and places Goh slightly behind them.
-Kinu: Kinu wraps her chain around the enemy's neck, then with her back to
theirs, heaves them over her head. Not a fast CS but it flings the corpse far
to the rear making it a great CS for taking out an enemy entourage from behind
one-by-one. One of the best reasons to use Kinu.
[From Above]
Initiated from above the victim by ledge clinging, jumping or wall running.
Even standing on a low ledge above them. Can be resisted.
-Goh: Goh grabs the enemy's head in both hands, twisting his body to snap
their neck. A quick CS that leaves Goh behind the enemy's corpse. One of the
best CS in the game due to its method of approach (above enemy line of sight)
and large activation radius.
-Kinu: Kinu clutches the enemy's head between her thighs and flips them onto
the ground before snapping their neck. Not a fast CS and it places Kinu and the
corpse far forward which can be dangerous, however it is just as effective as
Goh's Above-CS for the same reasons.
[From the Front]
Initiated from the front of the victim. Can be resisted.
-A variation of the Above-CS, fundamentally identical to it in every way.
[From Behind or Above Large Enemy]*
Initiated from behind, the sides or above a large enemy. Can be resisted.
-Goh: Goh leaps onto the enemy's back (or suddenly appears there when
approaching from the air), trying to gain his balance before plunging his sword
into their spine. This CS is very slow and leaves Goh to the front and left of
the corpse. Terrible, but its one of the only CS that work on large enemies.
-Kinu: Activated when approaching a large enemy from the back or the air. Kinu
clambers onto the enemy's back and slices their throat from the side. Looks
like she's opening a tin can when she does it to a Taraba. Just as bad as
Goh's CS.
[From in Front of Large Enemy]*
Approach the large enemy from their front. Can be resisted.
-Goh: A variation of the From Behind or Above Large Enemy CS, fundamentally
identical to it in every way
-Kinu: Jumps over a swing from the victim and lands on their back, neatly
cutting their throat. Can be resisted. Just as slow and obnoxious as the other
Large Enemy CS.
[While Down]*
Initiate while near a victim laying or sitting on the ground. Can miss and can
be dodged.
-The ninja rises into the air and stabs his weapon into the downed victim with
great force. Oddly this can hit multiple downed victims.
[From Below]
Initiated while ledge clinging, a victim who is standing above you may be
vulnerable to this. Cannot be resisted but is not always possible.
-The ninja reaches up and grabs the enemy's hand, pulling them down and
snapping their neck with his or her legs, then dropping the corpse. This is a
great CS, perform it whenever possible.
[From the Right]
While peeking around a corner, a victim to your side may be vulnerable to this.
Cannot be resisted but is not always possible.
-Slamming the victim against the wall, the ninja stabs them in the chest with
their weapon held in both hands.
[From the Left]
While peeking around a corner, a victim to your side may be vulnerable to this.
Cannot be resisted but is not always possible.
-Slamming the victim against the wall, the ninja stabs then in the chest,
one-handed without even looking.
[While Examining Item]
Initiated while victim is looking closely at an item they just picked up.
Cannot be resisted.
-More comical than the other CS, the ninja walks up to the preoccupied victim
and smacks them in the face with the item before taking his time to lethally
slash them with a flourish. This CS takes a while and it leaves the ninja to
the left and rear of the enemy. Not great and more for comedy than utility.
* These techniques are the only ones that work on large enemies.
==================================
Other Chimatsuri-Sappo Techniques
==================================
Non-Asuka shinobi (Hebitonbo, Kenobi Ninja, Usuba, Mosu Ninja, Ninja Bear) and
Yojimbo all have only one general-purpose CS each. While lacking in versatility
and being restricted to being performed on solid footing, they can't be
resisted. Also they can be activated when standing on a ledge directly above an
opponent and will 'pull' the enemy up to your level (wait for the
certain-kill indicator) though you might have to shift around a bit to find the
sweet spot. It can work from very high above the enemy though.
The other good thing about these CS is that unlike Asuka CS, their animations
are all relative to your character's facing which gives you more control on
where you and the corpse will end up. However, since they cannot be resisted or
avoided, you can't initiate them at will and usually have to wait for the
certain-kill indicator, limiting their utility in combat.
Hebitonbo CS: Hebitonbo simply extends his glove weapon into the back of the
enemy with lethal force, letting them fall to the ground as he retracts it. One
of the quickest CS around, this one has an added bonus of not moving Hebitonbo
but dumping his victim several feet away which often negates the need to hide
the body but sometimes places the body right in plain sight of the enemy.
Still, a great CS.
Kenobi CS: The Kenobi Ninja flips the enemy over his shoulder and plants a
sword in their chest. Fast, efficient, places the body directly behind the
Kenobi who barely shifts position. An excellent CS, one of the best.
Mosu Clan CS: The Mosu Ninja swings around the enemy's neck before wrapping
her legs around them and smashing their head into the ground with a cartwheel.
Takes forever and causes the ninja to end up pretty far to the left from where
they started the CS. Also if you miss the CS, she'll turn her back and often
alert the enemy in the process. Lousy.
Bear CS: The bear knocks the enemy off their feet with a powerful swipe and
mauls them to death. It's hard to manage because the Ninja Bear is so big, you
can rarely see who you're trying to kill and you'll possibly barge into them
before you get the prompt. The actual CS itself takes a long time but leaves
the bear where the enemy was and dumps the corpse in front of the bear. Not
very good but what did you expect from a bear?
Tip: Mash triangle while running towards the enemy to intitiate CS the moment
you're in range and avoid bumping into them.
Yojimbo CS: Yojimbo chops the enemy on the neck, bringing them to their knees.
He then cruelly digs his sword into their back before pushing them off with his
foot. A somewhat slow CS it doesn't move Yojimbo or his victim too far but
still leaves him left of where he started the CS. Not great.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
NINJA TOOLS
/////////////////////////////////////////////
This section only covers items that appear in Story Mode.
==============
Grapple Hooks
==============
Perhaps the most important and essential tool in the game, you'll be using
these often for climbing. They can even be used on enemies to yank them off
cliffs or make them drop their cargo.
[Short Grapple Hook]
"A useful item for getting to higher places."
-Gets the job done.
[Grapple Hook]
"A useful item for getting to higher places. The chain is longer than the
basic version."
-Gets the job done slightly better.
[Long Grapple Hook]
"A very easy to use item that helps in getting to higher places. The chain is
much longer than the basic version."
-Oh yeah, now this is what we're talking about. This grapple hook will take
you almost anywhere and let you harass enemies from very far away.
=================
Throwing Weapons
=================
Shuriken are very good for distracting enemies or setting off land mines and
explosives. Terrible for killing people though. Can be enhanced with potency
(looks cool!) to become super-sized and actually capable of dealing significant
damage!
[Shuriken]
"A relatively weak throwing weapon that is useful for attacking enemies from a
distance."
[Improved Shuriken]
"A throwing weapon that is more powerful than the basic version."
[Asuka Shuriken]
"A throwing weapon, spoken of in Asuka legend, that is unrivalled in its power
and usefulness."
-Er...not as wonderful as the description suggests but it is the strongest
throwing star.
[Money]
"Used to buy items. Can also be thrown like shuriken."
-A leftover from Imashime's shop system, money can be used much like shuriken
in a pinch though they can't set off explosives.
+Trivia: Historically, ninja would make shurikens out of sharpened coins
however the money item in Shinobido appears to be Ryo/koban (not Mon) which was
made of gold and worth A LOT. Ninja wouldn't throw those away!
[Mushroom Shuriken]
-You can get these from town girls. They're just improved shuriken that look
like black mushrooms in Imashime, but here they look like scrolls for some
reason.
[Caltrop]
"Used by scattering on the ground for enemies to step on, thereby stunning
them. Helpful when escaping."
-Don't expect to kill people with these though they are good for distractions
and slowing pursuits when you're carrying cargo. Potency will work on these to
make them comically huge and a bit more dangerous. By default, you scatter them
behind you, three at a time but they can also be thrown in aim mode.
==================
Potions and Drugs
==================
Drink them or throw them, they have a range of effects both harmful and
beneficial. Most potions can be thrown to cause a significant distraction when
it breaks, though sometimes potions bounce instead...
[Health Potion] (Pink)
"Restores HP when used. Can also be thrown to other characters for them to
use."
-Simple enough. Good for topping off your health at the end of the mission so
you get the full health bonus and of course, patching yourself up in combat.
[Speed Potion] (Purple)
"Increases speed."
-Can be very handy, especially when you're carrying cargo or trying to CS an
entourage since everything you do is sped up.
[Potency Potion] (Green)
"Increases the power and effect of items."
-For a time, they make certain items very powerful (and comically jumbo sized.)
They don't affect land mines or scrolls though.
[Strength Potion] (Yellow)
"Increases attack power."
-These can make fights a little easier. Can also be used for non-CS characters
who need a little extra oomph to one-shot enemies from behind.
[Cure Potion] (Blue)
"Cures fatigue and abnormalities and prevents other abnormalities for a short
time."
-Not very useful and rarely supplied when they would be. Most status ailments
that are inflicted on you don't last very long anyhow.
[Explosive Drug] (Red)
"Explodes when consumed."
DON'T DRINK THESE. Obviously! If you try to use this item normally, you'll
take a big swig of kaboom. Strangely they're worse for distractions than
standard potions...apparently explosions are less cause for alarm than glass
breaking?
=================
Throwing Spheres
=================
These rolling round balls contain a dangerous or beneficial payload which will
be released upon impact (or after a time) in a cloud that affects an area.
Though meant to be thrown, you can also roll them. They're not very accurate
at long range though and they make noise when they activate.
[Explosive Sphere] (Red)
"A explosive ball that releases a cloud of smoke."
-They're good for pissing off enemies but bad for killing people due to
general lack of damage and the inherent inaccuracies of spheres. At least you
can't drink them by accident. Keep in mind that the extremely strong variety
(+300) are very good for killing people though you rarely get them.
[Knockout Sphere] (Dark Purple)
"A ball that releases a cloud of smoke. Knocks out anyone who breathes the
smoke."
-These are fantastic. Even the weak ones are good enough to drop an enemy long
enough to sneak by or CS them. The strong ones are wonderful but be careful you
aren't standing too close to your victim or you'll wake up with them.
[Amnesia Sphere] (Green)
"A ball that releases a cloud of smoke. Causes amnesia in anyone who breathes
the smoke."
-These are even better. They make your target stand around like a dope, ready
to be CSed or kidnapped, stabbed or whatever. They tend to last longer than
unconscious status as well. Unlike knockout spheres, if you accidentally get
caught in the effect, you can still operate well enough to CS or escape.
[Confusion Sphere] (Dark Blue)
"A ball that releases a cloud of smoke. Confuses anyone who breathes the
smoke."
-Great for causing widespread mayhem, especially the strong ones. Not so great
for creating a situation which you have much control over. Handy for getting
guards to abandon their duties though they're just as likely to pop up again
where you least expect it.
[Sphere of Weakening] (Brown)
"A ball that releases a cloud of smoke. Decreases attack power."
-Good for a hard fight but you're just as likely to hit yourself or your
allies with it.
[Health Sphere] (Pink)
"A ball that releases a cloud of smoke. Restores HP."
-You'll be throwing a lot of these at those damned oxcarts on escort missions.
Keep in mind it's area-of-effect so make sure you're close enough to get
healed too if you've taken damage.
[Cure Sphere] (Pale Blue)
"A ball that releases a cloud of smoke. Cures fatigue and abnormalities."
-Theoretically you could cure an ally of an ailment with this but I can't
think of a situation where you'd ever need to except for one horrible mission
which is the only time you get them.
======
Sushi
======
You can throw it on the ground and enemies will investigate it. Hungry ones
will eat it. If that sushi had an effect attribute, it will inflict that on the
eater. Be careful though, sushi sometimes bounces far from where you wanted it
to land.
Note: Most enemies are only hungry enough to eat one sushi after which they'll
pocket them to save for later. There are exceptions though...
[Plain Sushi]
"Sushi that can be filled with different substances to give it special
properties."
-The basic sushi that does nothing when eaten.
[Explosive Sushi] (Red)
"Explodes when eaten."
-The only sushi that has an area-of-effect. Explosive Sushi +300 can be
extremely useful for wiping out groups.
[Knockout Sushi] (Purple)
"Knocks out anyone who eats it."
-A nice quiet way to incapacitate someone.
[Sushi of Amnesia] (Green)
"Causes amnesia in anyone who eats it."
-Same as above.
[Sushi of Confusion] (Dark Blue)
"Confuses anyone who eats it."
[Sushi of Strength] (Yellow)
"Increases attack power when eaten."
[Sushi of Curing] (Light Blue)
"Cures fatigue and abnormalities when eaten."
===========
Land Mines
===========
A good defensive item, these can be paired up with elements of the environment
to become even more effective. Stack them on top of each other to create one
big instant detonation or put them a short distance apart to create an extended
chain reaction.
[Weak Land Mine]
"A land mine that explodes when stepped on."
-Yup. Not much better than a caltrop really, but can be useful when deployed in
numbers or as a fuse to detonate explosive barrels.
[Land Mine]
"A land mine that explodes when stepped on."
-Better. These can kill pretty well though you usually need a couple.
[Powerful Land Mine] (Red)
"The ultimate land mine. Completely undetectable and extremely powerful."
-They aren't kidding. These things will pretty much kill everything that
isn't a bear.
[Invisible Weak Land Mine]
"A land mine that is almost impossible to find."
-All this means is that Mosu and Kenobi Ninja won't notice if they step on
one. Unlike Imashime, enemies don't disarm land mines.
==============
Ninpo Scrolls
==============
These magic items contain secret ninja techniques of a variety of uses.
[Ninja Flame]
"A ninja art that can be used to set fire to anything."
-Basically creates an explosion around you. Not a very powerful explosion
either but helpful if you're surrounded. It comes in a standard red variety
and the stronger black variety which isn't actually in any of Homura's
missions.
[Cicada Shell]
"A ninja art that is used to fool an enemy into thinking that he has your dead
body while you make your escape."
-That's not what it does at all! This item is more commonly called an 'extra
life' or even '1-up' in video game terminology. Very useful in dangerous
battles of course, but it won't save you from bottomless pits.
[Invisible Shadow]
"A ninja art that gives you the ability to hide yourself in a cloud of fog."
-These descriptions are terrible. This scroll will make you invisible for a
pretty long time until you attack someone or it simply wears off. You can use
attack items with impunity though, unlike Imashime, and in addition to being
immune to explosions, you don't set off traps (except for mines).
[Double Jump]
"This ninja art gives you the leg strength of a giant and allows you to do
another jump in mid-air."
-Well I don't see what leg strength has to do with it, but this is a fun
scroll. Sadly you only get it in one mission where you don't really need it.
========
Gadgets
========
These toys can be used for distraction, luring or scouting. They have a limited
operation time: twenty seconds. Using one will place it on the ground but they
can be thrown as well.
[Wind-up Chick]
"A wind-up toy that charms everyone who sees it into picking it up."
-Good for leading enemies astray or setting them up for a convenient CS.
Recommend against throwing them as then you have no control over their
direction and it may just lead an enemy straight to you instead.
[Remote Wind-Up Chick]
"A remote controlled wind-up toy that is useful in reconnaissance."
-A handy gadget that you gives you manual control over the chick. You can throw
these ones as their jump will get them back on their feet. Mind their limited
operation time though.
==========
Mushrooms
==========
Part of Imashime's alchemy system, mushrooms were an ingredient that could be
used mid-mission as an impromptu status item. Their effects aren't very
powerful though but they work as well as anything for baiting guards though not
many are hungry enough to resort to eating one.
[Health Mushroom]
"Mixable. Adds healing effect when mixed. Can be eaten in its current form for
a slight effect."
[Mushroom of Potency]
"Mixable. Increases the power and effect of items."
[Mushroom of Strength]
"Mixable. Increases attack power when mixed. Can be eaten in its current form
for a slight power up."
[Mushroom of Curing]
"Mixable. Cures fatigue and other abnormalities when mixed."
[Knockout Mushroom]
"Mixable. Adds a knockout effect when mixed. Dangerous when consumed in its
current form."
[Mushroom of Confusion]
"Mixable. Adds a confusion effect when mixed. Dangerous when consumed in its
current form."
[Mushroom of Weakening]
"Weakens attack power when mixed. Dangerous when consumed in its current
form."
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
STANDARD ENEMIES AND NPCs
/////////////////////////////////////////////
[Warriors]
They come in three factions (Ichijo, Akame, Sadame) with three different
classes (swordsman, archer, rifleman.) Fodder and your most common adversaries,
I don't need to tell you how to deal with these guys as they're lazy, slow
and not very strong. Sometimes they take a big stretch which can make their
patrols slightly unpredictable. In combat they can be troublesome since
they'll scream for help and then mob you when their friends show up. They even
have an enemy-only move where they'll pin you from behind while their fellow
warriors take a free shot at you (mash triangle to throw them off).