the A and B buttons simultaneously. When close, performing this command results in a quick switch-around to the opponent's back, which can then be followed up by other attacks. It is also possible to block attacks in mid-air. Items are also thrown onto the battlefield from off-screen as opposed from a delivery man running in the background. Along with the aesthetic overhaul came significant changes in the gameplay, such as the addition of two selectable versions of each character. Slash: Known to the Japanese as Shura (修羅), from Sanskrit word "Asura". Originally, in Brahmanism and Hinduism, a devil who loves to fight by nature. It is occasionally mistranslated as "Chivalry", and implies a regular fighter (compare a face in professional wrestling). This version tends to be the closest in style and moves to the Samurai Shodown II version of the character. Bust: Known to the Japanese as Rasetsu (羅刹), which is a derivation of the Sanskrit word, "rakshasa", in reference to a type of demon of black body (hence, the darker skin of bust characters). It is occasionally mistranslated as "Treachery", implying a rulebreaking heel version of the character. This version typically differs considerably from its Slash counterpart in gameplay, though it visually does not look different beyond its color palette. The fighter Nakoruru is the only notable exception to this. The "Slash" version of her character is accompanied by her pet hawk, Mamahaha, as in the two previous SS games. Her "Bust" version, however, is accompanied by her pet wolf, Shikuru. (Like with Mamahaha, she is able to hop onto Shikuruu's back and perform modified attacks.) Galford in his "Bust" version fights without his dog, Poppy for the first time in the series. Characters Haohmaru's role in the story was diminished, in favor of the new main character, and the overall story is smaller in scope. The returning characters from the previous game are: Haohmaru Genjuro Kibagami Galford Kyoshiro Senryo Ukyo Tachibana Nakoruru Hanzo Hattori New warriors added to the series included the following: Shiro Tokisada Amakusa, while not a new character to the series, was now playable, and not a boss. Shizumaru Hisame, the semi-amnesiac, umbrella-wielding young boy, who is the main protagonist of this game. His goal is to slay Zankuro Minazuki because Shizumaru believes that Zankuro murdered his family. Rimururu, Nakoruru's cheerful younger sister, who wielded the power of ice. Gaira Caffeine, the large, brash and