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Haohmaru

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Haohmaru
Samurai Shodown character
Haohmaru (Soulcalibur)
Haohmaru in Soulcalibur VI
First Episode AppearanceSamurai Shodown (1993)
Final Episode AppearanceSoulcalibur VI (2020)
Character played byHiroshi Fujioka (KOF All Star promo trailer)[1]
Character played by
  • English
  • Milton Lawrence (Samurai Shodown: The Motion Picture)
  • Japanese
  • Masaki Usui (SSI-SSV, Samurai Shodown Sen, SSVI (re-dub), Neo Geo Battle Coliseum)
  • Daiki Nakamura (Samurai Shodown 64 series, Warriors Rage, Capcom vs SNK 2, Samurai Shodown (2019), KOF All Star, Soulcalibur VI)
  • Toshiyuki Morikawa (Samurai Shodown Oni)
  • Shingo Katori (Samurai Shodown: The Motion Picture)
  • Bin Shimada (Dengeki drama CD)
In-universe information
OccupationRōnin vagabond
Fighting styleHis own
WeaponKatana and sake jug
Fugudoku (Blowfish Poison)
OriginMusashi-koku castle town
NationalityJapanese

Haohmaru (覇王丸, Haōmaru) is the protagonist of the Samurai Shodown series of video games, as well as one of its most known characters alongside Nakoruru. He was introduced in the original Samurai Shodown in 1993 and has since appeared in every title in the series.

The character was based on the famed swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, a duelist who claimed to have never lost a match.[2] Though he is a swordsman with no loyalties to any lord, Haohmaru has a "samurai spirit" which is often stressed in the series. He is also often accredited to defeating most of the series' villains.[3]

Appearances[]

Samurai Shodown[]

Haohmaru appears in all Samurai Shodown games and their other-media adaptations. According to his backstory, at the age of fifteen he challenged the series' version of Jubei Yagyu to a duel but lost due to lack of experience.[4] Jubei, amused by the youth's bravado, brought Haohmaru to Nicotine Caffeine so that he may gain proper training. Whilst living there, Haohmaru also met and befriended Kibagami Genjuro, fellow student and another orphan like himself. One day, Nicotine told them they would battle to determine who would learn the secrets in a magical scroll to increase their fighting ability. Genjuro won but almost killed Haohmaru; in response, Nicotine banished Genjuro which began the latter's grudge against Haohmaru and Nicotine. Encouraged by this defeat to further improve himself, Haohmaru travelled the lands, perfecting his sword skills and searching for worthy challengers in the name of Ashura. During his many travels, Haohmaru also raised Shizumaru Hisame and trained him to be a fighter.[4]

Haohmaru fell in love with a girl named Oshizu, but he eventually leaves her for his travels in Samurai Shodown VI even as she begs him to stay with her.[5] In the same game, it is shown that Haohmaru shares a close relationship with Charlotte Christine de Colde, even travelling all the way to France in order to visit her.[6][7] In Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage, Haohmaru is a skilled and active swordsman at the age of forty-seven. At this time, he is trying to find his adopted niece, Mikoto and bring her back home.[6][7] Samurai Shodown V character Rasetsumaru is a monstrous doppelganger of Haohmaru.[8]

Other appearances[]

Haohmaru also made appearances in several other video games by SNK and other developers, including fighting games Capcom vs. SNK 2,[9] SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium,[10] Neo Geo Battle Coliseum,[11] mobile game Neo Geo Tennis Coliseum,[12][13] dating sim Days of Memories: Oedo Love Scroll,[14][15] The King of Fighters All Star,[16] multiplayer online battle arena Honor of Kings, and battle arena game Lost Saga.[17] Neo Geo Battle Coliseum developers stated that no matter what the fans wanted, they wanted to include Samurai Shodown characters and made Haohmaru's inclusion one of their top priorities in development.[18] He also makes regular appearances in the series' merchandise, including at least two action figures.[19][20]

He is also a part of Soulcalibur VI season pass 2. This news was announced during EVO 2019 on August 4 in the season 2 trailer after the Cassandra Alexandra release date trailer shows that she is a part of season pass 1. It has been made apparent that Haohmaru is always been the SNK counterpart to the Soulcalibur series veteran Heishiro Mitsurugi prior to his gameplay trailer at EVO Japan 2020. He was released at the end of March 2020. His pack is also comes with Nakoruru and Kuroko Costume sets. Soulcalibur series marks the first time he use his sake-jug as a sub-weapon. If the fighters fights at Haohmaru’s DLC home stage, Gairyu Isle, Samurai Shodown main announcer Kuroko will be that stage’s announcer, rather than a regular announcer.

Haohmaru appears as a spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Design and gameplay[]

Haohmaru's creation was inspired by the famous historical samurai Miyamoto Musashi.[21] He was actually called 'Musashi' during the development of the first Samurai Shodown game.[22] The series' creator Yasushi Adachi chose "the two flagship characters" Haohmaru and Nakoruru as the ones that best sum up the series: "With his use of powerful and damaging attacks as well as the Ikari gauge that increases attack power, Haohmaru does a great job representing the myriad of concepts game systems in these games."[22]

His trademark moves are "Kogetsuzan," a crescent-shaped uppercut, and "Senpuretsuzan," a whirlwind projectile which lifts opponents into the air (like a hurricane) before dropping them on their heads. He also has a sake jug, which he uses to 'bless' his blade with liquor before he fights. In Samurai Shodown II, he may swing his jug in battle for a multi-hit short-range attack or alternatively use it to reflect projectiles. He also gained a somersault attack, which could cause massive damage upon crouching foes. When his style splits in Samurai Shodown III, his "Slash" form retains several strategies used in previous games, being a balanced and easy-to-master mid-range combatant. By contrast, his "Bust" form alters several moves, granting him access to aggressive close-combat fighting. His appearance in Warriors Rage for the PlayStation also combined some elements from Genjuro's fighting style such as his stance and crouching strikes.

Reception[]

Haohmaru was well received, often regarded as a classic character[23][24][25] or an "old favorite."[26][27] In the Japanese Gamest magazine's 1997 Heroes Collection, Haohmaru was tied with Ukyo for their 29th spot (out of 50) in the staff's list of favorite arcade gaming characters.[18][28] Greg Kasavin from GameSpot listed his "Crescent Moon Slash" move as one of the best special attacks in fighting games' history.[29] Complex cited Haohmaru while including Samurai Shodown V on their list of top games with Fatality-like special moves,[30] and included him among the fighters with most humiliating quotes.[31] GamesRadar included him in a potential roster of their dream fighting game "Vertigo Vs. SNK"[32] and Sony Online Entertainment art director Timothy Heydelaar took Haohmaru as his nickname.[33]

References[]

  1. ↑ https://twitter.com/NvKknpbmkIbDg6m/status/1130772776644517888
  2. ↑ Shiroi, Eiji. "Fated? Rivals Column". Samurai Shodown. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  3. ↑ SNK Playmore. "Samurai Spirits Genealogy". Samurai Shodown V. Archived from the original on 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Rey. "Ending for Samurai Shodown III-Haohmaru(Neo Geo)". The Video Game Museum. Retrieved December 12, 2007.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  5. ↑ "Fight-A-Base : Haohmaru Dialogue". Fenixware.net. Archived from the original on 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Fight-A-Base : Charlotte Christine Colde Dialogue". Fenixware.net. Archived from the original on 2013-02-21. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Fight-A-Base : Charlotte Christine Colde Storyline". Fenixware.net. Archived from the original on 2013-02-21. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  8. ↑ Albiges, Luke (2006-03-16). "Samurai Shodown V •". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  9. ↑ Speer, Justin (2001-06-12). "Capcom vs. SNK 2 Preview". GameSpot. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  10. ↑ Kasavin, Greg (2001-10-09). "Capcom vs. SNK 2: Millionaire Fighting 2001 Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  11. ↑ SNK Playmore. "Neo Geo Battle Stadium Character Profiles". SNK Playmore Official Homepage (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  12. ↑ Famitsu. ネオジオキャラが大暴れ! ｢ネオジオ テニス コロシアム｣. Famitsu (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  13. ↑ SNK Playmore. "NEOGEO TENNIS COLISEUM". SNK Playmore (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 14, 2007. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  14. ↑ "Days of Memories ~ Edo Lovers Edition Official Website". SNK Playmore (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 25, 2007. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  15. ↑ "SnkPlaymore, Samurai Spirits, Simulation in imode Days of Memories ~ Oedo Love Scroll". Game Watch (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2008-10-08. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  16. ↑ "KOF ALLSTAR×サムライスピリッツ 天草降臨 コラボ特設サイト | THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR". kofallstar.netmarble.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2020-01-07. Retrieved 2020-07-24.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  17. ↑ "Samurai Shodown's Haohmaru Found In Battle Arena Game". Siliconera. 2014-05-25. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 SNK Playmore. "Neo Geo Battle Coliseum Q&A Station". SNK Playmore (in Japanese). Retrieved 15 September 2016.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  19. ↑ Crawford, Michael. "Michael's Review for the Week". Captain Toy. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  20. ↑ Forbidden Planet. "Capcom Vs SNK: Series 2 Action Figures: Haohmaru". Forbidden Planet. Archived from the original on November 4, 2007. Retrieved 2013-08-10.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  21. ↑ "GameSetWatch Missus Raroo Says: Falling in Love with Samurai Shodown II For All the Right Reasons". Gamesetwatch.com. 2010-03-11. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "The Mini SNK Companion". Retro Gamer 187. 
  23. ↑ Edwards, Matt (2010-04-12). "Samurai Shodown Sen Review • Page 1 •". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  24. ↑ "Samurai Shodown Sen Set to Slash Systems This Spring". Gamezone.com. 2010-02-11. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  25. ↑ "Rising Star Picks Up Samurai Shodown: Edge of Destiny". Siliconera. 2010-01-21. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  26. ↑ "Samurai Shodown V Review". Gamerevolution.com. 2006-01-30. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  27. ↑ Orry, James (2010-01-21). "Samurai Showdown Sen given PAL release - Samurai Showdown Sen for Xbox 360 News". Videogamer.com. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  28. ↑ Gamest, ed. (1997) (in ja). Gamset Game Hero Collection 1997; issue 208. p. 240. 
  29. ↑ Kasavin, Greg. "The 10 Best Ways to Beat a Dead Horse". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 3, 2002. Retrieved August 3, 2011.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  30. ↑ Knight, Rich (2013-06-13). "Haohmaru's Goes 50/50 - Bring the Gore! The 50 Craziest Video Game Fatalities Ever". Complex. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  31. ↑ Anyanwu, Obi (2012-11-14). "Haohmaru - The 100 Most Humiliating Video Game Victory Quotes". Complex. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  32. ↑ "Page 2 - Comic/fighting-game mashups that need to happen". GamesRadar. 2008-11-26. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  33. ↑ Reahard, Jef (2011-11-01). "SOE talks Everquest II's Freeport revamp". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2015-06-19.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>

External links[]

Samurai Shodown (Samurai Spirits)
Video games Main series Samurai Shodown (1993) • II • III • IV • 64 • 64: Warriors Rage • Warriors Rage • V • V Special • VI • Sen • Samurai Shodown (2019)
Spin-off Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits Bushidō Retsuden
Compilation Anthology
Film and television The Motion Picture • Nakoruru: Ano Hito kara no Okurimono
Characters Haohmaru • Nakoruru
See also SNK Gals' Fighters • SNK vs. Capcom • Neo Geo Battle Coliseum • The King of Fighters • SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy • The Last Blade • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate • Soulcalibur VI


The King of Fighters
Video games Main series The King of Fighters '94 • '95 • '96 • '97 • '98 • '99 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • XI • XII • XIII • XIV • XV
Spin-offs Maximum Impact • Maximum Impact 2 • Neowave • R-1 • R-2 • All Star
Other media The King of Fighters 2003 (manhua) • Another Day (ONA) • The King of Fighters (film) • Destiny (webseries) • A New Beginning (manga)
Characters Ash Crimson • Athena Asamiya • Billy Kane • Blue Mary • Geese Howard • Haohmaru • Iori Yagami • Joe Higashi • K' • Kim Kaphwan • Kula Diamond • Kyo Kusanagi • Leona Heidern • Mai Shiranui • Nakoruru • Ralf Jones • Robert Garcia • Rock Howard • Ryo Sakazaki • Ryuji Yamazaki • Terry Bogard • Yuri Sakazaki • Maximum Impact characters
Related SNK Fatal Fury • Art of Fighting • Psycho Soldier • Ikari Warriors • Buriki One • Fu'un series (Savage Reign • Kizuna Encounter) • Samurai Shodown • Metal Slug • World Heroes • SNK vs. Capcom • Neo Geo Heroes: Ultimate Shooting • NeoGeo Battle Coliseum • SNK Gals' Fighters • The Rhythm of Fighters • SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy
Misc. Xuan Dou Zhi Wang • Dead or Alive (5: Last Round • 6) • Tekken 7 • Million Arthur: Arcana Blood • Fighting EX Layer • Soulcalibur VI • Shinobi Masters Senran Kagura: New Link • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Soulcalibur
Games Main series Soul Edge • Soulcalibur • II • III • IV • V • VI
Other games Legends • Broken Destiny • Lost Swords
Characters Original Astaroth • Cassandra • Cervantes • Hilde • Ivy • Li Long • Mitsurugi • Necrid • Siegfried and Nightmare • Sophitia • Taki • Talim • Tira • Voldo • Xianghua • Yoshimitsu
Guest Link • Heihachi • Spawn • KOS-MOS • The Apprentice • Darth Vader • Yoda • Kratos • Ezio • Geralt of Rivia • 2B • Haohmaru
Universe Malfested • Soul Calibur • Soul Edge • Evil Seed • Astral Chaos
Related articles Music • Tekken • Dance, Voldo, Dance • Namco × Capcom • Project X Zone 2 • Warriors Orochi 3 • Sgt. Frog
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