POWER INSTINCT SERIES HISTORY FAQ / NEW POWER INSTINCT-MATRIMELEE MINI-FAQ Power Instinct series History Faq / New Power Instinct-Matrimelee Mini-Faq, Version 1.4 (c) 2004, Wally Domey (wallydomey@hotmail.com). All rights reserved. This document is Copyright 2004, Wally Domey and is protected by US Copyright Law, and the Berne Copyright Convention of 1976. You may not use this for profitable purposes. Any reproduction of this document without my permission is illegal and strictly prohibited. Do not post this FAQ without my permission. This is my work, not yours. Power Instinct and all related characters (c) 1993-1994-1995-1997-2003, Atlus, Noise Factory, Playmore. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1) Revision History 2) Introduction 3) History 3.1) Gouketsuji Ichizoku / Power Instinct 3.2) Gouketsuji Ichizoku II / Power Instinct II 3.3) Gouketsuji Ichizoku Gaiden-Saikyo Retsuden / Power Instinct II- The Ultimate Violent Legend 3.4) Groove On Fight 3.5) Shin Gouketsuji Ichizoku-Matrimelee / New Power Instinct- Matrimelee 4) Author Notes 5) Credits 1) REVISION HISTORY Version 1.4 (2004/01/05) a) Finally, I decided to change my Preview Faq of Matrimelee into a Mini-Faq. So, I had a lot of infos about the game and some moves for all the characters. Also, I forgot to thank Chris Harback for giving me the right to use some infos from his great Power Instinct 2-The Slightly Ultimate Violent Legend faq for the PSX. Version 1.3 (2003/04/28) a) For this version of the faq, I make some little corrections on the Move List for New Power Instinct-Matrimelee and on the infos I found so far. Version 1.2 (2003/04/16) a) For my first revision, not many thinks were change. The only changes concern New Power Instinct-Matrimelee. First of all, the final boss of the game is a little princess name Sissy, and I don't know if she's from Austria? I'm just kidding... I don't know much about her at this moment. b) The names of some characters were changed. Motaro is known as Buntaro, and Oroff is now called Olof. Popura's name was change again. They called her Clara in this game. And White Buffalo is only named White. The spelling of some other names has change too (Annie/Anny, Otane/Tane, Oume/Ume, Pochi/Poochy and Thin Nen/Chinnen). c) It's official, Jimmy Lewis, Lynn Baker, Mr. Jones and Patrick Elias from Rage of the Dragons are available in this game. So, I added their moves in the New Power Instinct section. Version 1.1 (2003/03/22) a) For the release of New Power Instinct-Matrimelee, I decided to write a faq about the history of the Power Instinct series. My major issues in this faq concern the story of the previous game (Power Instinct I & II, Power Instinct II-The Ultimate Violent Legend and Groove on Fight), a little look at the characters who run accross the series, and a preview of the newest sequel from Noise Factory. Any help on these will be appreciated. 2) INTRODUCTION Are you ready for your next battle NeoGeo fans? A new fighting game has been release in arcade and on the NeoGeo home system for some times now. Noise Factory, the creators of the very good game "Rage of the Dragons", produced a new chapter in the great Gouketsuji Ichizoku / Power Instinct series, formerly created by Atlus. This sequel, titled Shin Gouketsuji Ichizoku-Matrimelee / New Power Instinct-Matrimelee, it's the fifth games in the series. So, you will find in this work the history of the Power Instinct series and the complete roster for all the games, plus a mini-faq of the next game, New Power Instinct-Matrimelee. 3) HISTORY 3.1) Gouketsuji Ichizoku / Power Instinct (1993) Comments : In early 1993, the company known as Atlus decided to jump in the fighting game genre and released the first Power Instinct. The fighting games were very popular at this time and PI became a surprise arcade smash. The game have to fight his way against other very popular fighting game like Super Street Fighter II (Capcom), Mortal Kombat II (Midway) and the first Samurai Shodown (SNK) and it does very well. Don’t forget that this game bring an hilarious aspect to the genre. Who don’t remember the most popular grandmas in the history of fighting game, Oume and Otane, and their memorable Flying Denture special move. The game has eight characters to choose from; two Bonus stages; and some new additions in the fighting game categorie like the Double Jump and the possibility for one character, your favorite grandma, to steal her opponent life force to become young again. Approximately two years after its release in arcade, Atlus brings the game to the home systems like the Super Famicom/Super Nes and the MegaDrive/Genesis. Story : The Gouketsu clan . . . Every 500 years, a hand-to-hand combat tournament is held to determine who is the strongest fighter. The fighter is then chosen to become the leader of the Gouketsu clan. Anyone who is a descendant of the Gouketsu clan may enter. Their present leader, Gouketsu Oume, has defended her reign for 60 years. To all entrants, an attendent named Kuroko is assigned to take care of all their needs. Once again, their present leader, 78 years old Oume, will attempt to defend her title. However, this time Oume's younger sister Otane, who ran away from home years ago, has also entered the Tournament! Characters : - Name : Angela Belti - Description : A very tall and muscular Italian woman. She was a professionnal wrestler for some years, but she mysteriously disappears after she follow her former lover in Japan. Now, Angela is back and she's ready to fight. - Special Moves : Whip Attack, Thunder Wall, Body Charge, Kick Breaker - Name : Annie Hamilton - Description : A young and passionate English woman, who believes in the virtue of nature. She try to protect all forms of life and she acquire her power from her environment. - Special Moves : Photon Burst, Golden Swan, Rainbow Sweep, Annie Dynamic - Name : Gouketsu Otane (old) / Gouketsu Otane (young) - Description : The younger of the Gouketsu sisters, Otane leaves her family several years ago. After she trained herself severely, she’s finally back, and her ultimate goal his to take control of the Gouketsu clan and pick her sister crown. She have great power which one its to regain her youth by absorbing the life force of her opponent. - Special Moves : Flying Denture Attack, Multiple Comets Shoot, Rising Face Attack, Transformation, Drill Kick / Heart Bomb, Rainbow Wall - Name : Keith Wayne - Description : Once a time, he was a member of a street gang. the leader was also his only friend. But the unrivaled love of his father gave him the strenght and the courage to quit this kind of life. This character looks a lot like Cody of the Final Fight series (from Capcom). - Special Moves : Lightning Wave, Knuckle Bomber, Spiral Kick, Rolling Cannon - Name : Reiji Oyama - Description : This martial arts champion, a guy who never stop to train himself, is straightforward and honest. He enters the tournament to find the ultimate way of battle and to find some peace. For several peoples, the best character in the game. Of course! He’s a Ryu wannabe! - Special Moves : Thunder Globe, Flying Dragon Upper, Thunder Kick, Flying Thunder Kick - Name : Saizo Hattori - Description : A solitary man who train himself in the ninjutsu way. He act strangely and try to hide is real personality. It’s like if he’s surround by an halo of sadness, mystery and darkness. The fastest character in this game, and maybe in the fighting game universe. - Special Moves : Dragon Breath Shot, Dragon Bomb Flash, Tsunami Slash, Shadow Slicer - Name : Thin Nen - Description : A violent individual with obscure desires. This religious man studied ancient rituals to gain mystic powers. He will do everything he can to get what he wants. He’s afraid of nothing. - Special Moves : Oro Ball Wave, Freeze Curse Card, Striking Energy Fist, Blade Kick - Name : White Buffalo - Description : An american native who tried to protect the rights of his people at all cost. He’s a man of few words and he treasures his way of life : to keep the simpliest of things. He tried to make one with the world. My favorite characters in this game and a very good mix of strenght and speed. - Special Moves : Arrow Shot, Rushing Tackle, Raging Buffalo, Flying Elbow Heat - Name (Final Boss) : Gouketsu Oume (old) / Gouketsu Oume (young) - Description : Oume is a little bit older than her sister. After several years of training and meditation, she gets an unconquerable spirit. She’s almost superhuman. This old woman, both mysterious and secretive, rules her clan with an iron hand. Like her sister, she can also regain her youth. Without a doubt, one of the strongest boss in the history of fighting games. - Special Moves : Super Flying Denture Attack, Super Multiple Comets Shoot, Super Rising Face Attack, Super Transformation, Super Drill Kick / Super Heart Bomb, Super Rainbow Wall 3.2) Gouketsuji Ichizoku II / Power Instinct II (1994) Comments : After the success of Power Instinct in arcades in 1993, the developpers thinks of some ideas for a sequel and the game was produced. In 1994, Power Instinct II was release in arcades, exactly a year after the first one. Probably that many North American players never saw or heard about this game because it was not release on a large scale in this part of the globe. And that’s very sad because PI2 was and its still a great fighter. The fighting engine its the same as Power Instinct, if you except the addition of an Endurance Meter. When this meter is full, you have the pleasure to throw a Super Special Move to your opponent. Talking about characters, the fighters from the previous game are back, plus five brand new for a total of fourtheen. About the new ones, the idea of transformable characters, like Gouketsu Oume & Otane, make a long way in this game. From the five new fighters, three can change into alter egos : Kanji Kokuin, Kintaro Kokuin and Kurara Hanakouji. Finally, any new moves were gave to the old crew, excepting the Super Special Moves. Story : The Gouketsu clan is the third richest family in Japan, with vast possessions worldwide. An unusual method is used to determine who of the vast number of family members will lead the family : every ten years, a tournament is held. To win the right to be the leader, the goal is to defeat the entire family, including the current clan leader. In 1992, Gouketsu Oume, leader of the clan for 50 years, was defeated by her sister Otane, who had run away from home years ago. Otane then replaced her sister as head of the clan. However, in 1995, Otane went missing. As a result, a new tournament is being held. All of the previous tournament's competitors have returned, along with five new fighters. As it turns out, Otane was kidnapped by her older sister Osima, who bribed the Kurokos to throw Otane into the ocean. Osima then opened the new tournament, figuring that she could easily defeat all comers. Otane survived though, and returns to challenge you after you have defeated Osima. Returning Characters : - Name : Angela Belti - New Special Moves : Angela Special (Super Special Move) - Name : Annie Hamilton - New Special Moves : Cosmic Warp (Super Special Move) - Name : Gouketsu Oume (old) / Gouketsu Oume (young) - New Special Moves : Multiple Face Attack (Super Special Move) - Name : Keith Wayne - New Special Moves : Rolling Bomb Wave (Super Special Move) - Name : Reiji Oyama - New Special Moves : Flying Dragon Rush (Super Special Move) - Name : Saizo Hattori - New Special Moves : Flaming Bomb Surge (Super Special Move) - Name : Thin Nen - New Special Moves : Turn of Fate (Super Special Move) - Name : White Buffalo - New Special Moves : God Tomahawk (Super Special Move) - Name (Final Boss) : Gouketsu Otane (old) / Gouketsu Otane (young) - New Special Moves : Spirit Charge, Super Multiple Face Attack (Super Special Move) New Characters : - Name : Gouketsu Osima - Description : Osima is the elder of the Gouketsu sisters. After attempting to the life of her younger sister Otane, she organize a new tournament to prove to every fighters that she’s the true ruler of the clan and the only one who can do the job right. Osima is another quick and effective character in this game. - Special Moves : Heaven Ball Spread, Expending Heaven Ball, Ponytail Slap, Shouha, Screw Kick Upper, Aura Blast (Super Special Move) - Name : Kanji Kokuin (strong form) / Kanji Kokuin (weak form) - Background : A muscular old man using some dirty and stinky techniques to achieve his plan. Kanji is another transformable character, but instead of changing himself into a stronger form, he become weaker. After using a particular technique (the Kanji Combo Rush), the strong and fast Kanji turn into a weak and frail grandpa. - Special Moves : Atomic Punch, Breath Spin, Loincloth Snap, Energy Foot Lunge, Kanji Combo Rush (Super Special Move) / Libido Attack, Transformation, Headbutt Launch - Name : Kintaro Kokuin / Pochi - Description : A little brat who seems to coming out of the prehistoric age. But don’t be fool by his height and his funny look, because Kintaro is an animal lover and if he needs help, fish and bear can give him a hand. He also possess the power to transform himself into the super dog-like hero Pochi. - Special Moves : Tantrum Storm, Axe Swing, Rising Carp, Transformation, Little Bear Run, Great Bear Leap (Super Special Move) / Doggy Dive, Bone Throw - Name : Kurara Hanakouji / Super Kurara - Description : The young Kurara looks like a cute and ordinary little girl, but she’s in fact some sort of witch. She gets her power from the wand she’s always train with her. But she can also change herself into the ultra cool roller skating babe Super Kurara. - Special Moves : Baton Throw, Hammer Blow, Transformation, Ribbon Twirl, Starlight Elevation (Super Special Move) / Wave Fist, Sweep Wave - Name : Sahad Asran - Background : A deadly arabian fighter who gets great power after he discover Aladin’s magic lamp in the desert. With the lamp in his possession, he can call the Djinn, a spirit who satisfied all his wishes, to help him during battles. Without a doubt, Sahad Asran is my favorite character in the series thus far. - Special Moves : Dagger Throw, Sabre Throw, Flame Breath, Burning Arabian Fist, Djinn Lift, Sabre Chop (Super Special Move) 3.3) Gouketsuji Ichizoku Gaiden-Saikyo Retsuden / Power Instinct II- The Ultimate Violent Legend (1995) Comments : After the huge success Gouketsuji Ichizoku II receive in JAPAN, Atlus decided to release an update version of the game in 1995. Titled Gouketsuji Ichizoku Gaiden-Saikyo Retsuden (Power Instinct II-The Ultimate Violent Legend), the game its a little bit more than a update. It seems that the developers at Atlus was inspired by one of the latest SNK game and a very popular one at this time : The King of Fighters ’94. In fact, Atlus taked the idea of the team battle mode of KoF and insert it in the Power Instinct series. However, they change the formula to a Two vs Two mode instead of a Three vs Three. But in general, the gameplay its identical to the previous title. About the characters, they pull off the other personalities of Kintaro and Kurara, Pochi and Super Kurara, and they became distinct characters with a lot of new moves. Kintaro (with a new alter ego of some sort) and Kurara gets some new moves too, to compensate for the lost of their counterparts. Atlus also added two new characters to the roster : Kuroko the Referee, and a new final boss (selectable via a code), CHUCK. In the first month of 1996, a version of this game was made to the japanese Playsation (PSX). Titled Gouketsuji Ichizoku II-Chottodake Saikyo Retsuden (Power Instinct II-The Slightly Ultimate Violent Legend), I add the great pleasure to bought this game and I like it a lot. Of course, due to the poor 2D processing power of the PSX, the game was not perfect. The backgrounds were average, because the amazing and numerous parallax of the arcade game was reduced to one layer or none, and they were a little bit flat. But the characters are well animated and detailed in general. I recommend this game to all the fighting games maniacs out there. Story : The story was the same as Power Instinct II. In fact, I think it’s the same... Alternate Characters : - Name : Kintaro Kokuin / Devil Kintaro - Description : This time, the young Kintaro has a new alter ego. Now, the boy can transform himself into the little Devil Kintaro. But it’s impossible to compare this «other personality» to Pochi. They are not from the same league. He also get a new special move to compensate for the lost of Pochi. - New Special Moves : Jumping Bear / Flaming Jab, Flaming Dive - Name : Kurara Hanakouji - Description : Like Kintaro, Kurara lost the possibility to transform herself into Super Kurara. She receive a new Super Special Move instead. - New Special Moves : Doll Hurricane (Super Special Move) - Name : Pochi - Description : The doggy-like hero is now a selectable character from the start. He also get an all new set of Special moves. In my opinion, Pochi is one of the best character in this sequel. - Special Moves : Ear Slap, Doggy Dive, Swan Dive, Doggy Dash, Bone Dig, Bomb Dig, Pochi Special (Super Special Move) - Name : Super Kurara - Description : Like Pochi, she’s also a new selectable character from the start, with a complete set of moves. Another very good character in the game. - Special Moves : Wave Fist, Sweep Wave, Starlight Kick Flash, Super Gut Punch Show (Super Special Move) New Characters : - Name (Final Boss) : Chuck - Background : Chuck is the new boss of Power Instinct. He’s the perfect parody of the Shotokan and Kyokugen fighters like Ryu, Ken, Ryo or Robert. In fact, he’s a lot like Dan Hibiki, but only better. Much better!!! - Special Moves : Low & High Laser, Ki Charge, Flying Gale Kick, Circle Kick Cutter, Chuck Revenge (Super Special Move) - Name : Kuroko - Background : It seems that Kuroko was tired of watching all the battles in the background. So he decided to join the party. And what a decision this was, because Kuroko can go the all way. In fact, the little referee is a welcome and enjoyable addition to the roster. - Special Moves : Fan Throw, Iron Ball Smash, Fan Uppercut, Rolling Fan Dive, Mega Kuroko Bazooka (Super Special Move) 3.4) Groove on Fight (1997) Comments : Two years passed since a new Power Instinct game saw the light of day. In 1997, Atlus decided to release Groove on Fight, a new Team vs Team game, but more in the way of X-Men vs Street Fighters (the first game of Capcom’s VS series and the only one release at this moment). This game was made on Sega’s ST-V Titans board (the equivalent of the Saturn in arcades). The overall look of the game is completely different if you compare it to the previous games. In fact, the different character designs were draw by the well-known japanese artist Murata. The Atlus’ programmers does a marvelous job when they reproduced his work in the game. The characters are great and well done; the animation its smooth and the different backgrounds are strange and filled with multiple details and parallax. The only complaint I heard was about the use of the colors in some backgrounds. Some colors doesn’t fit at all and it’s difficult to see what is going on. And of course, the game keeps its good sense of humor, a well-known particularity to the Power Instinct series. Now, lets talk about the gameplay, because it’s very different from the previous games. Like I said before, this is a Tag Team game in the way of the VS series from Capcom. The button layout is not the same, because it have six buttons (3 punches + 3 kicks of sort) instead of four (2 punches + 2 kicks). The third punch it’s not the strongest punch, but an overhead attack, and the third kick it’s like a dashing attack. To tag your teammate, you must press Weak Punch + Weak Kick, but he must be behind you (in the background) if you want this to work. For a Teammate Attack, press Weak Punch + Weak Kick when your partner is behind your opponent (in the background). Don’t forget that your partner moves a lot in the background, so you must keep watching him. For a Repel / Parrying (like Last Blade or SF3), press Strong Punch + Strong Kick. Also, this game contains Attack Cancel, Double Jump, Pursuit Attack, Unblockable Attack, Reversal (to move behind your opponent), Dual Attack (a super combo done by your teammates), Shadow Moves (performing a Special Move when you dash), Special Toss (you can toss a downed character at your opponent), and of course, Super Special Moves. Finally, the character roster its also very different. Only two fighters are from the other games in the series : Gouketsu Oume & Otane (acting as one character) and Popura (I think she’s Kurara from PI2). Keith Wayne is also back, but in the form of his brother Chris. They have the same set of moves in general. The other characters are totally new to the series. Three characters (Bristol Weller, Bristol-D and Damian Shade) are hidden in the game. Talking of Damian Shade, him and Rudolph Gartheimer seems to be the first homosexual couple in the history of fighting game. You just have to see the drawing of their victory quotes to believe it! The game was release on the japanese Saturn some years ago. To be honest, I never played it, but I heard that the «framey» animation its not like the arcade game and the loading time its atrocious. I tried to order the game from an import retailer in 2000, but I’m still waiting the CD. A PSX version was planed, but I think the idea was cancelled. However, the PSX can’t handle a game like this anyway... Story : I have absolutely no idea at this time, but I know that the story takes place some years after Power Instinct II... Characters : - Name (Final Bosses) : Bristol Weller / Bristol-D - Background : The only thing I know about Bristol Weller it’s that he’s the final boss of the game. Bristol-D, the vampiric version of Bristol Weller, comes from the boss body after his defeat. This two characters are hidden in the game and become available if you achieve some goals. - Special Moves : No Mercy! Forever!, Sonic Boost, Mach Flight, Axe Streak, Public Execution (Super Special Move) / Flying Kamikaze, Wounds from Golgotha, Demon Talon, Demonic Stun Rings, Evil Monkey, The 7th Plane Fly (Super Special Move) - Name : Chris Wayne - Description : Chris is the younger brother of Keith Wayne from the other Power Instinct games. He looks like his elder and possess some of his moves, plus original ones. If you’re a good Keith player, I don’t think you will have problem to use him properly. - Special Moves : Overdrive, Lightning Wave, Head Slasher, Spiral Kick, Rolling Cannon, Lightning Stunner (Super Special Move) - Name : Damian Shade - Description : A very feminine guy with long blond hair who loves roses. You probably get the picture! In fact, Damian is the «partner» of Rudolph Gartheimer, and I think he become selectable if you finish the game with the big guy. - Special Moves : Wandering Upper, Rosebud Toss, Damian’s Way, Awesome Body Check, Teamer Back-Up (Super Special Move) - Name : Falco - Description : An old adventurer with a patch on his right eye. This guy is a gambler and he use game cards to fight. I’m still working on him... - Special Moves : Bluff Shuffle, Double Card, Card Trick Genius, Face or Back, Diving Cane Trip, Lucky Slots, Flying Cane Attack, Poker Royal Flush (Super Special Move) - Name : Gouketsu Oume & Gouketsu Otane - Description : In this game, the two sisters fights together and act as one character. They are bind to each other by the back. They have all their moves from their previous incarnations and a few new ones. - Special Moves : Multiple Comets Shoot, Flying Denture Attack, Rising Face Attack, Biting Denture Trap, Statue Drop, Energy Request, Drill Kick, Angry Mob (Super Special Move) - Name : Hizumi Yukinoue - Description : Hizumi replace Saizo as the new ninja character, and like his predecessor, he’s a very fast character. I’m still working on him... - Special Moves : Shockwave, Aerial Explosives, Ninja Confusion, Triple Exploding Jack, Flaming Pinwheel, Teleport, Double Rising Blade (Super Special Move) - Name : Larry Light - Description : Larry is a skinny and quick fighter who appears to be the new hero of the series. I’m still working on him... - Special Moves : Light Blast, Impact Connection, Driving Dribble, Max Gunner, Historical Moment (Super Special Move) - Name : Max Ax Dax (M.A.D.) - Description : A mad scientist with a twisted mind, M.A.D. wears a special lab coat. And this piece of clothes hides many secrets and tricks. I’m still working on him... - Special Moves : Fall Down!, Come Here!, Don’t Attack!, Max Drill, Original One, Mighty Sparkler, Giant Butterfly Net, Back Off!, Go Away!, Don’t Jump!, Single Leech, Leech Barrage (Super Special Move) - Name : Popura Hanakouji - Description : I’m not sure about this, but I think that Popura and Kurara (from Power Instinct II) are the same character, because they look the same and they use some of the same moves. Or they are simply sieblings? However, Popura gets a lot of new moves in this game. But on the negative side, she can’t transform herself into Super Kurara anymore. - Special Moves : Jellyfish Bazooka, Popura Special, Teddy Bear Relief, Teddy Bear Teleport, Cupidon, Pogo Stick, Ribbon Twirl, Kuru Kuru Candy, Tulip Chomp (Super Special Move) - Name : Remi - Background : It seems that Remi is another little magic user, just like Popura. I’m still working on her... - Special Moves : Effervescent Strike, Scythe Rage, Knife Rider, Horn Whiplash, Little Witch, Triangle Razor, Requiem (Super Special Move) - Name : Rudolph Gartheimer - Background : Gartheimer is the enforcer of the game. He hide his face with a leather mask; he wears aristocratic clothes, and he use two iron ball to inflict damage to his opponent. And of course, he’s the «partner» of the hidden character Damian Shade. - Special Moves : Rapid Ball, Gain Control, Body Breaker, Heavy Tread, Iron Mine, Grind Rush, Heavy Solid, Iron Bomber (Super Special Move) - Name : Sujiroku Tenginbashi - Description : Sujiroku is a very tall guy. He wears a ceremonial beast mask and he fights with two wooden sticks. I’m still working on him... - Special Moves : Brutality, Cherry Blossom, Electric Dream, Triple Bites, Straight Light, Bomb Attachment, Feather Drop, Snowball, Human Sky Rocket (Super Special Move) - Name : Solis R8000 - Background : A very sexy synthetic female humanoid. She’s a member of a police department. I’m still working on her... - Special Moves : Stun Bullet, Platinum Soar Crystal, Nitro Charge, Absolute Beating, Generator Smasher, Melody Multiplier (Super Special Move) 3.5) Shin Gouketsuji Ichizoku-Matrimelee / New Power Instinct-Matrimelee (2003) Comments : Like many other fans, I was convinced that the Power Instinct series was buried. I was so wrong! After making a non-official sequel to Technos’ Double Dragon series, Noise Factory, the developers of Rage of the Dragons, decided to produce a new sequel to the Power Instinct franchise. Indeed, Noise Factory (a company from the Playmore/SNK-NeoGeo group), in collaboration with Atlus, has developing the game on the old NeoGeo system (AES and MVS). At this time, the game its available both in arcade and on the NeoGeo system. The game looks a lot like Rage of the Dragons, the first attempt of Noise Factory in the fighting genre. It will also use a similar engine. The cast of characters (20 in all) come directly from the first three games (PI, PI2 and PI2-The Ultimate Violent Legend); from Rage of the Dragons, plus five all new fighters. Here is all the thing you can find in this game : - The roster is make up of 11 returning characters (Anny Hamilton, Chinnen, Clara, Gouketsu Otane, Gouketsu Oume, Kanji Kokuin, Keith Wayne, Poochy, Reiji Oyama, Saizo Hattori, White); 4 hidden characters from Rage of the Dragons (Jimmy Lewis, Lynn Baker, Mr.Jones, Patrick Elias) and 5 new characters (Buntaro, Hikaru, Olof, Shintaro and the final boss Sissy). - The button layout looks a lot like other NeoGeo fighters (A : Weak Punch, B : Weak Kick, C : Strong Punch, D : Strong Kick, A+B : Roll, C+D : Unblockable Attack, etc). - If you use some Special Attacks when your characters is dashing, the move will become a Shadow Special Attack (just like Groove on Fight) and it will make more hits and damage to the opponent. - You can use a Launching Attack by pressing Dn+CD. After that, it’s possible to make massive aerial combos. - If you press BC during a fight, you can force the referee known as Kuroko to place himself between you and your opponent. If Kuroko is in front of you, you can grab him and use him as a shield by pressing BC again, or just throw him at your opponent if you're doing an Unblockable Attack (press CD). If he's behind you, you can also throw him if you press BC an other time. If you only press BC when is far from you, the referee will return in the background. - At the bottom of the screen, each players have a Stress Meter (a Super Meter of sort). You fill up this meter when you’re blocking different kinds of attacks or when the attacks hurts you. You can also fill up the meter quickly if you're taunting the opponent. When the meter is full, you gain one Stress Meter stock, and your character will scream and he will be surrounded with a blue flame. This flame can hurt the opponent. You can store three stocks in all. You can use the stocks for Counter Attacks, Desperation Attacks (Super Special Moves), Super Desperation Attacks (more damaging Super Special Moves) and Hidden Desperation Attacks (for some characters only). The Counter Attacks and the Desperation Attacks use one stock; the Super Desperation Attacks use two stocks, and the Hidden Desperation Attacks use three stocks in all. - Like I said above, each character possess a Counter Attack by pressing CD when blocking, but that technique use one Stress Meter stock. - If two opponents use a Taunt at the same time, a TV monitor will appears in the middle of the screen. The letters A,B,C, and D, corresponding to the 4 buttons, will be randomly shown on the monitor. The first fighter to press the corresponding button appearing on the TV automatically hits the opponent for extra damage. - The game looks more refined compare to Rage of the Dragons. The characters are well drawn and the animation its very good. - The backgrounds known are an electronic store, a stadium with a huge screen in the back and different animations depending of the character you fight against (dancers, singers, death metal band, aliens, etc),a practically empty bar, a gloomy forest with priest, and a secret room (only against the RotD characters). - Almost all of the musics in the game features real singing and not repeated music samples. - The characters' artwork were made by Murata, the same artist who worked on Groove on Fight (Power Instinct 3 if you prefer). Story : The story turns around a young princess, Sissy, and the awesome treasure she offers to the winner of the tournament. Also, the goal of the tournament its to found true happiness. Basic Moves: Up : Up QCF : Quarter Circle Forward Uf : Up-Forward HCF : Half Circle Forward Fd : Forward QCB : Quarter Circle Back Df : Down-Forward HCB : Half Circle Back Dn : Down DP : Fd,Dn,Df (Dragon Punch motion) Db : Down-Back Bk : Back Ub : Up-Back A button : Weak Punch C button : Strong Punch B button : Weak Kick D button : Strong Kick Start button : Taunt Fd,Fd : Dash Bk,Bk : Retreat Fd+C (near the opponent) : Throw or Hold Fd+AB (A+B) : Forward Roll Bk+AB (A+B) : Backward Roll CD (C+D) : Unblockable Attack CD (C+D when blocking) : Counter Attack Dn+CD : Launching Attack BC (B+C) : Bring the referee into action/Return him in the background BC (when the referee is in front of you) : Human shield BC (when the referee is behind you) : Human projectile CD (when the referee is in front of you) : Human projectile DA (before move's name) : Desperation Attack (cost one stock) SDA (before move's name) : Super Desperation Attack (cost two stocks) HDA (before move's name) : Hidden Desperation Attack (cost three stocks) Characters Moves : - Name : Anny Hamilton - Comments : She’s very different compare to her previous appearance. She’s acting more like a sexy femme fatale. And it seems that she keeps her bag of old moves. Golden Swan : QCF+Punch Photon Burst : (air) QCF+Punch Rainbow Sweep : DP+Punch Anny Dynamic : Press and hold D button for 3 seconds, then release Anny Dynamic Burner : Press and hold D button for 6 seconds, then release DA Cosmic Warp : (near) HCB,HCB+C SDA Angel Ring : Bk,Fd+A, then Db,Dn,Df+C - Name : Buntaro - Comments : I think this guy is the big brother of Shintaro. You can use him the same way when you're playing with Kim Kaphwan of the Fatal fury and KoF series. I’m still working on him... Self-Confidence : HCB+Punch (counter) Bird of Prey : (air) QCF+Kick Sharp Talon : (from Bird of Prey) QCF+B Ground Talon: (from Sharp Talon) QCF+D Violent Crescent : DP+Kick Mach Slide : HCB+Kick Bird Crash : Dn,Dn+Kick (repeat three times) DA Violence for Violence : QCB,HCF+D SDA Terminal Crash : Hold Bk, then press D,B,D,B in rapid succession - Name : Chinnen - Comments : Chinnen is another character who looks exactly the same (except for his name) and who probably be played in the same way too. A good thing for the fan of this warrior. Striking Energy Fist : Fd,Bk,Fd+Punch Freeze Curse Card : HCF+AC Oro Ball Wave : HCB+Punch (can be done in the air) Blade Kick : HCF+Kick DA Turn of Fate : Press and hold A, then B, then C SDA Vengeful Priest : QCF,HCB+B HDA Crumbling Temple : (during Stress scream) Bk,Df,Uf,Db,Ub,Fd+D - Name : Clara - Comments : The young witch is also back. But her name changed again. However, I’m 90% sure that Clara, Popura and Kurara are the same and unique character, because they give her some of Kurara’s and Popura's old moves like the Hammer Blow, the Ribbon Twirl and the Doll Hurricane. But she can’t transform herself into Super Kurara though. Magic Staff : QCF+Punch Hammer Blow : QCB+Punch Ribbon Twirl : QCB+Kick (can be done in the air) Starlight Elevation : Fd,HCF+BD DA Ultimate Spell : QCF,QCF+C SDA Doll Hurricane : HCF,Df,Dn+C, then tap C near the opponent - Name : Gouketsu Tane - Comments : The old grandma seems to be the same as their previous incarnations, but she’s get a few new moves! Flying Denture Ark : Hold Bk, then Fd+Punch Spirit Charge : (near) HCB+Punch Ugly Face Attack : Hold Bk, then Fd+Kick Rising Drill : Hold Dn, then Up+Kick DA Super Ugly Face : QCF,QCF+C SDA Gates of Hell : Bk,QCB,Fd+C - Name : Gouketsu Ume - Comments : Just like her sister, but the joystick motion for her Special Moves are different... Flying Denture Attack : QCF+Punch Multiple Comets Shoot : HCB+Punch Rising Face Attack : DP+Punch Diving Drill : (Air) QCF+Kick DA Pillar of Death : QCF,QCF+any Button SDA Ghostly Leech : HCF,HCF+AC HDA Pillar of Destruction : QCF,QCF,QCF+C - Name : Hikaru - Comments : A new female character using a cane to fight. I heard that she’s a tormented young woman from a rich family. I’m still working on her... Leap Crush : HCB+Punch Cane Circle : DP+Punch Flying Needle : (Air) QCB+Kick Sweep Run : HCB+B Rolling Sweep : HCB+D Iron Cane : DP+Kick (counter) DA Justice Circle : QCB,HCF + AC (can be done in the air) SDA Iron Cane Duel : Tap Dn, then QCF+D - Name : James "Jimmy" Lewis - Comments: After an appearance in Rage of the Dragons, Jimmy is back! And this time, he wants the Gouketsuji clan title. At first glance, he seems to be the same in looks, and his moves are the same as RotD too, exception of some followups to his Heat Hurricane. Red Rage : QCF+Punch Sho Ryu Dan : DP+Punch Heat Hurricane : HCB+Punch Heat Straight : (from Heat Hurricane with C) QCF+C Heat Elbow : (from Heat Hurricane with C) QCB+C Heat Upper : (from Heat Hurricane with C) DP+C Cannon Kick : QCB+Kick DA Gun Blow : HCB,Fd+A SDA Super Gun Blow : HCB,Fd+C - Name : Kanji Kokuin - Comments : Kanji can’t turn himself into a strong and muscled guy anymore. But on the other hand, he still have the Atomic Punch (Atomic Stick now), the Loincloth Snap and a new version of the Kanji Combo Rush. Pogo Sick : Fd+Punch Head Cracker : (from Pogo Stick) Press Punch Bouncing Old Man : (from Pogo Stick) Press Kick Atomic Stick : Tap Punch repeatedly Libido Attack : HCB+Punch Rocket Skull : Fd,HCF+Punch Loincloth Snap : HCF+Kick DA New Kanji Combo Rush : Hold Bk, then Fd+BD SDA Restore to Life : Press BD,B,B,D in rapid succession - Name : Keith Wayne - Comments : In this sequel, Keith looks much older and more confident. He gain some maturity. However, he lost his head-band, but he keeps his moves. Lightning Wave : QCB+Punch Knuckle Bomber : Hold Bk, then Fd+Punch Spiral Kick : QCF+Kick (repeat three times) Flying Spiral Kick : (air) QCF+Kick Rolling Cannon : QCB+Kick DA Rolling Bomb Wave : QCB,HCF+C SDA Tidal Wave Bomb : QCF,QCF+C - Name : Lynn Baker - Comments : After an appearance in Rage of the Dragons, Lynn is also back in another fighting tournament. She's seems the same in looks, and her moves are the same as RotD too. Enretsu Ken : HCB+Punch Ko Ryu Sho Zan : QCF+Punch Ryu en Hou : DP+Punch Karasu Kyaku : (from Ryu en Hou) QCF+Kick Kyaku Binta : (from Karasu Kyaku) Dn+Kick Ko Ryu Kyaku : Dn,Up+Kick DA Tobi Ryu : QCB,HCF+B SDA Shin Tobi Ryu : QCB,HCF+D - Name : Mr.Jones - Comments : After an appearance in Rage of the Dragons, Mr.Jones is also back in another fighting tournament. He's seems the same in looks, and his moves are the same as RotD too, exception of the "King Kang" Super Desperation Attack. Gaudy Punch : Tap Punch repeatedly Funky Impact : QCF+Punch (autoguard) Retro Knuckle : QCB+Punch Arc Fliegen : QCB+Kick DA Groove Master : QCB,QCB+B SDA King Kang : HCF+BD - Name : Olof - Comments : This other new fighter work for a criminal organisation, and he looks very dangerous. He's only using his feet in battle, if you except one move : "the Rotting Fist" Super Desperation Attack. I’m still working on him... Purple Sulphur : QCF+Punch Falling Purple Sulphur : QCF+B Rising Purple Sulphur: QCF+D Foot Sting : QCB+Kick Flying Foot Sting : (air) QCB+Kick Dense Sulphur : (from Flying Foot Sting) QCB+Kick Acid Rain : DP+Kick DA Crazy Plague : QCF,HCB+D SDA Final Disease : Bk,QCB,Fd+A (raise the Stock Meter) SDA Rotting Fist : Bk,QCB,Fd+C - Name : Patrick Elias - Comments : Like Jimmy, Lynn and Mr.Jones, Elias is also back in another fighting tournament. He's seems the same in looks, and his moves are the same as RotD too. Holy Flare : QCF+Punch Magnus : QCB+Punch Sinful : (near) DP+Punch Hell or Heaven : HCF+Kick DA Maximum Delirium : HCB,Fd+A SDA Super Maximum Delirium : HCB,Fd+C - Name : Poochy - Comments : Your favorite super doggy his back with a vengeance. And it seems he train himself a lot because he looks more developed. Finally, in the memory of Kintaro, he receive the Great Bear Assault Desperation Attack. Flabby Ear Slap : QCF+A Flabby Ear Poppy : QCF+C Heavy Dig : QCB+Punch Ferocious Charge : QCF+Kick Doggy Dive : QCB+Kick Sky Dive : (air) QCB+Kick DA Great Bear Assault : Press and hold A, then B, then C SDA Giant Cyclone : Fd,Bk,Fd,Bk,Fd,Bk,Fd,Bk,Fd SDA Giant Cyclone II : (during Stress scream) Fd,Bk,Fd,Bk,Fd,Bk,Fd,Bk,Fd - Name : Reiji Oyama - Comments : Reiji, one of the best character of this series and an old time favorite, looks exactly the same. He never change since his first appearance. And he have the same set of moves, plus some others like the devastating Giant Tiger Roar. Fire Globe : QCF+Punch Flying Dragon Upper : DP+Punch Thunder Kick : Press Kick repeatedly Double Lightning : (air) QCB+Kick Martial Trick : (near) HCB+D DA Great Dragon Rush : HCB,Fd+C DA Dragon Tail : (from Great Dragon Rush) DP+C SDA Giant Tiger Roar : QCF,QCF+C - Name : Saizo Hattori - Comments : In this sequel, Saizo lost his iron helmet and he looks younger. But for the rest, he’s the same character, if you’re not considering the addition of the Shadow Crawler Super Desperation Move. Dragon Breath Shot : QCF+Punch Dragon Bomb Flash : QCB+Punch Tsunami Slash : (air) QCB+Punch Shadow Bomb : QCB+B Blue Shadow Slicer : HCF+Kick DA Flaming Bomb Surge : QCF,HCB+C (can be done in the air) SDA Shadow Crawler : Db,Dn,Df,Db,Dn,Df+D - Name : Shintaro - Comments : This guy is one of the new characters. I think he’s the younger brother of another new fighter, Buntaro. This fighter looks a lot like Kyo Kusanagi of the KoF series. I’m still working on him... Triple Crown : QCF+Punch (repeat three times) Hammer Drop : HCB+Punch Roadblock : Fd,Df,Dn+Punch (autoguard) Bicycle Ride : DP+Kick DA Lucky Novice : QCF,QCF+C SDA No Remorse : Hold Bk, then press C,A,C,A in rapid succession HDA Bitter End : (near) Fd,QCF,Bk + C - Name : Sissy (Final Boss) - Comments : Sissy is a little princess and the organizer of this year tournament. She's also the final boss of the game. And don't be fool by her tiny look, because she's one tough opponent to beat. Beware her "Abubo the Djinn" Special Move. Abubo the Djinn : QCF+Punch Sword in the Box : DP+Punch Frogger : QCF+Kick Booby Trap : QCB+Kick DA Exploding Treasure : QCB,HCF+A SDA Amazing Weird Weapon : QCB,HCF+C - Name : White - Comments : For my great pleasure, White (Buffalo) is back and he looks the same. He receive a couple of new moves, one of which its the Totem of Ashes Super Special. Arrow Shot : QCF+Punch Flaming Elbow : (air) QCB+Punch Rushing Tackle : Hold Bk, then Fd+Punch Tomahawk Chop : (from Rushing Tackle) DP+Punch Raging Buffalo : Hold Bk, then Fd+Kick DA Totem of Ashes : QCF,HCB+C SDA Tribute to the Elders : (near) HCB,HCB+C Miscellaneous : - To play as the hidden RotD characters, at the Characters Selection Screen, tap Up four times, Down three times, Left two times ans Right once. If you make this correctly, Elias, Jimmy, Lynn and Mr.Jones will appears in the center of the screen. In fact, this motion its the same has the RotD code for playing with Abubo. - To play as Sissy, after you choose any character at the Characters Selection Screen, press and hold the ABCD button until the VS screen appears. If you make this correctly, Sissy become your fighter. 4) AUTHOR NOTES - I probably make some mistakes about the names and the details concerning the characters. My japanese it’s not so good you know. I receive some infos from a Italian fan, Silvio Martini, about the Power Instinct series, but I don't know if they are all corrects and verified. - The details about Power Instinct I, II are from my experience with the games. - The details about PI2-The Ultimate Violent Legend are from my experience with the game, and from Chris Harback, an other fan of the Power Instinct series. Take a look to his faq about the PSX version of PI2-The Slightly Ultimate Violent Legend if you didn’t do it already (available on GameFaqs). Thanks Chris! - The details for Groove on Fight are from my own and from my friends BRO, FRK and Mocs. Thanks guys! - The infos about Matrimelee are from my experience with the game, and from the Noise Factory site (www.noise.co.jp), the Playmore site (www.playmore.co.jp), the Neo-Arcadia site (www.neo-arcadia.com), and the Kazuya/NeoGeoforLife site (www.neogeoforlife.com). Take a look a this site if you didn’t do it already. - If you have some infos about all this games and you want to contribute to this faq, you’re welcome. Contact me to wallydomey@hotmail.com and you will be credited for your work. Thanks! 5) CREDITS - To Atlus of Japan for the creation of the Power Instinct series. Thanks! - To Noise Factory for making a sequel to this series. Thanks! - To Sun Amusement for the distribution of all the new AES games and for their partnership to the Playmore family. Thanks! - To Playmore for all their work and for keeping the spirit of SNK alive. Thanks! - To all the staff of Neo-Arcadia, SpekSNK, MMCafe, Kazuya/NeoGeoforLife and company for all the infos they gives to us , NeoGeo fans. Thanks! - To Chris Harback for his great PSX faq and the great work he makes about PI2-The Slightly Ultimate Violent Legend. Thanks for your help Chris! - To Silvio Martini for all the great details he gave to me. Thanks! - To my friends BRO, FRK and Mocs for their help on this faq. Thanks a lot guys! - To all the staff of GameFaqs for publishing my work and for all the efforts they invested on this video games site. Thanks to you! - To you for reading this faq. Thanks a lot! END OF THE POWER INSTINCT SERIES HISTORY / NEW POWER INSTINCT-MATRIMELEE MINI-FAQ Copyright (c) Wally Domey 2004. Reproduction and translation of this document without my permission is strickly forbidden. All names and marks are proprieties of their respective owners. All right reserved.