The King of Fighters 98 - Takuma Sakazaki by Mr. Karate =============================================================================== Disclaimer : Takuma Sakazaki, Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, Yuri Sakazaki and all other King of Fighter characters are the sole property of SNK. This FAQ is not to be used for any comercial purposes. In other words, use it but don't profit from it. If you want to use it on your site, e-mail me for permission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- Contents : Foreword Who is Takuma Sakazaki? Basic Moves Command Moves Special Moves Desperation Moves Combos Trick Combos Strategy Why do I idolize Takuma Sakazaki? Credits =============================================================================== Foreword =============================================================================== Before you go on to become a truly great Kyokugen warrior, please understand that using Takuma is a very big up on your side regardless of who your opponent is(even Rugal). In the right hands, Takuma can take on all 3 opponents with ease. Just be careful that when you do use him, some people may actually get jealous(!!) and request to you to never use him again. Emphasis on proper use is crucial. I'm no pro but Takuma is probably my best player now in 98. After using Takuma for so long in 98, I must say that there some things about Takuma I would like to change. But no fighter is completely perfect. I hope you can learn to use my favourite character to win. Good luck. =============================================================================== Who is Takuma Sakazaki? =============================================================================== Takuma Sakazaki --------------- Place of Birth : Japan Date of Birth : Febuary 4th, 1947 Height : 1.80 m (5'9") Weight : 70 kg (152 lbs) Blood type : O Hobbies : Making Soba (buckwheat) noodles Favorite food : White rice, miso soup Favorite sport : All martial arts Most valuable : His children, students, and Kyokugen-ryuu Karate Hates the most : Snakes Fighting style : Kyokugen-ryuu Karate (Extreme style Karate-do) Occupation : Retired; formerly Kyokugen Ryu Dojo's chief instructor Acheivements : Founder of Kyokugen Ryu Karate, Father of two(Ryo and Yuri), KOF94 second runner-up(team MEXICO), KOF95 second runner-up (team Art of Fighting), First Debut : Art of Fighting-disguised as Mr Karate(Who? Me?!?) Appearences : Art of Fighting, Art of Fighting 2, The King of Fighters 94, The King of Fighters 95, The King of Fighters 96(ending), The King of Fighters 98. Profile : Losing his memory in an accident, Takuma was recruited by Mr Big to take care of some pesky martial artists at the Kyokugen dojo. He doesn't recognize his children and Big never knew that he was their father nor did Robert, Ryo and Yuri with the Tengu man mask on. After Ryo defeated the crime lord and was moments away from disintegrating his own father, Yuri saved him and then helped him recover his memory. But peace would not last long as Big came back to revenge the bunch responsible for sending him to jail. Takuma returned to fight Big in another fight similar to the first Art of Fighting event. Since then, Takuma has been actively participating in compettitions like the The King of Fighters tournament and has gotten third placing for two years with Ryo and Robert. After the 95 tournament, Takuma sought a more peaceful life and left Ryo to take charge of the dojo and Yuri to replace his spot in the Art of Fighting team. Although it was Takuma's intention to stop competing, he never forgot his pupils as he made the ever unforgetable cameo after the 96 tournament as the Legendary Mr Karate. Growing old gracefully died out as Heidern sought the help of Takuma and Saisyu upon hearing Rugal's return. Enraged and reminded of the troubles he had faced with Rugal (like being forced to fight or else he would be turned into a statue), Takuma left to join the latest installation of the King of Fighters tournament. KOF98 quote : "Wow. You're an [sic] disgrace! You'd better hang it up, kid!" =============================================================================== Basic Moves =============================================================================== This is Takuma's basic 100% Kyokugen Ryu Karate butt kicking techniques. Know their strengths and weaknesses(as if he has any!) before unleashing a wholesome can O' whoop ass on your opponent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Standing ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A : A short jab. Hit's high and not comboable like so many other standing jabs. Use it when you have no other option for an air defense. B : A high front kick to the face. Only true Kyokugen master would kick his opponents butt and face! Use it also for air defense but only if you can time it right. Can be link comboed with his other crouching and standing A or B attacks. This doesn't combo into a special move like other standing B attacks. C : A straight punch. A rather good attack for sneaky but otherwise unaestethic style fighters. You'd probably get called a scrub for using this but Kyokugen Ryu says...anything goes!! Good damage and reasonable reach. Also hits high and not comboable like many standing C attacks. D : A one step sidekick to the mid section. This strongly resembles Terry's standing D and works just the same way. Obviously, Terry san has been taking a leason or two from the master of Extreme Karate!! Doesn't combo like many standing D attacks, but has a good range if you know when to use it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Standing Close ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A : A punch to the solar plexus. Combos well and also high priority to other close standing jabs. I think it hits middle range too. B : A knee to the stomach. You know this one hurts cause Takuma is not only famous for his DM, but also for his knees. Hey Joe, watch out!! A fast and also comboable attack. C : A standing short uppercut to the jaw, stunning them for the next move. I can't say if it's the fastest but I know it's faster than Kyo and Ryo's close standing C, but slightly slower than Terry's double hitting gut punch. Nevertheless, Takuma is one of the fastest and this one hits high but also hits just within middle range. D : A marvelous turning back hook kick to the face. This time he's been training and now it doesn't look so off balanced like 95. This one hits high, faster and if timed right, will knock the aerial opponent a good one! CD : A swinging elbow uppercut. Hits slightly higher than his Stand C. It has a slight lag somewhat at the beginning like Heidern's CD. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crouching ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A : A crouching punch to the knee. Link combo friendly but not special combo friendly. Stop rolling opponents by tapping on this button. Usually chain this with another low B or fwd+A or fwd+B into a Ryoko Ranbu. A very deadly & brutal combination for cornering those turtles who think rolling will save you from anything. B : A low kick to the ankles. Standard Kyokugen technique also designed to stop opponents from rolling in to start a combo or grab you. Best used when stopping opponent chained with fwd+B into Ryuko Ranbu. See Combo section for the other combos which can be used. C : A uppercut straight to the lower jaw. Comboable and fast but like many uppercuts, has rather bad forward range. If you try to hit this move from a jump attack that doesn't land deep, you'll probably miss. Beware when you use this. If you can anticipate a jump attack from your opponent, this move will be just as good as a DP. D : A sweep a la Kyokugen style. This move can be comboed but will probably miss if you connect with it. It's pretty fast and has a pretty good range too. I'd say this one has the hitting range of Heavy D!'s sweep. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jumping Fwd/Bwd ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A : A jumping chop. Okay for jump in combos and also for air to air battles. However this one is not the best for either one in the entire game so don't expect it to always work. B : A jumping knee drop strike. This one is more or less like the Jumping A but is more to the combo side than the air to air. Note that all of these jumping A/B attacks must land deep for it to work in a combo. C : A jumping punch. This is one of the best moves to start high damaging but simple combos, but terrible for complicated ones. Try not to use it when you really want results. Use this when you want to fool around and hide your skill... D : The ultimate weapon for Kyokugen style ass whooping. A jumping turning back kick. This move is suitable for all combos and with a little practice at its strengths and weaknesses, you can even overcome Iori's cheap jumping D! CD : A flying turning back kick that somehow resembles Bruce Lee's infamous flying kick. This sucker has so much priority in the air, you can actually challenge Iori's jumping D! Learn to punish your opponents by forcing them to the ground. Remember, no fighter flies in the dojo of Kyokugen unless you're Kyokugen material. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jumping Up ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A : Similar to Jump fwd/bk A. B : A jumping sidekick. Can be used to stop jumping attacks and any attempts to start a jumping combo but must be timed right. This one was a real pain in 95. C : Similar to Jump fwd/bk C. D : Similar to Jump fwd/bk D. CD : A flying turning back kick that somehow resembles Bruce Lee's infamous flying kick. This sucker has so much priority in the air, you can actually challenge Iori's jumping D! Learn to punish your opponents by forcing them to the ground. Remember, no fighter flies in the dojo of Kyokugen unless you're Kyokugen material. =============================================================================== Command Moves =============================================================================== ONI GURUMA Fwd + A only A powerful roundhouse punch. This technique knocks your opponent over. One of the best combo linkers to ever grace the face of KOF. It also moves you slightly forward in range for your next technique. Note that this will only knock down if not comboed properly. KAWARA WARI Fwd + B only An overhead elbow smash. Possibly for snapping the collar bone. This is my personal favourite combo linker. As the saying goes; the worst thing to happen to an opponent is a character with not one but two excellent combo linkers. However, chances are that this one lacks range and when comboed with a fierce normal attack it might miss. Use wisely. =============================================================================== Special Moves =============================================================================== KOOH KEN -------- Qcf + A or C A version : Slower( 1 hit ) C version : Faster( 1 hit ) The standard fire ball type attack. Takuma, being the founder of Kyokugen has perfected this technique so that it is one of the fastest projectile in terms of the time it takes to launch. Compared to the other 3 Kyokugen fighters, Takuma is not only faster but has the double trick which once only worked for Ryo in 95. More details on the double trick later. MOUKO BURAI GAN --------------- Qcb + A or C A version : No difference( 2 hits if not used as counter; 1 hit if used for counter ) C version : No difference( 2 hits if not used as counter; 1 hit if used for counter ) A middle block followed by a bone crushing middle punch. A counterattack for technically all ranges - high, middle and low. This isn't completely confirmed. A strange one since this is the ONLY counter to stop projectiles. Sadly, Takuma can't punch the projectile back a la Son Gokou. Once your opponent gets the receiving end of the punch, they'll sail across the screen. ZANRETSU KEN ------------ Fwd, Bk, Fwd + A or C A version : Shorter time limit( 13 hits ) C version : Longer time limit( 13 hits ) A classic Kyokugen technique once again made lethal by the founder of Kyokugen. Takuma sends dozens of punches out seeking for a moron stupid enough to step into it's jaws. Upon contact, Takuma will then proceed to bash their living brains out with his sound barrier breaking speed punches. Takuma will then finish it off with an uppercut. SHOURAN KYAKU ------------- Hcb + B or D B version : Shorter distance( ?? hits - too fast for the rush hit counter to count ) D version : Longer distance( ?? hits - too fast for the rush hit counter to count ) Takuma rushes for his opponent. Upon contact, he grabs their shoulder and sends his knees one after another right into their faces. If one looks closly, Takuma performs a facial rearranging and then rearranges it back again before you can notice. Really, this is just one of the few moves that SNK refuses to use the rush hit counter on. The real weakness of this move is that it can't combo. However, SNK makes it up with the unblockable feature. HIENSHIPPU KYAKU ---------------- Charge DnBk, Fwd + B or D B version : Shorter distance and less damage( 1 hit ) D version : Longer distance and more damage( 2 hits ) Takuma chrages towards his opponent with a low flying side kick. The D version will see a turning back kick upon contact. Still the only HienshippuKyaku technique to enable a followup after the initial rib busting two hits since...95! Luckily, Takuma still has that ability. Like Gunsmith once said to me, always add the ZanretsuKen for the best damage and for style points! HAOH SHI KOH KEN ---------------- Hcb, fwd + A or C A version : Slower( 1 hit ) C version : Faster( 1 hit ) Takuma charges back and summons his ki for the most powerful blast possible. You can charge this by holding down on the button for a delay and also more power. Hold a complete 3 seconds for the most damage possible. This one is slow as heck and probably best if avoided until the best oppurtunity which is a completely helpless opponent with almost no life left. Good luck on getting a chance that sweet. =============================================================================== Desperation Moves =============================================================================== RYUKO RANBU ----------- Qcf, Hcb + A or C A version : Shorter range and slightly faster( DM/SDM : 10/14 hits ) C version : Longer range and slightly slower( DM/SDM : 10/14 hits ) Once again, Takuma charges towards his opponents and pummels them with powerful, precise and less hits than his students and finishes it with a Haoh Sho Koh Ken. The SDM will bring more pummeling and more Haoh Sho Koh Kens. This is and always will be the most painful sounding DM ever. Whenever you hear Takuma beat his opponents with this DM, you can always ALMOST feel sorry for your opponent. SHIN KISHIN GEKI ---------------- (Close)Qcf, Qcf + A or C A version : No difference( DM/SDM : 3/6 hits ) C version : No difference( DM/SDM : 3/6 hits ) A close, powerful, skilled and more painful version of his son, Ryo's moves; Kyokugen Punch Dance and the DM Issatsu Ken. Always with sure and precise attacks, Takuma can take out his opponents easily with the most least moves possible. A mark of a true pro. =============================================================================== Combos =============================================================================== Jumping combos : Please know that most of these combos are for Maximum effect. Jump C/D, Stand/Crouch C, Qcf + A or C (3 hits) NOTES : A crossup will bring a slightly higher damage. Jump C/D, Stand/Crouch C, Fwd + A, Qcf + A or C (4 hits) NOTES : The Qcf + C motion must be added as quickly as possible or you'll miss and stand open to a DM. For some reason, the A version will only work in the corner. Jump D, Crouch A/B, Fwd + A, Fwd, Bk, Fwd + A or C. NOTE : This one requires that you do not have a crystal charged or Maxed up cause the extra power will knock you out of range. Jump D, Crouch C, Fwd + D only, Fwd, Bk, Fwd + A or C (17 hits) NOTE : A cross up might help a dizzy but charge DnFwd while jumping. Although the jump C works, if the opponent is crouching you might miss the first hit. Jumping DM/SDM combos --------------------- DM version : Jump C/D, Stand/Crouch C, Fwd + A, Qcf, Hcb + A or C (13 hits) SDM version : Jump C/D, Stand C, Fwd + A, Qcf, Hcb + A or C (17 hits) DM version : Jump C/D, Crouch B, Fwd + B, Qcf, Hcb + A or C (13 hits) SDM version : Jump D, Crouch B, Fwd + B, Qcf, Hcb + A or C (17 hits) DM version : Jump C/D, Crouch A/B, Qcf, Qcf + A or C (5 hits) SDM version : Not possible. Ground combos ------------- Stand/Crouch C, Qcf + A or C (2 hits) NOTES : This can also be done from running. Crouch B, Crouch B, Charge DnBk, Fwd + B only (3 hits) NOTES : Charge the DnBk while tapping B twice. The D version doesn't work cause it's a fraction too slow. Stand/Crouch C, Fwd + A, Qcf + A or C (3 hits) NOTES : The Qcf + C motion must be added as quickly as possible or you'll miss and stand open to a DM. For some reason, the A version will only work in the corner. This can also be done from running. Crouch B, Fwd + B, Qcf + A or C (3 hits) NOTES : You can also use the crouching A but it won't not break high block. Use the crouching A version when opponents try to roll in to grab or something. A low B never stands a chance against a throw or high priority stuff but low A will cause it hits middle. Stand C, Fwd + A, Fwd, Bk, Fwd + A or C (15 hits) NOTES : You must not be Charged up or Maxed up for the extra power will move you out of range. This combo can be done from running. Crouch A/B, Fwd + A/B, Fwd, Bk, Fwd + A or C (15 hits) NOTES : This requires a quick short cut. Use the Fwd + A or B to replace the first motion for the Fwd, Bk, Fwd. If you want to do this combo with a charged crystal or maxed, you must use the Fwd + A only, the Fwd + B will miss. Crouch C, Fwd + D only, Fwd, Bk, Fwd + A or C (16 hits) NOTE : Charge DnBk while doing the uppercut. This one needs a slightly closer range compared to other ground combos. Ground DM/SDM combos -------------------- DM version : Stand/Crouch C, Fwd + A, Qcf, Hcb + A or C (12 hits) SDM version : Stand C, Fwd + A, Qcf, Hcb + A or C (16 hits) NOTES : A crouch C in the SDM version will sometimes miss. Better safe than sorry. DM version : Crouch B, Fwd + B, Qcf, Hcb + A or C (12 hits) SDM version : Crouch B, Fwd + B, Qcf, Hcb + A or C (16 hits) NOTES : The crouch B into Fwd + B can replace the Qcf part of the DM/SDM so just add a Hcb + A or C for the DM/SDM to work. DM version : Crouch A/B, Qcf, Qcf + A or C (4 hits) SDM version : Crouch A/B, Qcf, Qcf + A or C (7 hits) NOTES : This bloody combo can't be comboed from a Fwd + A/B so don't waste your time. Damn! If only... DM version : Qcf + A only, Qcf, Hcb + C (11 hits) SDM version : Qcf + A only, Qcf, Hcb + C (15 hits) NOTES : This one works as long as you have the opponent in the corner and you on the other end and also if the fireball connects. =============================================================================== Trick Combos =============================================================================== Well, most of them aren't even combos but they work most of the time...for me at least. Jump C/D....Hcb + B or D ------------------------ Jump in with an attack, if your opponent blocks, the Hcb + K will take him out. There is one way I know to stop this. When you block the jump attack, tap on the A or B to hit them out of the Hcb + K run. This is one of the easiest way to stop it. Other methods include jumping and grabbing(requires perfect timing). If you're skilled, use a command throw or DM throw. Crouch D, Qcf + A or C ---------------------- This is a really OLD trick but amazingly still works on pros. You just never know when the fireball is coming...heh heh heh. Always be ready to follow this up. If you see them rolling forward within range, hit them with a combo to make them suffer. Takuma's DM priority -------------------- Takuma's Qcf, Hcb + A or C DM has a very high priority towards jump attacks. Time it right and virtually all jump attacks will lose to the mighty Kyokugen technique. There is one thing that you must know for you to avoid being caught in this trap. A well timed jump attack will 'counter' it but then you will also suffer from a 'counter'. Oh well, as long as you don't get the worst end of it... Double Strike!! --------------- Throw a slow KoohKen immediatly followed by a fast version. If you can get the timing just right, you will see a smooth and fluid double fireball. Note that it is just like King's Double Strike in a sense that the two hits don't combo. Extra tip: King's double strike can combo if you catch your opponent with the first projectile in mid air. However, Takuma's manual version will NEVER combo. Usually, your opponent will expect two projectiles and proceed to jump over the second one. But because of the smooth motion of the second and much faster KoohKen, your opponent will surely get the hit. If they decide to roll through, you can always do the Hcb + B or D to counter their roll. DIRTY TRICK!!!!!!!!!!!! ----------------------- Use the dirtiest tricks available. Kyokugen is the extreme and if your opponent can't handle ANYTHING GOES STYLE of fighting, what can I say? From time to time, try a jump in without an attack directly into a Qcf, Qcf + A or C DM! It usually cancels their block. =============================================================================== Strategy =============================================================================== DEFENSE ------- Takuma depends a lot on his jump attacks for defense from combos and stuff. Knowing and being able to jump the right distance and height is just as important as hitting the C,D or CD buttons at the right time. For aerial battles, timing will be all important as if could mean beating Iori's insanely high priority jump D!! For jump in combos, it's also important for timing for you to land it deep to avoid missing a combo and also to avoid being hit or grabbed out of the jump attack. Oppurtunity is everything as doesn't have double hitting attacks like King close standing D and Saisyu's close standing C which can sometimes force and opening in your opponents defense. Human psychology is so easy to fool as once you take a lot of hits, you will instinctively try to counterattack. Think about it. Whenever you block a jump D, 2 hit C into fwd + A into a special move that does huge tick damage, don't you want to immedietly want to pull off a combo take the win? Humans love to win and sometimes a untrained mind can work to your advantage. For those type of characters that love to force you to block, use the CD counter to turn the tables. If you haven't got a crystal, wait until the meter builds up. Roll away or counter any attacks if possible. Once you have the advantage, play it smart and avoid taking chances like getting up close to try a ground combo. You just might get thrown into submission. For Takuma players that go against pro Blue Mary players, your defense must be flawless. NEVER try a jump in attack after they just got knocked down and have crystal...OR get close for a ground combo. The best defense and attack to take wonce you down Blue Mary is to throw fireballs and wait for a mistake in their attempt to mount an attack. Jumping in can be countered with a Jump D or CD or even a CD counter if you can. Roll throughs are the easiest to stop with a Hcb+D. OFFENSE ------- Takuma's main weapon is his ability to make small chances into big and high damaging combos with his very limited moves. Use the combos in the combo section to take out any opponent with the proper distance for the right situation. His tricks can be very annoying as virtually no one else can do them. His DM(Qcf, Hcb + A/C) and it's ability to overtake almost any jump attack can be the most annoying of all. To use this to the max, visualize an opponent jumping in for a combo. At this point you should be able to judge them. If you can hit them with a Power Geyser(assuming you are Terry) then you can hit them with the Ryuko Ranbu. Lure them into a false sense of security and then..."Kyokugen Ryu Oougi!!!!!" Once you connect with a big combo and leave your opponent room to attack, back off and beat them down with properly executed counterattacks. Remember this, when you attack a player with no mistakes, there is a gurantee of success. However, by the same token, should you get attacked by a Takuma who makes no mistakes, you have no defense. Use the tricks to play smart, but never repeat the same trick against the same player in the same battle and avoid making yourself to readable. Remember, combos are the fangs which Takuma bites all the other characters with in the butt. =============================================================================== Why do I idolize Takuma Sakazaki? =============================================================================== Well, at first I didn't want to make one of these 'why you should use so & so character' kinda things but I found it inevitable. Therefore, I gathered a few reasons to defend myself from some of the flaming bound to come. And here there are in well thought out order... 10. How often do you come across a father that is skilled and has a funny alter personality as well? 9. Takuma has one of the most coolest looking DMs which never seems to get boring (like Iori's Maiden Masher). 8. Even without a DP like move, Takuma can still contend with the best of them and come out on top. 7. Kyokugen-Ryu is Extreme and anything goes!!! 6. Wah hah hah wacka wacka wubba wubba is how I've always laughed... 5. I find beating up unsupportive children(and student) towards his alter ego helps relieve stress in both work and play. 4. Calling your opponent a weak beginner is one of the most standard and still effective taunts (aside from Joe's mooning) just before you beat the tar out of them. 3. I like to crack the bones in my neck for relief before I proceed to break my opponent's neck for good. 2. Takuma is not exactly a Ryu or Ken type of character despite the fact that I also idolize Ryu. Really, you won't feel so bad whether you're a Ryu and Ken fan or not when using him. 1. If I were Takuma, I'd enjoy embarassing my children and student just too just before I show them that the original form of Kyokugen-Ryu is the best way to kick any character's ROODY POO CANDY ASS UP AND DOWN JABRONI DRIVE AND KNOW YOUR ROLE BOULEVARD!!!! =============================================================================== Credits =============================================================================== First, I'd have to thank SNK for coming up with the best game they've ever done. The King of Fighters series has got to be good business for them. Keep up the good work but give them a new look. I think I'm almost sick to death of looking at Iori and Kyo in the same old outfits. Next, I've got to thank all the guys at Game Station(the place where I play) for all the ideas, tricks, teaching, letting me use them for guinea pigs and stuff. They may not know it, but they teach me more than they'd like to. Heh, heh, heh. Then I have to thank all those other KOF players that always try their best to get the move lists and other KOF related news on the net. You know of course that I'm refering to guys like Sephiroth, Kao Megura, Moonrun and so many more. Without them, where would we be, ne? My special thanks to Gunsmith and all the people that sends him info on KOF. They have been an extremely big help in this faq for combos, bugs, tricks and helping me to realize and invent some combos of my own. Domo arigato gozaimasu. A special thanks goes to the other fellow who wrote a Takuma Sakazaki FAQ. Your faq inspired me to come up with writing an faq of my own, experimenting further on his combos and also taking a step further in simplifying some game play tricks. I also adopted his style of making this a fun(?) and friendly faq to further influence you readers to play as Takuma. I'm truly and deeply sorry for not remembering his name to give credit but I don't remember where I read it. My sincerest apology to the Rock, Rocky Maivia for using his line. If I messed up, you can come look for me and make my monkey ass famous! I'd also like to thank you for wasting time to read this. If it has helped you, then I hope you'll never play against me. If not, well, I tried. =============================================================================== If you have any corrections, suggestions, criticism and other stuff you'd like to tell me, don't hesitate to e-mail me at