Kaede
A young swordsman and the principal hero, seeking answers about the Boundary.
Documented for this version
Joystick | Move the character Use directional inputs for movement, crouching, jumping, and commands. |
|---|---|
A | Light slash |
B | Heavy slash |
C | Kick |
D | Use the fourth attack or defensive function assigned by the arcade cabinet The exact function can vary with the cabinet configuration. |
The arcade version uses a joystick and cabinet buttons; cabinet layouts may label functions differently.
Command moves and special techniques require directional inputs combined with attack buttons.
How it plays
Matches use a traditional side-view format. Players choose a fighter, select Speed or Power mode, and defeat opponents in one-on-one rounds. Normal attacks, command moves, specials, guard techniques, dodges, and super attacks are combined to control distance and punish mistakes.
Arcade progression consists of a sequence of rival battles followed by the final confrontation. Speed mode supports rapid attacks and combo-oriented play, while Power mode increases damage and emphasizes stronger individual strikes. Winning rounds restores the match timer but does not remove the need to manage health and defensive opportunities.
Plan your run
Learn the range and recovery of each normal attack before relying on special moves. Keep the opponent at the preferred distance, then punish whiffed attacks with a fast slash or command move.
Meet the cast
A young swordsman and the principal hero, seeking answers about the Boundary.
Kaede’s companion and a determined fighter connected to the story’s central conflict.
A disciplined swordsman whose past is tied to Kaede and the Minakata tragedy.
A lively onmyoji who investigates supernatural disturbances with her spirit techniques.
A dark swordsman who manipulates the power of the Boundary.
A quiet young swordswoman trained in a precise and defensive style.
A masked fighter who uses an unusual, unpredictable weapon style.
A powerful warrior who relies on heavy attacks and formidable grappling techniques.
A wandering swordsman whose relaxed manner contrasts with his dangerous skill.
A cheerful brawler who fights with a large wooden club.
An elderly master with great strength and knowledge of supernatural events.
A swift ninja and descendant of the original Last Blade’s Zantetsu.
The final opponent, whose actions are connected to the Boundary’s power.
Before you begin
The game rewards patience: blocking and spacing are often safer than attacking first.
Try both modes with the same character; they can produce very different matchups.
Boss encounters become easier when approached with a full life bar and reserved meter.
The Last Blade 2 is a 2D weapon-based fighting game developed and published by SNK for arcade systems in 1998. Set during the final years of the Edo period, it follows swordsmen, martial artists, and supernatural figures drawn into a conflict involving the Boundary, a mysterious force between life and death. The game emphasizes deliberate spacing, weapon clashes, counters, and powerful special techniques rather than constant rushing. Its Speed and Power fighting styles create different approaches to offense and defense. The arcade release was well received for its distinctive atmosphere, detailed animation, deep mechanics, and memorable cast, and it is often regarded as one of SNK’s strongest fighting games.
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