Haohmaru
(LAST UPDATE: 2/28/2010)

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GENERAL/STORY:
Haohmaru is the original protagonist of the Samurai Shodown series and rival of Genjuro. He uses the traditional katana in battles, and always carries a canteen of sake with him. His "mentor" is none other than Nicotine. Haohmaru is based on a real samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, who lived from 1584 to 1645.

Haohmaru is a lone samurai who travels to perfect his skills. Back when he was much younger, he challenged Jubei and got defeated badly. Since then, he left his village to challenge strong opponents to refine his skills. During his travels, he met Nicotine and became one of his students. When Amakusa appeared back into the world, Haohmaru set out to kill Amakusa as he was a strong opponent. He killed Amakusa with help from Nakoruru, Hanzo, Galford, Charlotte and Ukyo.

The same year, he ran into Shizumaru who's village was destroyed by the demon Zankuro. He took care of Shizumaru and helped him find Zankuro. A year later, he was attacked by a demon possessed man during his sleep. Haohmaru easily kills the attacker and tells Nicotine about the attack. Nicotine warns Haohmaru that he must not get involved with the demons. But Haohmaru ignores the warning and sets out to kill the source of the attack. During his travel, he was attacked by Mizuki but was saved by Amakusa. With help from Nakoruru, he was able to defeat Mizuki and seal off Makai.

  A year later, he is the target of demons once again. Haohmaru's body is half of what is needed to restore power to the "Dark god" of Makai. Shiki is the other half. In the end, Haohmaru with help from Nakoruru and Rimururu kills Yuga and free's Shiki's soul from Yuga's hands. But shortly after, Yuga revives herself and captures both Haohmaru and Shiki. Haohmaru became Yuga's slave and guarded the entrance to Yuga's cave. He was freed from Yuga's hands when the two Asura's defeated Yuga. He settled into Nicotine's temple and adopted Shiki and Asura's daughter. Mikoto is also Haohmaru's niece.

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ORIGIN:

Samurai Shodown

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OTHER APPEARANCES:
Samurai Shodown 2, Samurai Shodown 3, Samurai Shodown 4, Samurai Shodown 5, Samurai Shodown 5 Special, Samurai Shodown: Tenka, Samurai Shodown: Warrior's Rage, Samurai Shodown 64, Samurai Shodown 64 2, Samurai Shodown: Pocket, Samurai Shodown: Pocket 2, Card Fighters Clash, Card Fighters Clash 2, Card Fighters Clash DS, Match of the Millennium, Capcom VS SNK 2, Neo Geo Battle Coliseum

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REVIEW:
Haohmaru was always an interesting portrayal of Mayamoto Mushashi, making him an instant classic, and great hero for his series. He's also a lot like Ryu, in the essence of his moves and how they are done, another interesting aspect about his design. 

Haohmaru has also developed greatly over the years, as his hair just got longer and crazier with every sequel...  No doubt he was also the inspiration of Mitsurugi's 2nd player outfit in Soul Calibur 2. Mitsurugi is simply a badass samurai design in every aspect, and he's got a vivid and funny personality as well.

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Fighting  Style  /  Moves
Personality  /  Charisma
Outfit(s)  /  Appearance
Effectiveness  in  series
Overall Score

 
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Haohmaru Animations