1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789 Mystic Heroes FAQ (PS2) Version 0.30 by spookybanana (Adrian Ledda, eagle31587@aol.com) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ Contents ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I. Introduction and WARNING II. Version History III. Basic Controls IV. Playable Characters V. Magic Types Guide VI. Element Guide VII. Magic Level Guide VIII. Magic Spells Guide IX. Rune Guide X. Ordinary Rune List XI. M-Class Rune List XII. S-Class Rune List XIII. Survival Mode XIV. Contact Information ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ I. Introduction and WARNING ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "To know that even one life breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded." -Emerson This is my very first FAQ, and I hope you like it. I am an avid Koei fan, and buy any game they make that comes out in the US. I must say that Mystic Heroes is a great game. The ideas are fresh, the graphics are crisp, and the list goes on. However, the manual was badly translated! What a shame! I had a difficult time adjusting to this game, and I hope my FAQ will help others. Enjoy! WARNING: This FAQ contains spoilers on the game. (Well, obviously.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ II. Version History ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Version 0.30 (12/26/02) - First version completed! I am missing ONLY 3 of the 82 runes! (Help wanted!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ III. Basic Controls ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Does the manual confuse you with its bad translation? Read the following to learn the basics. -Moving your character- Move the left analog stick in the direction you want to go. Moving the stick only slightly makes the character walk. Moving the analog stick all the way in one direction makes the character run in that direction. -Moving the Camera- Use the right analog stick to adjust the direction of the camera. Or, you can press L1 to automatically shift the camera behind where your character is facing. Remember, it IS important to see what you are trying to destroy. -Blocking- Press and hold the R1 button to block. This will block most physical attacks, but not some. Blocking will not protect you from magic attacks. -Charging- Magic bar low? Better charge it up! If you press and hold triangle while blocking, your character will slowly charge up their magic bar. Keep in mind that you can still get attacked while you are charging. -Dodging- When blocking, tap a directional button. Your character will flip, roll, or twirl in that direction. This is surprisingly useful, since while you are doing this, your character is immune to attacks. -Attacking- Keep pressing the circle button to attack enemies. If you are reasonably far from an enemy, and you press the direction towards that enemy and circle, you will attack that enemy slightly differenty by jumping towards the enemy and attacking. If you are reasonably close to an enemy, you will also do a slightly different attack. -Direct Spells while Attacking- While you are attacking an enemy in a combo (in other words, pressing circle over and over again to attack), press triangle. Depending on the Direct spell you equipped, your character will quickly shoot out their Direct spell. -Sword Spells while Attacking- While you are attacking an enemy by continuously pressing circle, switch over and press square instead. Your character will attack normally, but with the Sword spell you equipped. If you magic bar is full, your character will do their special Sword spell combo. -Jump Spells while Attacking- Some characters happen to jump up when they are attacking (like Shiga kicking). When the character is in the air, press square to quickly do a Jump Spell. -Jumping- Press x to jump. The longer you hold x, the higher you jump. Also, to jump accurately, tap jump and a directional button, and your character will quickly hop to that direction. If you press circle while doing either of these jumps, your character will do a jump attack. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ IV. Playable Characters ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There are technically 8 playable characters In Mystic Heroes, but only 4 of them (Shiga, Lani, Tai, Naja) can be played in Free Mode and Story Mode. The following is a list of the characters, their stats, and a little info about each one. Note that all stats are of FRESH characters: not built up and as they are when you start the game. ---{{Shiga}}--- -Weapon: Dagger -Natural Element: Wind -Power: 3/4 -Magic: 3/4 -Speed: 2/4 -Health: 800 -Magic: 400 -Attack: 80 -Defense: 40 -Rune Attack: 62 -Rune Defense: 28 -Available from the beginning, playable in all modes. -An excellent character for beginning players. Attacks quickly and has the power and speed of wind. Although Shiga is one of the more balanced characters, his dagger is fairly short and does not have as much range. ---{{Lani}}--- -Weapon: Flower Stick -Natural Element: Ice -Power: 1/4 -Magic: 4/4 -Speed: 3/4 -Health: 700 -Magic: 600 -Attack: 70 -Defense: 36 -Rune Attack: 80 -Rune Defense: 36 -Available from the beginning, playable in all modes. -Attacks are definitely not Lani's forte, but her magic power is quite deadly. Her magic is the highest of all the characters, which allows her to do much more magic, and make each hit count, than most other characters. ---{{Tai}}--- -Weapon: Rod -Natural Element: Lightning -Power: 3/4 -Magic: 4/4 -Speed: 1/4 -Health: 900 -Magic: 500 -Attack: 90 -Defense: 40 -Rune Attack: 74 -Rune Defense: 38 -Available from the beginning, playable in all modes. -Slow and steady wins the race? Maybe, but with the combination of high power and high magic, Tai's low speed is hardly a factor. He also has a great upperhand being naturally lightning, a fast striking magic element. ---{{Naja}}--- -Weapon: Spear -Natural Element: Fire -Power: 4/4 -Magic: 1/4 -Speed: 3/4 -Health: 1000 -Magic: 300 -Attack: 100 -Defense: 48 -Rune Attack: 48 -Rune Defense: 24 -Available from the beginning, playable in all modes. -Naja is all about killing thing fast. Her attacks are quick, her range is big, but her magic is horrible (but that doesn't really matter, since fire magic is not as good as the other elements). ---{{Captain Dax}}--- -Weapon: Spear -Natural Element: Ice -Power: 3/4 -Magic: 3/4 -Speed: 2/4 -Health: 900 -Magic: 450 -Attack: 90 -Defense: 42 -Rune Attack: 72 -Rune Defense: 28 -Playable after completing Normal Beginner Survival Mode. Not playable in Story or Free Mode. -He may have the same stats as Shiga (and sound like the Dynasty Warriors 3 Ma Chao!), but he is distinctly different. He attacks slower, but has a wider range and looks a lot cooler. ---{{Mirah}}--- -Weapon: Fan -Natural Element: Fire -Power: 2/4 -Magic: 3/4 -Speed: 3/4 -Health: 800 -Magic: 550 -Attack: 85 -Defense: 36 -Rune Attack: 74 -Rune Defense: 32 -Playable after completing Normal Advanced Survival Mode. Not playable in Story or Free Mode. -The way Mirak screams in battle while fighting is certainly nothing beautiful, but her balanced stats and fast attacks are more than enough to wreak havoc on the battlefield. Plus, she has a cool weapon that she actually throws around. ---{{Raja}}--- -Weapon: Long Sword -Natural Element: Wind -Power: 4/4 -Magic: 2/4 -Speed: 2/4 -Health: 1000 -Magic: 350 -Attack: 110 -Defense: 40 -Rune Attack: 68 -Rune Defense: 28 -Playable after completing Normal Intermediate Survival Mode. Not playable in Story or Free Mode. -Raja is probably the smartest of all the Mystics, since he actually has the mind to always attack AROUND him, not just in front of him. He is extremely powerful, but somewhat slow. ---{{Kai}}--- -Weapon: Rod -Natural Element: Lightning -Power: 3/4 -Magic: 2/4 -Speed: 3/4 -Health: 900 -Magic: 550 -Attack: 95 -Defense: 44 -Rune Attack: 76 -Rune Defense: 25 -Playable after completing Expert Beginner Survival Mode. Not playable in Story or Free Mode. -"But I thought Kai was evil!" Yes, that's true. But he apparently has a good side to him. Kai is nicely balanced, especially with the lightning magic. It's nice to have someone who is so balanced fight on the good side. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ V. Magic Types Guide ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There are 4 basic different types of Magic Attacks: 1. Direct Magic 2. Target Magic 3. Sword Magic 4. Jump Magic -Direct- Probably the most commonly used magic attack, Direct spells generally shoot the spell in front of the character. There are three ways to cast a direct spell. The first is to just press triangle, which is the normal spell. The second is to jump, then press triangle, which is similar to the first, except for the different range. The third is to press triangle while attacking in a combo. Direct spells are reasonably strong, but have limited range. -Target- Target spells are for those that prefer to keep a distance from harm, or are just too lazy to walk over to the enemies to attack them. Target spells are summoned by pressing and holding down the triangle button. Doing so will go a first-person mode with a crosshair. As you move the crosshair around with the left analog stick, you can select enemies you want to attack. With target magic, you can target multiple enemies at a time. Once you have selected the enemies you want to hit with your target magic, release the triangle button. Your characters will then shoot out their equipped Target spell on that enemy. Target spells have excellent range, but are sometimes difficult to use without getting attacked by an enemy first. -Sword- If you don't like the whole magic idea, then you probably will favor Sword magic. Sword magic comes in many forms, but all have similar effects. Your character's weapon attacks with the element you equipped them with. Activating Sword magic needs only the square button. Quickly tap the square button to do a short strike with an elemental weapon. If you are knocked down and get up by pressing square, you will get up and do a Sword magic attack as you get up. Hold the square button down, and your charcter will swing their weapon around with the element for as long as you hold the square button. If your magic bar is full and you press square, your character will do a special Sword spell. Your character wildly and uncontrollably attacks with their weapon, damaging anyone they touch. Though it consumes a lot of magic, the strength is decent, but the usefulness is questionable. -Jump- Both the most impressive and most powerful of the magic attacks, Jump magic is something that everyone loves. The range, too, is excellent, but each attack takes up lots of magic. To execute a Jump spell, jump in the air and press square. Many Jump spells surround the caster, so they are great when fighting crowds of enemies. Other Jump spells attack in a straight line. In both cases, there is the potential to destroy many groups of enemies in seconds. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ VI. Element Guide ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There are four elements in this game. (Keep in mind that any character can equip any element. Just because you are Shiga does not mean you can only use wind magic.) All magic is based around these elements: 1. Wind 2. Ice 3. Lightning 4. Fire -Wind- Shiga (and Raja) are naturally this element. Wind is generally the fastest element, though the power is a bit low. Wind is great for attacking with magic quickly in combos. Some wind spells cause confusion to the enemies they hit. Confused enemies have green circles around them. Enemies that are confused spin around in circles. Although they can still attack, confused enemies are basically powerless. -Ice- Lani (and Captain Dax) are naturally this element. Ice is somewhat slow, but is truly unique. Many ice spells trap and freeze enemies in giant blocks of ice. These enemies cannot attack or move. You can attack them while they are frozen, and once the frozen status goes away, the enemies get all that damage in one blow. If you continuously attack using ice, the enemies don't stand a chance! -Lightning- Tai (and Kai) are naturally this element. Lightning is pretty fast. What is also great about lightning is that some spells can go "beyond" terrain. For example, shooting a Gale at a mountain stops the Gale, but if you shoot a Bolt spell, the Bolt "travels" up the mountain! In other words, the magic just "appears" and does not crash and stop when it runs into something. Lightning can sometimes stun enemies. You can tell enemies are stunned by the purple dots around them. Stunned enemies move extremely slow, so you have a chance to hit them again and again. -Fire- Naja (and Mirah) are naturally this element. Fire spells have regular speeds, but many spells create explosions, causing a larger range for the spell. Most of the spells, however, are not as pretty as the other element. Some fire spells burn enemies, and the enemies will have fire on their bodies. Until the fire goes out, these enemies slowly get damage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ VII. Magic Level Guide ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As you might have guessed, you cannot equip whatever magic spell you want. You are limited through levels. Every spell has a certain level necessary to use that spell, and your character has a certain level for each magic type. Your character has 4 levels to worry about: 1. Direct magic level 2. Target magic level 3. Sword magic level 4. Jump magic level What magic you can use is determined by your character's level and the level of the magic spell. Let us say, for example, that Tai has a Direct magic level 3. Tai can equip Direct spells that are less than or equal to his Direct magic level, like... Lv2 Icicle Lv1 Fireball Lv3 Whirlwind+1 However, Tai cannot equip Direct magic spells that are higher than level 3, like... Lv5 Mistral Lv4 Comet+1 Lv4 Icicle+1 BUT there are exceptions. Because Tai is naturally of the lightning element, he can equip lightning magic ONE LEVEL HIGHER THAN WHAT HE REALLY IS. Staying with the example, even though Tai is only a Direct magic level 3, he can equip... Lv4 Bolt+1 This is so because Tai is naturally lightning. Bolt+1 may be a level higher than what Tai is, but because of these conditions, Tai can equip it. You can build up your character up to level 4, and no higher. This means that for level 5 spells, like... Lv5 Iceblock Lv5 Inferno ...you MUST be naturally the element of the spell in order to equip it. For example, Lv5 Inferno is a fire Jump magic. If I build Lani up to the Jump magic level 4 (the highest level), Lani WILL NOT be able to equip Lv5 Inferno. To do so, I would have to have someone who is naturally fire AND on Jump level 4 in order to use Lv5 Inferno. Understand? How do you build magic levels? Well, first off, let me say that each level gains experience if you do that certain type of magic. For instance, doing a Target spell will increase experience towards the Target magic level. If you earn enough experience, your level will rise. But to earn experience, the magic spell you do MUST hit some enemies. In other words, you cannot keep doing Direct spells in the air and expect to gain experience. Also, you gain much more experience with high combos. If this is not obvious to you already, just because you gain experience for one spell type does not mean that other spell types get experience. Doing Sword magic gives experience for Sword magic, nothing else. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ VIII. Magic Spells Guide ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This section will go into detail on each and every magic spell in the game. For the Direct spells, S denotes standing, like just doing the spell. J means jumping, as in doing the spell when you jump. C means combo, meaning what the spell does during a combo attack. E denotes evaluation, my personal comments on the spell. Also, for the Target spells, I grouped similar spells together, since the only real difference is more damage with the higher level one. Sword magic is not covered. Again, the only real difference is the damage. -[Wind]------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---{{Direct Spells}}--- [Lv1 Whirlwind] S - A single spinning top of wind is shot out in a straight line. J - Same as above, but slightly more reach. C - The whirlwind moves in a circle around the caster and accelerates. E - Between Whirlwind and Gale, Whirlwind is the far more defensive spell since the combo version protects the caster. [Lv2 Gale] S - A single blast of wind is shot out in front. J - Same as above, except the Gale is higher off on the ground. C - 3 Gales are quickly shot out in front. E - Faster then Whirlwind, but strikes only enemies in front. [Lv3 Whirlwind+1] S - 3 Whirlwinds are shot out in front, come out as a fan pattern, then they converge, then separate again. J - Same as above, except for the height difference C - 3 Whirlwinds move in a circle around the caster and move faster and faster. E - One of my favorite wind Direct spell, Whirlwind+1 will hit enemies around you you didn't even intend to hit. [Lv4 Gale+1] S - 3 Gales are quickly shot out in front. J - Same, but a height difference that is useful for certain bosses. C - 5 Gales are quickly shot out in front of the caster. E - Powerful and fast, but does not hit enemies directly behind or next to you. [Lv5 Mistral] S - Quickly shoots multiple tiny "blades" of wind. J - Same, but an important height difference. C - The blades come out around the caster, not just in front E - Possibly one of the best Direct spells available. Highly offensive and nicely protective. ---{{Target Spells}}--- [Lv1 Twister/Lv3 Twister+1] The spitting image of Whirlwind, in a more accurate Target form. Great for thick crowds. It is AMAZINGLY EASY to get high combos with these spells. [Lv2 Windsnipe/Lv4 Windsnipe+1] The spitting image of Gale, but in a more accurate Target form. Better homing capabilities than Twister, and therefore better suited for bosses. [Lv5 Cyclone] Looks like the Jump spell Tornado, but in Target form. Amazing range and great power, but if it crashes into a wall, the spell disappears. ---{{Jump Spells}}--- [Lv1 Tornado] One of the most impressive and longest-lasting spells in the game. Tornado summons three large tornados to gradually move outward in a circular direction. EXTREMELY useful. [Lv4 Life Pulse] A powerful, but small blast of wind that travels far in the direction of the caster. Though it goes far, its horizontal range is horrible, and it is so high up on the ground, you can't even hit some barrels! Takes a large chunk from your magic bar. -[Ice]------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---{{Direct Spells}}--- [Lv1 Snowball] S - Fires a small snowball that is shot downward. J - Same, but to hit the enemy, you better have good aim. C - A blast that attacks enemies directly in front of the caster. E - Often underestimated, Snowball is great, but only in combos. [Lv2 Icicle] S - Shoots a ball of ice that bounces three times. Every bounce leaves a patch of icicles on the ground that freeze or stab enemies that come in contact. J - Same, but MUCH better range. C - Icicles appear on the ground in an arc pattern in front of your character. E - Icicle is great in both combos and using it normally. The technique of using it properly, however, is difficult to discover. [Lv3 Snowball+1] S - A pathetic shot like Snowball, but this time with three. J - Same as above. C - Multiple blasts that attack or freeze enemies in front of the caster. E - Amazingly useless outside of combos. But use it in a combo, and you will be surprised at the high combos and havoc you can do with this spell. [Lv4 Icicle +1] S - Shoots a ball of ice that bounces and creates a VERY WIDE patch of icicles on the ground that freeze or stab enemies that come in contact. J - Same, but a much better range. C - Creates a line of icicles on the ground that come out from the character in a random direction in front of the caster. E - The strongest Direct ice spell happens to be the most unusual. Great for freezing whole crowds, but leaves your sides and back unprotected. ---{{Target Spells}}--- [Lv1 Hail/Lv3 Hail+1] An extremely accurate and far reaching spell that shoots a small ball of ice. A great target spell that is quick in comparison to Blizzard. [Lv2 Blizzard/Lv4 Blizzard+1] Slowly releases a large block of ice that strikes enemies, then breaks apart to form icicles on the ground. [Lv5 Iceblock] Instantly makes a large chunk of ice fall on enemies and freezes most enemies on contact. ---{{Jump Target}}--- [Lv1 Avalanche] As the character comes down from their jump, the character summons a floor of ice that crashes down and freezes most enemies. Okay, but probably one of the more useless Jump spells. [Lv4 Glacier Freeze] Summons a path of large glaciers that travel along a straight line in front of the caster. Has decent reach and god pretty far, but consumes a massive amount of magic. [Lv5 Ice Age] Summons a large patch of icicles on the floor around the caster. The icicles damage any enemy it touches, plus they last a long time. A highly defensive spell. -[Lightning]------------------------------------------------------------------- ---{{Direct Spells}}--- [Lv1 Shock Orb] S - One ball of lightning gradually creates two more balls. The balls form a triangle. J - Same, but a height difference. C - Shoots a ball that quickly travel in a straight line. E - Okay, but if you can, get Shock Orb+1, which divides when it touches foes. [Lv2 Bolt] S - 3 bolts strike down from the sky in front of the caster. J - Same, but faster! C - 3 bolts strike in an arc area in front of the caster. E - A better spell in combos than Shock Orb, especially since it is so fast. [Lv3 Shock Orb+1] S - One ball is shot straight and never divides by itself. If it touches an enemy, however, two more balls are created. If those balls touch another enemy, two more are created. And so on. J - The same, but harder to use. C - 3 balls come out in a fan pattern. DOES NOT divide. E - A great spell to get combos in, but certainly not as powerful or fast as Bolt. [Lv4 Bolt+1] S - 6 bolts strike from the sky in a straight line. J - The same, but faster execution. C - 5 bolts strike diagonal to the caster. E - Quick, painful to enemies, and flashy! [Lv5 Shock Orb+2] S - One large lightning ball goes in a line. Never divides by itself. When it touches an enemy, it creates two more balls that move quickly away from where it was created. J - Same. Again. C - One HUGE lightning ball that generally stays in front of the character is released. It moves slowly, and can divide upon contact. E - Toss a couple of these into a crowd of enemies and what do you get? A bunch of Shock Orbs and a dead crowd of enemies! ---{{Target Spells}}--- [Lv1 Lightning/Lv3 Lightning+1] A bolt of lightning immedeately appears on the targeted enemy. One of the best Target spells, though fast moving enemies can easily dodge them. [Lv2 Shock/Lv4 Shock+1] Medium-sized balls of lightning are shot at the targeted enemy. Average homing capabilities, and not as good as Lightning. [Lv5 Flash] Summon 2 lightning dragons that surround and fiercely attack the targeted enemies. HUGE range and very pretty, but you can only have 2 dragons at a time. ---{{Jump Spells}}--- [Lv1 Storm] Multiple botls of lightning strike in a box pattern in front of the caster. An excellent Jump spell that can knock down crowds in seconds. [Lv4 Pure Energy] Summons balls of lightning to rise from the ground. Although the range is HUGE, the balls are not too big, and will sometimes miss enemies completely. Pure Energy if more of a defensive spell (that happens to eat up a lot of magic). -[Fire]------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---{{Direct Spells}}--- [Lv1 Fireball] S - A single burst of fire travels in a straight line. J - The same, but certainly not as useful. C - 3 bursts come out in a fan pattern. E - Decent, but Comet is the better lot of the two spells. [Lv2 Comet] S - A single meteor is shot into the air, and falls back down some distance in front of the caster. J - The same, but somewhat faster and more useful. C - One meteor quickly falls in front of the caster and explodes. E - An excellent spell to use during combos, especially since it is so quick and powerful. The added explosion is big, so it protects you, too! [Lv3 Fireball+1] S - A burst of flames shoot out in a straight line. J - Same, yet again. C - Shoots 3 bursts of flames that turn into smaller fireballs that go farther. E - A great spell to use to destroy corwds of enemies in front of you, but if you are surrounded, Fireball+1 isn't as useful. [Lv4 Comet+1] S - 3 meteors are shot into the air, and land in an arc pattern some distance from the caster. J - The same, but the increased speed of the spell is great. C - 3 meteors fall quickly at the caster's feet and explode. E - A quick and deadly spell to thin crowds from a distance and up close. ---{{Target Spells}}--- [Lv1 Firestorm/Lv3 Firestorm+1] Tiny balls of fire are launched at the enemy, striking them with a quick explosion. Fast, and good homing capabilities. [Lv2 Meteor/Lv4 Meteor+1] Small comets are shot at the enemy and create larger explosions. Though slightly slower than Firestorm, the effectiveness is far more impressive. ---{{Jump Spells}}--- [Lv1 Volcano] The most useless spell in the game. Your character lands and makes a small explosion around them. Great for protecting yourself, but offensively worthless. [Lv4 Hell's Fire] Shoots, essentially, 5 comets in an arc pattern in front of the caster. Great crowd control, but takes massive amounts from your magic bar. [Lv5 Volcano] Similar to Glacier Freeze, this spell makes a tall blast of lava flow in a straight line in front of the caster, exploding any enemy on contact. Strong and useful, but the amount of magic necessary to use is rather high. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ IX. Rune Guide ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Runes, essentially, decide what magic you equip. Every rune has a different name and arrangement of magic. Some runes even have some sort of bonus (like higher attack or higher rune defense). In this game, there are a total of 82 runes. Runes are divided into 3 classes: 1. Ordinary Runes 2. M-Class Runes 3. S-Class Runes -Ordinary Runes- There are 66 Ordinary Runes in the game. These runes have variable magic, stat bonuses, and levels. Ordinary Runes are only obtained by playing through stages. There are so many, that you are bound to find one that suits you! -M-Class Runes- M-Class Runes, like Ordinary Runes, are all unique. However, M-Class are far more useful. These runes have considerably higher magic levels, but are difficult to obtain. These runes are only obtained through special conditions, like finishing Story Mode with a certain Character. There are 10 M-Class runes. -S-Class Runes- S-Class Runes are certainly the most difficult to get, but are also the most useful. All 6 S-Class Runes have one weak magic spell, but what is so special about these runes are the stat bonuses that come with them, like automatic health recovery or double speed. S-Class Runes are only obtained by completing certain survival modes. Each rune has a certain type of magic spell(s). Some runes have Direct, Target, Sword, and Jump magic. Others only have maybe Direct and Sword magic. In any case, you can equip two runes at a time, but only one magic spell for each type type of magic spell. In other words, you might equip two runes that have different Jump spells (maybe one has Tornado, the other has Volcano), but you can only choose one spell of the two. In another case, if both runes you equip do not have a spell for a certain magic type (maybe neither of the two runes you equipped have Target spells), you will automatically equip your character's default spell, based on their natural element. The default spells are as follows (note that all are level 1 spells): Direct Target Sword Jump Wind Whirlwind Twister Windblade Tornado Ice Snowball Hail Iceblade Avalanche Lightning Shock Orb Lightning Thunderblade Storm Fire Fireball Firestorm Fireblade Volcano ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ X. Ordinary Rune List ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following is a list of all the Ordinary Runes, their attributes, and how to get them. Please keep in mind that I am personally not very good at taking or giving directions! Sometimes, the directions sound ridiculous, but I am sure they will get you where you want to be. Also, remember that Ordinary Runes are ALWAYS found in boxes, vases, or lanterns. If a space is blank, it means that that rune does not have that certain thing. Also, Lv is short for level. -[1. Inyo]--------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv2 Gale Target Lv1 Twister Sword Lv1 Windblade Jump Lv1 Tornado Added Bonus: None How to get it: Shiga starts off with this rune. Comments: As a starting rune, Inyo is a good choice. Gale is great for getting into fights and killing enemies quickly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[2. Inyo+1]------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv2 Gale Target Lv4 Windsnipe+1 Sword Jump Added Bonus: None How to get it: In Normal Intermediate Survival mode, 3rd stage, under the tall bridge where you fight the 2nd Brute. Comments: Windsnipe+1 is one of the more useful Target spells in the Wind category. The average level Gale, however, is not as useful. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[3. Inyo+2]------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv4 Gale+1 Target Sword Lv3 Windblade+2 Jump Added Bonus: Health +50 How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's scenarios, stage 6-1, in the room where the 2nd tower to open the door is located. Comments: This rune has a nice mix of spells, and the added health is nice, but you need to find another rune for better Target or Jump spells. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[4. Inyo+3]------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv4 Gale+1 Target Lv3 Twister+1 Sword Lv2 Windblade+1 Jump Lv1 Tornado Added Bonus: Magic +80 How to get it: Complete all stages in level 6 in Shiga or Lani's Story Mode. Comments: With the high level spells, this rune is definitely powerful, but you may not be able to use this rune until later in the game when you character has higher magic levels. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[5. Fuka]--------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv1 Whirlwind Target Lv1 Twister Sword Lv1 Windblade Jump Added Bonus: Attack +2 How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 1-3, in a vase located behind the northmost building. Comments: Useful for beginning characters that are not naturally Wind, or for players that like the Wind element. Not as useful when your character gains higher magic levels. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[6. Tenso]-------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv2 Gale Target Lv2 Windsnipe Sword Jump Added Bonus: Defense +4 How to get it: Complete all stages in level 1 in Tai or Naja's Story Mode. Comments: Easy to get and useful for fighting from a distance. Defense bonus is pretty high. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[7. Kaiten]------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv2 Icicle Target Lv2 Windsnipe Sword Jump Lv1 Storm Added Bonus: Rune Attack +2 How to get it: Complete all stage in level 1 in Shiga or Lani's Story Mode. Comments: With a nice combination of elements, and even an extra added rune attack bonus, a decent rune to use if you have nothing better. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[8. Fu]----------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Target Lv3 Twister+1 Sword Jump Lv1 Tornado Added Bonus: Magic +40 How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 2-2, in a vase on the tall ledge the first plant enemy is located. Lani can jump directly on to the ledge because of her high jump, but Shiga will need to jump there from a higher level. Comments: An average rune, unless you really like those particular spells. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[9. Goko]--------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv1 Whirlwind Target Sword Lv1 Windblade Jump Lv1 Tornado Added Bonus: None How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 1-1, in a vase next to the door that you start off in. Comments: Extremely easy to get, but weak in terms of level. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[10. Goko+1]------------------------------------------------------------------ Spell Name Direct Lv2 Gale Target Sword Lv2 Windblade+1 Jump Added Bonus: Attack +6 How to get it: Complete all stages in level 3 in Shiga or Lani's Story Mode. Comments: Not particularly useful for Shiga, but a good alternative for the other characters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[11. Goko+2]------------------------------------------------------------------ Spell Name Direct Lv3 Whirlwind+1 Target Lv2 Windsnipe Sword Lv3 Windblade+2 Jump Added Bonus: Magic +40 How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 4-1, on a ledge on the southeast corner of the top floor. You will need to jump up to see the ledge. Comments: High levels and good spells, although, the Windblade+2 is somewhat unnecessary. The magic +40 bonus is okay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[12. Goko+3]------------------------------------------------------------------ Spell Name Direct Lv4 Gale+1 Target Sword Lv4 Windblade+3 Jump Lv1 Tornado Added Bonus: Magic +120 How to get it: Complete all stages in level 7 in Shiga or Lani's Story Mode. Comments: You get this rune too late in the game, but it is very useful because of its high magic bonus and strong spells. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[13. Bakryu]------------------------------------------------------------------ Spell Name Direct Target Lv3 Twister+1 Sword Jump Lv1 Avalanche Added Bonus: Rune Defense +4 How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 3-1, inside a lantern in the northernmost house along the east wall of the stage. Comments: An interesting combination, but not particularly useful. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[14. ???]--------------------------------------------------------------------- If anyone has any information on this rune, please tell me about it! I am guessing you can get it if you have lots of high scores. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[15. Teifu]------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv4 Gale+1 Target Lv3 Hail+1 Sword Jump Added Bonus: Health +50 How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 7-1. From the beginning of the stage, go north until you reach the entrance of a building. Head west, beyond the bushes to go through a hidden path leading to a vase. Comments: These two spells have excellent reach. Though the spells are of high levels, using them will allow you to keep a good distance from the enemies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[16. Zansen]------------------------------------------------------------------ Spell Name Direct Lv3 Whirlwind+1 Target Sword Lv4 Windblade+3 Jump Added Bonus: None How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 7-3, on a floating platform near the top of the tower. Comments: This rune is mainly suited for the characters that prefer attacking close-up rather than from a safe distance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[17. Kinkou]------------------------------------------------------------------ Spell Name Direct Target Sword Lv3 Windblade+2 Jump Lv4 Life Pulse Added Bonus: Attack +4 How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 7-1. From the beginning of the stage, go north until you reach the entrance of a building. Head west, beyond the bushes to go through a hidden path leading to a vase. Comments: One of the few runes with Life Pulse, but there are better. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[18. Hien]-------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv1 Shock Orb Target Sword Lv1 Thunderblade Jump Added Bonus: None How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 1-1. From the beginning, go north until the area of the statues. Head west and jump up on a ledge. Continue going northwest until you cross a bridge next to a waterfall. There is a vase nearby. Comments: Easy to get, and a great alternative to the magic you normally start off with. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[19. Hiden]------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Target Lv1 Lightning Sword Lv1 Thunderblade Jump Added Bonus: None How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 2-2, located in one of the urns on the northwest corner of the map. Comments: Contains one of the most useful Target spells,and is extremely easy to find. The low level spells makes this a readily available rune to all. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[20. Hiden+1]----------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv2 Bolt Target Sword Lv2 Thunderblade+1 Jump Lv1 Storm Added Bonus: None How to get it: I do not remember how I got this rune, although it is most likely through high scores in Story Mode. Comments: Nothing spectacular, unless you want Storm as your Jump magic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[21. Hiden+2]----------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Target Lv4 Shock+1 Sword Lv3 Thunderblade+2 Jump Added Bonus: Attack +4 How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 4-2. In the west room (the water room), 2nd floor, in a lantern on the southwestern corner of the map. Comments: Shock+1 is great for defeating some bosses, but otherwise inferior to the other lightning Target spells. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[22. Hiden+3]----------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv 2 Gale Target Sword Lv4 Windblade+3 Jump Lv1 Storm Added Bonus: Health +50 How to get it: Another one I do not remember. Most likely, you get this rune through high scores. Comments: Nothing outstanding about this rune, but the average health bonus is certainly useful. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[23. Shidentsui]-------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv1 Shock Orb Target Lv1 Lightning Sword Lv2 Thunderblade+1 Jump Added Bonus: None How to get it: Complete all stages in level 2 in Shiga or Lani's Story Mode. Comments: A good alternative for starting characters, since the spells are fairly useful. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[24. Gokuseki]---------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv2 Bolt Target Lv3 Lightning+1 Sword Jump Lv1 Storm Added Bonus: None How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 3-1, in a lantern located in the southeastern corner of the room where four fight the Onyx bosses. Comments: A lightning rune of good strength. The Direct and Target spells are an excellent combination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[25. Jitsugetsu]-------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv3 Shock Orb+1 Target Lv2 Shock Sword Jump Lv1 Storm Added Bonus: Rune Attack +4 How to get it: Complete all stages in level 4 in Tai or Naja's Story Mode. Comments: If you are able to successfully use Shock Orb+1, you should definitely use this rune. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[26. Dashin]------------------------------------------------------------------ Spell Name Direct Lv2 Bolt Target Lv1 Lightning Sword Lv1 Thunderblade Jump Lv1 Tornado Added Bonus: None How to get it: Tai starts off with this rune. Comments: Surprisingly, one of the most useful runes in the game. Despite its low level magic, the spells are perfectly mixed to make a deadly combination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[27. Dashin+1]---------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv2 Bolt Target Lv3 Lightning+1 Sword Lv1 Thunderblade Jump Added Bonus: Attack +4 How to get it: Complete all stages in level 2 in Tai or Naja's Story Mode. Comments: A nice improvement over Dashin, but lacks a stronger Direct spell and a Jump spell. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[28. Dashin+2]---------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv4 Bolt+1 Target Lv1 Lightning Sword Lv3 Thunderblade+2 Jump Added Bonus: Magic +40 How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 4-2, in the eastern room (the one with pits). Along the east side of the map, the vase is located in the southernmost pit. Comments: Definitely for those that favor Direct or Sword magic during combos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[29. Dashin+3]---------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv3 Shock Orb+1 Target Sword Lv3 Thunderblade+2 Jump Lv4 Pure Energy Added Bonus: Rune Defense +3 How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 6-2, inside the western pit where the ghosts keep reappearing. Comments: One of the few runes that has Pure Energy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[30. Kinkon]------------------------------------------------------------------ Spell Name Direct Lv3 Shock Orb+1 Target Lv3 Lightning+1 Sword Jump Added Bonus: Health +70 How to get it: In Normal Beginner Survival Mode, 3rd stage, directly north of where Karas starts. Comments: Reasonably easy to get, and has good spells. Nice health bonus, too. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[31. ???]--------------------------------------------------------------------- One of three in my rune collection missing in action. If anyone has any information on this rune, please share your knowledge with me! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[32. Goma]-------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv4 Bolt+1 Target Sword Lv2 Thunderblade+1 Jump Added Bonus: Rune Attack +4 How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 7-2. Continue north along the roof bridge. Stop when the path begins turning northeast. Fall ONE level down so that you land on the 1st floor of the building. Make sure you land on the eastern side of the building. Open the lantern there. Comments: A tricky rune to get, but is it worth what you get? Only if your Direct magic level is high enough and you like Bolt+1 will you ever equip this rune. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[33. Bakuyaho]---------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv3 Shock Orb+1 Target Lv2 Meteor Sword Lv4 Thunderblade+3 Jump Added Bonus: Attack +5 How to get it: Complete all stages in level 6 in Tai or Naja's Story Mode. Also, Raja starts off with this rune. Comments: An unusual combination of spells, but certainly effective with the high levels of the spells. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[34. Banten]------------------------------------------------------------------ Spell Name Direct Lv3 Fireball+1 Target Lv3 Lightning+1 Sword Jump Lv4 Pure Energy Added Bonus: None How to get it: Complete all stages in level 8 in Shiga or Lani's Story Mode. Comments: Though obtained at the end of the game, this rune is particularly powerful. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[35. Niryu]------------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv1 Snowball Target Sword Lv1 Iceblade Jump Lv1 Avalanche Added Bonus: Attack +6 How to get it: In Normal Beginner Survival Mode, 1st stage. Located in vase in southmost point on the map. From the beginning, go west, jump up on the ledge, then head south to get there. Comments: Not surprisingly, this rune is weak, but can be used as a substitute for other spells, like if you are starting off with a new character and like ice magic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[36. Niryu+1]----------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv2 Icicle Target Sword Lv2 Iceblade+1 Jump Added Bonus: Rune Attack +4 How to get it: Although I am unsure exactly how to get this rune, I believe you have to beat three or so of your high scores in Story Mode as Shiga or Lani. Comments: Another average rune. You can definitely find better ones. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -[37. Niryu+2]----------------------------------------------------------------- Spell Name Direct Lv2 Icicle Target Lv2 Blizzard Sword Lv3 Iceblade+2 
Jump      

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Complete all stages in level 3 in Tai or Naja's Story Mode.

Comments: Decent spells, but who uses Sword spells that often, anyway?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[38. Niryu+3]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Snowball+1

Target    

Sword     Lv4 Iceblade+3

Jump      Lv1 Avalanche

Added Bonus: Magic +60

How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story mode, stage 6-1, in the room where the
2nd tower to open the door is located.

Comments: A good rune, but no Target spells on the rune is a let-down.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[39. Ryusen]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv2 Icicle

Target    Lv1 Hail

Sword     Lv2 Iceblade+1

Jump      

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 1-2, on the tall ledge
located directly south of the first enemy soldiers you encounter.

Comments: A good alternative to some of the other spells, but nothing great.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[40. Sanko]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv1 Snowball

Target    Lv2 Blizzard

Sword     

Jump      

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Lani strats off with this rune.

Comments: Nothing spectacular, but kind of a average for a starting rune.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[41. Sanko+1]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Snowball+1

Target    

Sword     Lv2 Iceblade+1

Jump      Lv1 Avalanche

Added Bonus: Rune Defense +4

How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 3-2. Located on the
southern bottom of the eastern ledge. When you get there, the floor will
collapse, revealing the vase. To get on the ledge, enter through the northeast
corner of the map. 

Comments: Snowball+1 is a great Direct spell to use in combos. Though difficult
to find, this rune is quite useful.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[42. Sanko+2]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv4 Icicle+1

Target    

Sword     Lv3 Iceblade+2

Jump      

Added Bonus: Magic +50

How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage  5-2, in an urn inside the 
ice cavern.

Comments: A higher level of Sanko runes, made for those that fight close up.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[43. Sanko+3]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    

Target    Lv3 Hail+1

Sword     

Jump      Lv4 Glacier Freeze

Added Bonus: Rune Attack +4

How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 6-2, in the western pit
where the ghosts keep reappearing.

Comments: If I am not mistaken, the only rune with Glacier Freeze, an excellent
Jump spell.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[44. Sanshin]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv4 Icicle+1

Target    Lv3 Twister+1

Sword     Lv3 Iceblade+2

Jump      

Added Bonus: Attack +7

How to get it: Complete all stages in level 8 in Tai or Naja's Story Mode.

Comments: A great combination of Direct and Target spells. The attack bonus is
the highest I have encountered.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[45. Kaketsu]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    

Target    

Sword     Lv2 Iceblade+1

Jump      Lv1 Avalanche

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 3-2. Located on the southern 
bottom of the western ledge. To get on the ledge, enter on the northwest corner
of the map.

Comments: Easy to get, but useless. There are plenty more fish in the sea.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[46. Seiun]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Snowball+1

Target    

Sword     Lv3 Iceblade+2

Jump      

Added Bonus: Rune Attack +4

How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 4-2, in the west room (the
water room), 2nd floor, southwest corner of map.

Comments: Easy to get, fun to use!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[47. Teikai]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    

Target    Lv4 Blizzard+1

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Avalanche

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Complete all stages in level 5 in Shiga or Lani's Story Mode.

Comments: Blizzard+1 is a great substitute for many Target spells, but it is
not particularly useful on giant bosses.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[48. Sansen]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Whirlwind+1

Target    

Sword     Lv4 Windblade+3

Jump      

Added Bonus: Attack +6

How to get it: Captain Dax starts off with this rune. 

Comments: A strong rune for a cool character! The perfect match! :)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[49. Kinben]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv2 Bolt

Target    Lv4 Blizzard+1

Sword     Lv3 Iceblade+2

Jump      

Added Bonus: Magic +50

How to get it: Kai starts off with this rune. 

Comments: An unusual combination of spells, but powerful.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[50. Koga]--------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv1 Fireball

Target    Lv1 Firestorm

Sword     

Jump      

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 1-2, in one of the urns 
located on the northwestern corner of the map.

Comments: An average beginner's rune. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[51. Suika]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv1 Fireball

Target    Lv1 Hail

Sword     Lv1 Fireblade

Jump      

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 2-1, on the south-most point
on the map. To get there, go west from the beginning, jump up on the ledge,
then head south.

Comments: Generic. Works okay as a weak substitute.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[52. Kasen]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv2 Comet

Target    

Sword     Lv2 Fireblade+1

Jump      

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Naja start off with this rune.

Comments: For characters that like attacking and using Direct and Sword spells,
this is certainly an excellent choice when you are starting off.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[53. Kasen+1]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv2 Comet

Target    Lv2 Meteor

Sword     Lv2 Fireblade+1

Jump      

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Complete all stages in level 1 in Tai or Naja's Story Mode.

Comments: A slight improvement over Kasen, but noticeably better.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[54. Kasen+2]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Firball+1

Target    

Sword     Lv3 Fireblade+2

Jump      Lv1 Volcano

Added Bonus: Attack +4

How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 4-1. Located on the top
floor, on the northwest corner of the map on a ledge. Be careful, as you need
to jump to the area AS the bridge falls!

Comments: Tricky to get, but the power is useful.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[55. Kasen +3]----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv4 Comet+1

Target    

Sword     Lv3 Fireblade+2

Jump      

Added Bonus: Rune Attack +4

How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage5-2, in an urn inside the ice
cavern.

Comments: One of about three runes that has Comet+1, one of the most useful
Direct spells to use in combos.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[56. Kinsen]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv2 Comet

Target    

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Volcano

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 2-1, in an urn right next to
the door you started off in. 

Comments: More of a substitute that an stand-alone runes. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[57. Kenken]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv2 Gale

Target    Lv2 Meteor

Sword     

Jump      

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 2-3. Jump up to the 1st floor if
the northeastern-most mini tower. There should be a small room with a vase
inside.

Comments: The weakest of the Kenken runes, but surprisingly useful.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[58. Kenken+1]----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Fireball+1

Target    Lv1 Firestorm

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Volcano

Added Bonus: Magic +60

How to get it: ONLY in Lani's Story Mode, stage 4-2. In the east room (the one
poison puddles), go to the northwest corner where a torch is. Go directly south
to another torch. Then, go directly east to another torch. There should be a
treasure box nearby.

Comments: Fairly useful, but only if you like Fireball+1. Otherwise, its
useless. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[59. Kenken+2]----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Fireball+1

Target    Lv4 Meteor+1

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Tornado

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 5-1. Upon reaching the
central area, go through the entrance to the eastern path. Go to the first 
waterfall you see. From there, go directly north, where a vase on a tall ledge
is situated. Although it appears for both Tai and Naja, only Naja can jump up
and get it.

Comments: Unusually varied, but not surprisinlgy, rather strong. The Tornado
is especially nice.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[60. Kenken+3]----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv4 Comet

Target    Lv3 Firestorm+1

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Tornado

Added Bonus: Health +120

How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 7-3, on a floating platform
near the top of the tower. 

Comments: One of the nicest runes you will run into.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[61. Taiaho]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    

Target    Lv2 Meteor

Sword     Lv3 Fireblade+2

Jump      Lv1 Volcano

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: In Shiga or Lani's Story Mode, stage 5-1. Use the northeast path
to go toKresh. Upon opening the entrance to Kresh, go directly left. The vase
is on a ledge.

Comments: Another generic rune.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[62. Goka]-------------------------------------------------------------------- 

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Fireball+1

Target    Lv2 Windsnipe

Sword     Lv3 Fireblade+2

Jump      

Added Bonus: Magic +60

How to get it: Complete all stages in level 4 in Shiga or Lani's Story Mode.
Also, Mirah starts off with this rune.

Comments: A fairly strong rune. Better than most runes, but not exactly useful.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[63. Karyu]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv4 Comet+1

Target    Lv4 Meteor+1

Sword     

Jump      

Added Bonus: Rune Attack +6

How to get it: Complete all stages in level 7 in Tai or Naja's Story Mode.

Comments: VERY high level spells. They are great if you have high enough magic
levels to equip them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[64. Zetsu]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Fireball+1

Target    

Sword     Lv4 Fireblade+3

Jump      Lv1 Volcano

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Complete all stages in level 5 in Tai or Naja's Story Mode.

Comments: Certainly one of the more useful runes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[65. Taiyo]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv2 Gale

Target    Lv2 Windsnipe

Sword     

Jump      Lv4 Hell's Fire

Added Bonus: Health +120

How to get it: In Tai or Naja's Story Mode, stage 7-2. Continue north along the
roof bridge. Stop when the path starts moving northeast. Fall ONE level down,
so that you land on the 1st level of the building. Make sure you land on the
east side of the building. Open the lantern.
 
Comments: Difficult to get, but if I am not mistaken, the only rune that has
Hell's Fire.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[66. Koju]--------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Shock Orb+1

Target    Lv3 Firestorm+1

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Volcano

Added Bonus: Rune Defense +6

How to get it: In Shiga, Lani, Tai, or Naja's Story Mode, stage 4-2. In the
center room (the one you start in), in a treasure box located on the south part
of the western map (in other words, the southwest sorner of the map)

Comments: Anyone in Story Mode can get this rune, but there are better.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~                          XI. M-Class Rune List                            ~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following is a list of all the M-Class Runes, their attributes, and how
to get them. Despite what official sources say, the method of getting each
is quite different. Remember, M-Class Runes are not obtained in vases, but 
rather through certain requirements. The game will tell you that you got the
rune once you have done what is needed to get the rune.

-[M1. Inyokyo]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv2 Gale

Target    Lv2 Meteor

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Storm

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Play a versus game with 4 human players. 

Comments: Easy to get. Fairly strong. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[M2. Fusenso]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv5 Mistral

Target    Lv5 Cyclone

Sword     

Jump      

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Complete Story Mode with Shiga

Comments: EXTREMELY fun, VERY strong, and REALLY pretty. This is the best wind
rune in the game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[M3. Hyoten]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    

Target    Lv5 Iceblock

Sword     

Jump      Lv5 Ice Age

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Complete Story Mode with Lani.

Comments: An amazing rune that happens to be the highest level ice rune in the
game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[M4. Hyakurai]----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv5 Shock Orb+2

Target    Lv5 Flash

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Tornado

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Complete Story Mode with Tai.

Comments: In my opinion, this is the most destructive rune in the game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[M5. Enkuin]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    

Target    

Sword     Lv5 Fireblade+4

Jump      Lv5 Inferno

Added Bonus: None

How to get it: Complete Story Mode with Naja.

Comments: The most powerful fire rune in the game. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[M6. Bankoban]----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Fireball+1

Target    Lv3 Twister+1

Sword     

Jump      Lv4 Life Pulse

Added Bonus: Attack +5

How to get it: Play 10 Cooperative stages in Multiplayer Mode.

Comments: Considerably strong, though it may take a long time to get Bankoban.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[M7. Kongoho]-----------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Shock Orb+1

Target    Lv2 Shock

Sword     Lv3 Fireblade+2

Jump      Lv1 Volcano

Added Bonus: Magic +80

How to get it: Play 20 Cooperative stages in Multiplayer Mode.

Comments: An interesting combination with good strength.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[M8. Kyoko]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv3 Shock Orb+1

Target    Lv4 Blizzard+1

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Avalanche

Added Bonus: Health +100

How to get it: Play 20 Versus rounds in Multiplayer Mode.

Comments: An unusual rune, with a nice health bonus and strong spells.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[M9. Sanryu]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv4 Icicle+1

Target    Lv3 Hail+1

Sword     Lv4 Iceblade+3

Jump      

Added Bonus: Defense +6

How to get it: Play 50 Versus rounds in Multiplayer Mode.

Comments: An interesting M-Class rune, but nothing special.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[M10. ???]--------------------------------------------------------------------

One of my few runes missing in my collection. If anyone has information on this
rune, please contact me!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~                          XII. S-Class Rune List                           ~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following is a list of all the S-Class Runes, their attributes, and how
to get them. Remember, S-Class Runes are only obtained through Survival Mode.
Though it is extremely difficult to get these runes, once you get one, you will
almost always have at least one equipped whenever you play (once you get one).

-[S1 Senho]--------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    

Target    

Sword     Lv1 Thunderblade

Jump      

Added Bonus: Magic Restore

How to get it: Finish all stages in Normal Beginner Survival Mode.

Comments: Your magic bar automatically and slowly increases all the time with
this priceless rune.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[S2 Juha]---------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv1 Snowball

Target    

Sword     

Jump      

Added Bonus: Speed

How to get it: Finish all stages in Normal Intermediate Survival Mode.

Comments: With this rune, it is like always having Speed times two with you!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[S3 Rikihon]------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv1 Whirlwind

Target    

Sword     

Jump      

Added Bonus: Health Restore

How to get it: Finish all stages in Normal Advanced Survival Mode.

Comments: Your health bar slowly and automatically restores with this rune!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[S4 Kongoy]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    Lv1 Fireball

Target    

Sword     

Jump      

Added Bonus: Double Defense

How to get it: Finish all stages in Expert Beginner Survival Mode. (Expert 
Survival Mode is unlocked after completing Normal Advanced Survival Mode)

Comments: You will love this rune for Survival Mode!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[S5 Goriki]-------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    

Target    Lv1 Twister

Sword     

Jump      

Added Bonus: Double Attack

How to get it: Finish all stages in Expert Intermediate Survival Mode. (Expert 
Survival Mode is unlocked after completing Normal Advanced Survival Mode)

Comments: 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


-[S6 Togen]--------------------------------------------------------------------

          Spell Name

Direct    

Target    

Sword     

Jump      Lv1 Avalanche

Added Bonus: Infinite Magic

How to get it: Finish all stages in Expert Advanced Survival Mode. (Expert 
Survival Mode is unlocked after completing Normal Advanced Survival Mode)

Comments: THE BEST RUNE IN THE GAME.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~                           XIII. Survival Mode                             ~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Survival Mode is what the title implies: Survival Mode! When you first start
off, three levels of Survival Mode are available: Beginner, Intermediate, and
Advanced. Beginner is the easiest, Advanced is the hardest, and Intermediate is
somewhere in the middle.

After completing Advanced Survival Mode, 3 more Survival Modes are opened. The
stages are all the same, but the difficulty is harder. ou unlock Expert
Beginner, Expert Intermediate, and Expert Advanced.

Each level of Survival Mode has 4 stages you must complete. After each stage, 
your character can change runes. Also, every time you start a stage, you are
fully healed. 

Survival Mode is surprisingly difficult. However, there are a few tricks to
use to get you through.

---{{General Tips}}---

-Finish Story Mode with all Characters first to get the best runes!-
The following guide WILL assume that you finished Story Mode with all 
characters AND got most of the runes along the way (not as difficult as it
sounds). Doing so will give you the runes you NEED to equip.

-NEVER fight up close-
This means physically attacking and using combos. Although this is what most
people do in other modes, doing this is ABSOLUTE SUICIDE in Survival Mode. If
you fight up close, you risk the chance of getting hurt or surrounded. Also,
with the large amounts of enemies you will be facing, it is a HORRIBLY BAD idea
to just run up to groups of enemies.

-Hurt enemies from a distance-
Avoid using Direct and Sword spells in Survival Mode, since they require you to
be close to enemies. Target spells are great, since they are quick, do a good
deal of damage, and allow you to attack enemies that are really far away. Jump
spells are also great, since they can take out huge crowds of enemies at a time
AND easily get high combos (and make more items appear)!

-Equip the right runes!-
This one is a no-brainer, but is CRITICAL to successfully completing Survival 
Mode. I HIGHLY suggest using Lightning or Lightning+1 as your Target spell and
Storm as your Jump spell. You will not and should not be using Direct or Sword
magic often. (Gokuseki is a rune with both Storm and Lightning+1) 

-ALWAYS equip Senho-
Senho allows automatic recovery of you magic bar. You get Senho by finishing 
Beginner Survival Mode. Obviously, if you did not finish Beginner Survival
Mode, you will not have Senho. In this case, my guide is specifically made for
those who do not have Senho in Beginner Survival Mode, but after that, it is
assumed that your character has Senho equipped.

-NEVER walk or run! ALWAYS roll around!-
This is why you should always equip Senho. While you are rolling around (you
roll by blocking and pressing a directional button), your character is immune
to most attacks. Also, your magic bar will charge up with Senho. In other
words, not only does rolling around protect you, it also prepares your magic
bar.

-ALWAYS use the RJ tactic!-
RJ is short for Roll-and-Jump. This is THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO KILL ENEMIES.
When there is a large crowd of enemies around you, do this: roll around the 
group of enemies, so that you herd them into a circle (or at least so the 
enemies are all concentrated in a small area). While rolling around, Senho 
(assuming that it is equipped) will charge your magic bar. When the bar is
large enough, jump on top of the crowd of enemies and use Storm. The multiple 
bolts will give a HUGE combo, and knock most enemies down. By the time you land
on the ground, the enemies will be all scattered, giving you time to roll 
around and repeat the entire process. Depending on your character's Rune 
Attack power, this process may take a long time. However, your character will
hardly ever get damaged. I cannot stress how IMPORTANT it is to RJ!!! It is 
the reason why I survive Survival Mode. (If you do not have Senho, you can
still use RJ. Since you do not have Senho, you will have to stop rolling and
periodically manually charge your bar.) Again, DO NOT use combos to increase
your magic bar!

-Snipe enemies far away with Target spells!-
There is no need to use RJ if you can destroy enemies before they even come to
you. Lightning has amazing reach, and "teleports" on top of the enemy, so it is 
an amazing spell to use. It does not take too much magic, too. Specifically, 
attack archers or plants from far away whenever possible.

-Sub-bosses are pains-
You will often encounter Juggernaut, Onyx, Bruin, or Brute bosses. Remember 
that they are VERY POWERFUL, so use the RJ while making sure that you are
always a safe distance from the sub-boss. Also, if possible, use Target
magic to quickly knock the sub-boss down, so you can charge up your bar, then
Target spell the boss over and over. As always, be careful when a sub-boss
gets knocked down, since they almost always attack once they get up.

-Do what is necessary, nothing more!-
In most stages, you are asked to defeat the boss in that stage. In other
words, it is TECHNICALLY unnecessary to defeat EVERY enemy in that stage,
although you should to make your like easier when you do fight the boss. 
Sometimes, you only have to go through some paths and not others. For
example, let us say that there are two separate paths that both lead to a boss.
If the objective of the stage is to defeat the boss, you only need to go 
through ONE of the paths. It is unnecessary and dangerous to go through both 
paths just to make the map empty.
   
-Don't bend over backwards to get an item-
If a plant you sniped from far away with your Target magic drops a Defense+1 
when it dies, but the Defense+1 is surrounded by a bunch of enemies, it is 
really unnecessary to risk yourself to get the item. In most cases, the item
could disappear before you reach it, or you could get surrounded by enemies.
HOWEVER, if the item is a health. and you need it, it is more than a good 
idea to roll over and go get it.

-Finally, have patience!-
An entire Survival Mode, for me, takes about an hour. THAT IS A LONG TIME SPENT
ROLLING AROUND ON THE GROUND WAITING FOR THE MAGIC BAR TO CHARGE UP FOR STORM.
But do not get frustrated and run into a crowd attacking or throw your 
controller at the PS2 because it is difficult! The rune you eventually get is
WELL worth it.

---{{Survival Mode Walkthrough}}---
The following will take you through Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced 
Survival Mode. (Stages of Expert Survival Mode are the same, so the strategy is
basically the same) Keep in mind to follow the above tips. NOTE: It is assumed
that you do not have Senho equipped for Beginner, but assumed you do have it 
equipped on Intermediate and Advanced.

-[Beginner]--------------------------------------------------------------------
My character of choice: Shiga
Reason: ONLY in Beginner will you actually need to use physical attacks, since 
you do not have Senho. Shiga is well-balanced and suited for this easy Survival
Mode. 

-Stage 1-
Rune equipment: Fusenso and Jitsugetsu

Direct  Lv5 Mistral (from Fusenso)
Target  Lv5 Cyclone (from Fusenso)
Sword   Lv1 Windblade (standard)
Jump    Lv1 Storm (from Jitsugetsu)
Added Bonus from runes: RA+4

Reason: You will be fighting close up in Beginner Survival Mode, and there is
no faster and more protective Direct spell than Mistral. Cyclone is excellent
for targeting groups, and Storm is good for the RJ tactic. 

Walkthrough: Although you will have to periodically stop to charge, use the RJ
system to fend off the dogs. Mistral in a combo should also knock the dogs far
and protect you. Once the area is clear, take the shortcut path, NOT THE PATH
THAT PASSES BY THE SMALL LAKE. This way, you fight less enemies. Continue using
RJ on the enemies you run into on the way to the Bruin. When you reach the area
of the Bruin, DO NOT jump down. First, snipe out the enemies near the Bruin
using Cyclone. Afterwards, jump down and destroy the archers that appear with
a few Storms. Now, the Bruin should be by itself. Use Target magic and keep 
hitting the Bruin until it dies.

-Stage 2-
Rune Equipment: Same as Stage 1.

Walkthrough: Mainly use Cyclone for this battle. Use it to quickly break apart
small groups of enemies. Be careful not to get in a spot where the cannons can
hit you. Target small groups of enemies at a time, so you only have to deal
with a small group of enemies. This is a simple stage, thanks to the lack of
bosses.

-Stage 3-
Rune Equipment: Gokuseki and Inyo+2

Direct  Lv2 Bolt (from Gokuseki)
Target  Lv3 Lightning+1 (from Gokuseki)
Sword   Lv3 Windblade+2 (from Inyo+2)
Jump    Lv1 Storm (from Gokuseki)
Added Bonus from runes: Health +50

Reason: You want to snipe enemies from far away in this stage, so Cyclone and
Mistral will not work. This rune combination gives extra health AND Lightning+1
and Windblade+2. You need this Target Spell to shoot enemies from far away and
Windblade+2 to attack Karas.

Walkthrough: From the beginning, snipe out all enemies you can reach with your 
Target spell. When all the enemies you can hit are dead, go along the west side
of the stage. From a certain point, you can snipe Karas for a while. Karas has
a high rune defense, so it may be a good idea to go down where Karas is and use
the RJ tactic, except use sword magic (like holding down square) instead. 
Karas drops a lot of health, so once he dies, use Target magic on Kresh. He
will come to you, so continue using RJ tactics and use Jump magic this time. 
These bosses are unusually strong, but have patience, and they will die. 

-Stage 4-
Rune Equipment: Same as  Stage 3.

Walkthrough: You will fight 3 sub-bosses. The room is nice and long, so keep
running along the walls. The bosses are slow wlakers, so it will take them some
time to reach you. This gives you a chance to charge your magic bar. When you
are ready, attack the bosses with Storm. In time, if this is done over and 
over, the bosses will die. Remember, do not fight up close; Jump magic is the
easy way to win this stage.

-[Intermediate]----------------------------------------------------------------
My character of choice: Tai
Reason: The stages in intermediate are LONG AND BIG, perfect for sniping. 
Therefore, you need magic power, not speed. Tai is an excellent choice.

-Stage 1-
Rune Equipment: Gokuseki and Senho

Direct  Lv2 Bolt (from Gokuseki)
Target  Lv3 Lightning+1 (from Gokuseki)
Sword   Lv1 Thunderblade (from Senho)
Jump    Lv1 Storm (from Gokuseki)
Added bonus from runes: Magic Restore

Reason: This combination is INCREDIBLE. The Lightning+1, Storm, and magic 
restore is all that is really needed. 

Walkthrough:  From the beginning, use the RJ tactic, but stay around where you
are. You do not want to disturb the plant enemies ahead. Once the dogs are dead
snipe Lightning+1 spells at the plants. Slowly make your way towards the Bruin,
sniping enemies first, then using the RJ strategy. Once you make it to the 
Bruin, use Target spells to kill the Bruin. Continue on through the stage 
always rolling and using jump magic. Eventually, you will reach the two 
Juggaurnauts.  Use RJ on the two bosses, and use Target magic whenever 
possible.  

-Stage 2-
Rune Equipment: Same as Stage 1.

Walkthrough: From the beginning, you are surrounded. But if you use RJ, and
be careful to dodge the boars, you will do fine. Once the area is clear, 
destroy the cannons opposite the bridge from a safe distance, avoiding the 
Onyx. When you are finished, get on top one of the archer towers and snipe
the Onyx with your Target magic. The Onyx will come to you. Stay on the 
tower and use Storm when the Onyx gets close. Eventually, this will kill him.
Afterwards, cross the bridge, where many enemies will appear. Roll north until
you reach the three cannons. Destroy the cannonc with Storm. Also, you should 
have a huge crowd of enemies following you by now. You can destroy them by 
using RJ. When you are finished, snipe ONE of the Brutes. This way, the Brute
will come to you, and fighting him one-on-one is easy. When he is dead, repeat
the process with the other Brute. Once that is done, kill the remaining enemies
and you will be done.

-Stage 3-
Rune Equipment: Same as Stage 1.

Walkthrough: From the beginning, use RJ to kill the ghosts and damage the 
Brute. Once the Brute is by itself, use Lightning+1 to slowly kill it. Then,
use your Target magic to snipe down most of the enemies in the central area of
the stage. Head east, sniping where you can. Use RJ to destroy enemies as you
make it to the central area. Once you are in the central area,do not jump down.
Snip the Brute from the bridge. After the Brute is dead, head along the 
northeast path, sniping and using RJ when necessary. Once you reach the area
Karas and Kresh are, DO NOT GO TO THEM. If you do, more enemies will appear.
Instead, snipe them with Lightning+1 so they come to you. Use RJ to destroy
them. It is recommended that you fight ONE boss at a time, so when you do snipe
them, only hit one of them.

-Stage 4-
Rune Equipment: Same as Stage 1.

Walkthrough: Now, you must face 2 Onyx bosses, Kanon, Konga, and a handfull
of fighters. Again, use RJ to effectively and safely thin the crowd of enemies.
If you keep rolling, using Storm, and using Target magic when possible, this
fight is easy.

-[Advanced]--------------------------------------------------------------------
My character of choice: Shiga
Reason: Although I would have rather be Tai, Shiga can jump higher, an ablilty
necessary for a trick in Stage 1.

-Stage 1-
Rune Equipment: Gokuseki and Senho

Direct  Lv2 Bolt (from Gokuseki)
Target  Lv3 Lightning+1 (from Gokuseki)
Sword   Lv1 Thunderblade (from Senho)
Jump    Lv1 Storm (from Gokuseki)
Added bonus from runes: Magic Restore

Reason: Again, this is an excellent combination, especially for constantly 
using RJ.

Walkthrough: From the beginning, use RJ, but do not move too far from where you
started; you do not want to summon more enemies than you need to. Jump onto
the VERY TOP floor of the tower to the right. Enemies will not be able to reach
you, but your Storm, if used near the edge of the tower, will hit the crowd
of enemies below. Stay on the top and keep doing Storm until the crowd is gone.
Make your way to the tower north of the tower you are currently in. Jump up to
the top floor, where, again, the enemies cannot reach you. Position yourself
so that the tall part of the roof is between the Roc and you. Now, fire endless
Lightning+1 spells on the Roc. The Roc will fire fireballs back at you, but the
roof will protect you from the balls! One the Roc is dead. stay on the roof, 
and move to a position on the roof where you can snipe the Onyx. Once you hit
the Onyx, the Onyx will go to the tower, but cannot jump up on the top floor.
Use Storm after Storm to destroy the Onyx. When the Onyx dies, quickly jump to
the other tower and repeat the process on the other Onyx. You will easily 
finish the stage.

-Stage 2-
Rune Equipment: Same as Stage 1.

Walkthrough: Though you are surrounded from the beginning, using RJ will safely
protect you and allow you to destroy the enemies. When you are done, snipe the
plant enemies across the trenches. Once that is done, roll pass the enemies
onto the archer tower. Jump to the top of the tower, where you can do Storm
after Storm. Enemies will try to jump up, but if you do Storm, charge up, then
do Storm, then charge up, etc., you will quickly destroy the enemies. Continue
on, but sniping the enemies, making them come to you. Lead them to the archer
tower, where you will do the Storm trick. At the top of the stage, the only 
thing you can do is the RJ tactic, but always make sure to keep a safe
distance from the sub-bosses. With some time, you will finish the stage.

-Stage 3-
Rune Equipment: Same as Stage 1.

Walkthrough: From the beginning, use Storm to destroy the ghosts. Roll ahead to
where the Brute is. He could be magic immune, but continue doing RJ to destroy 
nearby enemies. Once the Brute is the only one left, destroy him. If the Brute
is magic immune, hold square to attack him with an effective Sword spell. If
he is attack immune, use Storms. BUT ALWAYS KEEP ROLLING!! Continue on to the
southwestern Brute. Again, use RJ and destroy the Brute with the required type
of attack. Slowly make it to the northernmost Brute. Use the same tactics as
before. After the 3rd Brute is dead, the door to the final bosses opens. When
you go there, you will be ambushed by fighters, so prepare to do RJ again.
Once you do make it to the room, you will fight a couple of normal Brutes and
Kanon. Use RJ to destroy the Brutes, but be especially careful of Kanon. The 
Brutes will probably die first, so you can quickly kill Kanon with some Target
spells.

-Stage 4-
Rune Equipment: Same as Stage 1.

Walkthrough: Okay, now it's crazy! But the only thing you can do is RJ. When
you do do Storm, however, be especially careful to not do it too close to 
Konga. Konga does not get knocked down by Storm, so he WILL attack you as you
land. Try your best to stay on the round platform. If you go out, you will
summon more enemies. However, also be sure to roll around the edge of the
platform, since it will easily round up the enemies, and sometimes, the bosses
will accidentally attack each other. Keep using RJ, and you will have survived
Advanced Survival Mode! Congratulations!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~                         XIV. Contact Information                          ~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have questions, comments, complaints on this FAQ, would like more help 
or requests on this FAQ, or have questions on this FAQ, you may e-mail me at 
Eagle31587@aol.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~                         XV. Credits and Other Stuff                                 ~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A special thanks to Koei for creating such a wonderful game. 

A VERY special thanks to the GameFAQs.com staff for posting this up. 

Thanks to my little brother for helping out in the survival mode section.

Thanks to leslieyangyang777 of Gamefaqs for accidentally inspiring me to write
this FAQ!

Copyright 2002 Adrian Ledda

This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, 
private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed 
publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web
site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation
of copyright.