|
|
|
Meet the X-Men and the X-Villains!
They were born with super-human abilities, into a world that looks at them not as saviors, but as freaks. At Professor Xavier's School For Gifted Youngsters, however, the Super Hero team X-Men continue to hone their mutant powers in the fight against the forces of destruction. Their quest is to prove that they too have a place on Earth, that humans and mutans can coexist peacefully on the planet too they both call home.
Far above the Earth in an orbiting space station, Magneto, the Master of Magnetism, looks down and sees a very different picture! He believes that the only way he and other mutants can survive is by destroying the human race entirely. The orbiting citadel has been constructed by Magneto with a dual purpose. First and foremost, Avalon is in a safe-haven for his dedicated legion of followers, the villainous mutants known as the Acolytes. It is here Magneto's forces plan their all out assault on earth. With advanced technologies and the combined mutant abilities of the Acolytes, Magneto plans to disrupt magnetic fields all across the planet. The results would be nothing less than total devastation. The worldwide corruption of computer systems, complete shutdown of all power system, the collapse of every nation's communication networks -- all resulting in the extinction of countless human lives. Magneto plans to usher in a new Dark Age for earth's non-mutant population.
Professor Charles Xavier has trained his X-Men to combat just this kind of mutant menace. But with the promise of a mutant-run planet, a frightening array of the X-Men's most formidable villains have allied themselves with the Master of Magnetism, and the mutant-hunting Sentinels scouring the planet with hopes of exterminating all mutants, even the uncanny X-Men may be doomed to defeat. History is about to change in the greatest battle mankind has ever seen.
|
|
|
|
Art of Fighting 2
The ascetic warrior, Ryo Sakazaki.
The pretty-boy rough guy, Robert Garcia.
One year has passed since their adventures in the den of iniquity known as.....Southtown.
Saving Ryo's sister Yuri and uncovering the mysterious secret of Mister Karate, they now wait for their next challenge.
Then, it comes. A mysterious summons from the hive of evil and treachery known as.....Southtown.
A mysterious figure has called our heroes, along with some of the toughest dudes and dudettes in the world, to the old neighborhood, the neighborhood of shadows and illusions, the neighborhood of despair and fear, the neighborhood known as, you guessed it.....Southtown.
What secret lies behind this call to the contest known as "The King of Fighters," a contest offering unheard of fame and wealthy?
Who will steal the laurels of victory, and what depths of wickedness will these laurels plunge the winner of this match of brawn and wits?
Well, don't just sit there! Read through this book, play the game, and find out the answer to these and other questions, ya big silly!
|
|
|
|
City of the Wolves
The streets of South Town are a hotbed of action, wild dreams, and even wilder ambition. Here, at long last, a new legend is about to unfold…
|
|
|
|
Mark of the Wolves
Certainly, they existed...
Those blinded by ambition.
Those consumed by vengeance.
But here they do not exist.
Only winners and losers here.
For here, THE MIGHTY RULE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Soul Calibur 3
Chosen by history, a man becomes a hero.
Engraved into history, a hero becomes a legend.
--14th century troubadour song
Transcending history and the world, a tale of swords and souls, eternally retold.
--A story from the end of the Middle Ages, author unknown
Some called it the ultimate sword. Some described it as a demon sword in which a powerful spiritual power dwelt. Some said it was the sword of heroes, the savior of kingdoms... Numerous rumors and legends surrounded Soul Edge, but its true nature was that of a cursed sword that devoured human souls.
It was originally a single sword created by the hand of man. It was merely a warrior's tool, possessing no will of its own. But the sword bathed in the blood and hatred of countless battles throughout its dark history, and eventually came to emit an evil aura. It learned to devour souls as it rent the flesh of men, and its power steadily increased.
In one age, a hero acquired Soul Edge. With his iron will, he controlled the sword freely and brought peace to the violent land. He was revered as a king.
In any age, however, there are those who resent great men. The one who took Soul Edge out of envy was none other than the king's own son. Sadly, his soul stolen, he became a puppet to the sword's dark will. The king fought against his son. At the end of their fearsome battle, the king's desperate blow shattered Soul Edge, but also took the life of his son.
When the chaos subsided, the source of the conflict, Soul Edge, had disappeared.
The king was tormented by remorse. Most would have submitted to the overwhelming grief, but the king did no such thing. The abominable Soul Edge would certainly appear again, bringing tragedy with it.
This ill omen steeled the king's resolve. For the sake of the world as well as his own redemption, he vowed to create a holy sword that could fight against the evil blade's powers. With the aid of the greatest sage of the era, the king began work on his grand plan.
Purifying fragments of the cursed sword that he still had, the king finally succeeded in creating the holy sword, Soul Calibur. But it cost him his life.
A sect of guardians was created to carry out the late king's will. These guardians lived in seclusion, passing down the sword secretly from generation to generation in preparation for the day when Soul Edge would unleash its fury. Each time the sword fell into the hands of powerful warriors and those with evil intentions, Soul Calibur appeared to prevent the cursed weapon from committing unspeakable atrocities.
Stories of the never-ending struggle between the two swords were passed on from one generation to another, giving birth to countless legends and fairy tales.
Time passed, and it was now the end of the sixteenth century.
Over the long years, the two swords had increased their power. Now, they had appeared once again upon the stage of history.
During the course of their conflict, Soul Edge was shattered and Soul Calibur was contaminated with evil energy. The will of the cursed sword appeared to have burned out, but in reality, it had merely been reduced to a smoldering ember. The life of the holy sword, too, was thought to have withered and died, but it was quietly burbling like a spring at the bottom of a deep abyss. Even now, the ancient swords were awaiting the chance to regain their true power.
There was a young knight who had been controlled not merely once but several times by the evil sword. When he broke that curse and stabbed through the heart of the cursed weapon with the holy sword, the gears of fate began to creak into motion. A new page would soon be written in the tale of the two swords, opposite in power and bound by destiny...
Hear with your ears the best things; look upon them with clear-seeing thought, for decision between the two Beliefs, each man for himself before the Great consummation, bethinking you that it be accomplished to our pleasure.
-"Avesta"
|
|
|
|
Second World Fighting Tournament
One year has passed since eight of the world's toughtest, fastest fighters challenged each other in the World Fighting Tournament. Lau Chan may have won the championship, but all of the fighters gained something. Each fighter's limits and shortcomings became crystal clear. Some made new friendships; others developed intense rivalries. All gained valuable fighting experience before they left the arena and went their separate ways.
Now, one year later, the call has come again: ten cordial invitations to the second World Fighting Tournament. Ominously, no RSVP's are requested-as if anyone would be foolish enough to back out. Could the sinister Judgment 6 cartel be behind all this? Whatever new and formidable moves and techniques these accomplished fighters may possess, they all share one thing: the suspicion that this time, the stakes will be higher than ever.
After a year of hard training, Akira Yuki is back to try out his new moves and to fight the decisive battle against new-found rival Wolf Hawkfield. Hong Kong film star Pai Chan returns for another chance to defeat her father, Lau Chan, who has returned to defend his title. Pancratium master Jeffry McWild fights to preserve his livelihood. The ninja Kage-maru returns on both official and family business, as he seeks to break the cover and discover the secrets of the mysterious syndicate that pulls the strings of the World Fighting Tournament. Jacky Bryant has come to rescue his sister, Sarah, who-ironically-has been brainwashed and carefully trained to eliminate him. Master of Drunken-style kung fu Shin-di arrives to try his skills against the hottest young fighters in the world, while Tourou-ken expert Lion Rafale fights for his freedom.
Who will emerge victorious this time?
|
|
|
|
Soul Edge
The Tale of the Legendary Weapon:
Soul Edge
(as told by bosun Wm. Bones at the Fairweather Inn. 1572)
KNOW THIS; these whispered tales of a sword that can cut the very heavens asunder are true! This Soul Edge exists! Many have tried to possess this legendary weapon but all have fallen to a horrible fate. Vercci, the Italian weapon merchant sought out the blade and you know of his grisly end! His agent, the pirate Cervantes de Leon was last said to possess the sword and has not been seen since! That blade is cursed as sure as I sit here! Bewarned, ye are not the only one on this quest! Ten wariors from around the globe seek the blade for their own desires. For some, Soul Edge is their key to salvation; for others, their route to damnation. None of them will back down without a fight! Only the stout of heart and strong of arm can survive. Heed my warnings! They say to hold Soul Edge is to possess true power, but ye cannot hold on to it and your own soul at the same time...
|
|
|
|
Rival Schools: United by Fate
Recently, mysterious and unexplainable incidents have taken place that have rocked the country. In high schools all over, students have been mysteriously disappearing with no clue as to their whereabouts. Furthermore, it appeared that these unspeakable acts were occurring in direct defiance of the school system. These disappearances were taking place in many different locations simultaneously, and many thought that they were being staged by an organized crime ring.
It was also rumored throughout the world that these acts were being plotted by school officials or agents of a rogue foreign government. All government agencies cooperated with each other in the investigation to stop these mysterious events. Despite their good intentions, all of the blame fell onto school officials and nothing was ever resolved.
Parents and police could do nothing and the country was paralyzed with fear! A group of students decided to take matters into their own hands: "We will protect our schools", they cried. Yet the uneasiness still remains. Will the students get to the bottom of these strange occurences and bring true justice?
The great fight begins.
|
|
|
|
Power Instinct 2
Oume Goketsuji, Leader of the Goketsuji clan for the last 60 years, finally was defeated by her younger sister, Otane, the day where she surpassed her older sister finally had arrived.
One night, Oshima Goketsuji unexpectedly appeared in front of Oume and offered her help to take revenge of Otane.
According to the rules of the clan, if the leader dies or quit, one new tournament should be held immediately to find a successor.
That same night Oshima and Oume sent their servants to dispose of Otane, so while Otane slept, she was kidnapped and thrown to the ocean.
Next day Kuroko found a letter supposedly written by Otane, where she declined to her right to be the leader of the clan.
One week later all the competitors from the previous tournament and other family members were convoke to be informed about Otane's decision and the beginning of a new tournament.
|
|
|
|
Dead or Alive 6
After a sinister incident in a village...
Kasumi, a successor of the legendary Mugen Tenshin ninja clan, abandoned her clan and became a "runaway ninja," secretly living in a hermitage in a mountain village.
Meanwhile, Helena Douglas, president of the new DOATEC, is involved in an incident...
The sudden ----- of an individual with special powers sent shivers down her spine...
And yet another....
A so-called genius chuckles at a mysterious light emitting an aura...
Behind a quiet time, a sinister plan is set in motion.
The passing days are about to be unduly overturned due to an open desire.
As Kasumi writes to her mother, her pen overflows with hesitation.
...It's not over yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dead or Alive 5
Two years after the destruction of the TriTower, headquarters and symbol of DOATEC...
Helena Douglas has begun the task of rebuilding DOATEC, this time with the aim of using its technology for peaceful ends. She has ordered the dissolution of the Biotechnology Division, the indefinite suspension of the Military Division's Projects Alpha, Epsilon and Omega, and the expulsion of all members of the Donovan faction from DOATEC's offices around the world.
Now in the same position once held by her father, DOATEC founder Fame Douglas, Helena has announced that she intends to hold the fifth Dead or Alive tournament, to show the world the principles and philosophies upholding the new DOATEC.
|
|
|
|
Power Instinct
Those of our clan inherit the fighting spirit of our bloodline "Goketsuji."
The name responsible for the ongoing feud for control of the clan.
As outined in the family code, the bloodline must continue to grow even stronger and eliminate all those who are weak.
The Goketsuji Clan is currently the 3rd wealthiest family in the world. As a result, there are many who seek control the clan and the family fortune.
Some train endlessly building up their strength, others polish up their fighting skills with experience, and still others concentrate on their fighting spirit, all for control of the clan.
Because there were so many fighters vying for control of the clan Oshima, the 3rd Goketsuji Leader, declared the following to all.
The clan will hold a fighting tournament every 5 years.
The winner of this "test of strength" tournament will assume immediate control of the Goketsuji clan until the next tournament, at which time seat for control will be open once again. Any member with blood ties to the clan may enter.
- Decreed this day in the 14th year of the taisho era -
And presently..............
|
|
|
|
|
|
Soul Calibur 2
Countless legends surround a sword known as Soul Edge. Some claim it was the ultimate weapon. Others refer to it as the "Sword of Heroes." …A phantom sword with immeasurable power of the spirits…the key to eternal youth…treasure without equal…a panacea to cure all illness… There are even those who consider it the "Sword of Salvation."
Although no one could ever be certain of the sword's whereabouts or true identity, various rumors and folklore spread across the world. In reality, Soul Edge was comprised of twin blades that fed on human souls.
In the latter half of the 16th century, a warrior on a divine mission for the ancient god of forge successfully shattered one of the evil blades. Tragically, shattering the sword produced the opposite effect of what was intended. The balance of power between the swords was destroyed, and the evil of the blades spiraled out of control; its malevolent energy diffused into the sky in a form of eerie light. The phenomenon, which later became known as the Evil Seed, scarred the world with its evil legacy.
The remaining sword possessed the body of a man who took the evil blade into his hands and embarked on a killing spree throughout Europe. Macabre accounts of merciless killings spread fear throughout the entire continent.
Yet the massacres ceased after three years. Four more years passed, and the horrors became a distant memory and people felt safe once again.
…No one knew.
Four years before, a spirit sword named Soul Calibur appeared from the East, as if to answer the call of the raging Soul Edge. No one witnessed the final battle to the death where Soul Edge was shattered. No one knew that the spirit sword was left behind in the vortex of evil to stop the demon sword's powers.
Most people were oblivious to the fact that the peace that followed was the result of this battle, and the spirit sword's existence remained a mystery.
Unfortunately, the peace was merely a façade; the evil blade began spreading its influence, quietly yet surely, throughout the world once again. People unwittingly transported the sword to every corner of the world in the form of metal shards. These pieces of Soul Edge still embodied evil powers. With Soul Calibur lost in the void, it was only a matter of time before the evil sword's dark powers infected the entire world.
The following tales of swords and souls are of those who pursued Soul Edge for their own convictions and reasons...
|
|
|
|
|