Damage
System
Like
many games in the fighting genre, Katana has a sort of localised
damage/attack system. All attacks in Katana fall into the
following five categories which dictate both how enemies
react to injuries and how they guard against them.
Horizontal
Strike
This includes attacks to the abdomen and upper torso; with
a cutting or slashing movement from left to right, or vice
versa. This is effective for hitting multiple opponents,
or preventing an enemy from running around you.
Vertical
Strike
Normally a cut or slash in a downward motion, aimed at either
the head, or shoulder. Often the power of such an attack
will break most defences, but can be easily avoided. This
is ideal for single opponents, and for starting the most
powerful combos.
Stab
/ Thrust
This attack is primarily aimed at the abdomen or heart to
quickly and efficiently take down an opponent. This is often
a fast attack, and difficult to block; but is relatively
easy to dodge since it focuses on a single aggressor. It
will not start combos, but may leave a character open for
further punishment.
Head
This focuses on all attacks aimed at the head or neck, causing
fatal injury if not blocked or dodged. Consequently, the
head is probably the most heavily defended and armoured
area of the body. Just be sure to watch your own neck.
Power
This covers a range of powerful attacks that will send the
enemy tumbling backwards. Some power attacks are unblockable.