Holding down R1 puts Musashi into a stance while locking onto the closest enemy. This causes him to focus on that enemy and makes the Focus Gauge appear on the left side of the screen. As he contiues to focus on that enemy, the gauge increases, and when it's full, Musashi can learn an enemy's technique. At this point, Musashi must let the enemy attack him with a learnable technique. This causes a "!" to appear above Musashi's head. Hitting the approriate button has Musashi counter with the move he's learning, albeit by adapting the moves for use with his gear and, at times, biology.
The buttons to learn techniques are Square (Fundamental), Circle (Secret/Aesetic), and L1 (Defensive).
In the case of defensive techniques, Musashi will simply learn/perform the technique without the enemy taking damage.
Getting out of "Focus Range", blocking, and dodging an enemy's attack will reduce the gauge to zero, necessitating having to re-focus on the enemy again.
The speed of this gauge is affected by Musashi's "Focus" stat. The higher the stat, the faster the gauge will increase.
In some cases if the Focus stat is too low, then the gauge will stop completely and turn red. If this happens, use an item that increases Focus like the "Squint Julep," wear an accessory like the "Tiger Eye," or just run around and kill things until Musashi levels up and increase his Focus stat a few times.
Technique Types[]
Fundamentals (剣技, kengi, swordsmanship)[]
Name
Command
Description
Chain Attack
Square x5
Five-hit Combo; 3 reg. hits with katana, then a broadsword swing, and finally an overhead swing with both swords.
Three Sixty
Rotate left analog stick, then hit square.
Spinning Slash against all nearby foes with katana
Sonic Thrust
Press Up/Forward on left analog stick, then hit square.
A quick forward sword thrust.
Counterattack
R1+Square (same mechanics as Focus)
Counter an enemy's attack with a one-hit kill critical strike.
Notes[]
All Fundamental Techniques cost 0 MP.
Chain Slash can be cancelled into either Three Sixty (a safe, AOE finisher) or a Secret Technique (for more damage/utility).
Secret Techniques (秘剣, hiken, secret sword)[]
Name
Description
MP Cost
Whirling Dervish
Two lunging circular strikes with both swords.
20
Diving Falcon
A jump and a downward thrust.
10
Infernal Strike
Blast enemies with an explosion of cosmic power.
10
Angry Hornet
Stab foes in a flurry of thrusts.
Only the final stab inflicts damage.
10
Paralyzing Palm
Stun foes, able to pick up afterwards with "X."
You can then attack other enemies with them, or toss them in the air and slash them.
5
Fish Fillet
Fillet enemies into three succulent slices.
5
Shooting Star
A magnifient headfirst lunge through enemies.
Musashi is invincible during this attack, making it an excellent evasion technique as well.
15
Karmic Circle
Throw sword to smite foes from afar.
Can only hit the same enemy once.
15
Slice and Dice
Chops foes into itty-bitty pieces.
15
Banishing Blade
Slash enemies into four even chunks.
Can strike twice.
20
X-Stream
Neatly quarter foes with two diagonal cuts.
15
Double Cross
Carve a tic-tac-toe into enemies.
15
Celestial Strike
Split enemies vertically.
20
Leaping Tiger
Spin and slice twice. Nice.
25
Notes[]
All Secret Techniques are performed with Circle.
The Japanese translation for Leaping Tiger's description implies that it's Musashi's strongest technique.
Defensive Techniques (防御, bōgyo, defense)[]
Name
Command
Description
MP Cost
Decoy
L1 (against an enemy attack)
Disappear when attacked and reappear behind your foe.
15 MP
Twin Turbine
Hold L1
Rotate both swords to fend off attacks.
You can also guard against attacks that cannot be defended against normally.
Gradual MP Consumption
Notes[]
When set, Defensive Techniques replace the Defend command.
Ascetic Techniques (秘技, higi, secret technique)[]
Name
Description
MP Cost
Kiai
Gradually expend MP to enhance attack strength.
Attack power will be increased by 30 during the effect time.
However, if the attack power reaches 200, there is no effect.
Gradual MP Consumption
Zanshin
Gradually expend MP to enhance defense.
Defense power will be increased by 30 during the effect time.
However, it has no effect if the defense power reaches 200.
Gradual MP Consumption
Inner Refuge
Assume a meditative position to become invulnerable.
Musashi cannot move or attack while this skill is in use.
Gradual MP Consumption
Juggle
Enchant others with skill and finesse.
Enemies other than bosses and machines will be fascinated and will not attack for about 3 seconds.
If this is used near a Juggleranium, they will will start juggling with Musashi.
20
Notes[]
All Ascetic Techniques are performed with Circle.
The startup for Kiai and Zanshin have invincibility frames, which can be used to dodge traps.