Poppy

Poppy (パピー, Papī) is Galford's husky companion introduced in Samurai Shodown who acts as an exclusive helper to Galford's Shura/Slash form in Samurai Shodown III. In Samurai Shodown V, players can play as her by inputting a special command on the character selection screen.

Story
Poppy is a dog Galford adopted before he departed for Japan. She grew up during Galford's training and became his constant companion. In her ending for Samurai Shodown V, she sacrifices herself to save Galford while he was saving one of her puppies. In honor of her memory, Galford renames one of her puppies in her name. Throughout the series she remains a loyal companion.

Personality
Happy to be at her master's side and willing to do what she can to help him in his battles for justice.

Powers

 * Teleport - Poppy can teleport short distances above her opponent.
 * Grapple - Poppy can throw, bite and charge her opponents at command.

Fighting Style
With a special input, the player can order Poppy to headbutt, bite, or drop from above on their opponents. She may also piledrive her foes during Galford's desperation move -which relies entirely on her- in Samurai Shodown II. In Samurai Shodown III, Galford's Slash form relies on Poppy for a vast majority of his special moves. She retains her attacks from before but can also be kicked as a projectile and replicate Galford's movements in his desperation move. When utilized strategically, she can distract opponents whilst the player moves Galford into a more favorable position or act as a counter against most projectiles. In Samurai Shodown VI, Galford can also order Poppy to teleport or change her attacks during her initial charge.

However, she is not invulnerable to attacks as opponents can strike her down to diffuse her advances, leaving her unusable by the player until she recovers. Players also have to be aware of which direction she is facing when summoned as she may charge in a direction opposite than intended. This problem is minimized in Edge of Destiny as she teleports in battle to attack where Galford is pointing.

Game Appearances

 * Samurai Shodown
 * Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits: Bushidou Retsuden
 * Samurai Shodown II
 * Samurai Shodown III
 * Samurai Shodown IV
 * Samurai Shodown V
 * Samurai Shodown V Special
 * Samurai Shodown VI - playable only in the console version
 * Samurai Shodown 64
 * Samurai Shodown!
 * Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage
 * Samurai Shodown! 2
 * Samurai Shodown: Edge of Destiny
 * Days of Memories (third and fifth titles)

Anime Appearances

 * Samurai Shodown: The Motion Picture
 * Samurai Spirits 2: Asura-Zanmaden (OVA)

Trivia

 * Her pups were all born on February 15.