Asura

Asura (アスラ, Asura), or Asra, is the main protagonist in the game Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage.

Story
He is a being who has a long-standing conflict with Yuga the Destroyer, who wreaks havoc in order to bring about "the unification of this world and the Netherworld". Yuga imprisoned Asura in the Netherworld and he subsequently escapes when it is defeated during the events of Samurai Shodown 64. When he confronts Yuga, his clone, Shadow Asura, assists him in slaying the fiend. They fuse themselves together so that his clone could survive.

Later, in Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage, Asura is revealed to be a shade of the real Asura. His clone was the one who retained the original's memories; this Asura only kept the original's abilities and his animosity for Yuga.

Personality
Asura feels nothing but hate for Yuga and wants nothing but the destruction of his nemesis.

Powers

 * Weapon Transformation: Through the seal on his hand, Asura can use one of the seven weapons at will (it looks like current weapon dissipates into dark energy in his hand, and then new weapon is formed)
 * Summon Sword: Default weapon, is summoned at start of battle, as well as when effect of other weapons fades. Move assotiated with sword makes Asura to rapidly shift between two difference places, and upon stopping release a slash of dark energy. His sword can also create a rippling mirror effect with each swing.
 * Summon Bow: Asura can bring a bow into battle and fire up 1-2 arrows at once to his opponents. RAGEd version of move fires 3 arrows. In Neo-Geo Battle Coliseum 3-arrow version becomes default one together with 1- and 2-arrows versions.
 * Summon Lance: Asura can summon lance able to penetrate the ground and rise from it in other location. RAGEd version of move summons multiple lances from ground. Direct stab with lance initially was avialable in the end of his Secret Ougi, but in Neo-Geo Battle Coliseum multiple lances are used in its place, and direct stab becomes one of his normal attack.
 * Summon Scythe: Asura can call upon a giant curved scythe to cleave his opponents, its swings leave energy trails in the air which can damage opponent as well
 * Summon Axe: Asura can call upon a giant stylized axe which releases tremendous impact and shockwave when smashed down.
 * Summon Shield: Asura can defend himself with a shield. If his opponents attacks it, the shield's surface will pierce them with long spikes.
 * Summon Staff: Asura summons giant staff with eye on it, which triggers appearance of two portals from where chains come and trap the opponent. After this Asura attacks opponent with his other weapons, order differs from game to game.
 * Dark Attacks: Asura's attacks can also leave trails of dark energy/electricity.
 * Energy Slash: Asura can fuel his weapons with ki energy.

Fighting Style
Asura is a flexible warrior who can be a strong fighter at any distance. His weakness lies in the speed of his attacks, as the executions for his special attacks require a lengthy set-up. In Neo Geo Battle Coliseum, he was slightly toned down to be a strong mid/long-ranged fighter.

All of his moves are named after fallen angels or demons.

Music

 * Slasher Demon - Samurai Shodown 64-2
 * Asura, The Avenger in Black - Samurai Spirits 2: Asura-Zanmaden (OVA)

Game Appearances

 * Neo Geo Battle Coliseum
 * Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage

Anime Appearances

 * Samurai Spirits 2: Asura-Zanmaden (OVA)

Similar Characters

 * Shadow Asura
 * Yuda