Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Combat Guide
                     ==========================================
                                 by.  necroticgg


NOTICE: This guide uses a CTRL + F function (which opens search in
       your web browser/notepad app.)


                     Prologue: Before you start  (CVLOSC-B4000)
                     Chapter 1: Introduction     (CVLOSC-I1001)
                     Chapter 2: Contact          (CVLOSC-I2001)
                     Chapter 3: Twitch Stream    (CVLOSC-I3001)
                     Chapter 4: Social Media     (CVLOSC-I4001)
                     Chapter 5: Copyright        (CVLOSC-I5001)
                     Chapter 6: Basics & Combos  (CVLOSC-A1001)
                     Chapter 7: Relic Powers     (CVLOSC-A2001)
                     Chapter 8: Secondary Weapons(CVLOSC-A3001)
                     Chapter 9: The Beginning    (CVLOSC-A4001)
                     Chapter 10: Game Mechanics  (CVLOSC-A5001)
                     Chapter 11: The Intermediate(CVLOSC-A6001)
                     Chapter 12: The Advanced    (CVLOSC-A7001)
                     Chapter 13: Combo Trees     (CVLOS-A70002)
                     Chapter 14: The End         (CVLOSC-E4000)
                     Chapter 15: The Author      (CVLOSC-E4001)
                     Chapter 16: The FAQs        (CVLOSC-E4002)
                     Chapter 17: Credit/Shout    (CVLOSC-E4003)






LATEST UPDATES ON THIS GUIDE CAN BE FOUND ON: GameFAQs.com!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT: If you have a Combo Tree idea let me know via
the CONTACT section on this guide with said tree. I will test it and
explain it, as I put it on this guide. YOU will recieve credit due.
Help push this combat guide to it's limits!

UPDATES ===

2/26/20 Version 4.1: I have decided after a long debate I am going to make the
                    guide shorter for now. Reason being: I'd rather focus a -
                    lot more on the combat aspect, instead of the math that,
                    happens to be in the Damage/Healing ratio successions wh
                    -ich are being developed slowly over time (in order to -
                    make sure I have the correct information written!)

                    The Combo Tree chapter is now open, which will show
                    currently Erosive Chains and Holy Cross tactics! Give
                    it look at section: (CVLOS-A70002).

                    Please note: That even if this guide hits the Final ver.
                    Combo Tree sections will still be updated (I think?) for
                    new technique ideas.

                    Minor fixes to evenings in Chapter location placement
                    and made it aware that this guide uses a search function
                    to the reader, so that this guide is easier to nevigate
                    around accordingly.

                    Enjoy! And please be patient as I construct the Damage
                    and Healing ratio charts!



Current Overhaul Guide -

1/10/2020 - Version 4.0: After years of waiting the overhaul of this guide is
                        is now finished. The project was not dead, I just had
                        to take some time off. Over the years I continue to
                        perfect and write. This has taken a lot of work and
                        time.

                        This is the Overhaul I promised and I hope you enjoy.




Original Guide -


The last update for this guide can be found on neoseeker's under the alias
jestercolony. The last update was 4/25/11. (Version 3.0)



Donations ===

Donations aren't needed, but accepted. If you wish to donate at your hearts
content then please! You do not have to do this!

@ [email protected]



                     ==========================
                     Prologue: Before you Start
                     ==========================
                           (CVLOSC-B4000)


It was on October 5th, 2010 - Lords of Shadow was finall released on Sony's -
Playstation 3 and Microsoft's X-Box 360 consoles, later it had been ported to
what is known as Ultimate Edition on PC. Originally I had written this guide
under a different alias (jestercolony) on GameFAQs previously but had went in
to a long hiatus from writing. Ten years ago, I emabrked on a quest to not onl
-y just understand the story's overall plot, but the combat system inside and
out.

It was a perosnal vow!

Writing this guide over the course of years: learning, perfecting technique,
and of course jotting down my ideas for this overhaul that was promised back
on the 3.0 version of this guide, under that alias.

All the concepts, theories I had along with watching some really cool combo -
videos (yeah I'm talking to you!) I came up with my own stuff. The original,
can be found (by using your respective search engines) as it remains a part of
an early history of mine! Now again, I am back and inspired more than ever.

Ahem... Back to the point!


Lords of Shadow's combat system, is very deep to its core, and once mastered -
it can be very, veyr expressive. Make no mistake: You can be a button masher,
if you want to! However: this game will punish you for it. It is also because
of this title, I found my love for combo based games again (action/fighters.)

Take note: This guide was written on PALADIN mode (extreme difficulty) which
is also a NG+ (New Game Plus.) As I began journey I had used two levels, that
you should keep note on to test what you will find in this guide.

Castle Hall: Chapter 6: Block 6 - This level can be used as a gauntlet of sort
as it will constantly spawn the lesser Vampire Warriors.

Olrox: Chapter 8: Block 3 - This level you will face Commander Olrox a very -
very serious Belmont vs. Vampire battle (i.e a boss.)

Why? Well, what do Belmont's do best? They hunt and kill Vampires!


Writing this work has been an emotional journey! However, just because I am -
finished with this game, I will never retire it and always find out some new
stuff to add in the future! Now after 10 years of silence - I bring you this
guide!


From the original story: from Trevor to Julius Belmont, my favorite Belmont is
in fact in this new rebooted installment. Gabriel Belmont himself. He is an -
extremely dark and tragic character of one that is pure heart. Because of this
in my opinion (as a gamer, not a fan.) this is one of the most darkested, most
twisted stories in gaming history. And I've played a lot of dark stories...

I really do hope you enjoy my work, this guide, as it helps you on your advent
-ure. With a promise: Either if you're new to the game, or an experienced play
-er and or Lords of Shadow combat master this guide is for you.

After 1,000+ hours of Lords of Shadow and 2 (two), I bring you this work! The
Demon Castle summons you, are you ready?...


NOTE ON THIS GUIDE: This guide has been reformated from it's original version
(3.0), which can still be found if you seek it! That guide is now obsolete. -
yes, I am the original author of that work. This project was never put on hold
as it has been continued over the course of years.



===
                     ========================
                     Chapter 1: Introduction
                     ========================
                         (CVLOSC-I1001)


This guide has been STRICLTY written for the Combat System found within game -
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow on all three ports of the game for PS3, X360 and
of course the PC release (known as Ultimate Edition.) The main idea behind the;
very core of this guide is to not pester you with just Button Configs on how a
certain Combo/Ability/Move work in order to slay the brutal creature, undead -
and such, that threaten the noble Elite Paladin of the Brother of Light, a man
named: Gabriel Belmont.

Here you will be presented with a more technical and indepth approach of how -
this game will actually play and feel. Since every gamer is different in their
approach in terms of play style, this guide is not just meant to show you on
how to actually play the game, as each player, their approach: is their own.
This guide is designed to take you more in depth to the "Core Basics" and on
to the Middle Ground/Advanced techniques of play.

Reason being as to why I sought out to write this guide is that not only did I
vow to understand this Castlevania installment's combat system, but the game -
actually comes with horrible tutortials: either explained in the Travel Log
menu and of course the tutorial promts shown via game. The game also notes a
certain form of things that happen during combat, which I personally assume
most do not pay attention to (please forgive me on this statement.)

As I continued to play (500+ hours of this installment) I began to find out
more information which has have caused many to claim that this title is in
fact a a rip off of other known franchises (not mentioning names.) However
what most do not realize is that the core mechanics in this game, can be
applied to those titles and you will truly begin to see were this game -
type begins to truly shine.

Lords of Shadow uses certain animation mechanics, along with a numbering -
system in terms of many things. That is what makes this title so much more
different than the others (of this game's style; not the Castlevania IP in
of itself.)









                     =================
                     Chater 2: Contact
                     =================
                      (CVLOSC-I2001)


E-MAIL: [email protected]


If you're looking for help with this Combat Guide, on a particular area and or
have questions about certain things, tactics...etc and/or wish to add any form
of honest crittism, feedback and suggestion or ideas of your own (with credit
due of course!), even a Thank you! use the e-mail above. But please give me
24 to 72 hours in a advance to respond (or if how my schedule is.)


Use Subjectline: LOSCOMBAT - HELP/IDEAS/FIXES/SUG/COM/ADD

This will help me break things down accordingly!

HELP: You are needing help in a certain area of this guide!

IDEAS: If you have any ways I can improve this document!

FIXES: See an error in this guide? No matter how small or big? Let me know!

SUG: Any suggestion is welcome! Let's make this guide better!

COM: Have any comments on my guide: honest crittism is fine!

ADD: Have something you, as a player wish to add? Let me know!
    Credit is always given at the end of this guide. Even if
    it is something new in the guides Final version.




                     ==========================
                      Chapter 3: Twitch Stream
                     ==========================
                          (CVLOSC-I3001)



STREAM URL: https://www.twitch.tv/necroticgg





                           =================
                           Chapter 4: Social
                           =================
                             (CVLOSC-I4001)


Twitter @ necroticgg

Here you'll find updates to projects, guides, gaming and of course
personal thoughts.






                      ====================
                      Chapter 5: Copyright
                      ====================
                         (CVLOSC-I5001)

THIS IS A COPYRIGHT NOTICE!


This Lords of Shadow Combat guide is copyrighted by necroticgg as of 2011 -
Current
(all rights reserved.) If any one is caught using this guide on their site
without -
my authorization or expressed permission will be dealt with any metals legally,
very
quickly.

Castlevania™ - it's music, characters, art, games...etc are a trademark of
Konami
1986 - Current (all rights reserved.) I am in NO WAY affilliated with Konami and
or it's office branches, Mercury Steam.


The what YOU may DO's with this guide:


1. You may copy or print this guide to your machine (electronically) via
Printer or PC/Mac. As this guide is and will always be freely distrubuted
to the public (or private study only!)

2. You may borrow things from this guide as long as credit is recieved.
If any out breaks of plagiarism has been found, you will be asked nicely
to remove it!




The what YOU can NOT do with this guide:

1. You  may not HOST this guide on your site without my written
expressed permission and authorization. Your site needs to be in
excellent condiiton and professional/sleek looking. Becareful -
as there are many fake sites out there that intend to be bot
sites trying to host (my old) guides. If your website is caught
HOSTING this guide without my knowledge, your website will be
dealt with.


2. I cannot stress this enough: You may NOT print this guide and sell it as -
your own work. As stated: This guide is freely DISTRUBUTED for the Public and
may also be used in PRIVATE STUDY.



HOSTED SITES -

GameFAQS.com: https://www.gamefaqs.com/





                      ================================
                      Chapter 6: Basic Action & Combos
                      ================================
                              (CVLOSC-A1001)




Direct Attack: PS3: Square/360: X

Area Attack: PS3 Triangle/360: Y


Use Secondary Weapon: PS3: O/360: Block


Jump: PS3 X/360: B

Block: PS3: L2 + L/360: LT + L

Dodge: PS3 L2 + L/360 LT + L/360

Stomp (In Air Only): PS3: L2 + X/360: LT + A


Grab & Interact: PS3: R2/360: RT



In this section, we will take a more indepth look at the basic attacks and the
main combos used with the Combat Cross. Here you will learn how to perform a
particular combo to its final strike. It is up to you, the player on how to -
mix up chain attacks and combos.

_____________________________________________
Direct Attack Combo                          |
PS3: Square, Square, Square, Square, Square  |
360: X, X, X, X, X                           |
=============================================|________________________________
This is your first Direct Attack Combo, which can be used against one enemy or|
a group of enemies that are in a lined up in front of you. The Final hit of   |
this combo is a Block Breaker.                                                |
______________________________________________________________________________|

__________________
Area Attack Combo |
PS3: Triangle x8  |
360: Y x8         |
==================|__________________________________________________________
This is your first Area Attack Combo. This attack chain is may be quicker but|
is weaker, in terms of damage. Excellent for early based Crowd Control.      |
You can also move around while using this chain of attack.                   |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

__________________
Rising Strike     |
PS3: Square, X    |
360: X, A         |
==================|__________________________________________________________
This attack will lift up smaller based and some medium based enemies in the  |
air. Which will allow you to either let them fall back down to the ground, or|
make use of Aerial based combo chains.                                       |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

__________________
Rising Assault    |
PS3: Triangle, X  |
360: Y, A         |
==================|__________________________________________________________
This combo is Area based combo, that will raise up all Smaller and some of   |
the Medium based enemies, which will in turn can allow them to fall back down|
to the ground, or you can use Aerial based combo chains                      |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

______________________________
Direct Counterstrike          |
PS3: Square, Square, Square   |
360: X, X, X                  |
==============================|______________________________________________
This attack can only be performed after a SYNCHRONIZED BLOCK**, in which will|
allow a devastating counter attack. Keep in mind, if combined with Shadow    |
Magic, it will grant a Knock Down                                            |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

__________________
Somersault        |
PS3: L2 + X       |
360: LT+ A        |
==================|__________________________________________________________
This is a dodged based ability, but is in fact an advanced move. In order to |
use this ability, you will need the CYCLONE BOOTS**. This will allow Gabriel |
to do a frontal based flip, and land an enemy. Excellent if surrounded, and -|
works well with Dodge to get further away from your attacker!                |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

__________________
Guillotine        |
PS3: Hold Square  |
360: Hold X       |
==================|__________________________________________________________
This is an Aerial based combo (so you must be in the air to do it.) Used as a|
finisher, Gabriel will do a frontal flip, attacking enemies in front or from |
the rear. Upgraded, you can do a final uplift blow once Gabriel lands, which |
kill some enemies instantly, while lefting other enemies back in to the air. |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

__________________
Spinning Chain    |
PS3: Hold Triangle|
360: Hold Y       |
==================|__________________________________________________________
An Aerial finisher (can only be performed while in the air) which will sweep |
Gabriel's Combat Cross in 360° motion that will drag all enemies down to the |
ground.                                                                      |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

__________________
Air Grab          |
PS3: R2           |
360: RT           |
==================|__________________________________________________________
An Aerial Grab (can only be performed while in the air), Gabriel will latch -|
the hook tip of his Combat Cross and bring a single Smaller or some Medium   |
based enemies in to the air, thus allowing you to perform other Aerial based |
combos                                                                       |
_____________________________________________________________________________|


__________________
Downward Punch    |
PS3: R2           |
360: RT           |
==================|__________________________________________________________
This attack can be linked with Air Grab, Rising Strike, and Rising Assault   |
so it can only be down in the air and will only work on Small to some Medium |
based Enemies. He will punch them back down to the ground.                   |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

__________________
Flying Kick       |
PS3: R2           |
360: RT           |
==================|__________________________________________________________
This attack will make Gabriel latch on to some Medium and Larger enemies and |
perform dashing two foot kick.                                               |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

_________________________________
Area Counterstrike               |
PS3: Triangle, Triangle, Triangle|
360: Y, Y, Y                     |
=================================|___________________________________________
This attack can only be performed after a SYNCHRONIZED BLOCK**! Gabriel do a |
360° Counter Attack, hitting all enemies that surround him. Combined with the|
use of Shadow Magic, will force enemies back.                                |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

_________________________________
Direct Heavy Combo               |
PS3: (Hold) Square, Square x9    |
360: (Hold) X, X x9              |
=================================|___________________________________________
Gabriel's Heavist hitting Direct Attack. This Attack will Stutter enemies and|
Knock the back. The Final hit is a Block Breaker.                            |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

_________________________________
Chain Barrier                    |
PS3: (Hold) Triangle, Triangle   |
360: (Hold) Y, Y                 |
=================================|___________________________________________
This attack makes your Area Attacks act more likea Direct Attack and will hit|
Enemies in front of, or behind you. The final attack (the 2nd button prompt  |
will make Gabriel do a side flip which acts as a Block Breaker, and if used -|
the right time, dodge attacks.                                               |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

_________________________________
Circular Chain                   |
PS3: Square, Triangle, Triangle  |
360: X, Y, Y                     |
=================================|___________________________________________
This attack has many purposes. One it starts out as a direct attack, while he|
makes use of two Area Attacks. The two Area Attacks will keep enemies at a --|
distance, thus Crowd Controller. However, later as you progress, make use of |
Shadow Magic for stronger enemies.                                           |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

________________________________________
Chain Saw                               |
PS3: Square, Triangle, (Hold) Square    |
360: X, Y, (Hold) X                     |
========================================|____________________________________
This ability will rip a single target to shreds and sutter them in place. -  |
However, this attack is weak. But if combined with Shadow Magic its damage   |
will increase slightly. But with Light Magic, excellent for a Quick Heal!    |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

________________________________________
Ground Cutter                           |
PS3: Square, (Hold) Square, Square      |
360: X, (Hold) X, X                     |
========================================|____________________________________
This ability is the same as Chain Saw (but excellent for Focus Gain) and can |
only be performed in the air. It is a bit trick to do, but once mastered, it |
is an effective tool. Excellent against Airborne Enemies if you want to rush |
them to the ground. (Again can only be performed in the Air                  |
_____________________________________________________________________________|

____________________________
Somersault Strike           |
PS3: Square, Square, Square |
360: X, X, X                |
============================|________________________________________________
This Combo can only be performed once you have the DARK GAUNTLET** and the - |
CYCLONE BOOTS**. After performing a Somersault, you can attack enemies from  |
behind, before they can even turn around to face you in combat.              |
_____________________________________________________________________________|






                      ===========================
                        Chapter 7: Relic Powers
                      ===========================
                            (CVLOSC-A2001)

____________
LIGHT MAGIC |
================================o
Requirement: Light Gem Medallion| Light Magic, when activated will always
________________________________| replenish Gabriel's stamina (Hit points)
PS3: L3 (recharge with L3)      | if your health needs it. Remember: using
360: L  (recharge Left S.)      | Light Magic will not consume itself if -
================================o you  are already full health! It also does
not increase your overall Damage, unlike - Shadow Magic! Light Magic has its
own unique powers!



_____________
SHADOW MAGIC |
=================================o
Requirement: Shadow Gem Medallion| Shadow Magic is your main heavy damage -
_________________________________| increase. As it gives a bonus to to some
PS3: R3 (recharge with R3 )      | of your Relic Powers as well as all your
360: R  (recharge with Left S.)  | Combat Cross. As with Light Magic, it has
=================================o it's own unique powers.




_____________
Tremor Punch |
=================================o
Requirement: Dark Gauntlet       | This ability is channeled based ability,
_________________________________| but, can be instant if combined with --
PS3: L2 + Square                 | SHADOW MAGIC. It can Knock back or even
360: LT + X                      | Knock Down enemies and or instantly kill
=================================o them. When the Gauntlet flashes red it -
means it is at full power. To see the cast bar: turn on your combat settings
in the Options Menus.

NOTE: This ability can be used to operate certain switches in game.


_________________
Earthquake Punch |
=================================o
Requirement: Dark Gauntlet       | A 360° ground blast attack. A channeled
_________________________________| ability, or can be instant with the use
PS3: L2 + Triangle               | of SHADOW MAGIC. A circular wave will -
360: Lt + Y                      | appear on the ground, Knock Backing all
=================================o enemies that surround Gabriel. A full -
or instant charge will kill some, while pushing back the others. It's range
does expand for how long you have the cast bar has been channeled.

NOTE: This aility can be used to operate certain switches in game.

______
Sprint|
=================================o
Requirement: Cyclone Boots       | Once you obtain the Cyclone Boots you will
_________________________________| be able to use the Sprint ability. Double
PS3: LS (Any Direction 2x)       | tap the Left analog stick 2x in any way
360: LS (Any Direction 2x)       | you face Gabriel and he will gain a speed
PC:                              | boost. Sprint is excellent for clearing -
=================================o huge gaps to get another side, or excellent
during fights when you need to close gaps, run from or dodge certain enemies.


________________
Shoulder Charge |
=================================o
Requirement: Cyclone Boots       | This is a long dash attack that uses his
_________________________________| shoulder in a danagerous way. Being able
PS3: L2 (Charge) + LS (any Dir)  | to Knock Down enemies or used or can be
360: LT (Charge) + L  (Any Dir)  | be used as a dodge if timed right. Also
=================================o excellent to quickly get away from the
enemy if you need more room to do other attacks. This ability can also break
certain walls and doors that are weak in nature.

NOTE: Used to activate certain switches in game.



________________
Flame Dragontail|
=================================o
Requirement: CB + G              | A channeled ability or is instant with
_________________________________| the use of SHADOW MAGIC. An uppercut -
PS3: L2 + X                      | that will do direct damage to all  that
360: LT + A                      | surround you in a 360° motion and lift
PC:                              | them in to the air to continue Aerial
=================================o move sets on them.



____________
Double Jump |
=================================o
Requirement: Seraph Shoulders    | Double Jump is mainly used to reach places
_________________________________| are normally up higher than your normal --
PS3: X x2                        | jump heigth. However, this ability comes
360: A x2                        | with a few new skills that Gabriel can
=================================o make use of. It can also be used as an
a way to move around in the Air further than what a normal jump can do.

__________
Holy Jump |
=========================================o
Requirement: Seraph Shoulders + L. Magic |
_________________________________|_______| Holy Jump is when you make use of -
PS3: X x2                        | Light Magic, when activated and then making
360: A x2                        | Gabriel perform a Double Jump. The feathers
=================================owill then shine brightly, as feathers fall
and will actually blind all enemies in a 360° radius.


______________
Sprint Thrust |
=================================o
Requirement: Cyclone Boots       | Sprint Thrust is excellent to wield as our -
_________________________________| hereo. This attack has two notions. One is
PS3: L x2, Triangle, S           | when you start (Gabriel will slash at an -
360: L x2 Y, A                   | enemy with the Combat Cross and turn in a
=================================o circular motion and vanish with a high end
thrust that comes from the Combat Cross. As said with this ability - the close
-r the enemy (also depending) you may be able to Destablize and Knock Down
them. Certain enemies will require Shadow Magic - to be used on them with this
ability, so keep that in mind.


____________
Light Flash |
===========;=====================o
Requirement: Light Gem Medallion | Light Flash can only work if you perform --
_________________________________| what is known as Synchronized Block (aka
PS3: L                           | perfect blocking) with Light Magic on. It,
360: LT                          | can and will: blind all enemies that stare
=================================o in to it in a 360° radius.




________________
Landslide Punch |
=================================o
Requirement: Dark Gauntlet       | Landslide Punch is a channeled ability or
_________________________________| is an instant cast with Shadow Magic and
PS3: L2 + Sqaure (in air)        | being a strictly Aerial Move, Gabriel -
360: LT + X  (in air)            | force him down to the ground in an arch
=================================o motion and punch the ground below with
the Gauntlet, thus causing a 360° AoE shock wave, that if enemies are caught
into it (Smaller ones especially) will be killed instantly, or take serious
damage.


_______________
Avalanche Punch|
=================================o
Requirement: Dark Gauntlet       | This ability is an Aerial channeled or with
_________________________________| the use of Shadow Magic is an insant attack
PS3: L + Triangle (in air)       | below on enemies. It's design is to lift any
360: LT + Y  (in air)            | fallen enemies back in to the air. Keep in -
=================================o mind this attack is weak, and is meant to -
to make them stay airborne.


________________
Erosive Chains  |
=================================o
Requirement: Light Gem Medallion | This is a misunderstood and underated
_________________________________| ability. Erosive Chains, if used right
PS3: L. Magic + Triangle, Square | is way more than just a Lesser 360°,
360: L. Magic + Y, X             | Draw In healing ability. If used in -
=================================o such a way, you can use it as a very
offensive Light Magic ability. This  attack will only work on Smaller
enemies and certain Medium ones.



_____________
Shadow Flame |
=================================o
Requirement: Shadow Gem Medallion| Shadow Flame allows Gabriel's Combat Cross
_________________________________| to spurt furth flames from it's chain and
PS3: S. Magic + Triangle, Square | able to Knock Back enemies who are in its
360: S. Magic + Y, X             | path. However, keep in mind you are rooted
=================================o in place during this, so make sure to line
up your enemies carefully.

____________
Flame Claws |
=================================o
Requirement: S. Magic + CB + G   | A more powerful version of Sprint Thrust, in
_________________________________| not doing the first animation of it, Gabriel
PS3: L x2 + Square               | will charge his enemy with Sprint then use -
360: L x2 + X                    | the gauntlet to conjure Flame Claws at his
=================================o enemey that can do some pretty good damage.
However, it's better to do this in short - term hits, as a longer sprint mak
-es this ability more difficult to aim (well, for me that is.)


_________________
Upward Guillotine|
=================================o
Requirement: Seraph Shoulders    | Thsi ability is the 2nd attack of Rising
Strike.
_________________________________| which can left enemies further up in the air
and
PS3: R1 Sqaure, X, X             | performs a DOUBLE JUMP with the Seraph
Shoulders
360: RB  X, A, A                 | as if its also combined with Light Magic it
will
=================================o also use Holy Jump as well.



______________
Whirlwind Flap|
=================================o
Requirement: Seraph Shoulders    | This ability can be performed right after the
_________________________________| uppercut of Flaming Dragontail. It will knock
PS3: L2 + (hold) X, X            | all enemies back in a 360° radius that is in
360: LT + (hold) A, A            | its contact hit point. Combined with Light -
=================================o Magic, it can also not just send enemies
flying away from Gabriel, but blind them at the same time, and will stay blind
as they get back up from it's Knock Down.



______________
Air Wave Flap |
=================================o
Requirement: Seraph Shoulders    | Air Wave Flap is the second attack for Risi-
_________________________________| -ng Assassult. It will perform a 360° drop
PS3: Triangle, X, X              | down wing hit on all enemies, and if one -
360: Y, A, A                     | uses Light Magic, a Holy Jump can be used
=================================o to blind them!




____________
Holy Cross  |
=================================o
Requirement: Light Gem Medallion | This is a root placement attack via Light -
_________________________________| Magic, so be warned. Also it is done in a
PS3: L. Magic + Triangle, Square | pretty large arch, and will Blind and stun
360: L Magic + Y, X              | any enemy that can get in your way. This is
=================================o an excellent finisher or cancel to enemies
rushing up to hit you.


________________
Exploding Quake |
=================================o
Requirement: Shadow Gem Medallion| This ability is a huge AoE attack that
_________________________________| only works in a 360°  raidus and is in
PS3: S. Magic + Square, Tri, x10 | Gabriel's view. It can also hit enemies
360: S. Magic + X, Y x10         | attack that if used right, can eradicate
=================================o groups of enemies so fast, that it can -
really make the enemies you face look pathetic. However, keep in mind that
you must have Shadow Magic on to do this attack. One final deep press of
Triangle (or Y for 360 players) will make it all explode at once.


______________
Utimate Light |
=================================o
Requirement: Seraph Shoulders    | Gabriel, with Light Magic on, will spin
around
_________________________________| as if he's a tornado (not really, but just an
PS3: (hold) L1                   | idea.) and hit enemies for high end heals. -
360: (hold) LB                   | The damage may not be much, but - the heals
=================================o can make you go back to full in seconds. An
ultimate attack.



________________
Ultimate Shadow |
=================================o
Requirement: Seraph Shoulders    | This is the utlimate Shadow Magic Attack --
_________________________________| and also is the most interesting. If you,
PS3: (hold) R1                   | hold the button down, Gabriel will begin to
360: (hold) RB                   | nun-chuck his chain. He looks very angry as
=================================o he does this, and very...cocky? He is about
to mess up that one poor enemy (or more.) But also if you keep in mind it's a
strafe speed ability that can also keep you from being Knocked Down. It can do
-dge, it even slow down time, if you - watch how enemies move and attack.

It can also by pass certain attacks, and leave the enemy open for lots of dama
-ge and Combat Cross/relic attacks.


                      ===========================
                      Chater 7: Secondary Weapons
                      ===========================
                            (CVLOSC-A3001)

____________
Silver Dagger - These things are heavily misunderstood and aren't just used for
=============   fact that they can slaughter entire packs of Lesser Lycanthrope
instantly. As for their cousins (Warg and Greater Lycanthrope) they will dish o
-ut some very serious damage on their behalf. This can be used as a way to hara
-ss your target. In which an enemy who is caught off guard from a regular based
Silver Dagger (i.e is attacked from the sides or from behind.) will be forced -
in to a Knock Back. Also when your Focus Meter is maxed out - every direct hit
that you do with this weapon will manifest 1 Neutral Elemental Orb.

Very effective when you are in need of ranged combat and very excellent when de
-aling with flying creatures. This applies to creatures such as Gremlins who -
will take serious damage, as well as Lesser Vampires. This also makes a good
form of damage when coming back down from an Aerial attack (i.e before Stomp is
used.) The Silver Dagger will branch off in to two other forms of attack method
and they are known as -


____________
Flame Dagger - This is when things start to get interesting with this toy. As
============   by having the Shadow Medallion - you will be allowed to use this
ability. Turning Silver Daggers in to Flame Daggers, you will be granted not on
-ly a damage increase, but a few other things as well.

|(A. Push back an advancement of enemies
|(B. Automatic Knock Down/Knock Back - which will alow you to Rush an enemy.
|(C. Can be used for more defensive play styles (read essay below.)
|(D. Your ranged stake.

___________
Dagger Wave - This is an addon to both Silver and Flame Dagger. You will want
===========   to keep in mind that when using this ability is that it will cons
-ume a total of five (5) daggers. Unleashing a sonic wave of blades upon using
this ability, it will have torn a hole right through flesh of Gabriel's enemies
as this can allow a very nice wave of a Knock Back if the enemy doesn't die in
one hit. When Shadow Magic is active, you can use Dagger Wave to shoot out the;
Flame Dagger version of this attack.

Never underestimate the power of Silver Daggers - their offensive and defensive
mechanics are quite formidable. With the use of just one, and if an enemy is hi
-t on the sides or behind it will grant you a Push Back. This can also be grant
-ed if the enemy is caught by surprise if they are attempting to rush you. As
it can help keep extra advancements in the back, while you clean up your mess.

Here are some key examples on how to get the most use out of Daggers.


1. A Lesser Vampire Warrior decided to do its unblockable aerial charge. If one
== times it correctly and if an opertunity of attack, Gabriel will aim at the -
== charger. A very quick Flame Dagger will drop him to the floor instantly and
== grant you a Knock Down.

2. You have stunned a Lesser Vampire Warrior but are too far away to stake him.
== What do you do? Flame Daggers are you ranged stakes and can help easily end
== a Vampire's existence

Here are some other ideas -

Flying Kick + Silver Dagger + Stomp

Fairy + Dagger

                [ Stun ]
               /        \._______________________.
Holy Water Flask + Pack of|Lesser Vampire Warriors|+ Flame Dagger Wave = LOLWTF


_____
Fairy - She may look useless at first, but in reality, she has a lot more uses
=====   than looking pretty. When released out of the container, she will home
in on the most threatening target in your range. When this happens she will cau
-se a reaction of "Ooh! Butterfly!" on the enemy in which is locked on to. In
which case will force two phases of her CC abilities the first is known as the
Destraction


   E <-- O.o wtf man come on.                            E = Enemy
  /                                                      G = Gabriel
 G,   E <-- O.o "OOh! Butterfly!" *Swat swat swat*      *F = Fairy
 ^ \ /*F                                                 \ = Flight Path
 |  *                                                    / = --^
 |  F
  "Admit it, you like her wings."

Once the Destraction Phase is over, and no enemy is present she will explode -
and will die instantly but if there is another target around she will leave beh
-ind Fairy Dust! What this does in fact puts enemies in a "Dazed" state of mind
in which they are now locked out. If there is another enemy near by - here is
what will happen
                                        o-o-----|
                                        |    o--| Enemy that is after you
                                        |    |  oF* <-- Rushing in
                                        |    V /| \
                            Destraction o->  E-*F *F
                            Upon 1st Target  /    /
                            Lock Out        G,  E <- Locked Out
                                              \ /
                                              *F

Now you will want to keep in mind that Fairies can easily die in one hit. This
is due to the fact that they are a livng model and have 1 HP. So make sure to
keep an eye out for them if they are being attacked. Destraction is a key in -
order to plant a good fairy.

The second thing you must worry about is Pre-Canceling them out (which can be
done.) in which the player accidently switched to a new Secondary Weapon while
the Fairy is trying to do her job. This will force her to die instantly. I high
-ly suggest waiting until she leaves her Fairy Dust behind before canceling her
out to hit that target with a new choice in weapons. As for Pre-Canceling them,
I will get to that in just a momment.


===========
Light Fairy - For having 1 Hit Point, it is very crucial you keep an eye on a
-----------   Light Fairy or they will die before they are even used. You will
also want to be careful not to Pre-Cancel them out so that they can do a dirty
deed, down dirt cheap. The reasoning to this is that it can do a really interes
-ting form of control and damage on a target.

First off they will run towards them, this will catch an enemy off guard, in -
which will force a Knock Down - upon their Recover phase, as soon as they stand
and will try to resume an attack, she will instantly explode with furious Holy
Light, which will force a second Knock Down. This can be used as a tactic to ru
-sh an enemy.

They also can save Gabriel's behind when something unexpected comes. AS this at
-tack can also cancel out an Unblockable Attack! Really excellent for Defensive
Play! This is why I mentioned Pre-Canceling above. As you can easily force them
to explode in a dangerous situation, any enemy caught near it will fall to the
ground instantly.

So remember - Fairies are very, VERY useful in combat. NEVER underestimate thei
-r ass kicking abilities. But keep in mind that not all Fairies will be able to
home in on a target. Any enemy who is actually immuned to them will send them -
back screaming in to their container.

Also - another thing I need to point out is on the HUD for Secondary Weapons.
When a Fairy dies you will see a *RED FLASH* and a Skull appear, which will sig
-nify you that she has died.


________________
Holy Water Flask - The first time I had acquired this weapon, there upon my
================   face had been a smile. Why? I approve of the use of Holy
Water when it comes to a good old fashion monster hunt. This item is actually
quite excellent, as not only will and can serve as a one of your main AoE tools
at your disposal, it can also in fact be used to force a Knock back or Knock Do
-wn on enemies who are caught within its blast.

This tool is also the #1 choice when dealing with any form of undead, but works
wonders against Lesser Vampires. As if some are caught in a direct blast of the
360ｰ radius will instantly explode. Any who are caught on the outside will be -
forced in to a Stun! In this case you can run up and use the Combat Cross' Stak
-e QTE or make use of Flame Daggers and instantly kill them if you too far away
from them.


_____________
Divine Shield - This ability can only be granted if you have Light Magic on
=============   prior before smashing a Holy Water Flask. This will cause a
blue aura shield to appear around Gabriel. Acting as a suit of armor, it will
absorb damage received from normal based attacks. When enough damage has been
taken, it will fade. Or will simply fade over time.

There is one thing you need to take be aware of. Unblockable Attacks will go
right through the shield. But at least some of the damage will be absorbed, not
all of it though. This depends on the difficutly setting in which you have the
game set to. Here is a small chart of how much damage you will absorb from an -
Unblockable Attack.
                       o====================================o
                       |Squire  - All Damage                |
                       |Warrior - 10% - 20% (Boss Depending)|
                       |Knight  - 30% - 50% (Boss Depending)|
                       |Paladin - 50% - 75% (Boss Depending)|
                       o====================================o


____________
Dark Crystal - There is really no serious article when it cocmes to the Dark
============   Crystal. It is simply meant to do an instant 2,000 Damage to all
enemies who are in your area. This is mainly used on things in which you simply
do NOT want to deal with. As for Bosses - she will do 1,000 damage. Excellent
to use when caught in a very deadly, and I mean so deadly that its an emergency
situation. This can either be that Gabriel is being overwhelmed by a horde of -
very strong creatures or he is near death.





                      ========================
                      Chapter 4: The Beginning
                      ========================
                          (CVLOSC-A4001)



In Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - there will be MANY key factors, in which you
must take in to consideration, as it will help you make an order of things and
rather quickly, thus the game is much easier on you (even when set on the high
end tiers of difficulty.) Since day one: upon starting a fresh New Game you -
are given minor in-game tutorials in which the foundation of basics are lain
in order to help you get started. But keep in mind that not all is fully as
explained as it should be, so we must turn things down a few notches in order
to begin an understanding that will be shown and displayed as you play!

In this section of the guide: I will give you a FULL detailed explaination of
othe KEY main aspects that one will need to pay strict attention to while one
set's out on Gabriel's journey and begins the slaying of slaughter, against -
the evil that he faces off against.

Here, the basic elements of the HUD will be explained. This will allow you to
see important/crucial information in regards to playing this title. Secondly,
the next fuction of this chapter - give will an introduction of the Combat Cro
-ss, the main weapon of this holy warrior. as well as his use of Secondary
Weapons and how to begin to unlock the main damaging weapon and these other -
items to show off Gabriel's potential. After this is all over and done with
you will also be given a lecture of how Movement in this game can either make
or break you.


HUD Explaination ---

The HUD (Heads Up Display) is what you will want to be looking at through out
his story, as it supplies you with very important information as followed -

1. Hit Points (Health Meter)
2. Experience Points (Which are used to unlock Combos/Relic Abilities/Art)
3. Secondary Weapon Ammo
4. Magic (Light/Shadow) Meters
5. The Combat Focus Meter.


THE LIFE METER:

This is located on the top left hand side of your screen/display. It will show
you how much Hit Points (Stamina as the game likes to call it.) which will -
show the overall Health of Gabriel. This meter can be expanded by collecting
a total of Five (5) Life Gems for it's medallion.

When you see the bar itsels flash RED, this means that you just took a hit from
an enemy, and damage is recieved. Thus, the meter will decrease. How much damage
you take depends on a few factors

1. The Enemy you're facing and their attacks they use against you
2. The game's difficulty level (Squire/Warrior/Knight/Paladin)

Now, if you're a player who has a hard time managing your Health level or are
an intermid to advanced player you can actually display Gabriel's health right
underneath him. How to turn this on:

If you go in to Options > Extra > Combat Display > Gabriel's Health Bar ON

This method tool will allow you to keep an eye on his health in two places at
once (an example watching Secondary Weapon ammo numbers!)

Now the Health Meter has 3 levels of color -

1. Green = Healthy (or still good level of Hit Points.)

2. Orange = Medium area (Still ok, but you're close to danger.)

3. Red = High end threat (Danger zone, tread lightly in combat.)


This is a visual cue (to those who need it!) There is also a sound
cue to be aware of when health is low: You will be given a warning
sound of a heart beat and the lower it drops, the faster it's pace.


SECONDARY WEAPON -

This is located directly right under the life meter and is seen as such
on the lower right. Here you will find a display of how much ammo that -
you have (or have left) for, very special four "Sub Weapons" that can be
used. It also easily displays what item choice you are using in a circular
window. Items at max, or remaing can also be seen in your Travel Book.


EXPERIENCE POINTS  -


Just directly underneath the Health Meter; followed by a checkard/golden
Shield: one can find vulue of EXP from the enemies you have slain. Each
unique enemy gives a certain amount earned about their death.  EXP will
be used to buy new Combos for Gabriel's Combat Cross, or open up new -
abilities from his Relics, as well as buying Art. However - after one
obtains everything: EXP is obsolete and is more of bragging right.

You can easily see how much EXP a Monster gives you, upon their slaying -

If you go in to Options > Extras > Combat Display > Experience Gain: ON



MAGIC METERS -


There are two Magic Meters found on the bottom left and right sides
of your screen/display. The left side is LIGHT MAGIC and the right -
will display SHADOW MAGIC.

If you have a hard time watching these, or need to watch these two meters
in two places at once (given the situation):</pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
Go in to Options > Extras > Combat Display > Gabriel's Health: ON

This will display both Light and Shadow Magic on the two verticle bars, that
will only be seen around the model of Gabriel if Magic stances are activated.

Note on the Color of these two side bars: It may look empty, but as you use -
attacks accordingly, it will drain. On Tier 2 Magic gains it will fill up.

There are Two Level of Tiers in terms of the Magic Meters. The first one you
shown is your NORMAL Meter. The 2nd Tier means you are over filled. Magic -
that is Overfillled will decrease slowly, or if used. This 2nd meter is in
place as you are progressing to fill the Meters up with their respected Five
Gems in order to increase their container. This is to prevent you from running
out of Magic.


COMBAT FOCUS METER -

This is displayed at hte bottom right of your screen. To read more on how -
Combat Focus is used (in-depth technical look) will be shown later in this
guide. The Meter itself is a set of runes, as it fills and you hit max -
Focus, you will begin to recieve Focus Gains (aka Elemental Orbs) that will
allow you to replenish both LIGHT and SHADOW Magic.

If you go to Options > Extras > Combat Display > Gabriel's Focus Gains: ON

This will display the main two mathematical applications to Focus Gain that
again: will be explained later in detail within this documents contents (so
don't worry for it as of right now.)

MOVEMENT -

Movement will play a very crucil role when not just only getting  around in -
the world of Lords of Shadow, but also is very important in combat engagment.
Sometimes (situational) it is better to Stand still or Walk slowly than one
simply Running around. However, Running/Sprinting does have its benefits.
This also applies to Jumping, Slipping, Dodging...etc

Here you will have the forms of movement in Lords of Shadow


         |Jump ---|Stomp
     |Somersault* (Cyclone Boots only)
    /
Stand<-> Walk <-> Run <-> Sprint* (Cyclone Boots only)
    \
         |Charge: Shoulder Charge* (Cyclone Boots Only) <-> Ultimate Shadow



Standing: Doing this will allow you to not only stay in a form of control of
allow
         a certain set of abilities, but it will also help you psyche out/trick
-
         the enemy/enemies you face.

Walking: Moving slowly makes you not only feel like a bad ass, in terms of the
        intimidation factor: it helps you maintain control of movement and of
        course certain abilities.


NOTE: Keep in mind that you do not have to Stand still or walk ALL the time as
     it is just a method to take in to consideration. You'll spend more time
     Running/Springing and Charging enemies.


Running: An excellent offensive and defensive tool. You move at a decent pace
        around enemies, or trying to back off and play more on the defensive.

Sprint: Faster than Running. This ability can only be performed after Gabriel
       acquires the Cyclone Boots. These boots will allow him to move around
       at very high speeds. Sprinting allows you to be even faster in terms -
       of Offensive and Defensive Play as well as trick/psyche out movement
       to confuse the enemy AI (artificial intelligence.) This also helps
       you with engaging further platforms or moving around an area much
       faster than before.

Charging: There are TWO Charge based abilities in game which come from Relics.
         They are known as Shoulder Charge and Ultimate Shadow. Both are not
         just used offensively but can also be used as a defense tool. For an
         example: Shoulder Charge can be used to either dodge attacks, get from
         the enemy and stay at a distance or cover ground as they run from you
         and you can easily cut them off.


                      ==========================
                      Chapter 10: Game Mechanics
                      ==========================
                            (CVLOSC-A4001)


The first and foremost thing one must take in to consideration, is that this
game has set of Rules when speaking of Combat and Mechanics during. These will
apply to all battle concepts (except the three (3) Titan fights.) In fact:
this game's combat style was not quite really seen in the Castlevania series.
When Lament of Innocence was released we got a very basic combat system that
kind of mimics this one, but wasn't on par with other games that did this -
style (including the LoS games!) There are a set of rules in this installment
and learning these rules easy to learn, but use to them to your advantage as
you play, becomes very tricky and hard to master.

Point being: this section in the guide is written and designed to eliminate them
certain problems you will come across while being able deliver more in combat -
with this information presented to you!

You must take advantage and master Resource Managment: LIGHT and SHADOW Magic -
meters, which will open up both methods of Offensive/Defensive Play while you,
do your own playstyle (or learning new ones!) in order to progress the story of
this Paladin. What this means is: You must become aware of your Health, Magic,
and Combat Focus Meter and last: Magic Consumption.

=======================================|
Health = Stam  Magic = LM or SM        |
Focus = CFM    Magic Consumpiton = MC  |
=======================================|


Reasoning to this is that the enemy has a unique form of of attacking in a one
on one fight, or attacking you with a group. But the main two concepts of the
AI still remains: Passive combat and Aggressive. In a Passive mode, enemies -
will not attack as often, and will most likely try to avoid conflict or run.
While, enemies in an Agressive Mode will rush (or zerg) you with brutal force.

Next we are going talk about enemy group tactics (this tends to be more so -
true in the Land of the Vampires. However, it still is present. When you are
surrounded by enemies, in a 360° fashion or they are behind/in front of you,
they will utiltize group tactics. Group tactics can be pack related, one enemy
could be destracting you (i.e make you think they are the main threat) while -
another (or two) come up from the sides or behind and attack you. This is just
an example. To really get a feel for group tactics from enemies: Play the game
as well as learn and get a feel.

As you must learn to develop movement trickery or "Psyche Out." when it comes
certain movesets, moving in general or skills. This will trick the enemy and
will ruin their group attack pattern, to switch to a new, which will either -
give you an advantage or give them one: so becareful! But be ware, the enemy
can too play the "Psyche Out" game and fool you in to making you do something
else, which will leave you open to attack. So when you really start to get a -
strong feel for playing Gabriel Belmont, you MUST ABSOLUTELY change up attack
patterns constantly. Button mashing will get you no where on the two hardest -
tiers of difficulty settings: Knight and Paladin. You must be able to approach
evil beings with Methods (old and new) and abilities to bring them down. So be
mindful of using TACTICS and STRATEGY as you must learn to use all of this as.
You face challanges in combat.


RULES/MECHANICS OF COMBAT  -

You will need to have a very good source guide (why are you reading this?!) -
and a good comprehension of the game's core battle rules and machanics. It is
this way, that one will see the system tied together in harmony; seeing a very
beautiful battle of slaughter. This section is designed to help you pay strict
attention to all key elements in order to survive 99.9% of all encounters in
out the whole game.

1. Always be on the Offensive and Defensive at the same time

  This is important as while playing the game you never want to have an idle
  mind. Offense and Defense is not only the most crucial, but the very keys
  to a winning battle engagement with the forces of evil. Either it be undead
  or a ghost! You must ALWAYS know when to switch from both forms of playing.
  And knowing when to either be strictly Offense or Defense, and vice versa
  for the play styles here. Always be en garde with the forces in this games
  world. So even if you manage the same combo/skill 80 times, the enemy will
  and shall eventually whack you upside the head a few times, thus causing a
  GAME OVER screen (you have been warned!)




  2. Visual/Audio. You are given certain key elements in this of being human.

  Sight and sound are very important when you are playing. Reason as to why I
  I put this in here is due the game's overall camera function (as it is not
  a full 360° one.) Sound will allow you to listen and keep track of where --
  the enemies are, thus knowing their direction of approach, while they are
  around you (and off screen in terms of combat engagement.) So keep this in
  mind: All creatures (that you fight) will make some sort of noise. Either -
  it be footsteps, breaking objects or screaming/growling.

  Your sight is important too, because you can use this as clue as well. At
  times you will need to pay attention to 5-8 creatures on screen (while some
  are off of it.) Doing this will allow you to keep an eye on enemy placement
  and advancement. An example is actually seeing them, or watching their the
  shadow that trails their body via light source. This will help you, giving
  you a signal to either:

  A. Keep Moving
  B. Make use of Evasion Techniques
  C. Understand attack openings of oppertunity
  D. Learning enemy's defensive patterns


  Sight and Sound will help improve your "feeling" for both the Offensive and
  Defensive playstyles and knowing which one to use more, or switch between.
  This will help spot out more vital clues as to when its your que to do your
  thing. Playing this way cannot be taught, it must be learned on your own.


CORE COMBAT CONCEPT RULES -


1. Blocking             12. Channeled Abilities
2. Block Breaker        13. Deny & Interception
3. Unblockable Attack   14. Quick Time Events (QTE)
4. Dodging              15. Status Aliment
5. Destablize           16. Damage Type (To be worked on)
6. Draw-In              17. Healing Type (To be worked on)
7. Knock Back           18. Magic Resource Managment (To be worked on)
8. Knock Down
9. Recovery
10. Crowd Cotrol (CC)
11. Area of Effect (AoE)


_____________
1. BLOCKING - There are two types of Blocking in Lords of Shadow that Gabriel
============= can use. The first one is a natural block, which basically will;
make an UBLOCKABLE Attack useless. Doing so will prevent damage recieved or -
a very, very, very small portion of damage is given (depending on who you are
fighting at the time.) The second type of Blocking is where it begins to SHINE
and that is called the Sychronized Block.

A Sychronized Block (if timed correctly) upon an enemy's first attack hit is -
done (which takes practice, but once down it's very easy!) You will hear a sound
que and a QTE circle that expands instead of collapses. When this happens the
one you are facing that did that attack is caught off guard and is Stunned for
One (1) Second. Here you can use attack normally with other attacks or make use
of the Direct Counter Attack or Area Counter Attack.

The Direct Counter is for single based targets, while the Area Counter is for
enemies that surround you (360° radius).

Make no mistake. Enemies can block attacks too! They just cannot do the Syhcro
blocks. Would be cool for game balance and would make combat more interesting.
However: could you imagine how crazy it would be to see enemies do that too?!
Now, keep in mind that enemies who CAN Block have a three (3) HIT rule. If you
hit them 3 times as they are guarded by their block, they will retaliate with -
an Unblockable Attack (Block Breaker) ability that you absolutely MUST try to
dodge/evade by whatever means possible.

More on Block Breaking next.

So my suggestion - Get used to blocking and a lot of it. Do not be lazy with -
such at all. Abuse the crap out of it, if you can, when you can and get a good
feel for Sychronized Blocking! (this will be imporant later in this guide.)

__________________
2. BLOCK BREAKER - A Block Breaker is a techique that happens normally at the
================== final hit of certain combos. Especially when no magic is -
activated (LIGHT & SHADOW). When an enemy Blocks your advancing attacks, as I
had mentioned hit them 3 times: they will retaliate with an Unblockable attack
counter. So always try to make sure (if you can, don't always have to do this)
that your final HIT of said combo in use (that grants the breaker.) within 3
hits, they will be either Knocked Back, or Knocked Down. Thus allowing you to
open up with more attacks.

With Shadow Magic however, attacks become stronger, yet they are not Critical
damage. It is also a damage boost. Now - Shadow Magic when applied to enemies
who Block, the first HIT via will ALWAYS do a Knock Back, while the actual -
Block Breaker itself, will not just do high damage (non-crit), but you will
also Knock Down the enemy.

Keep this in mind. Always remember the 3-HIT Rule when playing!

_______________________
3. UNBLOCKABLE ATTACK - This is what would be known as your Shadow Magic Block
======================= Breaker. However, to enemies this is an Unblockable. -
The attacks themselves are ones that Gabriel must evade/dodge to get away from
or you will take damage (massive damage on higher tiers of difficulty.) You -
will hear a high pitched RING sound followed by a glowing Shimmer to signal
yourself to get out of the way. You cannot do the following when an enemy is
going to do this kind of attack

1. Destablize
2. Knock Back
3. Knock Down

____________
4. DODGING - Dodging should be straight forward, however if you do not know
============ what that is, it simply means to get out of the way and evade
an attack. There are two techiques you will use for dodging/evasion. That is
the DODGE (rolling) and STOMP abilities.  You will also acquire more advanced
evasive abilities - read below for more!


==============================================
DODGE -
PS3: (Hold) L2 + Left Stick (direction pushed)
360: (Hold) LT + Left Stick (same as above)
PC:
==============================================

DODGE is your ground based evasion ability, which will more commonly be used -
to evade Unblockable attacks.


==============================================
STOMP - (while in the Air)
PS3: (Hold) L2 + X
360  (Hold) LT + A
PC:
===============================================

STOMP is your Air based evasion, which quickly and harshly drops Gabriel to
the ground at a high speed. This is to avoid Aerial Hits by enemies if you -
find yourself airborne. The drop down is so hard, you hear it STOMP and can
actually Knock Back Smaller Enemies if they are under you as descending.


===============================================
SOMERSAULT -
Needed Relic(s): Cyclone Boots
PS3: L2 + X
360: LT + ABSOLUTELY
================================================

SOMERSAULT allows you to flip leap over an enemy and land behidn them, allows
them to be exposed from the back as you open up with Somersault Strike or the
other attack chains from your Combat Cross (more on this later.)

The other Dodging tools are abilities you need to think outside of the box to
make full use of them! (will explain further in the guide!)

_______________
5. DESTABLIZE - This is an enemy animation that shows the enemy is slightly
stunned or knocked off stunned
=============== while trying to do an attack. It is a 0.10 stun that allows you
to keep targets CC'd via
certain Combat Cross combos or sets them up for a Knock Back/Knock Down strike.

____________
6. DRAW IN - Attacks such as: Air Grab, Flying Kick, Erosive Chains and of
============ course - Ground Cutter are Draw-In Attacks. Which means they
can either bring the enemies closer to Gabriel, or he closer to them.

_______________
7. KNOCK BACK - A Knock Back is when you hit an enemy with under certain
=============== conditions or use certain abilities to push them back. An
absolute good form of Crowd Control (CC) Here is a list of Combos/Abilities
that allow Knock Backs!

1. Explosive Daggers (can either grant a Knock Back or Knock Down)
2. Area Counterstrike (Use Shadow Magic to make it stronger.)
3. Circular Chain (Use SHADOW Magic to make it stronger.)
4. Holy Water Flask
5. Earthquake Punch (Light/Medium Chann; Smaller/Weaker Medium enemies only.)
6. Landslide Punch (Light/Medium Chann; Smaller/Weaker Medium enemies only.)
7. Shoulder Charge (Certain Conditions apply; SHADOW Magic only!)
8. Shadow Flames
9. Air Wave Flap


_______________
8. KNOCK DOWN - Knock Downs are generated via Block Breakers or other powers.
=============== When an enemy is knocked down, it will leave them exposed to
more deadlier forms of damage than them standing up. Normally easier to do -
when you Destable an enemy, but you will commonly find that Block Breaking is
an easier method. Certain abilities do grant Knock Downs, but keep in mind not
all enemies can be Knocked Down.

1. 3-HIT RULE with SHADOW MAGIC
2. Final Hit of Attacks with a Block Breaker
3. Holy Water Flask (some enemies)
4. Explosive Daggers (SHADOW Magic Only!)
5. Dagger Wave (SHADOW Magic makes it stronger!)
6. Light Faries
7. Holy Water Flask
8. Sprint Thrust (SHADOW Magic makes it stronger!)
9. Tremor Punch (Full Charge/SHADOW Magic for instant)
10. Earthquake Punch (Full Charge/SHADOW Magic for instant)
11. Shoulder Charge (Certain Conditions apply; SHADOW Magic only!)
12. Air Wave Flap
13. Landslide Punch (Full Charge/SHADOW Magic for instant)
14. Flame Claws

_____________
9. RECOVERY - This is what I call the Recovery period/phase, which not only
============= applies to Gabriel, but the terrors he faces as well. This --
starts as soon as Gabriel (or a Monster) suffers from a Knock Down. As with
Monsters, they get up in a certain amount of seconds, but for Gabriel, this
can be life or death, as it leaves him exposed to attack. So in order to
RECOVER from a KNOCK DOWN -

PS3: X
360: A
PC:

_______________________
10. Crowd Cotrol (CC) - This is a very important concept, method and techique
======================= to yield. When facing enemies in all directions, one
who masters and wields this form of play can pull off many daring feats. CC
is something one must learn by example and learning it yourself and then --
coming up with your own techiques to do this.

CC in Lords of Shadow comes in Five ways.

1. Destablizing
2. Knock Backs
3. Rooting (Fairies)
4. Blind (LIGHT Magic aliment ability.)
5. Pure Stun (Cannot move, looks Greyed out and flashes; QTE close attk only!)

This allowed you to control and manipulate the enemies around you. But what --
does this all mean?

A. Destablize (light stutter stun)

B. Knock Backs (as explained above)

C. Rooting (is when you pin an enemy in place so they cannot move.)

D. Blind (is a Light Stun mechanic, the Enemy cannot see, so therefore not
        (move. Over time: the effect will dimenish and stop. Just one [1])
                (Hit will cancel out the blind Aliment yet grants a Crittical
hit!)


___________________________
11. AREA OF EFFECT (AoE) - Is also important, as Gabriel comes with a TON of
=========================== it. These abilities are either damaging or reward
-ing in Crowd Control. Basically what an AoE is, is an ability that is used in
normally a 360° radius (a circle around the player.) Here are a list of AoE -
based attacks and of course crowd control in no true order.



1. Area Attack
2. Area Attack Combo
3. Rising Assault
4. Area Counterstrike
5. Circular Chain
6. Dark Crystal
7. Holy Water Flask
8. Earthquake Punch
9. Flame Dragontail
10. Holy Jump
11. Light Flash (close ranged enemies)
12. Landslide Punch
13. Erosive Chains
14. Whirlwind Flap
15. Air Wave Flap
16. Holy Jump
17. Exploding Quake



_________________________
12. Channeled Abilities - The only abilities you need o worry of that can be -
========================= channeled (via cast bar) are from the Dark Guanlet
attacks. But if you use SHADOW magic with Dark Gauntlet abilities it is an
instant cast.

_________________________
13. Deny & Interception - This is rather simple. A Deny will be there from the
========================= start of the game. Enemy forces while attack crates,
candles, barrels...etc To destroy them. Doing so will prevent an item spawn of
Secondary Weapon ammo. This is called a Deny. So becareful of this!

Interceptions do not start until the Vampire territory and they will be only -
do this. Intercepting happens in two fashions. One is that Gabriel is facing
and fighting a single Vampire, while one from the sides (that surrond him) can
sweep in and grab you to bite you. The other is when you Sychronize Block one
of them, and that very one will negate that quick stun, grab then try to bite
you. Both trigger a QTE sequence. To counter the Sychro Block one, make use of
LIGHT FLASH's Blind Mechanic if you are going to be fighting Vampires...


__________________________
10. QUICK TIME EVENT (QTE) - This mechanic is very interesting and has been a
==========================   a lot of games prior before this. But in LoS this
type of "QTE" will force you to acctually pay attention while in combat. This -
is the reason why you will encounter so many of them: The designers want you to
be on your toes! And if one is not careful and fail at the use of a QTE one can
either take major damage (difficulty depending) or an instant death.

QTE(s) will happen in two ways -

A. Button Bashing            B. QTE Circle

A. Button Bashing QTE

The button mashing QTE is easy. But the Circle QTE poses a problem for some of
the players who are new to the game. The circle is very simple to understand -
The Circle will appear and will begin to collapse around a ring. This will form
a more inner ring and will continue to collapse in the center.

To tie it down a bit:

1. Do not press a button while the circle is forming - this will break it.
2. Press a button when the ring is inside the circle.
3. If you fail to press a button while the ring is inside and collapses to the
  center, it will break thus a failure in a Circle QTE.



____________________
9. Status Alignments - This does take place in LoS and is a very serious issue
====================   when it comes to combat. If one is not too careful, one
may end up with a Game Over. There a few different types of status' you need to
be aware of -

A. Poison - This can happen from either Spider venom to the green Gas Clouds of
           a Ghoul. When you are inflicted with posion your health bar will no
           longer be of green in color, instead, purple. When this happens the
           protagonist will not only just receive damage over time, but this -
           will grant a foe a damage increase. There are two ways to be rid of
           such terror: Wait it out or switch on Light Magic if you have any -
           energy.

B. Regeneration - This applies to only three creatures: Vampires, Ghouls and of
                 course Skeletons. This cycle can take place any time but will
                 only seriously happen if they have substained enough damage -
                 thus: a retreat.


B1. Vampires: if burned by any form of light (Sun or Holy) will then begin to
             flash a red aura around them. This a sign that they are restoring
             minor health. This can also happen if one just happens to grab a
             a hold of you and bite you.

B2. Ghouls: The only way for a Ghoul to regenerate health is by eating (if any)
           corpses around them. When they have reached about 50% health when -
           in this phase, they will begin to emmit their gas fumes (which is a
           sign that a Posion Cloud may take form.)

B3. Skeletons: Upon their first take down they will fall to the ground. When it
              happens, the player will only have a short amount of time to do
              a ground based attack in order to seperate and destroy the bones
              and if one fails: They will reanimate back to 45%-50% of their
              total Hit Points.

C. Blind - Need not worry this is only something YOU can do! It will provide a
          very short form of CC known as BLIND, which will lock an enemy in -
          a place, thus opening them up for attack. Did I also mention that it
          also grants an increase to damage?


D. Stun - This only happens when an enemy flashes grey and will have a symbol
         over their heads. When this happens you will be able to perform one
         of the awesome QTEs or a Quick Finisher.

E. Dizzy - This only happens to Skeletons after they have performed an attack
          that looks like a tornado.




                      ============================
                      Chapter 11: The Intermediate
                      ============================
                            (CVLOSC-A6001)




Chapter 11: The Intermediate

Here in this section, I am going to touch down the basic understanding on how
you are going to manage resources within the games overall combat system and -
of course the mechanics. This system is in place for good reason and is very,
very important to understand it as quickly as possible. As it will help this
Paladin unleash his wrath on the creatures and evils that confront and will
challange him.

Here you will get an indepth understanding of Combat Focus, Focus Gains, as -
well as Light and Shadow Magic stances.  You will begin to see the more techn
-ical aspects of the HUD (Heads Up Display) and how to manage all main stuff
that this game can throw at you via the numbering system. You will need a -
good eye, and feel on how to accomplish said task as you begin to understand
this section.



=======================
Combat Focus and Gains
=======================

Combat Focus is a tool that when you fully generate all runes on the lower hal
-f of the screen, you will become Focused, when this happens: any enemy that -
you have Gabriel attack will begin to spawn/spam Elemental Orbs which will in
turn be used to continue your magic supply of both Light and Shadow attacks.
This system itself is based around a nubering system, but before I get in to
all that, you must take a serious note on how to properly use Focus Gains.


1. The only way you can begin to acquire Focus Gians is when you ONLY you confr
-ont an enemy or group of enemies directly. There is no other way around this.
You cannot, and I mean ABSOLUTELY do NOT keep mashing the same combo over and
over again (well, you can if ya want to, but...) If you have Focus Meter gains
turned on - you will see a numbering system set wtih runes. Using a particular
number pattern (depending on the enemy type/size you face.) will determine -
your gains.

Gains are also effected by Difficulty level. So keep in that in mind as you
continue to play. Now - there are a few penalities involdeed with  this actual
system, in which it is not even spoken upon. This you need to be aware of. Even
though I highly suggest not getting real on it (however, it is my hobby to do
this for you anyways!)


2. There is a set of rules in place when it comes to Combat Focus and its gain
system. Here is a direct list of the rules you must abide by in order to make
sure you have an endless supply of magic at your need.


A. Magic (activating Light or Shadow) will always drop your meter down to a -
  rotatio of -0.5% in which will pause your gains compeltely until magic has
  been deactivated. From there, use attacks to regain that lost ratio to -
  allow the meter to generate the Elemental Orbs again.




B. Any direct hit taken from an enemy will reset your gain to 0%.


C. Gains are halted when an enemy is blocking your attack.


E. Repeating the same combo will punish you of your Gain growth



=============================
Focus Gain Colors/Punishment
=============================

Now that you understand the core basics, we will begin to talk about the
numbers and their color representation.


Blue Number(s): This means you are Gaining very high. Thsi will only be seen
               when you perform a Synchronize Block.


White Number(s): This means you are Gaining at a normal pace. Meaning, that -
                you are doing an excellent job! You are mixing up the attack
                patterns/combos and never use the same attack repeatively.


Yellow Number(s): This is a warning to Gaining. Focus Focus will also be -
                slightly restricted. This means you're using an attack
                too many times on an enemy, and you must change it up.

Red Numbers(s): This means you are being given a 100% restriction on Gains
               and are now losing Gains. In other words - you keep using
               the same attacks, stop button mashing! Learn some combos!


No Number(s) - This when you fail to listen to Yellow or Red warnings. This in
              face prevents you for a given time from gaining Combat Focus.
              There is also anothe reason: An over all game balance that -
              prevents you from Gaining too quickly.



======================
Focus Gains in Detail
======================

Note that this portion is just theoretical data from attacking just one random
enemy. Keep in mind that gain generation changes from enemy to enemy and of -
course the game's set difficulty level. Here you will see a chart that will
give you a basic undrstanding by what attack gains a certain amount of Combat
Focus!

* = N/A
R = Random or Color Penalty


==========o             1 2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
Combo Name|     Hit -|1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
__________|_________________________________________.
Direct Attack Combo  |20 30 40 50 60 *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Area Attack Combo    |10 20 R  R   R  30 35 * *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Rising Strike        |20 10 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Rising Assault       |10 10 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Direct Counterstrike |60 70 80 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Guillotine           |50 120 150  *  *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Spinning Chain       |70 70 90 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Air Grab             |60 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Downward Punch       |80 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Flying Kick          |60 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * *   |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Area Counterstrike   |45 50 60 75 80 *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Direct Heavy Combo   |20 100 *  * *  *  *  *  160   |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Chain Barrier        |25 25 25  R R  R  R  R  150   |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Circular Chain       |10 40 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------O------------------------------o
Chain Saw            |20 40 85 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Ground Cutter        |120 150 50 R R R  R  R  R  R  |
---------------------o------------------------------o
Somersault Strike    |50  60  70 80 * *  *  *  *  * |
---------------------o------------------------------o

And believe it or not, there are also other ways to allow Gain! The only one tr
-ue issue is that theses listed abilities below will only allow Gain every Five
to 8 seconds.

____________.
Ability Name| Hit -|  1     2
____________|___________________.
Grab A          |     40    *   |
--------------------------------o
Grab B          |     40    *   |
----------------o---------------o
Stomp           |     40    *   |
----------------o---------------o
Silver Dagger   |     10    *   |
----------------o---------------o
Light Fairy     |     40    40  |
----------------o---------------o
Holy Water Flask|     50        |
----------------o---------------o
Kick/Punch QTE  |     40        |
----------------o---------------o


____________,
Relic Powers| Hit-|1  2   3   4
_________________________________.
Tremor Punch     |50  60  70  80 |
-----------------o---------------o
Earthquake Punch |20  30  40  *  |
-----------------o---------------o
Flame Dragontail |50  *   *   *  |
-----------------o---------------o
Sprint Thrust    |30  80  *   *  |
-----------------o---------------O
Landslide Punch  |30  40 70  80  |
-----------------o---------------o
Avalanche Punch  |30  40 70  80  |
-----------------o---------------o
Upward Guillotine|20  10 120 *   |
-----------------o---------------|
Whirlwind Flap   |10  10 120  *  |
-----------------o---------------o
Air Wave Flap    |50  50  *  *   |
-----------------o---------------


Now that you understand a bit how Combat Focus works... Let's talk....


===============================
Magic: Art of Light and Shadow
===============================

You have three stances of attack in Lords of Shadow, one is a natural stance in
which
Gabriel does not have any Magic activated. Light Magic (when Gabriel turns blue
upon
being turned on) will Heal himself on giving out damage, but keep in mind that
the
damage is the same as the normal stance.

Shadow Magic increases your attack power (when he turns Red), both come with a
lot
of unique abilities only centered around that magic type.

There are two level 2's of magic meter. However, the 2nd  tier, you probbaly
don't
really want to pay attention to. It's only design is to make sure that you do
NOT
run out of magic at early levels, when you still need to collect items to
further
how much magic you can carry/wield.

When attacking with Light Magic, if your health is full - you will not lose any
Light Magic power, but when you do need to use it, it will deplete itself.

When attacking in Shadow Magic, it will deplete itself regardless.



There now you have it. It's pretty simple to manage the sub weapons you will -
find on your journey.


                      ========================
                      Chapter 12: The Advanced
                      ========================
                          (CVLOSC-A7001)

By now you should be familiar with Basic and Middle class areas of play. In -
the next final chapters, you will be shown ways to advance your skill set with
the aid of Combat Tree's and furthering your skills (aka abilities) as you play
as Gabriel Belmont.




Basic Actions
            \                                       / Relic powers
                          Movement > Resources > Attack Method - Secondary
Weapons
Game Mechanics/                      |Offensive Play  \ Combos
                                    |Defensive Play


Once this tree is fully grasp'd, make your way to the Beastiary and study
Secondary Weaknesses, Enemy Sizes and Difficulty.


With this knowledge you will begin to understand how simple the game really
can be. This is a rather short chapter (and more so can be added later in
the future, when if this is a final version.)









                      =======================
                      Chapter 13: Combo Trees
                      =======================
                          (CVLOS-A70002)

This section you will find a set of combo trees that will not only make use of
advanced combo attacks (from the Combat Cross) but also Relic Powers when one
makes use of Light/Shadow Magics. Each tree I have personally broken down to
make sure each theory in the tree actually works and benefits you in combat.
So enjoy!







                      Erosive Chains Tactics
                      ----------------------

Contrary to that belief that this ability is useless and or is only good for
massive AoE healing that Gabriel can recieve, it is in fact weak unless you -
have a lot of Light Magic that can be consumed, plus: A lot of enemies that
are in it's pull radius. Erosive Chains is a Offensive/Defensive tool and if
used correctly, can be far more deadlier than what it appears to be to Smaller
and Medium based enemies (that can suffer from it's Draw In effect.)



.  .   .

   O
.      .

Imagine the dots are six enemies, if one does Erosive chains it does this!

...
.o. It will Draw In these enemies and destablize them for further combos!



Light Magic or Shadow Magic <-> Circular Chain
           |
           |
           \ Erosive Chains
           ^                \
           |                 \
           v                  Rising Strike or Rising Assault
                                                     |
                                                     |Holy Water (In Air)
           ^
           |
           |
            \ Erosive Chains
             \
               Light Magic
                          |
                          |Holy Water (Grounded)


This combo tree is designed as not only an offensive attack, but also going in
on defensive play. The final attack (with Light Magic) and Holy Water will cas
-t Devine Shield which protects Gabriel from direct damage.
===





Shadow Magic
           \
            |Circular Chain
                           \Light Magic
                           |
                           | Erosive Chains


The idea behind this combo is to use Circular Chain to push back enemies that
around you from all sides, then to finish off with Erosive Chain's AoE pull
can and will group them all together.

This can also cancel out an enemy's Unblockable (Block Breaker) Attack, as they
are being pulled towards you. However, you must get Erosive Chains off quickly
enough to do this.
===


Shadow Magic
           \
            |Circular Chain
                            \Light Magic
                                       |
                                        |Erosive Chains (Draw In)
                                                \
                                                 Shadow Magic
                                                             |
                                                            /
                                                            |Shoulder Charge
                                                            |
                                                             \Light Magic
                                                              \Holy Cross




Shadow Magic
           \
            |Circular Chain
                            \Light Magic
                                        |
                                        |Erosive Chains (Draw In)
                                         |
                                          Shadow Magic
                                                |
                                               /
                                               Shoulder Charge|
                                                              |
                                                               \Shadow Magic
                                                                 \Shadow Flames

The concept in this tree is to use Circular Chain's Knock Back with the use -
of Shadow Magic in mind, while using it's Knock Back to destablize enemies and
keep them controlled, while quickly switching to Light Magic and Drawing In --
the entire group, while Shoulder Charging away from said group and then finish
-ing them off with Holy Cross, as the light from this attack will not only bur
-n them but lock them in place because they suffer from a Blind. In the second
tree it is noted you can subtract Light Magic, for Shadow Magic in it's place
and line up enemies for a Shadow Flames attack, which will push them back furt
-her and will deal serious damage.


The second tree in this replaces Holy Cross with Shadow Flames
===


Shadow Magic
           \
            |Circular Chain
                           \Light Magic
                                       \Erosive Chain
                                               |_ Raising Assult
                                               |
                                                \Whirlwind Flap
                                                 |  =
                                                 |Holy Jump


You can also apply the other main CC Blinds with the tree's below.



Shadow Magic
            \
            |Circular Chain <-> Light Magic
                                           \Erosive Chain
                                                         |Flame Dragon Tail
                                                         |^--- minor cast
                                                          \Air Wave Flap-
                                                              |      =
                                                              |Holy Jump






Shadow Magic
            \
             |Circular Chain <-> Light Magic
                                           \Erosive Chain
                                                          \Rising Strike
                                                           |Upward Guillotine
                                                                  | =

                                                                  |Holy Jump





Shadow Magic
            \
             |Circular Chain <-> Light Magic
                                            \Erosive Chain
                                                          \Synchronized Block
                                                          |     =
NOTE: This last chain attack: Under certain conditions!    |Light Flash



The next point of this chain attack is Draw enemies in an area you want them
to be.  So stand in a place where what desire location you choose in order to
perform this next (This will take practice as you MUST have a mastery over
the Shoulder Charge ability and how it works.)

Light Magic
          \Erosive Chains
                         \Shoulder Charge


This is a crowd control chain attack if used correctly.



Shadow Magic
           \Shoulder Charge
                           \Light Magic
                                       \Holy Cross

(repeatable)


This attack is designed to keep Gabriel at a distance and make use of the Holy
burning. Can be repetitive for a very mean tactic that keeps enemies at bay.





                      Holy Cross Tactics
                      ------------------



Fairy (a 2nd/3rd Fairy is optional/depending)
    \Light Magic
                \
                 Chain Saw
                          \Holy Cross


This Combo is designed to keep one to three (1 - 3) enemies crowd controlled -
while you not only do a quick/fast Heal from the power of Light Magic, but can
also sets them up for a rooted Holy Cross attack.


Shadow Magic
           \Flame Daggers
                        \Holy Cross


This move is meant to destablize a target, knock them down or force them to do
-dge said attack from Flame Daggers. Once this happens make full use of Holy C
=ross, as this keeps them at a distance.



Somersault
         \Light Magic
                     \Holy Cross


This tactic allows for Gabriel to quickly get behind an enemy or
group of enemies and preform the deadly attack.


Light Magic
          \Erosive Chains
                         \Holy Cross


This will draw in enemies, thus when ended two of them will spread back out,
thus allowing you more time to use Holy Cross (a set up if you will)



Shadow Magic
           \
            |Circular Chain
                            \Light Magic
                                       |
                                       |Erosive Chains (Draw In)
                                       \
                                        Shadow Magic
                                              |
                                             /
                                            |Shoulder Charge
                                            |
                                             \Light Magic
                                              \Holy Cross


Shadow Magic
           \
            |Circular Chain
                            \Light Magic
                                        |
                                        |Erosive Chains (Draw In)
                                              \
                                               Shadow Magic
                                               |
                                              /
                                              |Shoulder Charge|
                                                              |
                                                              \Shadow Magic
                                                               \Shadow Flames


The concept in this tree is to use Circular Chain's Knock Back with the use -
of Shadow Magic in mind, while using it's Knock Back to destablize enemies and
keep them controlled, while quickly switching to Light Magic and Drawing In the
entire group, while Shoulder Charging away from said group and then finishing -
them off with Holy Cross, as the light from this attack will not only burn them
but lock them in place because they suffer from a Blind. In the second tree it
is noted you can subtract Light Magic, for Shadow Magic in it's place and line
up enemies for a Shadow Flames attack, which will push them back further and
will deal serious damage.










                      ===================
                      Chapter 15: The End
                      ===================
                        (CVLOSC-E4000)



After 10 years - (well 7 years from my orignal guide) the overhaul is now
finished. Still more to come for this guide I am aware of, but that is --
the updates are for!

I really hope you have enjoyed the guide tutorial and how expensive and of
coruse technical the combat system found within this game can be. If you
wish to help add on to this guide, you can e-mail me (which can be found
in the contact section.) Credit will be a given!

Thanks!

Time to go back to killing the Creatures of the Night!




                      ======================
                      Chapter 16: The Author
                      ======================
                                       (CVLOSC-E4001)

Originally under the alias jestercolony (now necroticgg). Not much is really
a thing for me, as I do not like talking about myself. I'm a nerd, a techie,
and scifi/space opera/horror junky (films) and novels. I am also a huge music
lover, as I am a guitarist (mainly death metal.) and have been playing a long
time at a professional level. My music taste can go from Classical, to Jazz
to metal.

I am also a hardcore gamer. I started on the NES (just as many) and began my
way as I got older.

My favorite top 5 series are - (no order.)

1. Castlevania
2. Metal Gear (Solid)
3. Final Fantasy
4. The Legend of Zelda
5. Metroid
6. Ninja Gaiden
7. Doom
8. Prince of Persia
9. The Journeyman Project
10. Star Wars (Games)




                                   ====================
                                   Chapter 16: The FAQs
                                   ====================
                                      (CVLOSC-E4002)


Q1: Does upgrading Gabriel's Combat Cross increase his damage?
A: No.

Q2: My game radnomly crashes!
A: This is a bug found on the console and PC ports. This happens by pressing
  too many button configurations for combos. The game has to keep up with
  how many buttons you push via APM (Actions per minute) going over the -
  thresh hold can cause this.


Have a question on Lords of Shadow Combat? Contact me! (via the contact area
of this guide, which can be found at: CVLOSC-I2001



                                   =========================
                                   Chapter 17: Credits/Shout
                                   =========================
                                       (CVLOSC-E4003)


Credit -

Hideo Kojima: For green lighting the reboot Castlevania project.

Konami & Mercury Steam: For making such an amazing reboot trilogy.

Who (The Tank): Thanks for helping me do early theory crafting on the early
               guides and soe minor ideas. :)



Shout outs -

GameFAQS: For Hosting this guide.

The Castlevania Dungeon Community (oldest Castlevania fansite on the net.)

Outer Heaven (largest fangroup of Metal Gear Solid gamers/fans.)

YOU!: Yeah you, you know who you are. You're reading this now!

My last few Playstation 3 controllers and X-box 1 Controller;;: You will be
missed. Rest in peace.



- fin

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