Strider Wiki
Register
Tag: sourceedit
mNo edit summary
Tag: sourceedit
Line 17: Line 17:
 
'''Kirin''' ({{J|麒麟<キリン>|}}, officially romanized '''Killing'''<ref name=ADW>Game Area 51 (May 29, 2011). "Utata Kiyoshi Artdot Works" (Japanese). Pg. 16.</ref>) is the main protagonist in [[Isuke|Kouichi Yotsui]]'s ''[[Osman]]'', his "irregular" sequel to the original ''[[Strider (CPS-1)|Strider]]''. He's called '''Osman''' in the English version.
 
'''Kirin''' ({{J|麒麟<キリン>|}}, officially romanized '''Killing'''<ref name=ADW>Game Area 51 (May 29, 2011). "Utata Kiyoshi Artdot Works" (Japanese). Pg. 16.</ref>) is the main protagonist in [[Isuke|Kouichi Yotsui]]'s ''[[Osman]]'', his "irregular" sequel to the original ''[[Strider (CPS-1)|Strider]]''. He's called '''Osman''' in the English version.
   
Kirin is an elite warrior of [[Teki]], a mercenary unit whose members boosts incredible physical prowess and skill, referring to themselves as "weapons"<ref name=gamest/><ref name=ADW/>. Among them Kirin stands as a top class fighter expert in hand-to-hand combat, having succeeded a secret style of martial arts<ref name=gamest/>. Silent and stoic, Kirin is a man of little words but strong determination, stopping at nothing to accomplish his goal. He also seems to possess a strong sense of duty as he can't stand being betrayed, revealing a violent and vengeful side to him.
+
Kirin is an elite warrior of [[Teki]], a mercenary unit whose members boast incredible physical prowess and skill, referring to themselves as "weapons"<ref name=gamest/><ref name=ADW/>. Among them Kirin stands as a top class fighter expert in hand-to-hand combat, having succeeded a secret style of martial arts<ref name=gamest/>. Silent and stoic, Kirin is a man of little words but strong determination, stopping at nothing to accomplish his goal. He also seems to possess a strong sense of duty as he can't stand being betrayed, revealing a violent and vengeful side to him.
   
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
Line 40: Line 40:
 
As many elements of ''Osman'' are similar to ''Strider'', Kirin's design and backstory are very reminiscent of [[Hiryu]]'s: both are the top agents of mercenary-like organizations (Teki and the [[Striders]], respectively) with a claimed descendance from ancient ninja, consummate professionals of few words, experts of close melee combat and both their styles are listed as "Taijutsu". As another small nod to Hiryu, a possible reading of the kanji for Kirin's fighting style ({{J|秘流の体術|Hi-ryū no Taijutsu}}) is a homophone for "Hiryu's Taijutsu". Kirin's fluid animations took a huge amount of data and extended over 1600 different sprite patterns<ref>Game Area 51 (May 29, 2011). "Utata Kiyoshi Artdot Works" (Japanese). Pg. 23.</ref>; a similar situation happened with Hiryu as Yotsui stated his animations used the amount they'd use in two games at the time.<ref name=RetroGamer>Jones, Darran (24 Apr 2010). "The Making of... Strider". ''Retro Gamer'' (76). pp. 48-53. </ref>
 
As many elements of ''Osman'' are similar to ''Strider'', Kirin's design and backstory are very reminiscent of [[Hiryu]]'s: both are the top agents of mercenary-like organizations (Teki and the [[Striders]], respectively) with a claimed descendance from ancient ninja, consummate professionals of few words, experts of close melee combat and both their styles are listed as "Taijutsu". As another small nod to Hiryu, a possible reading of the kanji for Kirin's fighting style ({{J|秘流の体術|Hi-ryū no Taijutsu}}) is a homophone for "Hiryu's Taijutsu". Kirin's fluid animations took a huge amount of data and extended over 1600 different sprite patterns<ref>Game Area 51 (May 29, 2011). "Utata Kiyoshi Artdot Works" (Japanese). Pg. 23.</ref>; a similar situation happened with Hiryu as Yotsui stated his animations used the amount they'd use in two games at the time.<ref name=RetroGamer>Jones, Darran (24 Apr 2010). "The Making of... Strider". ''Retro Gamer'' (76). pp. 48-53. </ref>
   
Kirin's ability to create [[Plasma Whirlwind|blades of energy]] with his kicks, however, is the same as used by [[Tong Pooh]] and the [[Kuniang]] sisters, and explicity inspired by them as Yotsui designed Kirin based on the idea he was related to the "Tong Pooh clan".<ref name=LSCM>Scion; Dire 51 (24 April 2010). [http://lscmainframe.kontek.net/features/kyotsui.html "Interview with Kouichi "Isuke" Yotsui".] LSCM 4.0. Translated by Gaijin Punch. Accessed 24 Oct 2010.</ref>
+
Kirin's ability to create [[Plasma Whirlwind|blades of energy]] with his kicks, however, is the same as used by [[Tong Pooh]] and the [[Kuniang]] sisters, and explicitly inspired by them as Yotsui designed Kirin based on the idea he was related to the "Tong Pooh clan".<ref name=LSCM>Scion; Dire 51 (24 April 2010). [http://lscmainframe.kontek.net/features/kyotsui.html "Interview with Kouichi "Isuke" Yotsui".] LSCM 4.0. Translated by Gaijin Punch. Accessed 24 Oct 2010.</ref>
   
[[File:Osman_kirin_figure.png|thumb|Kirin is seen taking the shape of a Qilin during the intro sequence]]The Kirin or [[wikipedia:Qilin|Qilin]] is an Asian mythological creature often associated with the unicorn, said to bring prosperity to those who see it and to appear when a ruler is about to arrive or depart. This could be symbolic in Kirin's nature as the one who dehtrones Slaver and seemingly takes her place, with the Earth placed as the prize of their duel. The Qilin are also known for their peaceful nature, a stark contrast with Kirin's violent and vengeful behavior, accentuated by the fact his name is meant to be spelled "Killing".
+
[[File:Osman_kirin_figure.png|thumb|Kirin is seen taking the shape of a Qilin during the intro sequence]]The Kirin or [[wikipedia:Qilin|Qilin]] is an Asian mythological creature often associated with the unicorn, said to bring prosperity to those who see it and to appear when a ruler is about to arrive or depart. This could be symbolic in Kirin's nature as the one who dethrones Slaver and seemingly takes her place, with the Earth placed as the prize of their duel. The Qilin are also known for their peaceful nature, a stark contrast with Kirin's violent and vengeful behavior, accentuated by the fact his name is meant to be spelled "Killing".
   
 
His English name [[wikipedia:Osman_(name)|Osman]] is the Persian or Turkish transcript of the Arabic Uthman, possibly used to relate him with the Persian-based setting of the first two stages.
 
His English name [[wikipedia:Osman_(name)|Osman]] is the Persian or Turkish transcript of the Arabic Uthman, possibly used to relate him with the Persian-based setting of the first two stages.

Revision as of 20:19, 27 April 2017

Kirin (麒麟<キリン>, officially romanized Killing[2]) is the main protagonist in Kouichi Yotsui's Osman, his "irregular" sequel to the original Strider. He's called Osman in the English version.

Kirin is an elite warrior of Teki, a mercenary unit whose members boast incredible physical prowess and skill, referring to themselves as "weapons"[1][2]. Among them Kirin stands as a top class fighter expert in hand-to-hand combat, having succeeded a secret style of martial arts[1]. Silent and stoic, Kirin is a man of little words but strong determination, stopping at nothing to accomplish his goal. He also seems to possess a strong sense of duty as he can't stand being betrayed, revealing a violent and vengeful side to him.

Story

Osman layzon intro

Jack Layzon gives Kirin his mission

Kirin was summoned by the Federal General Attorney, Jack Layzon, to take on a mission. Receiving him on his quarters on Prague, Layzon requests him to recover the middle-eastern city of Gran from a terrorist cult named "Slaver"[1][2]. Kirin infiltrates the city and confronts the cult's forces, eventually arriving at their main temple and defeating Herio, a being of fire. Just then, however, Jack Layzon suddenly appears with a large police force and, using all the destruction caused by Kirin and the cult's battle as legal excuse, has the cultists arrested. As Kirin's part on his plan is over, Layzon then has his men shoot him.


Osman stage3

Kirin in the desert of Bafua

When he wakes up, Kirin finds himself chained to a rock in a desert. Narrowly escaping becoming food for a large monster, Kirin decides to head back to Prague in order to exact revenge on Layzon. Traveling through a Federal mining complex under the desert, Kirin discovers his former allies from Teki want to kill him as well, and kills the first in battle. Kirin then joins a band of pirates to cross the Indian Ocean, where they are chased by a Federal warship and Kirin is suddenly assisted by the goddess Slaver, who recognizes his desire to kill and gives him her permission to kill freely[3]. He also faces and kills the second member of Teki.

Upon reaching the mainland, Kirin enters the "Forest of Memory", a place known for the strange effects it has on people's perception of past and present. Here he faces the last surviving Teki, who reveals he has killed Kirin in a previous battle, and tries to make him remember that moment. Upon winning in the memory, however, it is revealed this was a false "scenario" manufactured by the Teki in an attempt to kill Kirin. With all enemies out of the way, Kirin arrives at Prague and finally faces Jack Layzon, but at the last moment his revenge is denied when Slaver appears and murders the traitor in front of him.

Osman slaver vs kirin

The final battle

Slaver calls to Kirin to come to her, "his master", apparently believing he has been tamed (or "enslaved"). Kirin's bloodthirst, however, grows even stronger and he eventually targets Slaver herself instead[4]. Slaver sends in a clone of Kirin and ressurects all three Teki, but Kirin kills them all and reaches her. Slaver finally confronts Kirin in a duel to determine who is the strongest, with Earth standing as the prize[5]. Slaver goes all out against Kirin, but in the end she's defeated. It appears Slaver's hold over Earth is over as she sheds a tear and dies, while still proclaiming her godhood. Kirin then proclaims himself the superior god.

Skills and Abilities

Main article: Osman#Techniques
Osman kirin kick

Kirin's strikes can obliterate his targets

As a warrior of the highest order, Kirin possess beyond peak human strength, agility and resistance, being capable of feats such as climbing up mountains effortlessly and without any sort of special equipment[2]. He can perform long jumps, somersaults, mid-air spins and climb through any surface with his bare hands[6]. He's powerful enough to bisect an armored man with his bare punches and kicks.

As a martial arts expert, Kirin dominates a number of special moves including turning, roundhouse and crouching spin kicks he can perform from any position and a fast punch combination called the "Shredding Dance", as well as deadly throw maneuvers for both ground and air-based enemies[6]. When powered-up, Kirin is able to create up to four orange energy copies of himself which mimic his every attack, allowing him to attack from several different angles at the same time.

When at full power he also counts with an unique physical ability that allows him to create a blade of energy with each kick he strikes, extending his melee range and increasing the strength of his attack.

Design Notes

As many elements of Osman are similar to Strider, Kirin's design and backstory are very reminiscent of Hiryu's: both are the top agents of mercenary-like organizations (Teki and the Striders, respectively) with a claimed descendance from ancient ninja, consummate professionals of few words, experts of close melee combat and both their styles are listed as "Taijutsu". As another small nod to Hiryu, a possible reading of the kanji for Kirin's fighting style (秘流の体術) is a homophone for "Hiryu's Taijutsu". Kirin's fluid animations took a huge amount of data and extended over 1600 different sprite patterns[7]; a similar situation happened with Hiryu as Yotsui stated his animations used the amount they'd use in two games at the time.[8]

Kirin's ability to create blades of energy with his kicks, however, is the same as used by Tong Pooh and the Kuniang sisters, and explicitly inspired by them as Yotsui designed Kirin based on the idea he was related to the "Tong Pooh clan".[9]

Osman kirin figure

Kirin is seen taking the shape of a Qilin during the intro sequence

The Kirin or Qilin is an Asian mythological creature often associated with the unicorn, said to bring prosperity to those who see it and to appear when a ruler is about to arrive or depart. This could be symbolic in Kirin's nature as the one who dethrones Slaver and seemingly takes her place, with the Earth placed as the prize of their duel. The Qilin are also known for their peaceful nature, a stark contrast with Kirin's violent and vengeful behavior, accentuated by the fact his name is meant to be spelled "Killing".

His English name Osman is the Persian or Turkish transcript of the Arabic Uthman, possibly used to relate him with the Persian-based setting of the first two stages.

Gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Iseneko (October 1, 1988). "Cannon Dancer". Gamest (151). Pg. 242
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Game Area 51 (May 29, 2011). "Utata Kiyoshi Artdot Works" (Japanese). Pg. 16.
  3. Mitchell Corp. (February 1996). Cannon-Dancer (Japanese). Slaver (Stage 4): "This man, what is he doing? Were you cast away? You want to kill? You may take away life freely. I desire its destruction."
  4. Mitchell Corp. (February 1996). Cannon-Dancer (Japanese). Slaver (Stage 6): "This bloodthirst! You intend to fight me?"
  5. Mitchell Corp. (February 1996). Cannon-Dancer (Japanese). Slaver (Stage 6): "Me! Or you! The strongest will have it. The reward...is this!"
  6. 6.0 6.1 Mitchell Corp. (February 1996). Cannon-Dancer Arcade flyer (Japanese)
  7. Game Area 51 (May 29, 2011). "Utata Kiyoshi Artdot Works" (Japanese). Pg. 23.
  8. Jones, Darran (24 Apr 2010). "The Making of... Strider". Retro Gamer (76). pp. 48-53.
  9. Scion; Dire 51 (24 April 2010). "Interview with Kouichi "Isuke" Yotsui". LSCM 4.0. Translated by Gaijin Punch. Accessed 24 Oct 2010.