Azel Battle 2
Last revised: 9 June 2007
Azel is no different from your first battle with him in stage 4, so you can safely use the same strategy as before. It is hard to guard break Azel so I recommend you don't insist on it. It is easier to counter him even by accident so stay close to him for up close and personal attacks whenever he's not performing roulettes.
If you want to play safe/cheap (hehe), you can spam Drunken Twist-cancels or better yet, Fist of Justice-cancels (with godhand unleash) like mad. That 95% guarantees your victory assuming you don't mess up, and this works even on LV Die (it'll be very boring though).
Duck from his Head Slicer and side dodge away from Shaolin Blast. It may be easier to side dodge Shaolin Blast if you're really upclose, or you can tackle (dash + []) past/through him right before he blasts it.
His "pummel contest" is easily "accidentally evaded" if you often back flip or counter him, but if you decide to play his game, quickly mash all 4 face buttons on your controller once it begins. This way, there is no way you'd lose (even on LV Die). However, you are likely to lose if he has unleash on (see below), unless you also unleash yours.
After taking down half his life, Azel will unleash his own devilhand. Anytime he unleashes it, he increases drastically in evasion and practically dodges all your techniques even if you unleash godhand. (You can still use roulettes though) Since it's a waste to use godhand when he's nearly invincible, I personally recommend playing cowardice and simply run around the field away from him until his unleash ends, or waste his time by performing the Chain Yanker + Yes Man Kablaam tactic.
If you choose to run around the field, be careful of his Face Kick that he often does from a blind spot. Lastly, if there's anything that pwns an almost-invincible Azel, it's pots. Pick and throw them at Azel to interrupt his attacks and waste his unleash time. Plus, his stunned look is priceless. XD Just be careful in case he does a Face Kick/Head Slicer/Shockwave.