Axel/Gameplay

Axel is found as an enemy three times in Kingdom Hearts II. Roxas faces him twice in Twilight Town, and Sora can fight him in Final Mix+ as a data replica

First Battle
Axel faces Roxas the first time during his Struggle match. Axel's main attack is a two-hit combo in which he moves forward slightly, which can easily be avoided. Axel will also suddenly dash behind Roxas, similar to the "Reversal" Reaction Command, and throw his flaming chakram through the air at him, hitting him multiple times. He will also throw a single chakram, which circles towards Roxas from the side.

As this fight is so early in the game, there is little the player can do in terms of preparing with equipment and items, but Axel is not too difficult an opponent. The player should have at least two Potions, and the Aerial Recovery ability equipped. If they have leveled up Roxas enough so he learns Guard, it can also help. It is advised to stick to aerial attacks to avoid Axel's strikes, and use Aerial Recovery to quickly regain their balance and counter-attack when struck. If Axel's attacks are blocked with Guard or the player's own attack, he will be temporarily stunned.

Second Battle
When Roxas battles Axel again in the Twilight Town Mansion, the strength of both Axel and Roxas has increased. Roxas is now dual-wielding the Oathkeeper and Oblivion, so he does more damage. However, Axel has much more health and several new forms of attack. Roxas should be equipped with the Elven Bandana from the mansion to boost his defense, and have several Potions.

When the battle begins, the floor of the arena is covered in magma, and Roxas will slowly lose health over time. If the player hits Axel with a finishing move, he will be knocked into the air and the player can use the "Overtaker" Reaction Command. This will cause Axel and Roxas to run across the flames dueling, and eventually the player can use "Clear Light", which slams Axel into the ground. This removes the magma from the ground and stuns Axel for a short time.

After this, Axel will throw his flaming chakrams at Roxas, and also strike him with a multi-hit combo, ending with him summoning a jet of fire from the ground. This attack does heavy damage if Roxas is caught in it. Axel will also leap behind the flames surrounding the arena and jump out without warning, leaving plumes of flame behind him. The player can use the Reaction Command "Burst Edge" to leap out of the way and fire a blast of energy at Axel, damaging him. Later in the fight, Axel also covers the floor in magma again. This can be countered the same as before.

Axel can be a difficult opponent, as he attacks rapidly and can catch the player off-guard. However, with proper usage of the Reaction Command and a few Potions, he should be defeated. Roxas' power is greatly increased, so the player can easily cause heavy damage to Axel using Roxas' powerful combos.

The "data replica" Axel that Sora fights is based on this second fight, with Sora fighting him alone in a ring of fire.

Battle Quotes

 * "Come here! I'll make it all stop!"
 * "Burn!"
 * "You better watch out, I'm serious!"
 * "Got it memorized?"
 * "Burn, baby!"
 * "You won’t forget this!"
 * "What's the problem?"
 * "It's not over yet!"
 * "So... this is it..."
 * "Hey, do I ring any bells yet?!"
 * "Get back!"
 * "Oookay!"
 * "Take that!"
 * "Roxas!"
 * "Sora!"
 * "You got me"
 * "Want more?!"
 * "Don't make me mad!"
 * "Think fast!"
 * "I'll take you all out!"
 * "That's more like it!"