I'm using the default configuration of the Genesis/Megadrive controller, I'm not using macro buttons but their combination of buttons instead:
A - Special
B - Attack
C - Jump
Axel Stone.
Normal attacks.
Rush combo - B B B B (SOR1 two long jabs, gut punch, mid roundhouse kick great range. SOR2 two short jabs, cross and double side kick, short range)
Back attack - B + C (SOR1 Forearm punch, SOR2 back punch)
Special - A (SOR1 spinning dragon smash, SOR2 Multihit combo)
Special 2 - forward + A (SOR1 performs a 3-hit punch combo, SOR2 Tatsumaki kick)
Jumping attacks.
Vertical jump attack - C then B (SOR1 does a side knee kick, knocks down, SOR2 does a jumping frontal kick)
Jump attack - forward + C then B (SOR1 Axel launches with a front knee attack, short range, knocks down. SOR2 long jumping kick, long range)
Diving attack - C then down + B (SOR1 and SOR2 dives with his two knees in an awkward sexy (lol) pose, doesn't knock down and leaves enemy open to combo or grab).
Running attacks.
Blitz (0 - 1 star) - forward forward + B Grand upper (Axel dashes and hits the enemies repeatedly with an ascending uppercut).
Blitz 2 (2 stars) - forward forward + B Spinning punch attack (lounges forward in an ascending/descending pattern spinning while punching).
Blitz 3 (3 stars) - forward forward + B Spinning grand upper (SOR1 dashes in the same ascending/descending pattern, spin punch ending in uppercut).
Grab attacks (get close to an enemy).
Vault over opponent - Grab then C, you can switch from grabbing in front or from behind.
One-hit frontal knockdown - Grab then B (SOR1 and 2 does a nasty headbutt)
Rush attack - Grab, hold forward + B B B (SOR1 knee bashes the opponent in the first two hits, then performs a third knee attack and finishes with an uppercut, SOR2 does the knee bashes ends up with a thrid and fourth knee attack)
Backwards throw - Grab, hold backwards B (SOR1 performs a neck throw, SOR2 does a backflip launch).
Grab from behind - Hold from behind or vault opponent if grabbing in front then B (SOR1 performs a German Suplex, SOR2 does a backwards Bodyslam).
Weapon special attacks.
Pipe/Bat/Plank - forward forward + B (SOR1 runs and swings it to the opponent, SOR2 launches with the short end of the stick then swipes the rod away, hits enemies from behind)
Sword/Katana - forward forward + B (SOR1 runs and performs an double slash attack, SOR2 performs a rising dragon punch with sword in hand)
-----------------------------------------------
Blaze Fielding.
Normal attacks.
Rush combo - B B B B (SOR3 two jabs, elbow and upward front kick, SOR1 two eye gouges, mid kick and flip kick)
Back attack - B + C (SOR3 performs a backwards sweep, SOR1 performs a roundhouse kick)
Special - A (both perform a backflip kick).
Special 2 - forward + A (rushes and releases a energy palm strike)
Jumping attacks.
Vertical jump attack - C then B (SOR3 performs a side kick, SOR1 does a mid angle kick)
Jump attack - forward C then B (SOR3 does a long reach flying kick, SOR1 performs a mid range kick in air, knocks down)
Jumping chop - C then down + B (jump and lands with a chop attack, doesn't knockdown but allows to continue combo)
Running attacks.
Blitz (0 to 1 star) - forward forward B (all versions roll forward and ends with a downward chop)
Blitz (2 stars) - forward forward B (SOR3 does a forward flip, SOR1 performs a slide kick)
Blitz (3 stars) - forward forward B (SOR1 does a slide kick that ends in a flip).
Grab attacks (get close to opponent):
Vault over opponent - Grab then C, you can switch from grabbing in front or from behind.
One-hit frontal knockdown - Grab then B (SOR3 slams opponent down, SOR1 front kicks the opponent away)
Rush attack - Grab, hold forward + B B B (knee bashes the opponent in the first two hits, then slaps them away)
Backwards throw - Grab, hold backwards B (SOR1 and SOR3 perform a judo leg throw).
Grab from behind - Hold from behind or vault opponent if grabbing in front then B (SOR1 does a German Suplex).
Weapons special attacks.
Knife: standard attack (SOR3 performs a double slash attack, SOR1 single forward thrust) special rush forward forward B (runs and performs an upward slash), Super knife thrust forward A (multi slashes an opponent, in SOR3 weapon style it causes a lot of damage).
Sword/Katana: standard attack (slashes forward) special rush attack forward forward B (runs forward holding the sword in a vertical stance)
-----------------------------------------------
Adam Hunter.
Normal attacks.
Rush combo - B B B B (two long jabs, Uppercut, Roundhouse) *note: pay attention in between the uppercut and the roundhouse, sometimes the combo is incomplete and enemies can retaliate.
Back attack - B + C (Jumping Back Kick)
Special - A (Split Kick)
Special 2 - forward + A (Tactical Strike, performs a 2-hit Kick combo)
Jumping attacks.
Vertical jump attack - C then B (SOR1 does a high kick, knocks down)
Jump attack - forward + C then B (SOR1 Jumping kick, long range, knocks down)
Diving attack - C then down + B (SOR1 Punches downward in a crouch position, doesn't knock down and leaves enemy open to combo or grab).
Running attacks.
Blitz (0 - 1 star) - forward forward + B Dive kick (Adam dashes and hits the enemies repeatedly with an outstretched leg).
Blitz 2 (2 stars) - forward forward + B Spinning punch attack (Adam performs a straight punch similarly to SF Balrog [Boxer]).
Blitz 3 (3 stars) - forward forward + B Spinning grand upper (Adam delivers the same straight punch and follows it with a SF Balrog [Boxer] Styled uppercut).
Special - forward forward + A Riot Stopper (Adam leaps into the air delivering a power packing punch)
Grab attacks (get close to an enemy).
Vault over opponent - Grab then C, you can switch from grabbing in front or from behind.
One-hit frontal knockdown - Grab then B (Adam does a strong elbow)
Rush attack - Grab, hold forward + B B B (Adam knee bashes the opponent in the first two hits, then performs a gut punch and finishes with a downward punch)
Backwards throw - Grab, hold backwards B (performs an over the shoulder throw).
Grab from behind - Hold from behind or vault opponent if grabbing in front then B (perfoms a German Suplex).
Weapon special attacks.
Pipe/Bat/Plank - forward forward + B (Adam runs and shoves it into the opponent)
Pipe/Bat/Plank - forward + A (Adam performs a home run on the enemy)
Knife - forward forward + B (Adam performs a jumping slice at the enemy)
------------------------------
Max Thunder.
Normal attacks.
Rush combo - B B B B (Chop, Chop, Hook Punch, Hammer Smash) Hook punch has up to 4 hits depending on enemy hit box and range. Hammer Smash only combos on SOR3 Pause Delay)
Back attack - B + C (Mule Kick)
Special - A (Lariat) Invincible
Special 2 - forward + A (Dashing Tackle)
Jumping attacks.
Vertical jump attack - C then B (Aerial Hammer Smash)
Jump attack - forward + C then B (Drop Kick)
Diving attack - C then down + B (Flying Elbow).
Running attacks.
Blitz (0 - 1 star) - forward forward + B (Slide Kick) Knocks down early in animation, leaves standing if it hits later. Doing the late hit into an enemy getting up usually leads to a free grab or combo afterwards.
Blitz 2 (2 stars) - forward forward + B (Diving Tackle) Max is INVINCIBLE during this move. It can grab an enemy, which bypasses blocking characters. Depending where it hits, or if an enemy was already grabbed, it will just knock down an enemy for much less damage.
Blitz 3 (3 stars) - forward forward + B (Rushing Diving Tackle) Max does a multi-hit dash attack before doing a Diving Tackle. Max is NOT invincible during the dash, only once he is in the air.
Grab attacks (get close to an enemy).
Neutral Grab - Grab, B (Headlock) Max crushes the enemy for up to five hits, the last one knocking them down. He is vulnerable during this, however you can cancel with his lariat between hits.
Rush attack - Grab, hold forward + B B B (Knee, Knee, Headbutt)
Backwards throw - Grab, hold backwards B (Backdrop)
Jump throw - Grab, C then B (Air Throw) Max cannot vault, instead he can jump with and throw characters.
Backgrab throw - Grab from behind, B (German Suplex)
Backgrab jump throw - Grab from behind, C then B (Backbreaker)
Special Grab - Grab, X (Powerbomb) Uses meter.
Weapon special attacks.
Pipe/2x4 (NOT BAT) - forward forward + B (Jumping Smash) Has two hit frames, first does not knockdown and it's even possible to get both hits with the right spacing on some characters.
Sword/Katana - forward forward + B (Horizontal Slash)
-------------------------------------------------
Eddie "Skate" Hunter.
Normal attacks.
Rush Combo - B B B B (Jab 4 HP, Jab 4 HP, Low kick 4 HP, Roller kick 24 HP)
*TIP: The first hit of the roller kick is aimed backwards. Stand inside your enemy to get all 5 hits.
*TIP: The first three attacks do almost no damage, and the fourth is moderate at best. You will find yourself relying a lot on grabbing the enemy with Skate.
Roller kick - Hold B and release (2 hits x 12 HP, knockdown Identical to attack four in the combo).
Backflip kick - Hold B and press C (repeatedly if desired) (2 hits with 16+24=40 HP, second knockdown).
*NOTE: You cannot perform this move if you're wielding a weapon, the same move throws the weapon.
*NOTE: Stand close for both hits.
Double spin kick - A (1 hit x 16 HP, knockdown)
*NOTE: Somewhat lacking in range, also constantly misses Jets.
Corkscrew kick - Forward + A (6 hits with 8+8+8+8+8+24=64 HP), knockdown on last
*TIP: Another of Skate's attacks being target of anti-air moves, use with caution. Also it's fully possible to miss the (powerful) knockdown hit and go straight through your target if you stand too close.
Running attacks.
NOTE: If Skate is facing the opposite way from where you want to run, it will
take one keypress to make him turn around, and two more to start running.
TIP: After hitting the enemy 1-3 times with the regular combo, you can run in
to grab them. Thanks to Gen2000 for reminding me of that.
Dynamite headbutt - forward forward + B (1 hit x 40 or 24 HP, knockdown)
*NOTE: You do 40 HP damage with the headbutt, 24 with the somersault.
/TIP: If you're doing your regular combo you can at any time interrupt it for this move, it is more powerful than the last kick.
*TIP: You can mow down large amounts of enemies with this move. Warning: There is a small risk that Donovans or Yakuzas will do their anti-air move, especially if there are a lot of enemies (you temporarily lose speed when hitting something).
Jumping attacks.
Double back kick - C, then B (1 hit x 24 HP, knockdown)
Side kick - Left+C or Right+C, then B (1 hit x 16 HP, knockdown)
Roller press - C or Left+C or Right+C, then Down + B (1 hit, 24 HP)
*TIP: No knockdown, use it to grab enemies.
Grab attacks.
Flurry - (Grab from the front) Forward +B or B (Headbutt 1 hit x 6 HP, Headbutt 1 hit x 6 HP, Elbow 1 hit x 16 HP, knockdown)
*TIP: You can choose to do 1, 2 or all three of these attacks. The extra damage on the third attack is seldom worth it though, knock your enemy down with any of the other moves instead for more damage.
Roller Uppercut - (Grab from the front) Back + B (2 hits with 16+24=40 HP, knockdown)
*NOTE: Trivia - In SoR3, this move is a non-slamming throw. Here it's just a kick.
*NOTE: This move hurts... quite a bit in fact. Not as much as the Migraine, but it's much faster. Not bad for a teenager.
Overhead throw - (Grab from the front) B while doing Vault (1 hit x 30 HP, knockdown)
*NOTE: You land and become vulnerable before the one thrown starts to hit other people. This is evident if you throw anyone at a Bongo or SOR2 Big Ben who will hit you before the Galsia or whatever hits him.
*TIP: Can be done while vaulting either way. You can vault twice and throw on second vault since you don't let go of the opponent until you land.
*TIP: Don't bother throwing if you're not hitting someone else. Both the Roller Uppercut and the Migraine do more damage.
Migraine - (Grab from behind) B (6 hits with 16+4+4+4+4+16=48 HP, knockdown on last)
*NOTE: You are not invulnerable while doing this, surrounding enemies with high attacks might knock you off. Also, unlike Max's Bear Punch can be interrupted by the target, Abadede WILL special out.
*NOTE: You will sit in the air until a punch misses. It doesn't matter who you hit as long as it is something.
Overhead throw - identical to the move from the front.
--------------------
Other notes on Skate
--------------------
* Skate is the only character able to throw opponents both forward and backward, but also the only character to completely lack slamming moves (which do more damage).
* An easy rule of thumb with skate is that punches are weak and kicks are strong.
* Skate is terribly fast with a knife (even more so in SoR3). Being by far the worst character with a pipe he has terrible speed and reach, and you can see him sweating after each attack. >:)
* Skate can do 12 consecutive hits. Roller press (1), punch (1), punch (1), kick (1), grab, headbutt (1), headbutt, (1), vault, migraine (6).
* Skate's ground moves are very weak but his holding moves are decent. It is fortunate he is a good grabber being so fast.
-------------------------------------------
Ash.
Basic Attacks:
Rush Combo- B B B (Double Slap, Double Slap, Knockdown)
Back Attack - B+C - Backflip
Special 1- A - Spinning Hammer (Similar to Max's)
Special 2- Forward+A - Pride Slide
Jump Attacks:
Jump, B (Jump Kick)
Jump, Down+B (Flying Elbow)
Jump, Forward+B (Dropkick)
Running Attacks:
Blitz 1 (0-1 Stars)- Forward, Forward, B - Booty Bump (Ash flies forward, rump-first)
Blitz 2 (2 Stars)- Forward, Forward, B - Pirouette Kick (Ballerina Twirl, Kick)
Blitz 3 (3 Stars)- Forward, Forward, B - Flying Pirouette Kick (Ballerina twirl, Flying kick)
Grab Attacks:
Pummel: B B B (Pelvic Thrust, Pelvic Thrust, Pelvic Thrust)
Backdrop: B when grabbing from behind [or vaulting from the front] (Ash tosses enemy behind him)
Bodyslam: B when grabbing from the front [or vaulting from behind] (picks up, shakes, then bodyslam)
Weapon Specials:
Pipe/Plank: Forward, Forward, B- Fencing Lunge (Ash will hop forward and strike, then hop back)
Police Special Substitute:
Spoiler: show
-----------------------------------------------
Mr. X.
Normal attacks.
Rush combo - B B B B (2 jabs, 1 front kick, 1 butt) – Great range and damage. Useful in every way. The butt hits twice if close.
Series - Hold and release B (Mr. X does a front butt). Good damage. Hits twice if done close. Always knocks the enemy down.
Back attack - B + C or hold B, then C (Back Rifle Butt) (press B + C or after holding B, press C as much as you want to do this move repeatdly)
Special 1: press A Sweeper (Mr. X fires his Tommy Gun 5 times in a row: forward, 45 degree downward, down, 45 degree front/downward and forward again) This is not a very damaging move, but hits multiple enemies and covers a huge area depending on where you are). Some enemies wont be hit if they are in between gusts.
Special 2: forward + A Tommy Gun (Mr. X fires his Tommy Gun in front of him) Excellent reach (covers all screen), decent damage for a this reach move. Hits only 01 enemy, but if 2 enemies are very close, it may hit them both).
Jumping attacks. (All of his jumping attacks are butts)
Vertical jump attack - C then B (Mr. X does a jumping butt. Good air priority)
Jump attack - forward + C then B (Mr. X does a forward jumping butt. Good damage, not so good range)
Diving attack - C then down + B (Another jumping butt, this time aimed down. Use it to stun enemies)
Running attacks.
Blitz (0 - 1 star) - forward forward + B Rifle Butt (Mr. X dashes and butts the enemy. Very useful move, good range, good damage. Hits twice if you press B close to the enemy. The second hit knocks down.
Blitz 2 (2 stars) - forward forward + B Spinning Rifle Butt (Mr. X dashes spinning his Tommy Gun damaging the enemies and butting them at the end of the movement). Good move. Only he last hit knocks down.Try to hit B early or you will pass through the enemy and be open to a counterattack)
Blitz 3 (3 stars) - forward forward + B Double Spinning Rifle Butt (Mr. X dashes spinning his Tommy Gun twice damaging the enemies in the process and butting them at the end of the movement). Very good and damaging move, but if done in the center of the screen it will surely miss the target at the end. Again, only the last hit knocks down. Do it when the enemies are near the corner of the screen. If you did this move and got through an enemy, you can turn back and press A for protecting yourself.
Grab attacks (get close to an enemy).
Jumping Kick: Grab, then C - Mr. X cannot vault. Instead he does a jumping kick.
One-hit frontal knockdown - Grab then B (Mr. X does a Knee)
Rush attack - Grab, hold forward + B B B (Mr. X headbutts the enemy 3 times. If you release the directional before the last hit he does 2 headbutts followed by one last knee knee)
Throw Away - Grab, hold backwards or forward + B (Mr. X throws the enemy away over himself) Good damage. It doesn’t matter if it is a front or a back grab. The throws are the same.
Weapon special attacks.
Mr. X can’t use any weapon. If he picks any weapon, he will throw it away. If there is an enemy in the way, the weapon will hit the enemy and then fall down, if not, it will fly off screen.
X doesn't have police special attack either, just like Shiva.
------------------------------------------------------
Shiva.
Normal attacks
Rush combo: B B B B (2 Downward Strikes, 1 Palm Strike, 1 High Kick)
Rush combo finisher: Hold B, then release / Press Y (High Kick)
Back attack: B + C / Press Z (Reverse Kick)
Special: A (Flaming Kick)
Special 2: Forward + A (Flaming Double Palm Strike)
Jumping attacks
Vertical jump attack: C, then B (Downward Kick, knocks down)
Jump attack: Forward + C, then B (Jumping Kick, long range, knocks down)
Diving attack: C or Forward + C, then Down + B (Jumping Palm Strike, briefly stuns the opponent)
Running attacks
Blitz 0 Stars: Forward, Forward + B (Final Crash)
Blitz 1 Star: Forward, Forward + B (Final Crash: covers more range, inflicts more damage)
Blitz 2 Stars: Forward, Forward + B (Jumping Reverse Kick)
Blitz 3 Stars: Forward, Forward + B (Jumping Reverse Kick, Somersault Kick)
Grab attacks (get close to opponent)
Vault over opponent: Grab, then C (you can switch from grabbing from front or from behind)
One-hit frontal knockdown: Grab, then B (Elbow Strike)
Rush attack: Grab, hold Forward + B B B B (3 Hook Punches, 1 Side Punch; unlike all other characters, Shiva can execute up to 3 attacks of his grab rush combo, instead of 2, before having to perform either a combo finisher or a throw)
Backwards throw: Grab, press Backwards + B (Leg Throw)
Grab from behind: Hold from behind or grab from the front and vault over the opponent, then B (Bodyslam)
Weapons special attacks
Knife: Forward, Forward + B (Upward Slash)
Sword 1: Forward, Forward + B (Running Downward Slash)
Sword 2: Forward + A (Side Slash)
Blitz attacks X button combinations
1 Star: X + Forward, Forward
2 Stars: X + Up, Forward
3 Stars: X + Down, Up, Forward
*NOTE: Shiva doesn't have a police call attack. If you press the button he'd taunt and beckon his enemies instead.
-------------------------
Rudra.
Normal attacks:
Rush combo - B B B B ( finger hit, finger hit, palm strike, low-high kick )
*Last two kicks are always executed, even if the foe is killed/knocked with the low kick
*first three hits cover more range than the kicks. Be careful with that, as you may get countered while missing the knockdown hit.
Back attack - B + C, or Z ( back middle kick )
Knockdown hit : hold B for a bit and release, or Y ( performs the low-high kick from the rush combo )
Defensive special: A ( ki-blades? )
Offensive special A + forward ( triple shuriken ): low damage , fullscreen range attack. (Ab)use it at your own cheapness.
Jumping attacks:
Vertical jump attack - C then B ( performs a wide double kick, which hits both front and behind you. Quite useful. knockdown )
Jump attack - forward + C then B ( flying kick , long range, knockdown )
Diving attack - C then down + B ( knee dive , VERY short range. Most enemies with some kind of anti-air will probably pummel you if you try this on them, even Donovans. Try another approach; in my opinion it sucks. No knockdown.
something not pointed yet, nevertheless, not that obvious for the ubernewbs:
If you press C while running, you can cover greater distances with your jumps.
Running attacks. Apologizes for the names...
Blitz 1 ( 0-1 star) - forward forward + B Shadow Strike [ Rudra hops, fades in black for a sprite or two ( hence the name ), and then punches with some kind of mystic energy. the extra star gives you more jumping range, and the mystic energy becomes slightly shinier, lulz ]
Blitz 2 (2 stars) - forward forward + B somersault Shadow strike ( The same as Blitz 1 , but Rudra somersaults at the beginning of the blitz, causing extra damage . Mystic energy glows even shinier)
Blitz 3 (3 stars - forward forward + B somersault double shadow strike ( Again, the same as Blitz 2, but then Rudra finishes with an extra energy-270º-slash that hits both front and behind you, and knockdowns )
Grab attacks (get close to opponent)
Vault over opponent - Grab then C. You can vault twice before letting free the oponent. Cannot vault if blocked by any minimaly wide obstacle ( walls, breakable items such as mailposts , etc )
Four-hit frontal knockdown - Grab then B ( yet another energy punch, but this time it hits 4 times really fast, like Yusuke Urameshi's shottogan in YuYuhakusho. Knockdown)
Rush attack - Grab, hold forward + B B B ( Rudra performs two not so original knee bashes, smacks her opponent's face with her elbow, and middlekicks for the knockdown )
*Even if the grabbed enemy is killed with the elbow smash, the middlekick with still be executed.
Backwards throw - Grab, hold backwards B ( Rudra grabs enemy's head with her feet,and drops him in an awesome, artistic, and uncomfortable way. You are invulnerable while performing the whole animation , so enjoy it riskless )
Grab from behind - Hold from behind or vault opponent if grabbing in front then B ( Rudra kicks her foe to the air, teleports, and piledrives the victim. Huge damage and awesome attack, kudos to the designer of the idea.
*Looks like Rudra's invulnerable during the whole animation, even the flyingkick
*If the enemy is killed by the flying kick, se will stand in neutral position , ready to move and attack ( and being vulnerable to attacks ) again
*Rudra can hit SOR1 and BKIII fatties without being squashed: Crush their necks into oblivion!
Weapon special attacks.
Kunai: Forward forward + b ( Rudra somersaults and throws 3 kunai , see screenshot )
Sword/Katana - forward forward + B ( Rudra performs an upward slash, similar to blaze's knife special, but with a wider attack range
forward + A ( Rudra slowly stabs with her sword. Two hits, the last's knockdown. Very damaging, but rarely useful )
POLICE SPECIAL SUBSTITUTE:
Spoiler: show
Special X Blitz combos
1 star, standard for everyone: X + Forward, Forward
Axel
2 star: X + Down, Forward
3 star: X + Back, Down, Forward
Blaze
2 star: X + Forward, Up
3 star: X + Down, Forward, Up
Adam
2 star: X, back, forward
3 star: X, down, back, forward
Skate
2 star: X + Forward, Down
3 star: X + Up, Forward, Back
Max
2 star: X + Down, Forward
3 star: X + Back, Down, Forward
Zan
2 star: X + Back, Up
3 star: X + Up, Back, Forward
Shiva
2 star: X + Up, Forward
3 star: X + Down, Up, Forward
Mr. X
2 star: X + Up, Down
3 star: X + Forward, Up, Down
Roo
2 star: X + Forward , Up
3 star: X + Back, Forward, Up
Ash
2 star: X + Down, Back
3 star: X + Forward, Down, Back
Elle
2 Star: X, back, down
3 Star: X, forward, back, down
Rudra
2 Star: X, down, up
3 Star: X, back, down, up
