SKULLGIRLS

THIRD DLC CHARACTER CONCEPTS

With the third character's funding coming to a close, it's time to share some information to help you make your decision in the final vote.

VOTING

Anyone who contributes at least $1 will be eligible to vote for the 3rd DLC character, so be sure to tell your friends to contribute before the campaign ends on March 27th!

Voting will go as follows:



Four rounds of voting

1st round: All characters, 3 votes

2nd round: Top 16 from 1st round, 3 votes

3rd round: Top 8 from 2nd round, 3 votes

4th round: Top 3 from 3rd round, 1 vote

Polls will be e-mailed directly to all contributors.

We'll be keeping an eye out for suspicious votes. Any votes deemed suspicious will be thrown out, and will not count toward the results of the poll.

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Please keep in mind that any gameplay style speculation is subject to change, and nothing here should be taken as final. Also, the listed gameplay inspirations may range from gameplay style to things as minute as a single move or stylistic feel from the character- so take all of these notes with a grain of salt.

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The younger princess of the Canopy Kingdom, Umbrella is drawn into the current conflict by a familiar presence. She has grown up sheltered from the full circumstances surrounding her mother's death. What effect will the truth have on her?

Playstyle Speculation

Umbrella’s living weapon, Hungern, has an insatiable appetite. Choose between using Hungern to end special moves for extra advantages throughout the match, or let his hunger build up for more damage later.

Hungern takes on the shapes of various nightmarish mouths as it tries to consume the enemy, ranging from horse heads to anemones. Expect lots of teeth! Some of its attacks may have a bit of a Takashi Murakami vibe to them.

Gameplay Inspiration

Holy Order Sol (Guilty Gear: Accent Core) , Wario’s fart (Super Smash Brothers Brawl) , Roll (Marvel vs Capcom / Tatsunoko vs. Capcom) , May (Guilty Gear series) , Shuma-Gorath (Marvel Super Heroes)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

The current Skullgirl who rose from the ashes of the Grand War. Her country of Rommelgrad fell into anarchy, becoming part of the growing No Man's Land. As she focuses her wrath on those who prey on its victims, the full extent of her power remains unknown...

Playstyle Speculation

With the power of the Skull Heart in her, Marie can summon undead minions, use her maid skills to cleanse the world of her enemies, and even vacuum up the corpses of the fallen to increase her own power.

Gameplay Inspiration

Rachel Alucard (BlazBlue) , Hisui and Kohaku / Mecha Hisui (Melty Blood) , Sonson (Marvel vs Capcom 2) , Mega Maid (Spaceballs) , Tohou series, Immaterial and Missing Power, Castlevania, Blackheart (Marvel Super Heroes) , Mara (Dark Awake: The King Has No Name)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Lorenzo Medici's right hand hitwoman who takes thorough enjoyment in her work. Little is known about her outside the carnage left in her wake, which has spanned decades without slowing down. Only two of her targets have walked away so far, oversights she plans to rectify soon.

Playstyle Speculation

Black Dahlia keeps her arsenal well hidden. Grenade launchers, tear gas, and hidden knives. She isn’t above dirty tactics, cloaking her movement using her doilies. One attack may look like it will go one way when she shifts into another. Don’t let the giant gun distract you when the blade hidden in her knee cap is tearing at your liver! Just how much of her is mechanical, anyway?

Gameplay Inspiration

Cable (Marvel vs Capcom 2) , Hol Horse (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) , Chris (Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3) , BB Hood (Vapire Savior) , Justice (Guilty Gear XX: Accent Core + Reload) , Genjuro (Samurai Showdown 2) , Darkwing Duck, Cammy (vs. series version) , Meta-Knight (Super Smash Brothers Brawl)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

A strict but caring teacher at St. Theresa High School. When one of her students goes missing under violent circumstances, she takes it upon herself to investigate. Most would call such an act reckless, but she seems to know an awful lot about fighting, and old instincts die hard.

Playstyle Speculation

As a teacher she prides herself on her vast knowledge of fighting games, adopting techniques from many of them while adding her own flair. Beware when she’s on the defensive, too, as she adapts quickly - use the same approach too often and she’ll be ready to counter it.

In addition to referencing famous fighting game moves, she would also possess attacks one would expect from a teacher, such as throwing chalk, using the blackboard, or making people hit the books (or the other way around).

Gameplay Inspiration

Kyoko, Hayato, and Hideo (Rival Schools) , Vangard Princess, Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Street Fighter 3: Third Strike, Guilty Gear, Psychic Force, Asuka 120% Burning Fest, Garou: Mark of the Wolves, One Must Fall 2097, Immaterial and Missing Power, Capcom vs SNK 2, Fatal Fury, Weaponlord, Killer Instinct, Mace: The Dark Age, Ballz, Martial Masters, and every other fighting game you have never heard of. Plus Dragon Claw.

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

A former crime fighter pulled into the web of intrigue woven around the latest Skullgirl. Deciding it was too much for her stuffy civilian identity, she takes up her Living Weapon, the Pazuzu Whip, to don her alter ego once more.

Playstyle Speculation

She may be less inhibited, but she still enjoys having control. Lick those boots!

Despite being a heroic character, her general attack style would have a pagan and demonic motif to it as well as a dominating aspect. Of course, she’d also be able to do some long distance attacks with her versatile snake whip. The weapon can grow multiple snake heads and change in rigidity as needed.

D. Violet may do special animations on herself in order to power up. If she reaches an intense enough level, she gains the ability to unleash wilder attacks. Similarly, she can curse the enemy with special attacks, putting them in a humiliation state and making them vulnerable to devastating special attacks. If the balance of power swings entirely in Violet’s direction, everything from their posture on up is in her complete control!

Gameplay Inspiration

Whip (King of Fighters series) , Linda (Double Dragon) , Poison (Final Fight, Street Fighter) , Mizuki/Midori/Luna/Misa (Punisher arcade) , I-No (Guilty Gear series) , Spiderman (Marvel vs. Capcom series) , Johnny Cage (Mortal Kombat) , Bayonetta, Masane (Witchblade anime) , Mistress Spencer (Rumble Roses) , Morrigan (Darkstalkers series) , Wonder Woman (DC Comics) , Phantom Lady (Quality Comics) , Bettie Page, Humiliation meter (Rumble Roses) , Zappa (Guilty Gear series) , Holy Order Sol (Guilty Gear Series) , Fatal K.O. (Hokuto no Ken) , Vice (King of Fighters series)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

As popular figures in nationwide folktales, a children's television adaptation of Annie and Sagan's adventures was inevitable. The show's success lies in its pair of live action hosts, who are as convincing as their cartoon counterparts. Though what the public learns about the real Annie might surprise them.

Playstyle Speculation

Fiercer than she looks, braver than anyone, it’s ANNIE OF THE STARS! Now where’s my paycheck?

Annie is a seasoned fighter who has been around for a long time, acquiring many skills and powers along the way. Her sword is forged from a meteorite and can channel the power of the stars in its sweeping cleaves. Her right eye bonds her to her Remote Parasite and partner, Sagan, who grants her powers of a galactic motif. While some of her abilities carry more of a sparkly magical girl motif, Annie tries to execute them with the same sternness.

Gameplay Inspiration

Mito (The Rumble Fish 2) , Nayuki (Eternal Fighter Zero) , Kidd Thunder (Mortal Kombat) , Platinum the Trinity (BlazBlue) , Nebula (Captain Simian and the Space Monkeys) , Warachia (Melty Blood) , Utsuho (Touhou) , Pretty Cure, Nanoha, Guts (Berserk) , Sol Badguy (Guilty Gear series)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

This Dagonian scientist prefers to fade into the background at work, not that he is always successful. Stanley originally helped develop weapons in the now defunct Lab 4, but following the surprise attack on Lab 8 it became clear the ASG needs all the (fish)manpower it can afford. He brings his previous inventions out of storage to fight alongside the soldiers, because the ASG Labs know better than to have a shark without a frickin’ laser beam...

Playstyle Speculation

Uses a variety of shark-themed attacks and high-tech weaponry. Shark Dive! Shark Knuckle! Science Upper! FEEDING FRENZY! Be sure to check your work.

In addition to shark themed attacks such as biting, diving, lunges, and even under-the-earth dives, Stanley would have a surprisingly solid boxing stance. He’s something of a sports nerd; a fan of boxing and hockey. He’d also use his advanced ASG arsenal from his Lab 4 days to his advantage. This could include various laser guns, missiles, or something akin to Iron Man’s Proton Cannon. He may even have laser skates or...a jetpack!

Gameplay Inspiration

Captain Kidd (World Heroes 2) , Street Sharks, Slayer (Guilty Gear XX #Reload) , Richard Feynman (physics!) , Iron Man (Marvel vs. Capcom series) , Cyclops (Marvel vs. Capcom series) , Gordon Freeman (Half-Life series)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

A flight-capable ASG Soldier implanted with the amorphous Synthetic Parasite, Beezle Bomb. A younger member, she can be brash and irritable at times but always has the team's best interests at heart. After all, they are the family she always wanted.

Playstyle Speculation

Lots of crazy wall dives, weird movement options, and stingers for a heavily rushdown-based pixie. Aerial superiority, thy name shall be Hive.

Hive’s moves would be themed after bees as well as fighter planes and bombers. Her Synthetic Parasite’s default shape is a set of interlocking hexagons wrapped around her arms, but can be shifted into various configurations such as a lance or shield. She’d also be able to launch them as bee-shaped missiles and bombs.

Gameplay Inspiration

Q-Bee (Vampire Savior) , Adon (Street Fighter series) , Sentinel (Marvel vs. Capcom 2 / X-Men: Children of the Atom) , B. Jenet (Garaou: Mark of the Wolves) , The Pain (Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Leduc is a young ASG soldier who joined Lab 8 after the war. Having yet to learn the details of Lab 0's transgressions, his idealistic image of their organization will be challenged soon. The electricity his body channels is generated by his Synthetic Parasite, the Taranis Generator, which he can use to disable or destroy targets.

Playstyle Speculation

Most of Leduc’s attacks would be electrical and stun bolt themed. He's capable of charging his attacks for stronger versions, use static electricity to hang from walls and ceilings, or magnetically attract and repulse opponents. They may cause a stun status effect as well, since his name comes from "The Nightmare State of Leduc," paralysis livestock can experience due to stun bolts. His arms have the two halves of the tongs used on the heads of livestock, while his feet are based off of electromagnets made out of needles with copper wire wrapped around them.

Gameplay Inspiration

Akari (Last Blade 2) , Necro (Street Fighter III: Third Strike) , Blackheart (Marvel Super Heroes) , Nikola Tesla (science!) , Michael Roa Valdamjong (Melty Blood) , Victor von Gerdenheim (Darkstalkers) , Iron Tager (BlazBlue) , Captain Commando (Marvel vs. Capcom 2)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

The mother figure of Lab 8, she was disfigured during the war before agreeing to be grafted with the Synthetic Parasite “Salamander Shell”. Able to squeeze through tight spaces, secrete acid, and wield drills, she is brilliant at infiltration and sabotage. However, the nature of her abilities makes them cruel to use on other human beings. She avoids confrontation when possible, but if pushed to fight she is the scariest member of her team.

Playstyle Speculation

Ranged, poison and area-damage strategic play. Toxic to the touch during her Lv3.

Ileum is a kind soul, but her powers are disgusting and terrifying. She can wrap around a target and dissolve them to a puddle with the digestive enzymes she secretes from her skin. She can also remove her mask and spit a stream of acid from her mouth. We never see what her face looks like, for the mask is the far less terrifying alternative. Her body can stretch to considerable lengths, giving her incredible range, and drill screws embedded in it can score additional hits for some pretty wicked attacks and shapes.

Gameplay Inspiration

Toxic Seahorse (Mega Man X3) , Dhalsim (SNK vs Capcom) , Abyss (Marvel vs. Capcom 2) , Omega Red (Vs. Series) , Urzur (Odin Sphere) , Xenomorphs (Alien) , Necro (Street Fighter 3: Third Strike) , Bydo (R-Type) , Unknowns (Final Fantasy series) , Inque (Batman Beyond) , Shuma-Gorath (Marvel Super Heroes)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Lab 7's only successful psychic experiment, most of Brain Drain's body was destroyed in the disaster which consumed the facility. The experience left him doubtful of human reliability, so as far as he is concerned anybody who falls short of his expectations is to be replaced. Because of this ruthless approach, he soon became the widely-feared second-in-command of Lab 0. An expert at analyzing others, he even believes he can construct superior mechanical replicas.

Playstyle Speculation

Brain Drain is calm, cool, sophisticated, and incredibly arrogant. With his strong psychic abilities and robotic body, he is able to glide around with the greatest of ease. The extending needles on his fingers and head are used to read someone’s mind, alter their memories, or even control their body. His snapback attack may possess the enemy player as he takes over their body and forces them to fight their own team members. He’s also able to attack with various psychic beams from his head. He might have some sort of ability where he analyzes and deconstructs an enemy’s attack, customizing a part of his move-list and projecting it back in holographic format.

"Stop hitting yourself! No, wait...keep going.”

Gameplay Inspiration

Thanos (Marvel Super Heroes) , Ivan Ooze (Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Fighting Edition [SNES]) , Slayer (Guilty Gear series) , Dr. Doom (Marvel vs. Capcom series) , Magneto (Marvel vs. Capcom series) , Toki (Hokuto no Ken) , Demitri Maximoff (Darkstalkers series) , Warlock (Cyberbots) , Rogue (X-Men vs. Street Fighter) , Shadow (One Must Fall: 2097) , Dr. Wily (Mega Man series)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

A figment of Peacock's warped imagination made flesh... er... steel. One of the unexpected results from Patricia's use of the Avery Unit, Andy and his buddies are based on her favorite cartoons. What they do when their creator is not around remains a mystery.

Playstyle Speculation

Close-range fighter with some tricks up his...gloves? Punches, dodges, more punches, anvil-to-the-face.

In addition to being a ridiculous looking yet well-grounded boxer, he also teams up with Tommy Ten Tons for a variety of coordinated attacks. For example, Tommy could walk along the stage and serve as a slow moving shield. If Andy or the enemy sweeps him, Tommy falls over, causing the ground to shake and inflicting damage, or stunning any enemy touching the ground. If Andy strikes Tommy with a big hit, he might send Tommy across the screen like a torpedo.

Gameplay Inspiration

Dudley (Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike) , Steve (Tekken, not SFxT) , Akihiko (Persona 4: Ultimate) , Roger (Tekken Tag Tournament) , TJ Combo (Killer Instinct) , Jill Valentine (Marvel vs. Capcom 2) , Potemkin (Guilty Gear series) , Rocky Balboa, Little Mac (Punch-Out!!)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

A Dragon Empire migrant showcasing her acrobatic skills at the Cirque des Cartes. The pair of birds perched on her head are an enigma, summoned by a lucky mistake in geomancy. As much as her family in Canopolis depends on her income, she worries what she and her friend Cerebella will be asked to do in the long run.

Playstyle Speculation

As a graceful acrobat, Feng is able to use her ghostly bird friends to assist her in various ways. She can place them on the stage as focal points that can bend her jumps and aerial attack trajectories or open other high-flying movement options. Keeping them close would enhance her specials and supers, instead.

Gameplay Inspiration

Psylocke (Vs. Series) , Adon (Street Fighter Alpha series) , Jam (Guilty Gear XX Accent Core) , Okina (Last Blade 2) , Makoto (Street Fighter III: Third Strike) , Captain America (Marvel vs Capcom) , Bang Shishigami (BlazBlue) , homing cancels (Arcana Heart) , Litchi (BlazBlue) , Shanoa’s Magnes (Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia) , Ender’s Game, Samus’s grappling beam (Super Metroid)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

A bard who can play anything as a musical instrument. Taliesin’s role includes punishing members of the Cirque des Cartes who would defy their contract. He keeps a collection of his favorite victims, eliciting jealousy from his accomplice and Remote Parasite, Muse. Taliesin’s cursed touch stems from trading his hands for her arms.

Playstyle Speculation

Not quite a regular 2D puppet character, because he feels his Muse’s pain. A bit more like the puppet characters from the Naruto games.

All punches are taken care of by Taliesin, whereas all kicks are assigned to Muse. There would be a stance where both are together, and another stance where Muse is separate from Taliesin. Certain moves and supers have different properties depending on whether Muse is attached to Taliesin or not. Taliesin would also be able to change objects into musical instruments to use as weapons.

Gameplay Inspiration

Alessi (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures) , Kankuro (Naruto) , stands (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) , Riesbyfe Stridberg (Melty Blood series) , Eddie (Guilty Gear series) , Carl and Relius Clover (BlazBlue) , Demitri Maximoff (Darkstalkers series) , Vega (Street Fighter series)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Hubrecht is a good-natured strongman who does not realize the Cirque des Cartes doubles as a talent pool for the mob. Some would call him childishly naive while others say he was just born in the wrong world. But most agree that makes little difference, as even a friendly hug from the big guy earns him his nickname of “Hertz.”

Playstyle Speculation

Flexing! Happy command throws! Good-natured noogies! “720 - command throw everyday!”

Hearts, sparkles, and rainbows on various attacks with some referencing Mr. Heart and Heart Aino. Plus dual strong-man acrobatics with his spade-themed partner for striking visuals and attacks combining opposing suits.

Gameplay Inspiration

Marstorius (Fighter’s History) , Mr. Heart (Hokuto no Ken) , Cho Aniki, the Incredible Hulk, Alex (Street Fighter III series / Tatsunoko vs. Capcom) , Mr. Julius (Violent Storm) , Potemkin (Guilty Gear series) , Satsuki Yumizuka (Melty Blood series) , Tulks (Denjin Makai II) , the Genie (Disney’s Aladdin) , Heart Aino (Arcana Heart) , “Friendship!...Friendship?” (Mortal Kombat)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

The domineering beast tamer at the Cirque des Cartes, she commands a wide range of creatures including several outlandish specimens. She derives no pleasure from her cruelty, as it is simply in her cold nature to control others by any means necessary. The troupe ultimately answers to Regina, not the ringleader.

Playstyle Speculation

Using an array of monstrous beasts, Regina can have various types of attacks that come from off screen, or from animals standing next to her. She can command her minions to attack in various ways while she herself applies additional pressure.

She is also incredibly fast with her crop, able to strike with minimal start-up, similar to quickdraw sword characters in other fighting games such as Johnny or Hibiki.

Gameplay Inspiration

Hibiki (Last Blade 2) , Ruby Heart (Marvel vs. Capcom 2) , Nakoruru (Samurai Shodown series) , Johnny (Guilty Gear series) , Jill (Marvel vs. Capcom 2) , Janne D’Arc (World Heroes) , Galford (Samurai Showdown series) , Tandem Attacks (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) , Strider (Marvel vs. Capcom 2)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

The fiercely competitive magician hoping to dethrone Cerebella and replace her both at the circus and as an agent of the Medicis. Beatrix wears the Cloak of Damocles, allowing her to carry and employ an impossible array of props - with some risk. She combines its genuinely supernatural properties with old fashioned sleight of hand for attacks nobody can see coming.

Playstyle Speculation

Now you see her, now she’s pinning you down with a barrage of knives before sawing you in half.

With her magic cloak, she’s able to hold an otherwise impossible diversity of weaponry. However, it does take an incredible amount of concentration to pull off the tricks correctly, and a mistake could be painful or deadly. The threat of danger is always looming above. Her cloak has an exra-dimensional property to it, and she is even able to counter enemy attacks and avoid projectiles by having them fall into the cloak instead.

Gameplay Inspiration

Ciel (Melty Blood) , Spiral (X-Men: Children of the Atom / Marvel vs. Capcom 2) , Anakaris (Darkstalkers series) , V-Ism Cody (Street Fighter Alpha 3) , Magic Man (Mega Man & Bass) , Mycale (Akatsuki Blitzkampf) , Area (Street Fighter EX3) , Chaca (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) , Hsien-ko (Darkstalkers series) , Noob Saibot (Mortal Kombat series)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

The Medicis' outwardly refined mechanical henchman, piloted by the foul-mouthed Dagonian engineer Tom. Ottomo may appear comical, but he is nevertheless a lethal clutter of advanced weapons used to take care of family business.

Playstyle Speculation

Ottomo moves in a particularly strange fashion - he’s very lanky, and Tom likes to pilot him with a bit of extra flavor, so Ottomo attacks with dance moves when possible. The moonwalk, the Smooth Criminal lean, and of course The Robot are all incorporated into his unique style. In addition to classic robot references like the “guts”/Gaoo pose, he’d also have bullet fingers, hidden guns and missiles, and extendable limbs.

Gameplay Inspiration

Gre Nade (Evolution: The World of Sacred Device) , Rugal (King of Fighters series) , Dudley (Street Fighter III) , Henry Hatsworth, Brocken (World Heroes series) , Hsien-ko (Darkstalkers series) , Robo Ky (Guilty Gear series) , Cyberdyne Systems Model 101 (Terminator) , Pretty Boy / Guardroid (Punisher arcade) , Robo-Z (Bust a Groove) , Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker, KITT and Michael Knight (Knight Rider)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

A celebrity diva known for her charity, Eliza has been a host to the skeletal Parasite Sekhmet for countless years, completely internal and hidden from everyone. In reality, Eliza’s charity blood drives primarily serve to feed Sekhmet and preserve her own beauty. When the Medicis found out, they blackmailed Eliza and forced her to use her vampiric abilities for their own purposes. Now forced into the pursuit for the Skull Heart, an ancient ambition stirs... one that Samson and Leviathan are all too familiar with.

Playstyle Speculation

The ultimate attack-from-disadvantage character. Because of her kinship with her parasite, Eliza can control her own blood. Each time she is hit she bleeds, MK style, and the blood stays on the stage. Certain specials and supers can then use it.

Eliza will probably have two modes: one where Sekhmet is inside Eliza’s body, with slow, powerful attacks; and another where Eliza anchors herself onto the Staff of Ra and Sekhmet herself becomes a faster, more mobile character with new abilities.

Gameplay Inspiration

A.B.A. (Guilty Gear series) , T.O.P. system (Garou: Mark of the Wolves) , Donovan Baine (Darkstalkers series) , Nanase (Street Fighter EX3) , Anakaris (Darlkstalkers series) , Litchi Faye Ling (BlazBlue) , Jafar (Aladdin [SNES]) , Jedah (Darkstalkers series) , Carmine (Under Night In-Birth)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

A Dagonian from the Dragon Empire who moved his restaurant to the Canopy Kingdom. Outside of helping Ms. Fortune get back on her feet, he was hoping to sit back and run a regular business. But with the whole community in a crisis, it might be time to dust off his old skills and teach some young punks some manners.

Playstyle Speculation

He’s a walking fish with cleavers! Rushdown with a side of Player 2, chop chop.

Short, squat, and manic. With a style true to the spirit of cooking, he delivers plenty of expert cuts while vivid depictions of ornate dishes appear behind the characters. His supers may result in excessive drooling, as he prepares top shelf cuisine in the heat of battle. He’s also an avid Mahjong player, so some of this may come up in his style as well.

Rated “E” for Edible!

Gameplay Inspiration

Wolverine (Vs. series) , Kliff Undersn (Guilty Gear series) , Rah Gashapon (Patapon) , Kirby’s “Cook” ability (Super Smash Bros. Brawl / Kirby Super Star) , Genan Shiranui (Samurai Shodown 2) , Shikyo (Last Blade 2) , Rikuo Aulbath (Darkstalkers series) , Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Pudge (DOTA)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

One of the River King's daughters who works as a waitress at Yu-Wan's restaurant. She and her sisters were kidnapped under orders from the increasingly desperate and ruthless Lorenzo Medici. With a lot of courage and a little luck, Minette just might save herself from a ghastly fate.

Playstyle Speculation

A cute, clumsy waitress, Minette is primarily concerned with making her customers happy. Throughout the match she delivers food to passers-by who ride past on bikes, jump down from the sky, pop up from the sewer, or otherwise appear to harass the opponent for Minette’s sake. She can collect her tips with a super, and the more she collects the happier she gets! Maybe when she’s happy enough she’ll even have the confidence to overcome her clumsiness...

Gameplay Inspiration

Roll (Tatsunoko vs Capcom) , Maya (Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3) , Karin’s match intro (Street Fighter Alpha 3) , Frank West (Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3) , Dan (Super Gem Fighter) , Hisui and Kohaku (Melty Blood) , Multi and Manaka (Aquapazza) , Boyd (The Rumble Fish 2) , Osaka (Azumanga Daioh) , Kyosuke (Capcom vs. SNK 2 / Rival Schools)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Beowulf retired at the height of his professional wrestling career, defeating the seemingly unstoppable Grendel, as well as his frenzied Gigan mom when she nearly ate the audience after her son’s defeat. Years later Beowulf has become restless, wondering if that was his limit. He announces his plans to fight once again. What he didn’t mention was that it wouldn’t be in the ring, since there’s no telling where his greatest opponent will show up.

Playstyle Speculation

Classic pro wrestling, including violence with his favorite folding chair. Dubbed The Hurting, the legendary piece of furniture could supposedly support a Gigan if one could fit on it.

Beowulf can set his chair on the stage for various effects. He can knock opponents into it, do elevated slams off of it, or just stand on it as a platform to alter the height of his ground attacks. It could also be like Captain America’s shield in that he can throw it, but it needs to be recovered to be used again. In addition to standard pro-wrestling moves like dropkicks and powerbombs, souvenirs from past victories may aid him in battle - after all, it’s only illegal if there’s a referee.

Gameplay Inspiration

Tizoc (Garou: Mark of the Wolves) , R. Mika (Street Fighter series) , Macho Man Randy Savage (WWE) , The Ultimate Warrior (WCW) , King (Tekken) , El Fuerte (Street Fighter IV) , Captain America (Versus series) , not Kanji (Persona 4: Ultimate)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Given the Gigans’ notorious reputation for being battle-hungry, berserker giants and their nation’s bloody history with the Canopy Kingdom, few were surprised when a criminal of Gigan blood attacked the Renoir Grand War Memorial. But while Scythana may have a record, she's no terrorist. With her employer refusing to tell her side of the story, she decided to regain her freedom by force.

Playstyle Speculation

Pick up fallen opponents (or teammates) and hit people with ‘em! Aside from being obviously gigantic, her limbs can stretch and expand during attacks for additional reach. Her Gigan heritage becomes more pronounced during certain animations, with her body taking more monstrous form. The chains around her arms remain intact, however, so she can use them to block, grab, and attack. She is especially adept at vicious kicks, like a more raw and beastly kickboxer or Tae Kwon Do character.

Gameplay Inspiration

Juggernaut (X-Men: Children of the Atom) , Colossus (X-Men: Children of the Atom) , Boris (Violent Storm) , Yuugi Hoshiguma (Tohou) , Dhalsim (Street Fighter Series) , Juri (Street Fighter series) , the Kims (King of Fighters series) , Victor von Gerdenheim (Darkstalkers series) , Jonathan Jostar and Zeppeli’s Zoom Punch (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) , Dean (Final Fight 3) , Haggar / Cody (Final Fight series / Street Fighter series)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Originally a worker who assembled tanks and other vehicles during the Grand War, the Black Egrets' chief engineer always seems to have the right set of tools and parts on hand. A gearhead with a keen eye for machinery, she prefers to learn through the hands-on approach. Roxie loves to take apart and reassemble machines, striving to add custom improvements to their design. She is fascinated by the advanced technology created in the ASG labs, including Panzerfaust's arm.

Playstyle Speculation

A heavy rushdown character with an emphasis on priority rather than agility. Her weapons are improvised tools such as hammers and rivet guns as well as various machine parts she had around. She could also have the rest of her crew help, swinging in engines suspended from chains like wrecking balls or collectively assaulting the enemy in a montage. She will probably have the ability to construct some sort of gun turrets or other support items over the course of a match, use oil and rolling tires to trip the enemy, spray paint to cause status effects, propellers that hit like blades, etc.

Gameplay Inspiration

Sabertooth (X-men vs Street Fighter) , Isaac (Dead Space) , Rosie the Riveter (America) , Felicia (Darkstalkers / Marvel vs. Capcom 2) , Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat II) , Engineer (Team Fortress 2) , Jenette Vasquez (Aliens) , Jin (Marvel vs. Capcom 2)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Panzerfaust was the greatest creation of ASG Lab 3's super soldier program. A veteran of the Grand War and boisterous patriot, he has continued his military duty and currently serves under Parasoul and the Black Egrets. Sometimes reckless and foolhardy, he dives into battle and pushes the mechanisms of his body far beyond its alleged limits.

Playstyle Speculation

After any Punch attack, pressing the button a second time will add an additional blast from the tank.

The shot from his tank arm won’t always be a projectile, but sometimes a booster to amplify the punch (think Big O’s Sudden Impact). Aside from striking directly with the turret, the treads can extend for a dual chainsaw effect. He might even grab one of the grenades from his coat with his regular hand, punching his opponent in the head with an extra explosive effect, or outright bash them with a missile. Panzerfaust would have super armor, if not at all times then certainly during specific attacks. Expect maximum, grandiose, beefy, WWII-esque imagery gone further over the top.

Gameplay Inspiration

Potemkin (Guilty Gear series) , Tager (BlazBlue) , Juggernaut (Versus series) , Hulk (Versus series) , BB Hood (Darkstalkers series) , Big O (Big O) , Q (Street Fighter III: Third Strike) , Ralf (King of Fighters series) , Clark (King of Fighters 13) , Shigen (Last Blade 2) , Earthquake (Samurai Shodown 2) , Mech-Zangief (Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Adam is a Jack-of-all-trades elite soldier of the Black Egrets. Unfortunately, this does not help him stand out among the team. Being good with kids as well, he is also often tasked with babysitting Umbrella. Will he ever get the chance to prove himself to Princess Parasoul?

Playstyle Speculation

Adam would represent the Black Egret soldiers as a playable group. Their lifebar would be divided into thirds, with each third representing an Egret. Whenever a segment is depleted, that character faints and the next one joins the fray. The first two are faceless Egrets, and the last is Adam himself.

Since in reality Adam is a talented soldier, he would have access to moves that the other two Egrets lack, giving the group some last-ditch power. However, the group would also have techniques that require more soldiers alive, such as sacrificing one of them for a damage or a buff to the next one, or ganging up on the opponent.

In addition to attacks similar to what the Egrets do while assisting Parasoul, Adam is skilled at a variety of other military weapons ranging from close combat to assorted guns, grenades, and bazookas. He might have some sort of ammo meter that he’d need to reload for certain attacks.

Gameplay Inspiration

Norimaro (Versus series, Norimaro’s Lovely Ladies) , Dan Hibiki (Street Fighter series) , Egret Dive (Skullgirls) , E-Soldat (Akatsuki Blitzkampf) , Metal Gun III: Shout of the Arms, Ran (Bob and George) , Togusa (Ghost in the Shell) , Dan Hibiki (Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter) , Multi-boss fights (Odin Sphere) , TOP system (Garou: Mark of the Wolves) , Anonym (Akatsuki Blitzkampf) , Naoto (Persona 4: Ultimate)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

The Black Egrets' gung-ho communications officer. While her main job is keeping her team connected, Roxie has continually added features to her field telephone equipment and they are now classified as a weapons system. Though not the kind of information warfare Molly had in mind, she handles the array with her usual finesse and enthusiasm.

Playstyle Speculation

Many of her attacks would be phone themed. Phone rotaries, bells, wires, needles, cans on strings- anything phone themed is fair game. She’d use an office chair and assorted machinery to move around. Despite the image in the lineup, she may pilot Graham-o-Tron, a phone-themed mecha instead. Maybe she can dial-a-combo... interpret that as you will, the pun had to be made.





To reflect her profession, Molly might have the ability to place a series of relay points on the screen, sending an electrical pulse through them. If she switches the points while the pulse is en route, she can keep it going through a series of connections.

In the spirit of switchboard operators assisting soldiers on the field, she could have supportive abilities that give her team bonuses when she’s not on point. For example, she might allow her teammates to gain more meter, heal red life faster, or experience shorter hitstun or blockstun in specific cases. She may even have attacks and supers that can only be performed when she’s not the active character like an air strike, medevac, supply drop, or a damage boost during the point character’s supers.

Gameplay Inspiration

Tron Bonne (Marvel vs. Capcom 2) , Cyberbots, Exo Squad, Power Loader (Aliens) , Ride Armor (Mega Man X series) , WW2-era office ladies and switchboard operators, Tellbell I and Tellbell II (Remote Control Dandy SF) , Guts and Power, Love and Peace, Rest and Relax Team-up Techniques (Rival Schools) , Sentinel (Versus series) , Tachikoma (Ghost in the Shell series) , Metal Slug

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Isaac is an archaeologist who has made unsettling discoveries below the Canopy Kingdom, only to have the evidence buried. Now hunted, Isaac has been literally buying time using shards of a unique type of Theonite he discovered in his search. The one other person who knows about the dig has been wrongfully imprisoned, but learning the truth would put her in greater danger.

Playstyle Speculation

Isaac’s time travel mechanics aren’t your standard slow/stop fare. For example, a double of Isaac could instantly appear from the future for a lunging punch, and a countdown begins above Isaac’s head. When the countdown reaches zero, Isaac pauses and prepares to travel back in time to deliver the punch. If he is hit during the preparation, the opponent regains any damage they took from the punch since it never happened. If his double is hit during the punch, Isaac himself takes damage when the countdown reaches zero.

Isaac may also have other time related attacks, such as the ability to convert successful special attacks into supers in the past after noticing they connected. He could possibly manipulate the timer, namely knocking off a few seconds to hasten that time-out.

Gameplay Inspiration

Doc Brown (Back to the Future series) , Professor Badass (Kevin Stewart) , Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones series) , Neinhalt Sieger (Samurai Shodown series) , Iron Man (Marvel vs. Capcom series) , Dio Brando (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) , Sakuya (Tohou series) , Makoto (Street Fighter III: Third Strike) , one-frame DHCs (Marvel vs. Capcom 2) , Shadow (One Must Fall 2097)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Venus is the Trinity’s restless goddess of space, wielder of the otherworldly parasite, Abaddon. She grows tired of waiting for Mother’s plan and calls upon her unwilling foothold on the outside in a small act of rebellion. Her physical form is deceptive, as the true nature and size of Venus and Abaddon exist beyond the threshold of human comprehension.

Playstyle Speculation

The lady is only the central part of a much larger creature. If the rest of her is visible, the observer has already been engulfed. There is no safe place when fighting her as the very fabric of the universe unravels into mouths, claws, and locusts devouring her prey’s flesh from every angle.

Venus’s own body tantalizingly distorts to reveal monstrous elements. Body parts bloom from seemingly nowhere, sometimes releasing swarms of locusts to assault opponents from every angle. She can open holes in space, move and teleport in unexpected ways, or even distort the playfield itself. Even her own attacks may be displaced and modified.

Reality bites.

Gameplay Inspiration

Vanilla Ice (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) , Venom (Marvel vs. Capcom) , Spiral (X-Men: Children of the Atom) , Nrvnqsr Chaos (Melty Blood series) , Shuma Gorath (Marvel Super Heroes) , Nu-13 and Lambda-11 (BlazBlue series) , Morrigan Aensland (Darkstalkers series) , I-no (Guilty Gear series) , Midler (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) , Nyarlathotep (Lovecraft) , The Thing, Silent Hill, Psylocke (X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes) , Venus Fly Trap (nature) , Revelations (Bible) , Dictionnaire Infernal, The Garden of Earthly Delights (Hieronymus Bosch) , Fault Line, Nico Robin (One Piece) , Mistral (Metal Gear Solid: Rising)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

Aeon is the Trinity’s reclusive goddess of time who observes history from beyond this world. Using her Parasite, Khronos, she is able to manipulate multiple timelines, watching how they play out while snagging the occasional collectible. Is her appearance in the roster merely a phantom possibility from another timeline, or did she find the means and willpower to venture out of the comfort of her own home?

Playstyle Speculation

Aeon’s attack themes may be similar to Double’s in that she wields hypothetical versions of characters to attack, conjured from the distorted reflections on her hourglass. She may use figures from the past, characters that have not been seen yet, and alternate versions of the cast including ones where they have become the next Skullgirl. Her own attacks would be themed after sand, glass, and Khronos’s serpentine incarnation with animations that don’t always flow forward. Playing off of her shut-in otaku tendencies, some of her moves may bring in her accumulated merchandise.

In contrast to Isaac who can only travel through time, Aeon is a divine being with the ability to manipulate time itself, including alternate timelines. She may be able to capture moments on the battlefield to unleash later, like a bubble in time containing all attacks executed within its bounds. Then there is the usual slew of abilities to consider like rewinding time, slowing it down, and stopping it.

** Special Mike Z note ** Thanks to GGPO requiring the game to have savestates, a lot of this is more possible than you might think. Though you may not enjoy fighting against a divine being very much...

Gameplay Inspiration

ZSNES, Braid, Snapshot, Dio Brando (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) , Sakuya (Tohou series) , Double (Skullgirls) , Time-Space Beam glitch (Super Metroid) , Omega Tom Hanks (MUGEN) , Gameboy Pokemon Yellow TASes (TASVideos.org) , Hounds of Tindalos (Lovecraft) , Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Super Time Force

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==

This Samson walks a darker path than the one we know. Having chosen to serve himself and leave the rest of the world to its fate, he turned to the vilest method to overcome his reliance on hosts. Who knows if he is a trick by Double to mock the Parasite, or a relic from a lost timeline recovered by Aeon.

Playstyle Speculation

In this monstrous incarnation, Samson has no physical or emotional restraints and is free to deliver face punches...with his face. Or he can harden his fist into a five-horned ram to bludgeon his opponent. Aside from larger versions of Filia’s attacks, he can incorporate the forms of nature’s most fearsome creations including T. rexes, sharks, bears, mammoths, scorpions, and wombats to unleash a barrage of beastial fury. There will be hair, teeth, spikes, and screaming everywhere.

Gameplay Inspiration

Juggernaut (Versus series) , Potemkin (Guilty Gear series) , Kusaregedo (Samurai Showdown series) , Troll (Dark Awake: The King Has No Name) , Fernandeath (Waku Waku 7) , Venom (Marvel vs. Capcom) , Shuma-Gorath (Versus series) , Riptor (Killer Instinct) , Eddie (Guilty Gear series) , Colossus (Versus series) , Climax attacks (Bayonetta) , Dracula’s second form (Castlevania: Rondo of Blood) , Zappa (Guilty Gear series) , Sonson (Marvel vs. Capcom 2) , Sabrewulf (Killer Instinct) , Blanka (Street Fighter series) , Primal Rage, Bloody Roar, King of the Monsters, Aggar (Altered Beast)

== All character playstyle speculation and gameplay inspirations are subject to change,

and may be different in the final version ==