I bet no one saw that coming. Thought it would be a fun experience. Hope you all enjoy, anime related or not .

Also if you liked it to a certain degree and would like me to do more, just ask

Oh oh! I SO called it! In my last SC post I expressed how I wanted O!G to be the next mangaka to create a character for SCIV and boy did my dreams come true! The newest character added to the roster is Ashlotte. The only tidbits available so far is that she is a robot of sorts and is out to execute Astaroth. I hope she succeeds because I never liked that guy to begin with anyways. Ashlotte’s design is quite exquisite and tantalizing to the eyes of those who love complex dresses and beautiful hair designs. I’m not really surprised that O!G drew her the way he did since he does have a few petite characters in his Tenjo Tenge and Air Gear manga. She’s looking pretty damn strong too with that battle axe in hand. I’m pretty sure that thing ways at least two or three times what she does. I have to wonder now, is this the last character to be created by a Japanese artist? Or is there still more to come? I can’t imagine who would be next if there was. Kubo Tite? Oda?

OH MY. I never thought that we’d be getting another character designed by a mangaka. Though I can’t tell you just how wide my eyes went when I first saw the news that Oku designed a new character for Soul Calibur IV. The new character’s name is Shura and she will be a rival to Ivy. It’s not yet known just why they will be rivals but I expect to hear a little about it as the release date approaches. This info, of course, comes from good ol’ Famitsu just like last time. Shura’s design is pretty damn attractive though I don’t expect any less coming from Oku whose female designs are among the best in the industry in my opinion. Shura is now the third character that has been created by a famous Japanese mangaka just like Anglo Fear (Yoshizaki Mine; Keroro Gunso) and Scheherazade (Izubuchi Yukata; RahXephon). I wonder, is there going to be another new character made by a famous mangaka? If so, then I think they should look up Oh Great!.

Sources:
Shueisha
CNG4U
Muhyojo

This is some of the best news I’ve seen recently. I’ve already mentioned being a huge RPG fan before and Final Fantasy is one of my main loves. FFIV was one of the very best installments I’ve played and had such a deep and engaging story with equally intriguing characters that made you care for them. This remake is one of the most anticipate for me as I always wanted a portable version of the game and I didn’t get to grab the GBA version. It seems like my waiting will pay off since this remake will have all-new CG cutscenes, a new Augment system that allows you to assign special abilities to Rydia, Cecil, Rosa and co., and a remixed version of Uematsu Nobou’s superb original score for the game! Personally I can’t wait to see Rydia in the CGs.

The game is due out on July 22nd and the wait couldn’t be more painful and joyful all at the same time. The press release is after the jump.

A LEGEND IS REBORN: FINAL FANTASY IV COMES TO LIFE IN FULL 3D

Revolutionary Title Comes to Nintendo DS on July 22, 2008

LOS ANGELES (April 10, 2008) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that it will launch a completely re-envisioned FINAL FANTASY® IV for Nintendo DS™ on July 22, 2008. A new generation of gamers will now have the opportunity to experience a legend reborn.

The team that brought FINAL FANTASY III to Nintendo DS comes together once again to breathe new life into a classic that broke convention and introduced a wide array of innovations to the RPG genre. With its groundbreaking Active Time Battle (ATB) system and an engrossing, character-driven plot, FINAL FANTASY IV was a stunning step forward for role-playing games when it was originally released for the Super NES® in 1991.

“FINAL FANTASY IV for DS is a classic revived for the 21st century,” said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix, Inc. “The visual upgrades are remarkable, and the plot has been enhanced with added detail and depth. We hope that fans of the original, as well as players new to the FINAL FANTASY franchise, will enjoy all that this title has to offer.”

Now featuring full 3D graphics, fully-voiced dramatic cutscenes, and added content, FINAL FANTASY IV for DS is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.

STORY

Four elemental Crystals, each possessing awesome power, lie scattered throughout the realm. However, men are quick to covet things which offer strength, and easily corrupted by the might which they possess…

Seduced by the promised power of the Crystals, the kingdom of Baron begins employing unprovoked force to seize them from peaceful nations. The dark knight Cecil – Lord Captain of Baron’s elite force, the Red Wings – is ordered by his king to obtain the Crystals, but soon begins to question the monarch’s motives. Stricken with grief at his own actions, yet burdened by his loyalty to his country and his personal sense of honor, Cecil at last decides to turn from the path of darkness and destruction.

Enraged, the king accuses him of disloyalty, strips Cecil of his command, and sends him off to slay a mysterious beast that lurks in the nearby Valley of Mist. Cecil embarks on a fateful journey that will bring trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Can Cecil open his eyes and become the man of honor that he must be?

FEATURES

Witness the dramatic and thrilling story of this mythical game world brought to life through astounding 3D graphics, gorgeous CG cutscenes and top-notch voice acting

Create a versatile party using the all-new Augment System – a dynamic system that allows the player to assign special abilities to characters

Dive into the first RPG to incorporate the innovative Active Time Battle system, now further enhanced and refined for the Nintendo DS

Listen to a beautifully remixed score by world-renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu that breathes new life into some of the most beloved FINAL FANTASY themes

Navigate effortlessly through the game with Nintendo DS Touch Screen functionality and stylus-driven controls while receiving vital assistance via the dual-screen presentation

Train and customize Whytkin by playing a variety of mini-games and challenge another player to head-to-head battle via local wireless connection

FINAL FANTASY IV is rated is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. FINAL FANTASY IV will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99(USD).

The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ff4/

This isn’t a surprise than it is an awaited inevitability. Amy is looking rather amazing compared to her SCIII appearance but I suppose it was because she was a pre-made custom character in that game and didn’t receive as much detail as the main cast. She looks to be more involved in the tournament this time around. I wonder who her Destined Battle will be with? Of course SC would be a little off if the dual sword wielding pirate Cervantes didn’t return. He’s been around since Soul Blade so it’s expected of him to remain a series regular and favorite. Zasalamel also returns looking as angry as ever. Dude needs to learn how to smile a bit more, though that’ll probably scare off some people…

There’s a lot more images to see over at 1UP.com.

I don’t know how much more excited I can get for this game but it seems like I haven’t reached my limit yet. The latest Famitsu revealed a new character designed by Keroro Gunso mangaka, Yoshizaki Mine, who goes by the name of Angol Fear. This new character is supposedly related to another character of his in Keroro Gunso: Angol Mois. Like pKjd pointed out, she seems to possess a Lucifer Spear which I hope foreshadows some of her moves. Still, I never expected to see this sort of development in Soul Calibur even if Yoda and Darth Vader are in the game. With the game scheduled for release on the XBox 360 and PlayStation 3 this summer, I wonder what other surprises will be revealed before then?