The new character reveals for Soulcalibur 6 just keep on coming. With about a month to go before the upcoming game’s October 19 launch date, Bandai Namco has confirmed that the dashing fencer Raphael Sorel, yet another series mainstay, will be part of Soulcalibur 6’s roster.
First introduced in Soulcalibur 2 and having been part of every numbered entry since, Raphael uses his Flambert rapier and his family’s La Rapiere des Sorel fighting style to deadly effect, easily parrying or sidestepping his enemy’s blows and then punishing them with devastating slashes and stabs. Raphael’s fighting style also incorporates several kick attacks and acrobatic flourish strikes, ensuring that while he may not be the toughest or fastest fighter on the field, he’s certainly the most stylish.
Within the lore of the Soulcalibur series, Raphael has served as a villain whose twisted worldview ultimately hides surprisingly noble intentions. His main driving force throughout the series has been to protect his ward, a young woman named Amy who saved him after he was cast out and later hunted by members of his own family. In order to keep Amy safe, Raphael turned to darker and darker methods, to the point where he pretty much became a full-blown vampire in later entries.
Since Soulcalibur 6 will “reset the clock” by retelling the events of the original Soul Edge game, Raphael has been restored to the more traditional nobleman look he sported back when he first joined the series. With the inclusion of Raphael, Soulcalibur 6’s roster is now 20 fighters strong, and Bandai Namco undoubtedly has more reveals planned for the final month before the game’s launch.
Bandai Namco also appears to be on a bit of a villain kick since, before Raphael, the two previously revealed Soulcalibur 6 fighters were newcomer Azwel (who appears to be the game’s main villain) and beloved undead pirate Cervantes.