Goldlewis Dickinson was simply revealed every bit the first new character coming to Guilty Gear: Strive , and boy does he accept an imposing presence. Still, when you recollect of characters who embody the stone 'northward' roll spirit of Guilty Gear, a U.S. government official wearing cowboy chaps and horseshoes probably doesn't spring to mind. Only since Strive is poised to become the well-nigh popular and successful entry in the series by a wide margin, let's innovate new and returning fans alike to more of the classic characters in the franchise who deserve the spotlight in DLC.

But to become this out of the style: We're not taking lore into consideration for these picks. If a character's electric current lore status is that they're, say, retired from fighting and running a bakery, we don't intendance. And don't even endeavour to pull the "That grapheme is dead" carte. Death never stopped Chiliad. Bison (or Liu Kang, or Heihachi Mishima…), and it shouldn't prevent long-time veterans from playing as their mains. We're also not going to bother discussing characters who were heavily featured in the story manner--Happy Chaos, Asuka, and Jack-O'--considering if Goldlewis is whatever indication, their spots on the roster are all simply guaranteed already.

Venom

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Prototype via Arc Organisation Works

Bated from the original Guilty Gear for the PSX, Venom has never been absent from the series until now, and the lack of his presence is sorely felt. GG built its reputation on wildly unique and creative characters, both in terms of visual aesthetic and gameplay, and Venom is one of the most celebrated in both departments. The logo embroidered on his bangs solitary will pique your involvement, but once you see him in action—placing pool balls all over the screen and hitting them at multiple angles with his cue—you'll quickly understand how he's ane of the most technical and stylish characters in fighting game history.

Custom pool brawl formations and control over their speed and trajectory are cadre to Venom'south identity and non-negotiables for his Strive incarnation. No character survived the transition to the latest game with all of their tools intact, though, so expect moves like Double Head Morbid, Mad Struggle, and Dubious Curve to either get re-tooled for new purposes or removed outright. He may not retain his ability to teleport in a higher place the balls he places, either, given how Chipp lost his teleport, too, so he could definitely apply some absurd new tools to make up for the losses.

Baiken

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Image via Arc System Works

Practice you hate blocking? Of course you do; Ramlethal has probably been making your life in the corner miserable. How virtually a character who always gives y'all the pick to counter-attack through your baby-sit for no resource price? This mechanic has always been implemented fairly—the counter-attacks tin can be punished under the right circumstances (and in her Guilty Gear Xrd: REV 2 incarnation, she telegraphed her counters by performing a stance beforehand)—and information technology's ever what has set Baiken apart from the residue of the cast and created very interesting matchup dynamics.

Her tatami mat projectile is the other essential piece of her kit; she would feel incomplete without information technology in Strive. Regardless, you shouldn't worry as well much almost her chances of making the cut. Baiken is 1 of the well-nigh popular GG characters in the West and Europe, if not the most popular.

Bridget

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Image via Arc System Works

The Japanese audition, however, has very unlike tastes. Despite topping multiple official graphic symbol popularity polls, Bridget was completely absent from the Xrd games. The time to give the people what they want is long overdue. Plus, Strive is the perfect opportunity to give him a fresh new look.

Everything virtually Bridget is unconventional, from his appearance equally a female betraying his true nature as a male, to his transforming yo-yo and teddy acquit as combat weapons. Much like Venom'due south pool balls, Bridget'southward ability to place the yo-yo in multiple different spots and slingshot himself around the screen allowed for an unprecedented level of mobility and histrion creativity. Also, in a series rife with moves named straight afterwards famous stone and metal songs, Bridget always had one of the best: Kickstart My Centre. The more he stays the same in Strive, the ameliorate.

Dizzy

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Image via Arc Organization Works

She's e'er been i of the series' nigh important characters, and Guilty Gear Xrd: Revelator gave her a by and large faithful 3D handling, but Lightheaded should probably be high on the DLC priority listing only considering Strive is currently lacking in characters who excel at long-range combat. Axl shouldn't have to fill that office by himself. Keeping your opponent from closing the altitude on you using a broad variety of projectiles is a game plan simple enough for anyone to understand.

Silly should also bring her second airdash, a perk that Millia currently gets to relish exclusively. In previous games, the extra air mobility coupled with the delayed attacks on her fish summons would give Dizzy access to a strong mix-upwardly game also, only toned-down characters is the name of the game in Strive, so Arc Arrangement Works will accept to get artistic with new abilities to brand her fit.

Slayer

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Image via Arc System Works

If Strive is your starting time GG game, and you lot're wondering why long-time fans are yelling about how "the impairment is mode as well loftier" (which is true), it's because but Slayer used to possess the kind of damage output that would just make y'all explode. 1 counter-striking Pilebunker or Dead on Fourth dimension would frequently upshot in the terminate of the round. These moments were gleefully satisfying for Slayer players, but also hilariously entertaining for spectators. Strive would probably consolidate the damage of Pilebunker into the move itself instead of merely being a huge combo starter, but that spectator amusement aspect should stay intact.

As well, let's talk music. Slayer's themes have ever brought the jazz, and yous should exist excited by the idea that all of these characters will likewise come up with 1 of Daisuke Ishiwatari's signature compositions. This soundtrack could use some more classiness.

Jam Kuradoberi

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Image via Arc Organization Works

While Slayer was winning rounds with explosive harm from his punches, Jam was doing it with her kicks. (And that damned move that the community simply refers to every bit "puffball." You know the one.) In rosters dominated by characters brandishing some sort of weapon, the pugilists e'er stand out more than, and Giovanna shouldn't get that spotlight all to herself.

Traditionally, Jam is also the only member of the bandage who possesses a parry equally a powerful defensive option in the easily of a skilled player, and it'due south something the Strive meta could desperately use right at present. Faultless Defense and Instant Cake but aren't cutting it. Imagine if you could force the majority of Sol players you lot run up against to think twice about pressuring yous the way they practise at present.

Attestation

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Prototype via Arc System Works

Testament terrorized the highest levels of competitive play for Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R , and no graphic symbol should ever exist that potent again, but a toned-down version of him absolutely deserves to exist in Strive. Given the proper intendance and balance, his signature game plan of forcing the opponent to navigate (or bust through) a minefield of traps would be a welcome addition. Maybe all the traps should go away if he takes damage this time, though.

All of the characters from the 20 games deserve the modernistic Arc System Works 3D handling eventually. Nosotros know you Zappa, Robo-Ky, Justice, Kliff, and A.B.A fans are out there waiting patiently. Even Xrd originals similar Sin and Raven take strong supporters. Strive, however, has the unenviable task of stripping these characters down to be less overwhelming for newcomers, while notwithstanding maintaining the essence of what makes those characters unique and beloved. Maybe you're ameliorate off leaving the memories solitary. But we'd dearest to exist proven wrong.

No Elphelt, though. Never again.

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