'Samurai Shodown' is the classic fighting game franchise from SNK which was brought back to life in 2019. SNK has never been a company to consistently dabble in dubbing their games so why don't we do it for them? Outside of acting, I play multiple fighting games but I've been a Samurai Shodown player ever since it came out last year. I have traveled across the globe from Europe to Japan competing in tournaments. This will be my ultimate labor of love for the game and these characters I hold dear. Let us embrace death!... That's the game's slogan, don't worry.
Above here is a short trailer of the game. In the future I wish to replace it with a teaser for the dub itself!
Thank you for your consideration and good luck!
(Opening) "The way of the Samurai is to know death. The way of Shura is to know victory. I am the ultimate fighter, and all who stand in my way shall... fall!"
(Character select screen) "Haohmaru!" / "Yagyu Jubei!" / "Kibagami Genjuro!"
(Match announcing) "To a fair duel! Round 1... fight!" / "Conclusion!" / "The winner is..."
Shizuka died some time before the game's events. However, her bitterness and grief over her own death and that of her beloved made her soul unable to move to the afterlife. As a result, she ends corrupted by an evil influence and opens the gate to the Underworld, returning as a vengeful demonic force which spreads chaos and destruction throughout Japan.
(Please don't use any vocal effects)
"... This entire world... and all within it... will be extinguished before me!"
"Bitter suffering... and hatred. Destruction upon you! Rrarrrrgh!"
(Defeated, returned back to her original self, at peace) "I... what am I doing here? Why can I not remember? Though I have had my share of sorrow and pain, life was not without laughter and joy."
Once an orphan, he was raised and trained alongside Kibagami Genjuro under the tutelage of their master, Nicotine Caffeine (Yes, that's seriously his name.). Now a vagabond, he roams the world in search of worthy opponents... and may or may not save the world in the process. Haohmaru is stubborn, burly and confident. He loves Sake (Japanese rice wine) and even whacks people with his flask as one of his special moves. Regardless, he is one of the strongest Samurai alive and he knows it.
Medium-low.
Pronunciation & context:
"Senpuuretsuzan!"
"Kogetsuzan!"
"Here I come... eat this!"
vs Genjuro dialogue
"Lucky you. About to be killed by a legend!"
(vs Genjuro pre-fight line) "It's been a long time, Genjuro... We may have studied together, but now that you've turned on me, I'm afraid we'll have to find out which one of us is stronger."
(Battle cries) ""Senpuuretsuzan!" / "Kogetsuzan!" / "Oriya!" / "Here I come... eat this!"
A young girl with a pet bird called Mamahaha. At 15, she and Rimururu are playing in the forest when Mamahaha flies in holding her father's sword. Sensing her father was in danger, she apologized to Rimururu and leaves. She is timid and apologetic, never wanting to inflict harm to anyone or anything, but has to.
High to medium-high.
Pronunciation & context:
"Rera Mutsube!"
vs Galford dialogue
"By the mountain gods, victory will be mine."
(vs Galford pre-fight dialogue) "This evil must not be allowed to spread unchecked. It is my duty to stop the wenkamui. Please, let me pass!"
(Battle cries) "Annu Mutsube!" / "Rera Mutsube!" / "Let's go, Mamahaha!"
A ninja from California who fights with his dog Poppy and the power of lightning. Galford is an upbeat, justice-seeking hero. His weapon "Justice Blade" was made out of a bullet and has the names of his family engraved.
Medium.
Pronunciation & context:
"Plasma Blade!"
"Strike heads!"
"Go, Poppy!"
"This is our justice!"
(vs Earthquake dialogue)
"Don't worry, Poppy! I'll never betray justice, and justice will never betray me."
(vs Earthquake pre-fight dialogue) "So you're Earthquake! That treasure... don't tell me you're taking advantage of all the confusion for looting?! Then I will be the one to swing the hammer of justice down upon you!
(Battle cries) "Strike heads!" / "Go, Poppy!" / "Plasma blade!" / "This is our justice!"
Ukyo may be blessed with having dozens of women chasing after him, but he is also cursed with tuberculosis, a life threatening and incurable disease. He is a tragic poet in every sense. His illness inhibits him from getting close to anyone and he is a firm ambassador of Haiku's.
Medium-low to low.
Pronunciation & context:
Twilight haiku.
(vs Haohmaru dialogue)
"Much like flowers give way to weeds, our lives are but a transient state."
(vs Haohmaru pre-fight dialogue) "Why do you stand in my way? I can tell you want to fight... but why are you in such a hurry to die?"
(Battle cries) "Hmph!" / "Yaagh!" / "Fall prey to twilight... death is blooming in both hands... red spider lilies."
Kyoshiro is a kabuki and a historic example of the artistic rebel of his time era. He has a bold charisma that attracts a lot of fans to his plays. Although he practices theater, he is bored of the rigid structure and is always on the hunt for a new, exciting dance. He also welcomes change, accepting Western ideals much earlier than the people of his time.
Medium-high.
Pronunciation & context:
Eighteen Plays Attack.
(vs Ukyo dialogue)
"We met here today because of fate. You will soon find my dance's form etched upon your very soul!"
(vs Ukyo pre-fight dialogue) "So you have pursued this evil, too. I cannot give up this path until I have completed my dance... Come, my elegant opponent, it's time to fiiight!!!"
(Battle cries) "Yooo~!" / Soooreh~" / "This will be one gruesome dance to remember! Uuaaaghh... Eighteen Best Kabuki Plays: Revolving Stage!"
Jubei is an experienced, battle-hardened warrior who is loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate, even as a ronin. He enjoys seeing potential in younger warriors and encourages them to one day surpass him. Unlike his comrade in arms, Hanzo, Jubei is a more care-free man when off-duty, and he enjoys times of peace with a hearty laugh.
Medium-low to low.
Pronunciation & context:
"Here I go -- Upper!"
Twin Devil Horns.
(vs Hanzo dialogue)
"No one can equal to me. Wah hah hah haaah!"
(vs Hanzo pre-fight dialogue) "You must sense it, too. This evil that makes you hair stand on end... Hanzo, how can I vanquish the creatures that lie ahead if I cannot even defeat a man like you first?"
(Battle cries) "Here I go -- Upper!" / "Suigetsuto!" / Shinkage-ryu technique! Hm! Hah! Taste my Twin Devil Horns!"
Tam Tam is a brave and revered warrior of his village, who truly loves his home and countrymen. He walks in his father's footsteps and hopes to make him proud. He enjoys peace and spends the time with his sister. Like other Green Hell residents, he worships the gods as his savior, knowing full well that failure to protect his people will bring their wrath. Since his mask is also considered a mask of the gods, he will only don it during a time of crisis.
Medium-low to low.
Pronunciation & context:
"Moola Moola!"
(vs Kyoshiro dialogue)
"I'm strong. You're weak. You'll lose. Questions?"
(vs Kyoshiro pre-fight dialogue) "What is this place? Who are you? I've wandered into this weird place. But I sense that evil is close... The stone must be around here somewhere!"
(Battle cries) "Aoooah!" / "Moola Moola!"
Hanzo is a serious and condescending ninja. He is often seen laughing at his enemies in a superior manner. He wants to fight worthy opponents and knows that his fate is to die in battle. As a ninja, he has ties to Galford, yet the two could not be further alike.
Low.
Pronunciation & context:
"Tenshinho!"
(vs Yashamaru dialogue)
"To die is not shameful, but better you than me."
(vs Yashamaru pre-fight dialogue) "I see, you're Karasu Tengu. You're so young... But if you oppose the Bakufu, then I cannot let you live!"
(Battle cries) "Yaaagh!" / "Tenshinho!"
Genjuro is a brutal warrior who only fights for the pleasure of killing. He likes to dominate over others and hates people who are weak. As such, he has made it his livelihood to take on the dirty business of eliminating targets for just compensation, as he grew up knowing violence and deviance. He is often called a "demon/ogre" by his victims, usually moments before he slays them. He also enjoys carnal pursuits and gambling, spending the majority of his days cavorting in brothels and gambling dens.
Low.
Pronunciation & context:
"Inoshikacho!"
(vs Shiki dialogue)
"Fool! I'll kill you!"
(vs Shiki pre-fight dialogue) "...What's this fine, gleaming jewel that just rolled on up with me? I don't know where this gold came from, but... as you wish, I'll play with you to your heart's content!"
(Battle cries) "Yaagh!" / "Die!" / "Inoshikacho!"
Earthquake respects no one except for himself and his minions. He uses his greed to drive him, wanting to bask in material wealth and riches that he feels he deserves. Like most bandits, he's rude and shameless to others. His immense weight was gained partially due to his disappointment with his courting skills as he's rejected by many ladies. As a dropout ninja, he is not on good terms with Galford and he is equally antagonistic in return (even when he claims to have forgotten about him).
Medium-low to low.
Pronunciation & context:
"I'll grind you to dust!"
"Brrrrrragh!"
(vs Darli dialogue)
"I'll clean my teeth with you."
(vs Darlo pre-fight dialogue) "Hm? Hahaha! Hey, pirate lady! You've collected a ton of treasure, right? Hand it over quick, before I make you regret it!"
(Battle cries) "Hahaah!" / "Brrrrrrrragh!" / "I'll grind you to dust!"
She is a woman who was tailored to be Yuga's servant before her birth. Her identity and memory become fractured when she was brainwashed by Yuga in her adulthood. He engraves an enchanted snake tattoo on her back as a means to control her. She is told to find a man fit to become the perfect body for the Dark Lord's resurrection. Finding Haohmaru to be that man, she follows him for a chance to take him away to her master. Her soul becomes freed after Haohmaru defeats Yuga.
Medium.
Pronunciation & context:
"How boring..."
(vs Wu dialogue)
"You're not the one I'm looking for..."
(vs Wu pre-fight dialogue) "What do you think you're doing? I have no business with you... Or were you looking for someone to play with? Fine. I'll just slice you in half, though."
(Battle cries) "You're mine." / "Don't struggle." / "How boring..."
Yoshitora is a cock-sure and rebellious member of the Tokugawa clan. Though he presents himself as a bit of a slacker, he is actually quite aware of his surroundings and won't hesitate to take the wisest choice in a conflict. Analogous to his historical inspiration, he is also a playboy. He fights with seven swords; six of them are named after girls he has slept with, the final one is named after himself.
Medium to medium-low.
Pronunciation & context:
"Tsubaki!"
"(vs Jubei dialogue)
"Well now! I hope that was fun for you, too."
(vs Jubei pre-fight dialogue) "Sorry, Jubei. Leave what lies ahead to me... Now, may I pass unhindered?"
(Battle cries) "Botan!" / "Tsubaki!" / "Yugao!" / "Now for my one true love..."
She is a proud woman, perceived to be a bit manly from those of her home country as she talks in the same manner as a soldier. Though harsh and boastful during fights, Charlotte is a gentle and generous wanderer who truly loves her countrymen. She generally avoids womanly attire though she will dress in it if the occasion calls for it.
Medium. (A French accent is HIGHLY preferable, but if you know you can't do one then you could try auditioning in an American accent.)
Pronunciation & context:
"Tri-Slash!"
"Power Gradation!"
(vs Nakoruru dialogue)
"Au revoir!"
(vs Nakoruru pre-fight dialogue) "Why do you stand in my way? This miasma drifting this way from up ahead... You sense it too, don't you? There's no time to waste. Step aside!"
(Battle quotes) "Tri-slash!" / "Bayonet Lunge!" / "Power Gradation!"
Darli is strong willed, not backing down from any opponent and is VERY confident in building an unsinkable ship. She also firmly believes in hard work, threatening to break the bones of those who want to give up. Those who dare to cross her, like the masked man who wrecked one of her custom ships will end up feeling her wrath.
Medium-low. (A Caribbean accent is HIGHLY preferable, but if you know you can't do one then you could always audition with an American accent.)
"Fortunately for you, I'm not into bullying the weak!"
(vs Tam Tam pre-fight dialogue) "At last I've found you, you masked man! I don't know what your aim is, but you were unfortunate enough to destroy our ship, and so now it's time for you to pay the price!"
(Battle cries) "Yahooo~!" / "Nowhere to run!" / "Taste the ocean!"
Wu is a descendant of the Feng Shui clan and serves the Qing Dynasty, calling forth the powers of divine beasts with her shield. She is wise, but extremely clumsy. She also dreads exercise as she tends to seclude herself indoors.
High to high-mid.
"Huh? Wait, where are my glasses? Did I drop... ah... They were on my forehead. How embarassing..."
(vs Charlotte pre-fight dialogue) "According to my compass, there should be a clue around here somewhere. Wow... What an amazing mansion. It doesn't look like anything in my country."
(Battle cries) "Tortoise Torrent!" / "Bird Blaze!" / "Tiger Fangs!"
Rimururu idolizes her sister Nakoruru and wants to be like her every way possible. Just like any kid, Rimururu is cheerful and is always seen smiling. Although she always offers to help her sister, she is often left in the dark about her sister's personal problems. She wields the power of ice.
High.
"Big sister! Wait for me!"
(vs Nakoruru pre-fight dialogue) "I've finally caught up with you! Listen to me, please! You have to let me take care of the evil that lies ahead! I'm a Kamui warrior, just like you, sis. I promise, Konru and I will do you proud!"
(Battle cries) "Orrrragh~!" / "Take this!"
For a boy his age, Shizumaru is quiet and timid. He is a polite, well-meaning child who tries to warn others about the "demon/ogre" within him. He tends to label things that are unknown or bad to him as evil demons/ogres, convinced that they are real. Due to his subconscious belief of himself being a demon, others have started sensing a comparable malevolent aura in him, and even his own moves subtly hint at this, suggesting Shizumaru isn't just paranoid about it.
Medium-high. (Female actors who can voice a young boy are highly preferable.)
"Sorry, I gotta dash. S-see ya!"
(vs Haohmaru pre-fight dialogue) "Um... Excuse me? I need to get past you, so... Would you mind getting out of the way?"
(Battle cries) "Here I go!" / "Crazy Downpour!"
Basara was a man happy with his life of peace. All that remained from his previous life, however, was his love for Kagaribi and his hatred for Zankuro. Aside from these attributes, he is a left-handed mindless killer who doesn't discriminate among the victims he murders. The textbook definition of a psycho.
Medium-high to high.
"Kagaribi, they're coming! So many, coming from the darkness! Haha! They're all coming to kill us!"
(vs Shiki pre-fight dialogue) "So you wish to join this mad revelry, hmm? Heh heh heh. Fine with me. But beware, I will make you scream for mercy when we're done!"
(Battle cries) "Nowhere to hide!" / "Let me have you!" / *Mad laughter*
Kazuki is a hot-headed and rambunctious youth, lacking the emotional restraint common to other ninja characters. He often goes with his gut feelings, choosing to ignore the consequences of his actions until he's faced with it. His name bares a close resemblance to the term "Kamikaze" as he fights with fire and blowing himself up.
Medium to medium-low.
"Oh yeah, NOW I'm burnin' up!"
(vs Darli pre-fight dialogue) "You have something to say, say it. I've got places to go! Don't make this any harder than it needs to be. Leave now or you'll regret it!"
(Battle cries) "Eat this!" / "Bastard!"
Wan-Fu is a man easily moved into action by anger. He is loud and impatient, though he means well in the end. He is an old-fashioned warrior, finding respect for others only through learning their worth in battle. He fights with a humongous pillar.
Low.
"You better not piss me off!"
(vs Wu pre-fight dialogue) "Wu-Ruixiang! (pronounced Woo Rayshang) Fate has brought us together! This can only mean one thing - you are meant to join to me!"
(Battle cries) "Hah!" / "Stand up!" / "I'll crush you!"
