Ivy (Soulcalibur)

General CVG character
name=Isabella "Ivy" Valentine


caption=Ivy in "Soulcalibur IV"
series="Soul" series
firstgame="Soulcalibur"
voiceactor=Renee Hewitt ("Soulcalibur II")
Lani Minella ("Soulcalibur III", "Soulcalibur Legends", "Soulcalibur IV")
japanactor=Yumi Tōma ("Soulcalibur", "Soulcalibur II", "Soulcalibur III")
Kanako Tōjo ("Soulcalibur Legends", "Soulcalibur IV")
inuniverse=Soul character
birthplace=flagicon|England London, British Empire
bloodtype= Unknown.
weapon= Valentine (Snake Sword)
fightingstyle= Unrelated Linknihongo|Isabella Valentine|イザベラ・バレンタイン|Izabera Barentain, commonly called nihongo|Ivy|アイヴィー|Aivī, is a fictional character and protagonist of the "Soul" series universe created by Namco, and a player character in the tetralogy of "Soulcalibur" versus fighting video games and series spin-off title "Soulcalibur Legends".

Conception and history

As a character introduced in "Soulcalibur", Ivy's weapon, a "snake sword" designed to be unique amongst the other weapons in the game, was selected before other elements of the character. Her design and concept were then built to revolve around it, starting with gender, then physical measurements, and lastly background details. After her appearance and movement were fleshed out by a concept artist, her character was rendered as a 3D model by a design team that worked solely on her, [De Marco, Flynn (2007-09-20). [http://kotaku.com/gaming/tgs07/soul-calibur-director-katsutoshi-sasaki-on-weapons-characters-and-storyline-302211.php Tgs07: Soul Calibur Director Katsutoshi Sasaki on Weapons, Characters and Storyline] . Kotaku. Retrieved on 2008-07-30] and then animated by a motion designer using motion capture to create her in-game movements.OPM staff. [http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3146108 Behind the Game: Soul Calibur III] . 1Up.com. Retrieved on 2008-07-30] During this phase the team additionally worked with the "Soulcalibur" story creators, refining the character's own role in the plot as needed throughout development. [CVG staff (2005-10-10). [http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=127163 Soul Calibur III Interview] . CVG. Retrieved on 2008-09-05]

With "Soulcalibur II", the development team chose her as their favorite character from the previous title. [XBN staff (April/May 2003). "Warriors of Darkness". "Xbox Nation"] Producer Hiroaki Yotoriyama felt that her fighting style wasn't perfectly expressed in "Soulcalibur", and focused on Ivy from the start of the project to make her more "uniquely lethal." [EGM staff (Nov 2003). "Afterthoughts: Soul Calibur II". "Electronic Gaming Monthly".]

Design

Ivy's secondary outfits in the games are contrast to her primary outfits.

As Ivy is an English character, her armoured shoulder pauldron incorporates the Tudor Rose symbol in Soul Calibur IV, a traditional heraldic symbol of England.

In video games

"Soulcalibur" plot

Cleanup-reason
date=July 2008
reason=be more concise and well citedAccording to the "Soulcalibur" backstory, Ivy is raised in the home of the Valentines, prominent nobles in London, England. Her father the Count Valentine dies a madman after having squandered the family fortune with his obsession for alchemy in pursuit of the Soul Edge. Soon after the fall of the Valentine family, Ivy's mother falls gravely ill and tells Ivy on her deathbed that she had been found on their doorstep years ago and was adopted. Ivy eventually learns about her father's search for Soul Edge in his secret diaries and begins to follow in his footsteps, thus becoming an alchemist herself. In her research, Ivy learns that Soul Edge was evil and vows to destroy it. She succeeds in creating a weapon suited for this purpose through ancient sorcery, calling the weapon "Ivy Blade".

One night she was able to summon a deformed hand, which breathed life into her sword. During her journey she crossed paths with the Azure Knight, Nightmare, and his companions, the golem Astaroth and Lizardman; discovering that Nightmare was the one who gave life to Ivy Blade. Because of this, she agreed to help them in a ceremony to summon souls, oblivious to the fact that she was part of Soul Edge's plan.

Eventually, she began to feel guilty for taking the lives of innocent people, repulsed that the other members of her group even took joy in it--especially Astaroth. When trying to escape from the group in Ostrheinsburg Castle's underground passage, Astaroth caught up with her, revealing to her that the sword Nightmare was holding had been Soul Edge all along; and the only reason she had been allowed to join their group was that the sword had instructed Nightmare to keep her nearby in case anything would happen to him, so that she might be a spare host for the sword's evil intentions. Astaroth defeated her in battle and was about to murder her when Kilik, Xianghua and Maxi, stormed into the castle; and as he left to deal with them, he commanded his clay golems to finish her off. But she managed to defeat them all, albeit just barely.

In denial of Astaroth's story, she decided to ask Nightmare for the truth directly when Taki confronted her. She attacked Taki in her frustration but was too weary and was defeated again. Taki, familiar with the energy of Soul Edge, affirmed Astaroth's story in telling Ivy that the snake sword had been infused with some of Soul Edge's power; and sensing the evil aura surrounding Ivy's entire being, she proceeded to tell Ivy that the last time she had felt such evil was when she had defeated the previous owner of the evil sword, Cervantes de Leon. Ivy had the blood of evil in her, as she was Cervantes' daughter; and shaken by the horrible truth, Ivy sealed herself away in her laboratory. After four years of soul searching, Ivy returned with a renewed drive to destroy Soul Edge and everything connected to it, including Cervantes and eventually herself. There would be no hope for those seduced by the sword and no cure besides her death. Her resolution would result in spilled blood, both guilty and innocent; but nothing could sway her determination. She renamed her sword which shared her fate, Valentine.

Over the course of her journey, her snake sword began to change. Seeing it becoming more unstable than it had ever been, she returned to Valentine Mansion to investigate. On her way back, she stopped at an academic city in England to buy texts and books of secret arts from around the world; and she read over them extensively upon her return, especially one volume that was of particular interest to her. It was much older than the other books, and contained detailed descriptions and accounts regarding the nature and origin of the Soul Edge. This was the deepest information written about the sword she had ever known. But within the texts she learned of a second spirit sword, the holy blade Soulcalibur, which restrained the power of the evil sword and lent its power to fight against it. The story was hard to believe to her, but the description was so precise that she eventually accepted it as truth.

After a month of work, she had managed to decipher every single detail concerning the Soulcalibur's description, and was totally convinced it existed. She fell into a hypnotic state of thought, interrupted by the sound of the laboratory door opening. Startled, she looked to the entrance, where an enigmatic dark-skinned man was standing. She firmly demanded his identification, but he quietly answered her only with another question as to whether or not she had read the book. Ivy grabbed the book and, taking her distance, drew her weapon. From seemingly nowhere, the man had produced a large scythe. They began their fierce combat immediately, each deflecting every deadly strike that the other had produced. But her sword's instability began to show itself, leaving a slight opening in her defense; and she was struck down with a heavy blow. She managed to regain her distance, but the book was no longer in her hand. The man had picked it up, calling it a mistake from his past, and then proceeded to set it on fire. He dropped the burning book on the floor, and the flames spread with unusual fervor, separating her from him. As he turned to leave, she called for him to stop. He only turned around to tell her that if she wished to know everything about the swords, she must seek out the knight she knows so well; and the enigma known as Zasalamel disappeared behind the curtain of flames. Ivy put out the fire and thought over the information she had read on the Soulcalibur, now etched permanently into her memory. With such power, she may be able to destroy the Soul Edge once and for all, and her own snake sword's instability may be explained. She cursed the man for how he treated her, but strangely felt that everything he had said was true. Ivy was determined to find the truth. If the Soulcalibur existed, she would obtain it for herself.On the [http://www.soulcalibur.com official website] , it was confirmed Ivy was attacked and killed by Cervantes at the end of Soulcalibur III. However, she was able to be kept alive by using a spell. In her "Soulcalibur IV" profile in [http://www.soularchive.jp japanese official website] , after the attack of Cervantes, Ivy finally had her soul purified and became able to wield Soul Calibur, for the first time in the series.

Gameplay

Censorship

Some versions of the original "Soulcalibur" arcade game censored Ivy's default costume by covering her bare skin with a lavender catsuit. With "Soulcalibur IV", Ivy's look on the promotional artwork was modified on the English website to hide her undercleavage, [ [http://soulcalibur4.namcobandaigames.com/ SoulCaliburIV American Website] ( [http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2481/ivyprofileuw8.jpgJPG screenshot] ). Namco Bandai. Retrieved on 2008-07-29] leading to suspicion of censorship in the American release of the game. [Plunkett, Luke (2008-05-16). [http://kotaku.com/391421/namco-bandai-in-shock-soul-calibur-breast-cover+up Namco Bandai In SHOCK Soul Calibur Breast Cover-Up] . Kotaku. Retrieved on 2008-07-25] When asked about the censoring, director Katsutoshi Sasaki stated he'd heard of nothing of the sort having taken place. [ [http://www.msxbox-world.com/xbox360/features/article/321/XCN-Soul-Calibur-IV-QA-with-Katsutoshi-Sasaki-Director.html XCN Soul Calibur IV QA with Katsutoshi Sasaki, Director] (transcription). MSXBox World. Retrieved on 2008-08-06] When released in North America it was shown that no actual censorship had occurred within the game. [ [http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/739/739577/imgs_1.html Soul Calibur IV Screenshots, Wallpapers and Pics] . IGN. Retrieved on 2008-08-16]

Cultural impact

Promotion and Merchandising

Ivy was featured amongst other characters for "Soulcalibur II"'s arcade flyer, [ [http://arcadeflyers.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=5035 Soul Calibur II arcade flyer] . The Arcade Flyer Archive. Retrieved on 2008-08-12] and has been featured in other printed advertisements for games in the series. [ [http://www.soularchive.jp/SC4/blog/sp_010_006.jpgSoulcalibur IV release date advertisement] (JPEG). Namco Bandai. Retrieved on 2008-08-16] She has also appeared on the cover on every Sony-based console game in the series [ [http://www.mobygames.com/game/ps2/soulcalibur-ii/cover-art/gameCoverId,24203/ Soul Calibur II Playstation 2 Cover Art] . MobyGames. Retrieved on 2008-08-01] [ [http://www.mobygames.com/game/ps2/soulcalibur-iii/cover-art/gameCoverId,70571/ Soul Calibur III Playstation 2 Cover Art] . MobyGames. Retrieved on 2008-08-01] [ [http://ps3.ign.com/objects/739/739576.html Soulcalibur IV (Soulcalibur 4)] . IGN. Retrieved on 2008-08-01] as well as "Soulcalibur Legends" for the Nintendo Wii. [ [http://www.mobygames.com/game/wii/soulcalibur-legends/cover-art/gameCoverId,106171/ Soulcalibur Legends Wii Cover Art] . MobyGames. Retrieved on 2008-08-01] She is also visible on the white Xbox 360 "Soul Calibur IV" arcade joystick alongside Hilde and Siegfried. [ [http://www.siliconera.com/2008/06/09/hori-brings-soulcalibur-iv-arcade-sticks-to-north-america/ Hori brings Soulcalibur IV arcade sticks to North America] . Siliconera. Retrieved on 2008-08-02]

Several action figures and figurines have been made bearing Ivy's likeness. Following the release of "Soulcalibur", a resin kit by Kurushima was released, [ [http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10002093 Ivy (Resin Kit) Kurushima Soul Calibur] . Hobby Search. Retrieved on 2008-09-07] alongside a figurine by Kyosho. [ [http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10010983 Ivy (Completed) Kyosho Soul Calibur] . Hobby Search. Retrieved on 2008-09-07] Epoch C-Works released a 1/12th scale Ivy action figure of in a set of three for the title as well, featuring equipable weapons. [ [http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10013734p/10/1 Nightmare (Completed) Package 1] . Hobby Search. Retrieved on 2008-09-07] In August 2003, Todd McFarlane Productions released an Ivy sculpture amongst a set of five based off of "Soulcalibur II". The immobile figure was modeled after her primary outfit and stood six inches tall with a base and retracted sword. [ [http://www.spawn.com/toys/product.aspx?product=1701 Ivy Soul Calibur II] . Spawn.com. Retrieved on 2008-08-02] Yujin released a four inch tall figurine based upon her "Soulcalibur II" artwork as part of their "Namco Girls Series #5" line of gashapon figurines. [ [http://www.tisinc99.com/nam942480.html Namco Girls Series 5 Mini Figures Set ] tisinc99.com. Retrieved on 2008-09-07] A twelve inch tall immobile PVC figurine modeled after her "Soulcalibur III" appearance is to be released by Enterbrain in September 2008, using a white version of her outfit and extended sword; [ [http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-8x-49-en-70-2ubj.html Soul Calibur III 1/6 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Ivy] . Play-Asia. Retrieved on 2008-08-02] a dark blue outfit for an "international color" version of the sculpture will also be available. [ [http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-8x-49-en-70-2uqe.html Soul Calibur III 1/6 Scale Pre-Painted PVC Figure: Ivy (International Colour Version)] . Play-Asia. Retrieved on 2008-08-02]

Critical Reception

Though commonly cited as one of the most difficult characters to play as in the "Soul" series, Ivy has received a great deal of positive reception and has been described as one of the series's "staple" and "stalwart" characters. [ [http://www.gametrailers.com/player/28552.html Soul Calibur Legends review] . GameTrailers.com. Retrieved on 2008-08-21] From her "Soulcalibur II" appearance, Ivy was nominated in G4's 2004 G-Phoria awards show under "Hottest Character", alongside Vanessa Z. Schneider and Rikku; [Jose, Liz (2004-06-08). [http://www.pgnx.net/news.php?page=full&id=4976 G4techTV Announces Next G-Phoria] . PGNx Media. Retrieved on 2008-07-25] she was also a character in their 2005 "Video Game Vixens" awards show, winning in the category of "Kinkiest Accessory". [ [http://www.tv.com/video-game-vixens/2005-videogame-vixen-of-the-year/episode/458088/recap.html 2005 Video Game Vixen of the Year Recap] . TV.com. Retrieved on 2008-07-25] She also appeared three times in GameDaily's "Babe of the Week" series of articles, first as a stand alone article, [ [http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/babe-of-the-week-ivy/92/ Babe of the Week: Soul Calibur's Ivy] . GameDaily. Retireved on 2008-08-04.] then as part of their "Babes of the Week: Soul Calibur Hotties" article [ [http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/the-soulcalibur-hotties/?page=3 Babes of the Week: Soul Calibur Hotties] . GameDaily. Retireved on 2008-08-04.] and lastly at eleventh place in their "Top 50 Hottest Game Babes" article. [ [http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-hottest-game-babes/?page=41 Top 50 Hottest Game Babes] . GameDaily. Retrieved on 2008-08-25] Other websites have also included her in top ten character lists, such as Team Xbox [ [http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/828/Top-Ten-Xbox-Babes/p2/ Top Ten Xbox Babes] . Team Xbox. Retrieved on 2008-08-25] and Virgin Media. [ [http://www.virginmedia.com/games/inpictures/game-babes.php?ssid=8 Top 10 Game Babes] . Virgin Media. Retrieved on 2008-08-25]

Ivy was cited in the book "Disconnected America" as an example of "Soulcalibur II"'s contrast to titles like "Mortal Kombat" and "Street Fighter" in terms of a comparable real-world experience. [Shane, Ed; Keith, Michael (2000), "Disconnected America: The Consequences of Mass Media in a Narcissistic World". M.E. Sharpe. ISBN 0-765-60526-0] She placed second in IGN's "Soulcalibur: The Top Ten Fighters" article, which stated "Few, if any, Soul fighters so aptly sum up what the series is about as Ivy Valentine." [Schedeen, Jesse. [http://stars.ign.com/articles/895/895160p9.html Soulcalibur: The Top Ten Fighters] . IGN. Retrieved on 2008-08-01] IGN also included her in their list of guest characters they'd have liked to have seen for "Super Smash Bros. Brawl", [Thomas, Lucas M. (2007-06-12). [http://wii.ign.com/articles/798/798662p1.html Smash It Up! -- Volume 1] . IGN. Retrieved on 2008-08-12] and in their "Top 50 Chicks Behaving Badly" list which featured female fictional characters from multiple genres. [Burrows, Laura. [http://stars.ign.com/articles/863/863710p6.html Top 50 Chicks Behaving Badly: Round 2] . IGN. Retrieved on 2008-08-12] She was also listed by "Tom's Games" as one of the fifty greatest female characters in video game history. [Wright, Rob (2007-02-20). [http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2007/02/20/the_50_greatest_female_characters_in_the_history_of_video_games/page14.html The 50 Greatest Female Characters in Video Game History] . Tom's Games. Retrieved on 2008-08-02]

As a sex symbol

Ivy's appearance and demeanor have been a focus of discussions, with her commonly compared to or described as a dominatrix, [ [http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/sm-in-video-games/?page=3 S&M in Video Games - Ivy] . GameDaily. Retrieved on 2008-08-24] [http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2005/11/23/finding_the_middle_ground_between_porn_and_sexist_games/page6.html Finding The Middle Ground Between Porn and Sexist Games] . Tom's Games. Retrieved on 2008-08-16] and noted as the series's sexiest female. [Rogers, Tim (2003-04-07) [http://www.insertcredit.com/reviews/scii/index2.html Soul Calibur II Review] . Insert Credit. Retrieved on 2008-08-04] The mass media and fans alike have regarded her as a sex object, using her likeness in material ranging from magazine swimsuit issue pin-ups [PSM Staff (June 2003). "Girls of Summer". "PSM"] and periodicals such as "Play"'s annual "Girls of Gaming" issues, [Play Staff. "Girls of Gaming 5". "]

By "Soulcalibur IV" the degree of exposed skin, notably her breasts, became a popular subject of discussion amongst the media. [Edge staff (2007-06-15). [http://www.edge-online.com/news/this-week-japan This Week in Japan] . Edge Online. Retrieved on 2008-07-27] Leigh Alexander in an article on Kotaku used Ivy as a primary example of video game representations of the ideal male and female versus the real world and the concept that "sex sells", notably regarding her increased bust size from the original Soulcalibur compared to the most recent game and the subject's appeal. [Alexander, Leigh (2008-07-11). [http://kotaku.com/5024241/body-types-why-ivys-boobs-are-such-a-big-big-deal Body Types: Why Ivy's Boobs Are Such a Big, Big Deal] . Kotaku. Retrieved on 2008-07-25] Joystiq bemoaned the change in "IV", stating "Ivy's battling Rachel in a quest for the most ridiculous cleavage in a video game. At least "Extreme Beach Volleyball" keeps its breasts in context." [Sliwinski, Alexander (2007-06-18). [http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/soul-calibur-ivs-bountiful-bouncing-breasts-bulge-bigger/ Soul Calibur IV's bountiful bouncing breasts bulge bigger] . Joystiq. Retrieved on 2008-07-25] The sentiment was repeated in a follow up article on the game. [Bardinelli, John (2007-06-28). [http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/soul-caliburs-new-bountiful-bouncing-breasts-now-in-screenshot/ Soul Calibur's new bountiful bouncing breasts, now in screenshot form (in EGM)] . Joystiq. Retrieved on 2008-07-25]

British magazine "CVG" however cited her appearance in "IV" as appealing, stating "Ivy...we like because she barely wears anything. Yes, we like videogame girls." [ [http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=193509 E3: Soul Calibur IV videos (of beauties)] . CVG. Retrieved on 2008-08-12] IGN in their "Babes of Soulcalibur" stated her outfit pushed the line even by game standards, though then added "Not that we're complaining, of course." [Schedeen, Jesse (2008-08-18). [http://stars.ign.com/articles/899/899800p1.html The Babes of Soulcalibur] . IGN. Retrieved on 2008-08-20] "The Escapist" added "Ivy's oversexed dominatrix demeanor perfectly compliments her confident, punishing move set." [LaMosca, Adam (2008-08-19) [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/op-ed/5151-Waypoints-The-Soul-Just-Started-Burning.2 Waypoints: The Soul Just Started Burning] . "The Escapist". Retrieved on 2008-08-23] And in contrast to her in game appearance, Namco's artists themselves have presented Ivy in casual or cute styles as well, such as her secondary in-game outfits and chibi artwork produced for the original "Soulcalibur" website. [ [http://web.archive.org/web/20010701192201/http://www.soulcalibur.com/images/com/ivysd1.gifChibi Ivy from SC website, as stored by Web Archive] (GIF). Namco Bandai. Retrieved on 2008-08-24]

References

External links

* [http://zokunen.net/valentinemansion The Valentine Mansion: Ivy Fansite]