'''Amy Sorel''' is a central character of the ''Soulcalibur'' series. Orphaned at a young age due to the plague that spread through Europe, Amy grew up in the blood-stained streets of Rouen, France. One fateful day, a nobleman named Raphael Sorel ran into her, on the run from a group of violent pursuers. Amy, in a split-decision, hid Raphael and saved his life. From that day on, Raphael felt as though he owed Amy his life and raised her as his own daughter.
'''Strider''' is a series produced by both the game development company, Capcom, and the manga artist group, Moto Kikaku. Although a lesser-known series compared to other Capcom franchises, Strider is a classic series beloved by many fans around the world. It made its debut in 1988 with the manga known simply as “Strider Hiryu”, before a year later getting a video game adaptation in the form of “Strider” for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Amy and Raphael grew up in solitude, where she was trained in combat and transitioned into a proper noblewoman. After Raphael suffered mortal wounds at the hands of the cursed sword, Soul Edge, however, both he and Amy were infected by its dark power and became Malfested vampires. Shielded from the world due to their condition, Raphael left Amy in order to pursue a means of bettering the world for her.
Several years later, Amy awoke in a dark forest with no memories of her past and uncertainty of her future, clutching a mysterious purple orb that protected her from harm. Now known as '''Viola''', she became a fortune-teller who grew a deep connection with the werewolf, Z.W.E.I.
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! style="text-align:left;" |This dropdown contains the synopsis of Amy’s story. Read at your own risk as you may be spoiled otherwise!
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|-|Original Timeline=
Amy is a young girl who was orphaned at a young age due to the plague. Living off of the streets of Rouen, Amy was without a home, without reliable means of food or water, and was completely unloved. As such, she slowly began to dissociate herself from any form of emotion, and resigned herself completely to the very real possibility of death.
Although she was certain that her fate would forever be tied to the dirty slums of France, one fateful day presented itself to her in the bleakest of times. Amy came across a high-born man named Raphael Sorel, who was clearly in distress and appeared to be on his last stretch of life. He had been betrayed by his own noble family, and frantically running for his life. Amy, in a split decision, hid Raphael from the pursuing soldiers, saving his life.
Although Amy only did this out of spite for the soldiers themselves, Raphael saw this as the first time he had ever owed his life to anyone. Out of an eternal sense of gratitude, Raphael decided that protecting and raising Amy would become his new goal in life. Reluctantly, Amy left the streets of Rouen, as Raphael led her out of the country.
The pair fled to a mansion acquired through dark pretenses, where Raphael spent the next seven years raising Amy in a comfortable way, and training her in combat. After these seven years, Amy was virtually unrecognizable from how she used to be. Now properly dressed, cleaned, well-fed, and masterfully trained, Amy had truly become a lady that her past self could only dream of.
One day, however, Amy noticed that Raphael was spending a very large amount of time in the library. He had been researching a cursed sword known as the Soul Edge, which he learned was responsible for the Evil Seed that led to his family's betrayal of him. In no time at all, Raphael gathered his things and planned on leaving to reclaim the Soul Edge for himself.
Amy, deeply worried about Raphael, wished for him not to go, though she knew how strong his will was and that it would be useless to argue. Raphael sat with Amy until she fell asleep, and then was gone by the morning. Without him, Amy was restless, and this restlessness lasted for several weeks. Suddenly, on one of the days Amy least expected, Raphael burst through the doors of their home and collapsed. Several mortal wounds decorated his body, emanating a dark aura.
As Amy took Raphael in and tended to his wounds, his life had once again been saved. However, the dark presence emanating from his wounds had infected both he and Amy, transforming them into evil beings. In truth, this curse was Malfestation, a direct result of the Soul Edge. Both Amy and Raphael's aging ceased, and they acquired evil powers. They were both vampires, and unable to interact with humans in a normal way, ever again.
Once Raphael came to, and realized what Amy had become as a result of his actions, he cursed himself and wanted to do something about it. He had no way to cure her, but wanted the world to accept her nonetheless. So instead, Raphael devised a plan to Malfest the entire world, and thus make it a place where Amy could be accepted.
Although truthfully Amy did not care about the world, and only wanted to live together with Raphael, she could not stop him. Raphael moved the two into an abandoned castle in Wallachia, which he deemed safe for her to stay before he bid her farewell. Unbeknownst to Amy, this would be the final time that she'd ever see Raphael again. On his quest, Raphael died, and had his body claimed by minions of the Soul Edge.
Countless years passed, and Amy resigned herself to the very-real possibility of Raphael's death. As she finally decided to venture out of the abandoned castle, something horrible happened. Awakening in a dark forest, the woman once known as Amy was now without memories, and was clutching onto a large purple orb.
Taking on the name Viola, this aimless woman had no idea who she was, where she came from, or what would come in her future. The purple orb she had been clutching was a foreign object to her, and yet she recognized that without it, she could not exist. Whenever hostile forces would attack Viola, this purple orb would come forth and defend her. Furthermore, when she looked into this orb, Viola found that she could see the nature and fate of anyone who stood before her.
Through this ability, Viola was able to make herself a living as a fortune teller, although this profession attracted bad company, and so she couldn't stay in one place for very long. Because she could see the futures of everyone she met, however, Viola would quickly become detached from virtually everyone she met, as she could see exactly where their paths would leave.
The only exception to this was a werewolf named Z.W.E.I., who recognized Viola's responsibilities as a seer and accepted her for who she was. They were kindred spirits, as she claimed, both having been cursed with inhuman powers that deemed that they would have to spend their lives alone. Due to her connection with Z.W.E.I., Viola was eventually recruited into Siegfried's Schwarzwind band.
|-|New Timeline=
The streets of the French colonial empire ran red with blood as nobles waged their ceaseless feuds, but such power and politics were far removed from a young girl who knew only the streets of Rouen. Growing up with crime, depravity, and violence, she learned at a young age how to look out for herself and survive. She built walls around herself until her world consisted of nothing more than a single chair. That is, until one fateful day...
A nobleman named Raphael bumped into Amy while he was on the run, and she made the spur-of-the-moment decision to hide him from his pursuers. Was their meeting really mere chance? After Amy saved Raphael's life, the Sorel family's former patriarch in turn brought her with him out of the slums. The two spent years dodging the fires of war and their pursuers before arriving in a provincial city in southern France. There, Lord Dumas appointed Raphael to his right hand in recognition of his talent, and Amy became Raphael's "daughter." She was raised as a noble and trained in the art of swordplay.
No matter how extreme the changes experienced, one can be said to remain the same person if they maintain a single, unbroken thread of memory. Whether she wanted it or not, Amy and her world continue to change dramatically. The humble red-headed orphan girl from the slums now lives as a highborn lady of the French Empire.
Three years have passed since Lord Dumas left his fortress city in the south of France on a pilgrimage. Raphael, having been named Lord Dumas's heir, officially adopted Amy as his daughter. Amy spent her days receiving a noblewoman's education while further honing her unparalleled skill with a sword. However, it was unlikely that she would ever use those skills in actual combat. Or it would have been, had her keen eyes and cautious nature not caught wind of the danger threatening her land...
When did the wise young Lord Raphael begin to hole himself up in his library? He feverishly pored over his books as if possessed, and prohibited all entry to the library's annex. Amy watched with a sense of dread as her foster father was consumed by some strange obsession.
Who could have foreseen what was to come? When Raphael left the isolation of his annex, the desperate weariness was gone from his eyes, replaced instead by the light of determination. With the object of his research now clear, he set off on a journey for the sake of Amy, and Amy alone. Both father and daughter stood at a crossroads, their fate uncertain...
It had been many days since Raphael left on his journey. While Amy waited restlessly for his return, she reflected upon what she should ask of him. She struggles to find her buried emotions, equipped only with a faint light and an internal roadmap featuring few guideposts...
How far did the wind carry her words as it blew across the twilight sky? A violet light twinkled in the distance, as if to illuminate the cracks in a heart ready to crumble. That dangerous flicker beckoned to a lost butterfly...
What will fear of an uncertain future bring? Azwel's words described things not entirely of this world: the cursed sword that devours souls, Soul Edge; its host, Nightmare; their kin, the Malfested; and Raphael's mad plan to end war by using the cursed sword as bait for the feuding nobles...
'''Age:''' Around 16 years old | Around 33 years old, 24 tri-colored stars ([https://imgur.com/a/UcdsmLa Self-proclaimed])
'''Classification:''' Malfested, Vampire | Human, Malfested (possibly), Schwarzwind member
The Strider series tells the story of a young man named [[Hiryu]] living on a futuristic Planet Earth, as he fights against several threats posed to the planet. As a Special A Ranking member of the Strider Organization, Hiryu is tasked with saving the planet again and again, oftentimes against an extraterrestrial entity known as Grandmaster Meio. Aside from the stories told through manga, the gameplay of the Strider series are hack-and-slash platformers.
'''[[Status]]:''' '''Alive''' | '''Alive'''
Each installment in the Strider series is set within the same continual universe, with the only notable exception being “Strider (2014)”, which is a reboot/retelling of the main universe. Every game follows Hiryu, although other characters are rarely playable.
'''[[Alignment]]:''' '''True Neutral''' (Amy is a fairly passive person and doesn't seem to care about pretty much anything. Her own life, due to how lonesome her childhood was, doesn't really mean much to her, despite how fervently Raphael tries to better it. The only thing in life she has ever cared about was Raphael, though she's resigned herself from even truly caring about that either, with how many times he puts his life on the line. Amy hates depending on others and simply wishes to live a passively amoral life of solitude) | '''Neutral Good''' (With all of her memories as Amy having been erased, Viola's life has opened up to all new possibilities of emotion and compassion. Although she generally feels no emotion for any of the people she reads the fortunes of, she has willingly joined Siegfried's band and attempts to guide Patroklos down a correct path. She also has a special relationship with Z.W.E.I.)
The main recurring rival of the Strider series is an extraterrestrial entity who appeared on Earth not long after Hiryu’s first few adventures. This entity is known as Grandmaster Meio, who is planning on wiping out all life on the Planet using his gigantic space station, the Third Moon. After wiping out the Earth, he would go on to collect his artificial lifeforms using a machine known as the Caduceus, and travel the galaxy in search of a new planet to overtake. Meio is assisted by a fallen Strider and Hiryu’s rival; a man named [[Hien]].
'''[[Dimensionality]]:''' '''3-D'''
==Terms==
*'''Strider:''' A group of highly-trained, freelance mercenaries who have no allegiance to anyone except their employer. Striders are masters of stealth and combat, with even the lowest ranking Strider equalling the power of an entire special forces unit. Ranks range from “C” Rank, to “Special A” Rank.
'''[[Attack Potency]]:''' '''Wall level''' ([https://youtu.be/8DGO57CY0sc?t=565 Can powerful face opponents comparable] to [[Siegfried Schtauffen]], who [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOIRgcdu2m4&t=37s can dropkick people] with [https://debatesjungle.fandom.com/wiki/User_blog:SuperSaiyan2Link/Siegfried%27s_Dropkick this much strength], and [https://imgur.com/a/SaYx767 reduce a sanctuary of stone pillars to rubble]. Also comparable to [[Heishiro Mitsurugi]], who [https://i.imgur.com/pLTP9g3.png doesn't consider rifles to be a threat], and [[Astaroth]], who [https://web.archive.org/web/20181025160906/https://streamable.com/6kmmr can casually smash through stone pillars]) | '''Wall level'''
*'''Cypher:''' The weapon that denotes a Strider, these weapons are blades similar in appearance to a broadsword, but usually held with a reverse grip. The blades of the Cyphers are made of pure plasma energy, and give off massive volts of electricity. When charged or powered up enough, Cyphers are capable of launching projectiles.
*'''ZAIN Project:''' A large-scale project codenamed “ZAIN”, which had been under development for around 30 years. Using microchips implanted in the necks of their victims, the ZAIN Project would essentially brainwash the entire population of Earth. This project was created by a man named Faceas Clay, who planned on using it to take control over all of humanity, and take his place as the god of the Earth.
*'''Third Moon:''' A gigantic space station built by the devious Grandmaster Meio, which asserts power and dominance over the citizens of Earth. Using its Anti-Gravity Device, the Third Moon was able to be lifted into Earth’s orbit, hovering menacingly over the planet. With the Third Moon, Meio has the power to wipe out all life from the planet whenever he chooses.
*'''Caduceus:''' An artificial lifeform created by Grandmaster Meio, which is said to dwarf the entire planet. Used as a bio-organic weapon, the Caduceus’s purpose was to collect all of Meio’s artificial lifeforms from around the world, and carry them across the galaxy to a new planet; all the while the Third Moon would destroy Earth following its departure.
*'''Trick:''' A list of special abilities that can be acquired by Hiryu throughout his missions. These abilities, known as Tricks, grant him elemental techniques that he can either use by himself, or channel through his Cypher; ranging from fire and electricity, to restoring the user’s health and causing earthquakes.
*'''Options:''' A set of robots that are scattered throughout the world, and accompany whoever picks them up. Options are completely robotic, but resembling real-life organisms such as mushrooms, tigers, and birds. The main purpose of an Option is to not only protect the one who summoned them, but to attack their enemies as well.
'''[[Speed|Reaction Speed]]:''' '''Supersonic''' (Comparable to [[Heishiro Mitsurugi]], who [https://web.archive.org/web/20181023172910/https://streamable.com/bu7mh can casually deflect musket fire], which [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musket#:~:text=The%20speed%20of%20the%20bullets%20was%20between%20450%20and%20540%C2%A0m/s travels between 450 and 540 meters per second]. Also comparable to [[Ivy Valentine]], who [https://web.archive.org/web/20181025160936/https://streamable.com/grjng casually deflects bullets point-blank]) | '''Supersonic'''
==Power of the Verse==
The verse has characters ranging from around '''Wall level''' to '''Building level''' with '''Superhuman''' travel speeds and '''Massively Hypersonic''' reaction speeds; most characters who reach Wall level scale to the average strength of a Strider, whilst those who reach Building are generally the best of the best.
'''[[Stamina]]:''' At least '''Superhuman''' (After becoming a Malfested, Amy's stamina has skyrocketed beyond the limits of a regular human, as she has essentially evolved into a vampire with no real need for rest. She can fight for prolonged periods and doesn't seem to need rest for any physical reasons, only ever for mental exhaustion)
The verse becomes even more powerful with Strider CPS-1’s introduction of Grandmaster Meio and the Third Moon, which increases the verse's power to '''Multi-Continent level''' for the higher tiers. This verse’s general hax include [[Stealth Mastery]], [[Plasma Manipulation]], [[Energy Projection]], [[Technology Manipulation]], etc.
'''[[Range]]:''' '''Standard Melee''', '''Extended Melee''' with swords | '''Standard Melee''', '''Several Meters''' with crystal ball
==Canon==
The canon timeline of the games are fairly straightforward, as the chronology of the events is generally laid out in the manga, and in the case of the games you can usually base the timeline off of release order. The timeline below will thus be laid out as such.
'''[[Intelligence]]:''' '''Gifted''' in combat (Amy is highly intelligent despite her age, often revered for her maturity and put on-par with the greatest combative minds in the world. Having been trained by Raphael since she was just a girl, Amy can take out powerfully trained warriors, and even Raphael himself, on many occasions. Raphael himself [https://youtu.be/pccJIYOVh9E?t=298 considers her a natural talent not just with a sword, but in combat]) | '''Gifted''' in combat
There are, however, some misconceptions when it comes to the canonicity of the 2014’s ''Strider'', as well as the mystery behind Main Timeline Hiryu’s age.
|-|New Timeline=
''If you click '''Expand''', you will see an explanation to both of these questions, and how they will be handled on this wiki:''
'''[[Tiering System|Tier]]:''' '''9-B'''
'''Name:''' Amy Sorel, Red (nickname)
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===2014’s Canonicity===
Oftentimes, it is seen that Hiryu from both the original manga/games be lumped in with Strider from his 2014 game, although this is incorrect. Although the nature of Hiryu himself is quite mysterious and untold, there are things to be brought up that showcase why he cannot be put into one singular profile.
'''Origin:''' [[Soulcalibur|Soulcalibur VI]]
[https://www.gamesradar.com/strider-isnt-reboot-its-retelling/ I will be citing article featuring Capcom directors James Vance and Andrew Szymanski]
'''Sex:''' Female
Many reasons why people will count Strider as canon with the rest of the series, is this following quote:
'''Age:''' 9 - 16 years old
“But don’t consider this a reboot of the franchise or even Strider 3, it’s a retelling of the core Strider story.”
'''Classification:''' Human, Winter Rose
The quote directly states not to count Strider (2014) as a reboot of the series, but also not to consider it as a Strider 3. This seems confusing, almost contradictory, as it’s either within the same continuity or not. This question is thankfully answered in the following quote:
'''[[Status]]:''' '''Alive'''
“. . . So for us [this new game] is a retelling of that, you know, those same events, in a new form.”
'''[[Alignment]]:''' '''True Neutral'''
It’s directly stated to be a retelling of the Strider story. While it is extremely confusing that they say it isn’t a reboot, a retelling is essentially a reboot. The point they were likely trying to get across is that Strider (2014) isn’t ''replacing'' the old canon, but does have its ''own'' continuity. In other words, a retelling.
'''[[Dimensionality]]:''' '''3-D'''
Other things giving away that this cannot exist within the same continuity would be the portrayal of the character [[Hien]]. In the original timeline, Hien was a fallen Strider who served under Grandmaster Meio and worshipped him as a God. In the 2014 timeline, Hien was simply a Strider who died attempting to infiltrate Meio’s Third Moon; a direct contradiction.
'''[[Attack Potency]]:''' '''Wall level''' (Comparable to her Original Timeline self)
They are clearly two different continuities that run on their own canons, even if the creators refuse to call Strider (2014) a reboot.
'''[[Durability]]:''' '''Wall level'''
===Hiryu’s Age===
Hiryu’s age throughout the series is a massive point of contention amongst fans, as it gets quite muddled and confusing in Strider 2. The major argument that arises between people is: ''Is Hiryu from Strider 2 a new Strider with the old Hiryu’s name, or is he the same man but two thousand years older?''
'''[[Striking Strength]]:''' '''Wall Class'''
I think there is reason to believe it is the latter, but to say it up front; there is no concrete answer. It is purely up to interpretation. All that can be done is to explain why Strider 2’s Hiryu will be considered the same Hiryu.
'''[[Lifting Strength]]:''' '''Athletic Human'''
The major argument levied against him being the same guy (aside from him being two thousand years old) would be a statement from the Strider Hiryu Visual Chronicle, which states that the Hiryu who appears in Strider 2 shares the same codename as the Hiryu from previous titles.
This shouldn’t be seen as direct confirmation that they are the same guy, however. The quote specifically leaves it vague, stating that he has the same codename but not that he is a new Strider. It was intentionally left vague.
'''[[Speed|Combat Speed]]:''' '''Supersonic'''
And truthfully, that is the only official material there is to solve this burning question, and it leaves it completely up in the air. So there needs to be ''something'' out there to at least lean it to one side or the other, so that a decision can be made.
'''[[Speed|Reaction Speed]]:''' '''Supersonic''' (Comparable to her Original Timeline self)
The answer actually comes in the form of [https://imgur.com/a/lkDAAA6 a quote from Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, spoken by Hiryu himself].
'''[[Stamina]]:''' '''Above Average'''
“I have fought the Grandmaster for a thousand years, dying a thousand death, as if my fate is forever bound to his.”
'''[[Range]]:''' '''Standard Melee''', '''Extended Melee''' with swords
This directly confirms one of the two possible answers; Hiryu from Strider 2 is the same Hiryu from the previous titles, and has simply lived for nearly two thousand years.
'''[[Intelligence]]:''' '''Gifted''' in combat
Granted, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is not an official source, nor is it canon to the main timeline, but it is simply the only actual answer given; since every official answer is painfully vague.
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===[[Hax|Powers and Abilities]]===
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|-|Soulcalibur VI=
'''[[Superhuman Physical Characteristics]]''', '''[[Martial Arts]]''' (Can [https://youtu.be/8DGO57CY0sc?t=184 utilize knee-strikes] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DGO57CY0sc kicks]), '''[[Acrobatics]]''' (Is [https://youtu.be/8DGO57CY0sc?t=446 able to perform flips and spins]), '''[[Weapon Mastery]]''' (Can [https://youtu.be/7ZrOTLM9tvE?t=63 masterfully fight with a rapier]), '''[[Damage Boost]]''' (Soul Charge [https://imgur.com/a/Vp2UxZ2 powers up weapons]), '''[[Aura]]''' (Soul Charge [https://imgur.com/a/Vp2UxZ2 has Raphael charge up his energy and get a multicolored glowing aura])
|-|Soulcalibur III/IV=
===Main Timeline===
All previous abilities, '''[[Immortality]]''' (Type 1; [https://imgur.com/a/fNwzmF0 Malfestation stops aging]), '''[[Corruption]]''' (Can theoretically [https://youtu.be/Pz1ay413WKE?t=49 spread corruption to other people in the form of Malfestation]), '''[[Hell Manipulation]]''' (Malfested [https://youtu.be/Pz1ay413WKE?t=227 utilize evil energy])
*'''Strider Hiryu Gaiden''' (1988)
*'''Strider Hiryu Manga''' (1988) | '''Strider NES Adaptation''' (1989)
*'''Strider CPS-1''' (1989)
*'''Strider 2''' (2000)
|-|Soulcalibur V=
===Retold Timeline===
All previous abilities, '''[[Extrasensory Perception]] & [[Precognition]]''' (Type 1; [https://imgur.com/a/H4Lqpju Viola's crystal ball informs her of a person's nature and fate]), '''[[Gravity Manipulation]]''' (Arcanum Azarael [https://youtu.be/aryjrpIMur8?t=44 pulls opponents into its center]), '''Limited [[Telekinesis]]''' (Can [https://youtu.be/1vkDFTmIQ20?t=106 telekinetically control her crystal orb])
*'''Strider''' (2014)
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===[[Standard Equipment]]===
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|-|Soulcalibur III/IV=
*'''Albion:''' Also called "The Radiant One", this blade was gifted to Amy by Raphael after she impressed him during a training session. It is a blade crafted specifically for Amy to wield, and bares resemblance to Raphael's Queen's Guard weapon. It is noted to be a difficult weapon to master. When Raphael is out on his quests, Albion is used as the link between Amy and Raphael so that they may never be truly apart.
*'''Quattuor Orbis:''' A purple crystal orb given to Amy by a mysterious man named Azwel, which sealed away her memories and transformed her into the elusive Viola. When Viola awoke in a ruined encampment deep in a forest, she was already holding the crystal ball close to herself. This crystal ball one of the main methods which Viola uses to read fortunes. By peering into the orb, she observes symbols which tell her that particular individual's nature and fate. With this, she is able to see a person's soul, represented by a moon.
*'''Journey From Darkness: Strider Returns''' (1993)
</gallery>
|-|Soulcalibur VI=
==Knowledgeable Members==
*'''Albion:''' Also called "The Radiant One", this blade was gifted to Amy by Raphael after she impressed him during a training session. It is a blade crafted specifically for Amy to wield, and bares resemblance to Raphael's Queen's Guard weapon. It is noted to be a difficult weapon to master. When Raphael is out on his quests, Albion is used as the link between Amy and Raphael so that they may never be truly apart.
*'''Schweitzer:''' A sword used by the Roman Empire with a point modified for piercing. It is considered to be a type of bastard sword, but it actually more closely resembles a saber. This sword is the work of master craftsmanship. Raphael passed this sword down to Amy, to use during her training.
*'''Stiletto:''' A sword designed to deal with the advancement of plate armor. It was designed solely for the sake of piercing and was feared on the battlefield by knights in armor. Its blade pierces through an opponent's armor and promises deep wounds.
*'''Soul Edge:''' An evil blade with a reputation for devouring souls. This weapon is also known to be a shape-shifter—which form it takes depends on its current owner. The forms it has taken are legendary, as are the souls of the renowned warriors it has consumed.
*'''Crystal Skull:''' Instead of her usual orb-shaped weapon, this is a floating skull that sports glowing eyes. It appears to be made of a metallic material rather than actual bone, however. Due to this, it makes stronger sounds when it hits an opponent compared to her magic orbs.
*'''Ignis Fatuus:''' A mysterious flame feared for its ability to confuse and lure humans to their deaths. Although visible to the eye, none can touch it, and not even the most violent storms can extinguish this flame. Rumor has it that non-human entities find comfort in its presence.
*'''Fish Bowl:''' Viola's joke weapon. It appears as a clear glass bowl filled with water that contains an average goldfish. With this, the orb's usual magic sound effects are replaced with the sound of water sloshing in the bowl in order to appeal to the amusement of the weapon.
*'''Schweitzer:''' A sword used by the Roman Empire with a point modified for piercing. It is considered to be a type of bastard sword, but it actually more closely resembles a saber. This sword is the work of master craftsmanship. Raphael passed this sword down to Amy, to use during her training.
*'''Cinquedea:''' A sword designed to deal with the advancement of plate armor. It was designed solely for the sake of piercing and was feared on the battlefield by knights in armor. Its blade pierces through an opponent's armor and promises deep wounds.
*'''Unicorn:''' A long sword used by knights in Western Europe, it excels at both cutting and piercing. Its best feature is the hilt design which protects the wielder's hand. It has a sharp edge and can easily break an opponent's defense. It now sports a much more unicorn-esque design in its hilt.
*'''La Neige:''' A beautiful, intricately-designed sword, with a bright blue color and a snowflake design in its hilt. It is befitting of Amy, who is known as the Winter Rose.
*'''Ishnigarrab:''' A sword filled with an unspeakably ominous energy, as though forged from darkness itself. According to ancient writings of suspect origin, the blade turns its wielder into an unconquerable warrior by consuming their fear and pain. But who would believe such a myth?
*'''Magic Wand:''' Amy's joke weapon. A staff able to perform all kinds of miracles when wielded by one who is chosen - at least, such were the claims from its seller. Despite its endearing appearance, the staff is sturdy and well-built, suggesting its maker is, in fact, a highly skilled artisan with a penchant for the peculiar.
'''Weaknesses:''' When angered, [https://youtu.be/Ptck0ouYPT4?t=2103 her left leg leaves her open], due to [https://youtu.be/pccJIYOVh9E?t=311 an incurable wound]. Without the crystal ball, [https://imgur.com/a/H4Lqpju it is said that Viola cannot exist].
Strider is a series produced by both the game development company, Capcom, and the manga artist group, Moto Kikaku. Although a lesser-known series compared to other Capcom franchises, Strider is a classic series beloved by many fans around the world. It made its debut in 1988 with the manga known simply as “Strider Hiryu”, before a year later getting a video game adaptation in the form of “Strider” for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
The Strider series tells the story of a young man named Hiryu living on a futuristic Planet Earth, as he fights against several threats posed to the planet. As a Special A Ranking member of the Strider Organization, Hiryu is tasked with saving the planet again and again, oftentimes against an extraterrestrial entity known as Grandmaster Meio. Aside from the stories told through manga, the gameplay of the Strider series are hack-and-slash platformers.
Each installment in the Strider series is set within the same continual universe, with the only notable exception being “Strider (2014)”, which is a reboot/retelling of the main universe. Every game follows Hiryu, although other characters are rarely playable.
The main recurring rival of the Strider series is an extraterrestrial entity who appeared on Earth not long after Hiryu’s first few adventures. This entity is known as Grandmaster Meio, who is planning on wiping out all life on the Planet using his gigantic space station, the Third Moon. After wiping out the Earth, he would go on to collect his artificial lifeforms using a machine known as the Caduceus, and travel the galaxy in search of a new planet to overtake. Meio is assisted by a fallen Strider and Hiryu’s rival; a man named Hien.
Terms
Strider: A group of highly-trained, freelance mercenaries who have no allegiance to anyone except their employer. Striders are masters of stealth and combat, with even the lowest ranking Strider equalling the power of an entire special forces unit. Ranks range from “C” Rank, to “Special A” Rank.
Cypher: The weapon that denotes a Strider, these weapons are blades similar in appearance to a broadsword, but usually held with a reverse grip. The blades of the Cyphers are made of pure plasma energy, and give off massive volts of electricity. When charged or powered up enough, Cyphers are capable of launching projectiles.
ZAIN Project: A large-scale project codenamed “ZAIN”, which had been under development for around 30 years. Using microchips implanted in the necks of their victims, the ZAIN Project would essentially brainwash the entire population of Earth. This project was created by a man named Faceas Clay, who planned on using it to take control over all of humanity, and take his place as the god of the Earth.
Third Moon: A gigantic space station built by the devious Grandmaster Meio, which asserts power and dominance over the citizens of Earth. Using its Anti-Gravity Device, the Third Moon was able to be lifted into Earth’s orbit, hovering menacingly over the planet. With the Third Moon, Meio has the power to wipe out all life from the planet whenever he chooses.
Caduceus: An artificial lifeform created by Grandmaster Meio, which is said to dwarf the entire planet. Used as a bio-organic weapon, the Caduceus’s purpose was to collect all of Meio’s artificial lifeforms from around the world, and carry them across the galaxy to a new planet; all the while the Third Moon would destroy Earth following its departure.
Trick: A list of special abilities that can be acquired by Hiryu throughout his missions. These abilities, known as Tricks, grant him elemental techniques that he can either use by himself, or channel through his Cypher; ranging from fire and electricity, to restoring the user’s health and causing earthquakes.
Options: A set of robots that are scattered throughout the world, and accompany whoever picks them up. Options are completely robotic, but resembling real-life organisms such as mushrooms, tigers, and birds. The main purpose of an Option is to not only protect the one who summoned them, but to attack their enemies as well.
Power of the Verse
The verse has characters ranging from around Wall level to Building level with Superhuman travel speeds and Massively Hypersonic reaction speeds; most characters who reach Wall level scale to the average strength of a Strider, whilst those who reach Building are generally the best of the best.
The verse becomes even more powerful with Strider CPS-1’s introduction of Grandmaster Meio and the Third Moon, which increases the verse's power to Multi-Continent level for the higher tiers. This verse’s general hax include Stealth Mastery, Plasma Manipulation, Energy Projection, Technology Manipulation, etc.
Canon
The canon timeline of the games are fairly straightforward, as the chronology of the events is generally laid out in the manga, and in the case of the games you can usually base the timeline off of release order. The timeline below will thus be laid out as such.
There are, however, some misconceptions when it comes to the canonicity of the 2014’s Strider, as well as the mystery behind Main Timeline Hiryu’s age.
If you click Expand, you will see an explanation to both of these questions, and how they will be handled on this wiki:
2014’s Canonicity
Oftentimes, it is seen that Hiryu from both the original manga/games be lumped in with Strider from his 2014 game, although this is incorrect. Although the nature of Hiryu himself is quite mysterious and untold, there are things to be brought up that showcase why he cannot be put into one singular profile.
Many reasons why people will count Strider as canon with the rest of the series, is this following quote:
“But don’t consider this a reboot of the franchise or even Strider 3, it’s a retelling of the core Strider story.”
The quote directly states not to count Strider (2014) as a reboot of the series, but also not to consider it as a Strider 3. This seems confusing, almost contradictory, as it’s either within the same continuity or not. This question is thankfully answered in the following quote:
“. . . So for us [this new game] is a retelling of that, you know, those same events, in a new form.”
It’s directly stated to be a retelling of the Strider story. While it is extremely confusing that they say it isn’t a reboot, a retelling is essentially a reboot. The point they were likely trying to get across is that Strider (2014) isn’t replacing the old canon, but does have its own continuity. In other words, a retelling.
Other things giving away that this cannot exist within the same continuity would be the portrayal of the character Hien. In the original timeline, Hien was a fallen Strider who served under Grandmaster Meio and worshipped him as a God. In the 2014 timeline, Hien was simply a Strider who died attempting to infiltrate Meio’s Third Moon; a direct contradiction.
They are clearly two different continuities that run on their own canons, even if the creators refuse to call Strider (2014) a reboot.
Hiryu’s Age
Hiryu’s age throughout the series is a massive point of contention amongst fans, as it gets quite muddled and confusing in Strider 2. The major argument that arises between people is: Is Hiryu from Strider 2 a new Strider with the old Hiryu’s name, or is he the same man but two thousand years older?
I think there is reason to believe it is the latter, but to say it up front; there is no concrete answer. It is purely up to interpretation. All that can be done is to explain why Strider 2’s Hiryu will be considered the same Hiryu.
The major argument levied against him being the same guy (aside from him being two thousand years old) would be a statement from the Strider Hiryu Visual Chronicle, which states that the Hiryu who appears in Strider 2 shares the same codename as the Hiryu from previous titles.
This shouldn’t be seen as direct confirmation that they are the same guy, however. The quote specifically leaves it vague, stating that he has the same codename but not that he is a new Strider. It was intentionally left vague.
And truthfully, that is the only official material there is to solve this burning question, and it leaves it completely up in the air. So there needs to be something out there to at least lean it to one side or the other, so that a decision can be made.
“I have fought the Grandmaster for a thousand years, dying a thousand death, as if my fate is forever bound to his.”
This directly confirms one of the two possible answers; Hiryu from Strider 2 is the same Hiryu from the previous titles, and has simply lived for nearly two thousand years.
Granted, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is not an official source, nor is it canon to the main timeline, but it is simply the only actual answer given; since every official answer is painfully vague.
Main Timeline
Strider Hiryu Gaiden (1988)
Strider Hiryu Manga (1988) | Strider NES Adaptation (1989)
