Arc System Works have revealed more information about two characters for Guilty Gear -Strive-; Giovanna and Nagoriyuki.

The game launches April 9th, 2021 on Windows PC (via Steam), PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

The latest “Developer’s Backyard” blogpost on the game’s website has detailed information about two of the game’s character, including their backstories, playstyles, and other tid-bits of information.

Giovannia

Height: 170 cm (5’6)
Weight: 62 kg (137 lbs)
Blood Type: O
Birthdate: November 6th
Origin: Brazil
Hobby: Moongazing
Values: Rei (her spirit wolf companion), her unique sense of professionalism
Dislikes: The smell of cigarettes and alcohol

Giovannia is described as a special operations unit officer, tasked with protecting the President of the United States. While careful with her words, she still comes across as rude and irreverent thanks to her attitude. She is a caring person however, especially friendly to animals and children.

Her fighting prowess comes from her spirit wolf Rei, letting it possess her to grant supernatural speed. Her playstyle matches this being described as an “incredible rush-down that can break down any defense.” 

She can close in fast, and lock down foes with overwhelming offense, but her short range can make it difficult to approach opponents. As such, it’s recommended to use special moves that launch her forward. She’s recommended for those new to fighting games, and also possesses a mechanic to increase her damage output as her Tension Gauge fills.

Nagoriyuki

Height: 205 cm (6’7)
Weight: 96 kg (212 lbls)
Blood Type: Unable to be determined
Birthdate: March 18th
Origin: Nigeria
Hobbies: Haiku, meditation
Values: His warrior code of honor, tomato juice
Dislikes: Insincerity, worldly desire, crab

A noble samurai vampire, Nagoriyuki was revealed (but unnamed) in the game’s announcement at EVO 2019, even before the game was officially named. Personal information even in this blog post is scant.

The character specializes in heavy damage with decent range on his attacks. However, he is unable to dash or double-jump. As such, it is recommended to use super jumps or his special move Fukyo to quickly approach opponents.

However, Nagoriyuki can use special moves directly one after another. This begins to build up a Blood Gauge, as his thirst for blood builds. While this increases the range of some of his normal, if the meters is filled he will enter Blood Rage mode.

This grants even greater range on normals, and a new Overdrive. However, his animations will leave him vulnerable to counterattack from foes, and he cannot use special moves. To prevent filling the gauge, his command grab special Bloodsucking Universe will decrease the gauge for a set amount of time.

Arc System Works plan for both characters to be playable in pre-release; the arcade test version in Japan, and the open-beta test for consoles in early 2021. The next trailer for the game will also be revealed on January 1st, 2021.

In case you missed it, we also covered past trailers for Leo Whitefang and Nagoriyuki, Sol Badguy, Ky Kiske, May, Axl Low, Chipp Zanuff, Potemkin, Faust, Millia Rage, Zato-1, Ramlethal Valentine, and Giovanna.

Image: Guilty Gear -Strive- official website