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| {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2012}}{{DISPLAYTITLE:Taki (''Soulcalibur'')}} | {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2012}}{{DISPLAYTITLE:Taki (''Soulcalibur'')}} | ||
| {{general VG character | {{general VG character | ||
| | name = Taki | | name = Taki{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} | ||
| | image = ] <!-- if she appears aged in SCV, please leave this pic here as more representative for the entire series, instead add her new looks somewhere in the article body, like the design section --> | | image = ]{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} <!-- if she appears aged in SCV, please leave this pic here as more representative for the entire series, instead add her new looks somewhere in the article body, like the design section --> | ||
| | caption = Taki in her primary costume from '']'' | | caption = Taki in her primary costume from '']''{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} | ||
| | series = ] | | series = ]{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} | ||
| | firstgame = '']'' (1995)<ref>, IGN.</ref> | | firstgame = '']'' (1995)<ref>, IGN.</ref> | ||
| | creator = Kouji Mitsunaga<ref>''Soul Edge'' game credits.</ref> | | creator = Kouji Mitsunaga<ref>''Soul Edge'' game credits.</ref> | ||
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| }}}}{{Japanese text}} | }}}}{{Japanese text}} | ||
| {{nihongo|'''Taki'''|タキ|Taki|also written as 多喜}} is a ] in the ] series of ]s produced by ]. Taki, one of the series' main characters, is a 16th-century Japanese demon huntress and a runaway ] (female ]), who is traveling the world on a quest to destroy an evil sword known as Soul Edge. | {{nihongo|'''Taki'''|タキ|Taki|also written as 多喜}} is a ] in the ] series of ]s produced by ].{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Taki, one of the series' main characters, is a 16th-century Japanese demon huntress and a runaway ] (female ]), who is traveling the world on a quest to destroy an evil sword known as Soul Edge.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} | ||
| Taki was introduced in the arcade version of '']'' in 1995, in which she and ] were the two official protagonists. She was featured as a ] in every title of the ''Soul'' series until 2011's '']'', in which Taki's place was taken by her young disciple ]. Taki is also featured in some other works, including '']'' and '']''. | Taki was introduced in the arcade version of '']'' in 1995,{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} in which she and ] were the two official protagonists. She was featured as a ] in every title of the ''Soul'' series until 2011's '']'', in which Taki's place was taken by her young disciple{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} ].{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Taki is also featured in some other works, including '']'' and '']''.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} | ||
| The character has achieved popularity, receiving mostly positive critical feedback. She is often regarded as one of the top female ninja characters in video games, and a ] of the fighting genre and gaming in general. Several publications, which noted her iconic status in the ''Soul'' series, regretted her absence in ''Soulcalibur V''. | The character has achieved popularity,{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} receiving mostly positive critical feedback. She is often regarded as one of the top female ninja characters in video games, and a ]{{doubtful}} of the fighting genre and gaming in general. Several publications, which noted her iconic status in the ''Soul'' series, regretted her absence in ''Soulcalibur V''.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} | ||
| ==Appearances== | ==Appearances== | ||
| ===In the ''Soul'' games=== | ===In the ''Soul'' games=== | ||
| Taki debuted as one of the eight original characters in ''Soul Edge'' (1995, ''Soul Blade'' in ] countries), set in a ] version of the year 1584. In it, she is a 22-year-old ]-era "{{nihongo|Hunter of Darkness"|闇の狩人|Yami no Karyuudo}} who has dedicated herself to fighting supernatural evil and travels around Japan using her "seal magic" (封魔)<ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> against demons. Taki has been raised by the ] ninja clan since they adopted her after her parents and brother died from an unknown disease. She is an accomplished spy and blacksmith.<ref name=se>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> In the series' lore, what "lies within her soul" (a character's defining concept) is honor.<ref>, 1UP.com, July 16, 2008.</ref><ref name=nc/> In her in-game story in ''Soul Edge'' she finds that her self-made magical blade Rekkimaru has weakened by the powerful, evil sword known as Soul Edge. Taki decides to travel west to save her treasured Rekkimaru and to destroy Soul Edge. The prologue of '']'' (1998) tells of how she has eventually confronts and defeats the first game's main villain and Soul Edge's wielder, ], and obtains a fragment of the shattered sword. In the process, she also saves another character, ]. In addition to Sophitia, Taki later befriended also ].<ref>Jesse Schedeen. , IGN, May 29, 2008.</ref> | Taki debuted as one of the eight original characters in ''Soul Edge'' (1995, ''Soul Blade'' in ] countries), set in a ] version of the year 1584.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} In it, she is a 22-year-old ]-era "{{nihongo|Hunter of Darkness"|闇の狩人|Yami no Karyuudo}} who has dedicated herself to fighting supernatural evil and travels around Japan using her "seal magic" (封魔)<ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> against demons. Taki has been raised by the ] ninja clan since they adopted her after her parents and brother died from an unknown disease.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} She is an accomplished spy and blacksmith.<ref name=se>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> In the series' lore, what "lies within her soul" (a character's defining concept) is honor.<ref>, 1UP.com, July 16, 2008.</ref><ref name=nc/> In her in-game story in ''Soul Edge'' she finds that her self-made magical blade Rekkimaru has weakened by the powerful, evil sword known as Soul Edge. Taki decides to travel west to save her treasured Rekkimaru and to destroy Soul Edge. The prologue of '']''{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} (1998) tells of how she has eventually confronts and defeats the first game's main villain and Soul Edge's wielder, ],{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} and obtains a fragment of the shattered sword.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} In the process, she also saves another character, ]. In addition to Sophitia, Taki later befriended also ].<ref>Jesse Schedeen. , IGN, May 29, 2008.</ref> | ||
| '']'' (2007) takes place between ''Soul Edge'' and ''Soulcalibur'', and pits Taki against Geki and his partner Maki, both of whom have been transformed into monsters by Soul Edge's power. In this struggle, she receives support from the ].<ref name="soularchive">{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> Taki tries to merge the Soul Edge fragment with her Rekkimaru without success, but when she fuses it with her other weapon, the kodachi Mekkimaru, she creates a new evil weapon that she seeks to pit against Soul Edge, hoping both blades would then destroy each other. Her old master Toki (トキ) tells her that Fu-Ma's former leader, Hachibei (八兵衛), has stolen Mekkimaru and fled, becoming a ''nukenin'' (fugitive ninja). Toki orders Taki to hunt down and kill Hachibei and his daughter Chie (千恵), a childhood friend, and bring back the blade. Taki locates Hachibei quickly, but learns about Toki's obsession with the powers of the blade. Hachibei urges her to not let Toki take hold of Mekkimaru and gives it to her. Taki later gives a false report to Toki, leading his forces to pursue Chie's lover ] but Geki, Toki's right hand man, discovers her deception and she becomes a ''nukenin'' outcast herself as she tries to destroy Mekkimaru.<ref name=sc>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> | '']'' (2007) takes place between ''Soul Edge'' and ''Soulcalibur'', and pits Taki against Geki and his partner Maki, both of whom have been transformed into monsters by Soul Edge's power. In this struggle, she receives support from the ].<ref name="soularchive">{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> Taki tries to merge the Soul Edge fragment with her Rekkimaru without success, but when she fuses it with her other weapon, the kodachi Mekkimaru, she creates a new evil weapon that she seeks to pit against Soul Edge,{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} hoping both blades would then destroy each other.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Her old master Toki (トキ) tells her that Fu-Ma's former leader, Hachibei (八兵衛), has stolen Mekkimaru and fled, becoming a ''nukenin'' (fugitive ninja). Toki orders Taki to hunt down and kill Hachibei and his daughter Chie (千恵), a childhood friend, and bring back the blade. Taki locates Hachibei quickly, but learns about Toki's obsession with the powers of the blade. Hachibei urges her to not let Toki{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} take hold of Mekkimaru and gives it to her.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Taki later gives a false report to Toki, leading his forces to pursue Chie's lover ] but Geki, Toki's right hand man, discovers her deception and she becomes a ''nukenin'' outcast herself as she tries to destroy Mekkimaru.<ref name=sc>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> | ||
| Taki returns in the next sequel, '']'' (2002), set seven years after the events of the first game. After hearing about the destruction of Soul Edge, she tries to tame the evil kodachi, but discovers that Toki has obtained more Soul Edge fragments and decides to keep both Soul Edge and Mekkimaru away from him.<ref name=cha/><ref name=sc2>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> Four years later in '']'' (2005), Taki returns to Japan and learns that because of Toki's madness, the Fu-Ma have descended into an internal conflict. Contacting the rebellious faction within the clan, Taki faces the Soul Edge-corrupted Toki at the underground sanctum within the ], where he absorbs the ] spirits within the shrine. She defeats him but the spirits dwelling within him leave and travel west. Knowing they are seeking Soul Edge, and that the cursed sword's power was weak enough to allow its destruction, Taki begins a new journey to extinguish Soul Edge. In '']'' (2008), Taki witnesses how the battle between ] armed with the Soul Calibur and Soul Edge-wielding ] unleashes a powerful cataclysm, motivating her to destroy both Soul swords.<ref name=chara /><ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref>{{#tag:ref|In her ''Soulcalibur IV'' ending (which is later proved noncanon), she tracks down and defeats Siegfried, who takes the evil sword and allows himself to be crystallized while she silently walks away. According to the epilogue, "There is no way to know how Taki lived her life from that point on. She sealed such a great evil and disappeared from history."|group="note"}} | Taki returns in the next sequel, '']'' (2002), set seven years after the events of the first game.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} After hearing about the destruction of Soul Edge, she tries to tame the evil kodachi, but discovers that Toki has obtained more Soul Edge fragments and decides to keep both Soul Edge and Mekkimaru away from him.<ref name=cha/><ref name=sc2>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> Four years later in '']'' (2005), Taki returns to Japan and learns that because of Toki's madness, the Fu-Ma have descended into an internal conflict. Contacting the rebellious faction within the clan, Taki faces the Soul Edge-corrupted Toki at the underground sanctum within the ], where he absorbs the ] spirits within the shrine. She defeats him but the spirits dwelling within him leave and travel west. Knowing they are seeking Soul Edge,{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} and that the cursed sword's power was weak enough to allow its destruction, Taki begins a new journey to extinguish Soul Edge.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} In '']'' (2008), Taki witnesses how the battle between ] armed with the Soul Calibur and Soul Edge-wielding ] unleashes a powerful cataclysm, motivating her to destroy both Soul swords.<ref name=chara /><ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref>{{#tag:ref|In her ''Soulcalibur IV'' ending (which is later proved noncanon), she tracks down and defeats Siegfried, who takes the evil sword and allows himself to be crystallized while she silently walks away.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} According to the epilogue,{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} "There is no way to know how Taki lived her life from that point on. She sealed such a great evil and disappeared from history."|group="note"}} | ||
| It was announced that Taki would return in '']'' (2012),<ref name=notdead>Michael McWhertor, , Kotaku, July 25, 2011.</ref> set 17 years after the events of the previous game. Taki was expected to appear along with a young, female disciple<ref>Grant Howitt, , Siliconera, July 19, 2011.</ref> named {{Nihongo|]|凪津}}, who is one of a number of new player characters in the series.<ref>Michael McWhertor, , Kotaku, July 15, 2011.</ref><ref>David Houghton, , GamesRadar UK, July 25, 2011.</ref> According to Natsu's backstory, she traveled west in search of her mentor, who had mysteriously disappeared several months earlier after telling Natsu that she would return in two weeks. The game itself does not reveal whether Natsu finds Taki, but it was announced that Taki would "eventually" return, possibly in another sequel.<ref>{{jp icon}} , Famitsu.com, July 24, 2011.</ref> | It was announced that Taki would return in '']'' (2012),<ref name=notdead>Michael McWhertor, , Kotaku, July 25, 2011.</ref> set 17 years after the events of the previous game. Taki was expected to appear along with a young, female disciple<ref>Grant Howitt, , Siliconera, July 19, 2011.</ref> named {{Nihongo|]|凪津}}, who is one of a number of new player characters in the series.<ref>Michael McWhertor, , Kotaku, July 15, 2011.</ref><ref>David Houghton, , GamesRadar UK, July 25, 2011.</ref> According to Natsu's backstory, she traveled west in search of her mentor, who had mysteriously disappeared several months earlier after telling Natsu that she would return in two weeks.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} The game itself does not reveal whether Natsu finds Taki, but it was announced that Taki would "eventually" return, possibly in another sequel.<ref>{{jp icon}} , Famitsu.com, July 24, 2011.</ref> | ||
| ===Other appearances=== | ===Other appearances=== | ||
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| == Character design == | == Character design == | ||
| ] sketches dating from the development of 1995's '']'',<ref name=cha/> the original installment in the ''Soul'' series|alt=Eight black and white pencil drawings of a young woman in fighting costumes and poses.]] | ] sketches dating from the development of 1995's '']'',<ref name=cha/> the original installment in the ''Soul'' series|alt=Eight black and white pencil drawings of a young woman in fighting costumes and poses.]]{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} | ||
| During the early development of ''Soul Edge'', Taki was conceived as a ]-like ninja character, armed with a long sword and wearing a loose outfit and large helmet covering her upper face. She underwent several major design changes before the game's release,<ref name=cha>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> evolving into an athletic, iron-masked, buxom woman with a chest size of 90 cm/E,<ref>Fred Dutton, , Eurogamer, May 10, 2011.</ref> clad in a partially armored catsuit.<ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> Taki used variations of this outfit throughout the series; by default her primary costumes were colored ] or ]. A cloth mask returns with Taki's primary costume in ''Soulcalibur''—the only game in which her breasts are partially exposed—and an iron mask with her blue-colored main costume based on a lower part of a ] in ''Soulcalibur III''.<ref name=sc/> A similar red costume is featured in ''Legends''.<ref name="soularchive" /> Other demonic motifs have appeared on her armor since ''Soulcalibur''.<ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive</ref><ref>, ''Soulcalibur'' official website, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> | During the early development of ''Soul Edge'', Taki was conceived as a ]-like ninja character, armed with a long sword and wearing a loose outfit and large helmet covering her upper face. She underwent several major design changes before the game's release,<ref name=cha>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> evolving into an athletic, iron-masked, buxom woman with a chest size of 90 cm/E,<ref>Fred Dutton, , Eurogamer, May 10, 2011.</ref> clad in a partially armored catsuit.<ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> Taki used variations of this outfit throughout the series; by default her primary costumes were colored ] or ].{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} A cloth mask returns with Taki's primary costume in ''Soulcalibur''—the only game in which her breasts are partially exposed—and an iron mask with her blue-colored main costume based on a lower part of a ] in ''Soulcalibur III''.<ref name=sc/> A similar red costume is featured in ''Legends''.<ref name="soularchive" /> Other demonic motifs have appeared on her armor since ''Soulcalibur''.<ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive</ref><ref>, ''Soulcalibur'' official website, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> | ||
| Taki also wears some alternate costumes, such as her green attire in ''Soulcalibur II'', which was modeled after an outfit worn by Waya Hime in ''Bravoman'' and ''Namco × Capcom''. In it, she appeared for the first time with loose hair instead of her usual ponytail. Her hair is also tied back in her ''Soul Edge'' alternative costume.<ref name=se/> Until ''Soulcalibur II'',<ref name=sc2/> Taki only appears unmasked in some of her alternative costumes, but in this game and in ''Soulcalibur IV'' she is unmasked in all costumes. In ''Soul Edge'', one of the secret characters is "Nugi Taki", an alternative version of Taki who is unmasked, has short hair, and wears a unarmored blue bodysuit with a mesh shirt underneath. ''Soulcalibur III'' director Katsutoshi Sasaki described her as his personal favorite character from the series.<ref>, Kotaku, September 20, 2007</ref> The game's producer Hisaharu Tago said of her appearance in ''Soulcalibur V'', in which Taki is depicted as over 40, "In terms of her outfit, we don't know if she'll be in body tights."<ref name=notdead /> | Taki also wears some alternate costumes, such as her green attire in ''Soulcalibur II'', which was modeled after an outfit worn by Waya Hime in ''Bravoman'' and ''Namco × Capcom''.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} In it, she appeared for the first time with loose hair instead of her usual ponytail.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Her hair is also tied back in her ''Soul Edge'' alternative costume.<ref name=se/> Until ''Soulcalibur II'',<ref name=sc2/> Taki only appears unmasked in some of her alternative costumes, but in this game and in ''Soulcalibur IV'' she is unmasked in all costumes. In ''Soul Edge'', one of the secret characters is "Nugi Taki", an alternative version of Taki who is unmasked, has short hair, and wears a unarmored blue bodysuit with a mesh shirt underneath.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} ''Soulcalibur III'' director Katsutoshi Sasaki described her as his personal favorite character from the series.<ref>, Kotaku, September 20, 2007</ref> The game's producer Hisaharu Tago said of her appearance in ''Soulcalibur V'', in which Taki is depicted as over 40, "In terms of her outfit, we don't know if she'll be in body tights."<ref name=notdead /> | ||
| Taki's height is {{convert|170|cm|inch|abbr=on}} and weighs {{convert|55|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=se/> (later {{convert|53|kg|lb|abbr=on}}).<ref name=sc/><ref name=sc2/> Her original weapon in ''Soul Edge'' is a ],{{#tag:ref|In ''Soul Blade'' (the English localization of ''Soul Edge'') described as '] "Rekki-maru"'.<ref name=sb>''Soul Blade'' PSX manual, page 20.</ref>|group="note"}} called Rekkimaru (Rekki-Maru), which she made by infusing it with mystical powers. This is her preferred weapon and is one of the few original weapons that have not been replaced in subsequent games. Her secondary weapon, the ] Mekkimaru (Mekki-Maru), formerly property of Yoshimitsu's deceased clan, was added for her dual-wielding style in ''Soulcalibur'' as the lower blade on her back. Though Taki uses a single weapon in ''Soul Edge'', Mekkimaru was featured in this game as an unlockable weapon. Her other optional weapons include a ], a ], a ] and a bladed ].<ref>''GamePro'' 102 (March 1997), page 67.</ref> Immediately after the release of ''Soulcalibur V'' in Japan, the game's director Daishi Odashima said that he had decided that at 46, Taki would be too old to be an active ninja, and she retired to train the next generation and is now watching over her pupil Natsu from the shadows.<ref>, Anime News Network, January 31, 2012.</ref><ref>, The Silent Chief, February 1, 2012.</ref><ref name=gr>C.J. Smillie, , Game Rant, February 2, 2012.</ref> | Taki's height is {{convert|170|cm|inch|abbr=on}} and weighs {{convert|55|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=se/> (later {{convert|53|kg|lb|abbr=on}}).<ref name=sc/><ref name=sc2/> Her original weapon in ''Soul Edge'' is a ],{{#tag:ref|In ''Soul Blade'' (the English localization of ''Soul Edge'') described as '] "Rekki-maru"'.<ref name=sb>''Soul Blade'' PSX manual, page 20.</ref>|group="note"}} called Rekkimaru (Rekki-Maru), which she made by infusing it with mystical powers.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} This is her preferred weapon and is one of the few original weapons that have not been replaced in subsequent games.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Her secondary weapon, the ] Mekkimaru (Mekki-Maru), formerly property of Yoshimitsu's deceased clan, was added for her dual-wielding style in ''Soulcalibur'' as the lower blade on her back.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Though Taki uses a single weapon in ''Soul Edge'', Mekkimaru was featured in this game as an unlockable weapon. Her other optional weapons include a ], a ], a ] and a bladed ].<ref>''GamePro'' 102 (March 1997), page 67.</ref> Immediately after the release of ''Soulcalibur V'' in Japan, the game's director Daishi Odashima said that he had decided that at 46,{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Taki would be too old to be an active ninja, and she retired to train the next generation and is now watching over her pupil Natsu from the shadows.<ref>, Anime News Network, January 31, 2012.</ref><ref>, The Silent Chief, February 1, 2012.</ref><ref name=gr>C.J. Smillie, , Game Rant, February 2, 2012.</ref> | ||
| ===Gameplay=== | ===Gameplay=== | ||
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| James Price of '']'' wrote that in ''Soulcalibur'', Taki is "fast and agile", capable of "swift and deadly attacks" as well as "of making ]s over and around her opponents," but at the cost of having a limited range.<ref>James Price, "Soulcalibur: The Complete Review", ''DC-UK'' (November 1999), page 14.</ref> According to Jesse Schedeen of ], the character's fighting style "improved dramatically" between ''Soul Edge'' and ''Soulcalibur'' due to being given dual swords to use at once.<ref name=ign/> In ''Soulcalibur Legends'', Taki is the only character capable of performing a double jump (a video game character's ability to jump a second time in mid-air). ''Soulcalibur V'''s Natsu borrows "many of Taki's trademark moves."<ref name=notdead /> | James Price of '']'' wrote that in ''Soulcalibur'', Taki is "fast and agile", capable of "swift and deadly attacks" as well as "of making ]s over and around her opponents," but at the cost of having a limited range.<ref>James Price, "Soulcalibur: The Complete Review", ''DC-UK'' (November 1999), page 14.</ref> According to Jesse Schedeen of ], the character's fighting style "improved dramatically" between ''Soul Edge'' and ''Soulcalibur'' due to being given dual swords to use at once.<ref name=ign/> In ''Soulcalibur Legends'', Taki is the only character capable of performing a double jump (a video game character's ability to jump a second time in mid-air). ''Soulcalibur V'''s Natsu borrows "many of Taki's trademark moves."<ref name=notdead /> | ||
| In ]'s guide to ''Soulcalibur II'', Stephen Kleckner wrote that Taki has "a lot of options and variety which allow her to really mix up her attack heights" and very quick moves making her highly capable at close range, but might "essentially become a moving target" if her player "can't rush down someone who is really good at sustaining a range game, such as ]."<ref>Stephen Kleckner, , GameSpot.com.</ref> Andrew Alfonso wrote in ]'s ''Soulcalibur II'' guide that "what makes Taki so fearsome is her speed. She's still the fastest character in the game, and despite this her damage potential is still very good at times. However, unlike the big power hitters like Cervantes and ], she needs to work for her wins." Alfonso added that Taki can be "somewhat hard to learn and execute with" and the key strategy "is to maintain her flow of attack."<ref name=gs>Andrew Alfonso (with contributions from Paul Oh and Zakk Jones), , GameSpy.</ref> | In ]'s guide to ''Soulcalibur II'', Stephen Kleckner wrote that Taki has "a lot of options and variety which allow her to really mix up her attack heights" and very quick moves making her highly capable at close range,{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} but might "essentially become a moving target" if her player "can't rush down someone who is really good at sustaining a range game, such as ]."<ref>Stephen Kleckner, , GameSpot.com.</ref> Andrew Alfonso wrote in ]'s ''Soulcalibur II'' guide that "what makes Taki so fearsome is her speed. She's still the fastest character in the game, and despite this her damage potential is still very good at times. However, unlike the big power hitters like Cervantes and ],{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} she needs to work for her wins." Alfonso added that Taki can be "somewhat hard to learn and execute with" and the key strategy "is to maintain her flow of attack."<ref name=gs>Andrew Alfonso (with contributions from Paul Oh and Zakk Jones), , GameSpy.</ref> | ||
| Taki was one of the four characters available in the pre-release ] version of ''Soulcalibur IV''.<ref>Sid Shuman, , GamePro, April 16, 2008.</ref> According to Alex Jenkins of ], in this game she lost some of her prior advantages but is still an agile and fast character who can cause considerable damage and is meant to be played aggressively, as well as a strong counter-attacker. Her weaknesses include difficulties in playing against ranged-type characters and having many risky special moves.<ref name=chara>Alex Jenkins, , 1UP.com, July 28, 2008.</ref> Schedeen wrote that, due to her lightning-quick ninja reflexes, Taki is "a vicious combatant that new and old players alike love to control."<ref name=ign/> | Taki was one of the four characters available in the pre-release ] version of ''Soulcalibur IV''.<ref>Sid Shuman, , GamePro, April 16, 2008.</ref> According to Alex Jenkins of ], in this game she lost some of her prior advantages but is still an agile and fast character who can cause considerable damage and is meant to be played aggressively, as well as a strong counter-attacker. Her weaknesses include difficulties in playing against ranged-type characters and having many risky special moves.<ref name=chara>Alex Jenkins, , 1UP.com, July 28, 2008.</ref> Schedeen wrote that, due to her lightning-quick ninja reflexes, Taki is "a vicious combatant that new and old players alike love to control."<ref name=ign/> | ||
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| Taki is widely regarded as one of the most popular characters in the ''Soul'' series. Namco named Taki as one of the three most popular ''Soulcalibur'' characters in North American markets, alongside ] and ].<ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> In 2008, ] ranked Taki as sixth best ''Soulcalibur'' character.<ref name=ugo/> In 2008, ]'s Jesse Schedeen ranked her as the fifth top fighter in the series and wrote that "it's hard to imagine a ''Soulcalibur'' game without Taki. It just wouldn't be the same."<ref name=ign>{{cite web|author = Jesse Schedeen |url = http://stars.ign.com/articles/895/895160p6.html |title = Soulcalibur: The Top Ten Fighters| publisher = IGN |date = July 29, 2008 |accessdate = January 31, 2013}}</ref> ]'s staff called Taki one of the most elite fighters in the ''Soul'' games,<ref name=gd3>, GameDaily, February 6, 2009. (archived)</ref> adding that she "has left an impact from the very start" of the series.<ref name=gd1>, GameDaily, October 5, 2007 (archived)</ref> GameDaily wrote: "There are many women worth mentioning in the ''Soul Calibur'' series, but if anyone really knows how to handle ], ] and the ], it's Taki."<ref name=gd6>, GameDaily, July 24, 2008. (archived)</ref> | Taki is widely regarded as one of the most popular characters in the ''Soul'' series. Namco named Taki as one of the three most popular ''Soulcalibur'' characters in North American markets, alongside ] and ].<ref>{{jp icon}} , Project Soul Archive, Namco Bandai Games Inc.</ref> In 2008, ] ranked Taki as sixth best ''Soulcalibur'' character.<ref name=ugo/> In 2008, ]'s Jesse Schedeen ranked her as the fifth top fighter in the series and wrote that "it's hard to imagine a ''Soulcalibur'' game without Taki. It just wouldn't be the same."<ref name=ign>{{cite web|author = Jesse Schedeen |url = http://stars.ign.com/articles/895/895160p6.html |title = Soulcalibur: The Top Ten Fighters| publisher = IGN |date = July 29, 2008 |accessdate = January 31, 2013}}</ref> ]'s staff called Taki one of the most elite fighters in the ''Soul'' games,<ref name=gd3>, GameDaily, February 6, 2009. (archived)</ref> adding that she "has left an impact from the very start" of the series.<ref name=gd1>, GameDaily, October 5, 2007 (archived)</ref> GameDaily wrote: "There are many women worth mentioning in the ''Soul Calibur'' series, but if anyone really knows how to handle ], ] and the ], it's Taki."<ref name=gd6>, GameDaily, July 24, 2008. (archived)</ref> | ||
| Taki has also been repeatedly listed as one of gaming's top ninja characters; Schedeen wrote in 2008: "Everyone loves a good ninja, and Taki just so happens to be one of the best."<ref name=ign/> In 2007, ]'s JC Fletcher called her "everyone's favorite underdressed ninja".<ref>JC Fletcher, , Joystiq, June 13, 2007.</ref> She was ranked as fifth best ninja hero in video games by ] in 2008.<ref>, Virgin Media.</ref> In 2010, '']'' chose Taki as one of the 20 Namco characters they would like to see in a rumored crossover fighting game ''Namco Vs Capcom'', her ] side equivalent being ], adding that "most fighting game characters can’t quite keep up with Taki’s rapid (and annoying) leaps."<ref>Tim Turi, , ''Game Informer'', July 20, 2010.</ref> That same year, '']'''s Chris Jager ranked her as the second best video game ninja character, comparing her with the similarly proportioned ], and wrote that they had "originally contemplated giving Taki ''two'' places on this list in honour of her formidable pair of assets" and called her "arguably the toughest and most skillful ninja on our list" next to Mai in such circumstances.<ref>{{cite web|author = Chris Jager |url = http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/321647/top_ten_video_game_ninjas/?pp=10 |title = Top Ten video game ninjas |publisher = PC World Australia |work = GamePro |date = August 6, 2010 |accessdate = January 31, 2013}}</ref> In 2011, UGO ranked her as one of the top 25 "hot ninja girls" in all media.<ref name=nc>, UGO.com, January 5, 2011.</ref> In 2012, '']'' ranked her as the fifth-swiftest video game ninja, and wrote that because of her bust size, "the only female on this list is also probably the most incredible ninja on here."<ref name=complex>{{cite web |author = Rich Knight |url = http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/01/the-10-swiftest-ninjas-in-games#7 |title = The 10 Swiftest Ninjas in Games|publisher = Complex.com |date = January 25, 2012 |accessdate = January 31, 2013}}</ref> | Taki has also been repeatedly listed as one of gaming's top ninja characters;{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Schedeen wrote in 2008: "Everyone loves a good ninja, and Taki just so happens to be one of the best."<ref name=ign/> In 2007, ]'s JC Fletcher called her "everyone's favorite underdressed ninja".<ref>JC Fletcher, , Joystiq, June 13, 2007.</ref> She was ranked as fifth best ninja hero in video games by ] in 2008.<ref>, Virgin Media.</ref> In 2010, '']'' chose Taki as one of the 20 Namco characters they would like to see in a rumored crossover fighting game ''Namco Vs Capcom'', her ] side equivalent being ],{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} adding that "most fighting game characters can’t quite keep up with Taki’s rapid (and annoying) leaps."<ref>Tim Turi, , ''Game Informer'', July 20, 2010.</ref> That same year, '']'''s Chris Jager ranked her{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} as the second best video game ninja character, comparing her with the similarly proportioned ], and wrote that they had "originally contemplated giving Taki ''two'' places on this list in honour of her formidable pair of assets" and called her "arguably the toughest and most skillful ninja on our list" next to Mai in such circumstances.<ref>{{cite web|author = Chris Jager |url = http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/321647/top_ten_video_game_ninjas/?pp=10 |title = Top Ten video game ninjas |publisher = PC World Australia |work = GamePro |date = August 6, 2010 |accessdate = January 31, 2013}}</ref> In 2011, UGO ranked her as one of the top 25 "hot ninja girls" in all media.<ref name=nc>, UGO.com, January 5, 2011.</ref> In 2012, '']'' ranked her as the fifth-swiftest video game ninja, and wrote that because of her bust size, "the only female on this list is also probably the most incredible ninja on here."<ref name=complex>{{cite web |author = Rich Knight |url = http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/01/the-10-swiftest-ninjas-in-games#7 |title = The 10 Swiftest Ninjas in Games|publisher = Complex.com |date = January 25, 2012 |accessdate = January 31, 2013}}</ref> | ||
| Some publications have regarded Taki as one of the best female video game characters. In 2003, '']'' called Taki and Ivy "arguably the finest females in all of 3D fighting."<ref>''Play magazine presents: girls of gaming'' #1.</ref> In 2007, Rob Wright of ] chose Taki as one of the 50 greatest female characters in video games, calling her "a skilled and noble warrior with a shining spirit and stunning beauty" and suggesting that ] should play her in the ] adaptation of the ''Soulcalibur'' series.<ref>Rob Wright, , Tom's Games, 2007-02-20. (archived)</ref> GameDaily featured Taki in many entries of its "Babes of the Week" gallery series,<ref name=gd3/><ref name=gd1/><ref name=gd6/><ref name=gd4>, GameDaily, November 26, 2008. (archived)</ref><ref name=gd2>, GameDaily, January 23, 2009. (archived)</ref> including the 2007 special "Babe of the Week: Taki", which stated that she has been "becoming more agile – and big-breasted – with each new entry. She made such an impact that we awarded her a solo gig."<ref name=gd5>, GameDaily, October 19, 2007. (archived)</ref> In 2011, '']'' featured her as one example of "some of the wonderful women of videogames", but one that would be impossible to date.<ref name=fhm>Grant Howitt, , ''FHM'', July 8, 2011.</ref> | Some publications have regarded Taki as one of the best female video game characters. In 2003, '']'' called Taki and Ivy "arguably the finest females in all of 3D fighting."<ref>''Play magazine presents: girls of gaming'' #1.</ref> In 2007, Rob Wright of ] chose Taki as one of the 50 greatest female characters in video games, calling her "a skilled and noble warrior with a shining spirit and stunning beauty" and suggesting that ] should play her in the ] adaptation of the ''Soulcalibur'' series.<ref>Rob Wright, , Tom's Games, 2007-02-20. (archived)</ref> GameDaily featured Taki in many entries of its "Babes of the Week" gallery series,<ref name=gd3/><ref name=gd1/><ref name=gd6/><ref name=gd4>, GameDaily, November 26, 2008. (archived)</ref><ref name=gd2>, GameDaily, January 23, 2009. (archived)</ref> including the 2007 special "Babe of the Week: Taki", which stated that she has been "becoming more agile – and big-breasted – with each new entry. She made such an impact that we awarded her a solo gig."<ref name=gd5>, GameDaily, October 19, 2007. (archived)</ref> In 2011, '']'' featured her as one example of "some of the wonderful women of videogames", but one that would be impossible to date.<ref name=fhm>Grant Howitt, , ''FHM'', July 8, 2011.</ref> | ||
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| The character is often noted for her attractiveness.<ref>Shane Patterson, , GamesRadar, June 26, 2008.</ref> In 2008, GameDaily ranked her as 17th "hottest game babe", stating that "female ninjas will always hold a special place in our hearts, especially Taki, what with her muscular physique and insanely large chest."<ref>, GameDaily, March 21, 2008 (archived.)</ref> In 2009, Rich Knight of ''Complex'' listed Taki as one of top ten "hottest game girls"<ref name=complex>, Complex.com, March 29, 2009.</ref> and later also pitted her against '']'''s ] in its "battle of the beauties" feature, category "female ninjas", calling her "hot, face mask on or off".<ref>Rich Knight, , Complex.com, November 9, 2011.</ref> In 2010, UGO listed her among the 50 "hottest girls" in video games, describing her as "quick, efficient, and super-deadly".<ref name=hotties>UGO Team, , UGO.com, May 8, 2010.</ref> In 2011, Bob Muir of Japanator.com described Taki as "easily the hottest one in the cast" of the series and included her on his list of Japanese gaming's top ten "hottest girls" for her "sexy that insists on not covering up anything that's fun to look at on her voluptuous body, including her generous chest" and "a dark humor to all of her taunts."<ref>Bob Muir, , Japanator.com, January 23, 2011.</ref> In the Polish ] magazine ''PSX Extreme'', Taki was voted second place in the 'Soul Calibur' category of "Miss of Video Games 2012".<ref>Roger Żochowski, , PPE.PL, 2011-07-30</ref><ref>Roger Żochowski, , PPE.PL, 2011-07-23.</ref> In 2012, Gelo Gonzales of ''FHM'' included Taki on its list of nine "sexiest ninja babes" in games, comparing her to ].<ref name=fhm2>Gelo Gonzales, , ''FHM'', March 29, 2012.</ref> | The character is often noted for her attractiveness.<ref>Shane Patterson, , GamesRadar, June 26, 2008.</ref> In 2008, GameDaily ranked her as 17th "hottest game babe", stating that "female ninjas will always hold a special place in our hearts, especially Taki, what with her muscular physique and insanely large chest."<ref>, GameDaily, March 21, 2008 (archived.)</ref> In 2009, Rich Knight of ''Complex'' listed Taki as one of top ten "hottest game girls"<ref name=complex>, Complex.com, March 29, 2009.</ref> and later also pitted her against '']'''s ] in its "battle of the beauties" feature, category "female ninjas", calling her "hot, face mask on or off".<ref>Rich Knight, , Complex.com, November 9, 2011.</ref> In 2010, UGO listed her among the 50 "hottest girls" in video games, describing her as "quick, efficient, and super-deadly".<ref name=hotties>UGO Team, , UGO.com, May 8, 2010.</ref> In 2011, Bob Muir of Japanator.com described Taki as "easily the hottest one in the cast" of the series and included her on his list of Japanese gaming's top ten "hottest girls" for her "sexy that insists on not covering up anything that's fun to look at on her voluptuous body, including her generous chest" and "a dark humor to all of her taunts."<ref>Bob Muir, , Japanator.com, January 23, 2011.</ref> In the Polish ] magazine ''PSX Extreme'', Taki was voted second place in the 'Soul Calibur' category of "Miss of Video Games 2012".<ref>Roger Żochowski, , PPE.PL, 2011-07-30</ref><ref>Roger Żochowski, , PPE.PL, 2011-07-23.</ref> In 2012, Gelo Gonzales of ''FHM'' included Taki on its list of nine "sexiest ninja babes" in games, comparing her to ].<ref name=fhm2>Gelo Gonzales, , ''FHM'', March 29, 2012.</ref> | ||
| {{quote box|align=left|quote=Long time ''Soul Calibur'' battler Taki is a ] fave - and here we see why. Taki's ninja suit has seemingly been designed for one thing. And that's making her love pillows resemble torpedoes. ] really understands its fanbase.<ref>Ben Richardson, , GamesRadar UK, June 13, 2007.</ref>|source=Ben Richardson, ]|width=30%|}} | {{citation needed|date=July 2013}}{{quote box|align=left|quote=Long time ''Soul Calibur'' battler Taki is a ] fave - and here we see why. Taki's ninja suit has seemingly been designed for one thing. And that's making her love pillows resemble torpedoes. ] really understands its fanbase.<ref>Ben Richardson, , GamesRadar UK, June 13, 2007.</ref>|source=Ben Richardson, ]|width=30%|}}{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} | ||
| Many publications commented on her large bust and revealing outfits. ] in 2003 described her as "the bounciest ninja this side of Mai Shiranui."<ref name=gs/> In his review of ''Soulcalibur II'', ]'s Ryan Genno wrote: "I love the ninja Taki and her very skin tight red number which I'm surprised got by the censors."<ref>Ryan Genno, , Gaming Target, September 10, 2003.</ref> GameDaily praised her "superb fashion sense" and positively contrasted with ''Mortal Kombat'''s ].<ref name=gd5/> GameDaily also repeatedly contrasted Taki's "inexplicably big" breasts and her "swift ninja moves,"<ref name=gd1/> and rhetorically asked "how does she fight with those big boobs."<ref name=gd5/> Michael McWhertor of ] wrote about ''Soulcalibur IV'': "Sure, Taki's boobs flopped about ridiculously with the slightest breeze it seemed, but that's not necessarily a complaint,"<ref>Michael McWhertor, , Kotaku, January 9, 2008.</ref> while Vicious Sid of ''GamePro'' wrote: "Taki's, um, assets bobbed and jiggled after each move. We expect that fighting fans – and pubescent teen boys – will have a ton of fun with ''Soul Calibur IV''".<ref>Vicious Sid. , GamePro, September 21, 2007.</ref> Ross Lincoln of ] included Taki's breasts on his 2011 list of "greatest boobs in video game history".<ref name=gf>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefront.com/the-greatest-boobs-in-video-game-history-gallery/ |title=The Greatest Boobs In Video Game History (Gallery) |publisher=GameFront |date= May 5, 2011 |author=Ross Lincoln}}</ref> Knight wrote that Taki's knowledge of mastery of ] and ninja magic that must be reason how she is able to do all her acrobatic moves with such a chest,<ref name=complex/> adding that "most women with a cup size that big would have back pains and would have to sleep on their side at night" yet Taki "takes it all in stride, moving around the stage of history like the most athletic girl on the volleyball court."<ref name=complex/> UGO commented: "To be honest we don't really care, but there must be some kind of ninja-magic that supports those behemoths."<ref name=hotties/> | Many publications commented on her large bust and revealing outfits. ] in 2003 described her as "the bounciest ninja this side of Mai Shiranui."<ref name=gs/> In his review of ''Soulcalibur II'', ]'s Ryan Genno wrote: "I love the ninja Taki and her very skin tight red number which I'm surprised got by the censors."<ref>Ryan Genno, , Gaming Target, September 10, 2003.</ref> GameDaily praised her "superb fashion sense" and positively contrasted with ''Mortal Kombat'''s ].<ref name=gd5/> GameDaily also repeatedly contrasted Taki's "inexplicably big" breasts and her "swift ninja moves,"<ref name=gd1/> and rhetorically asked "how does she fight with those big boobs."<ref name=gd5/> Michael McWhertor of ] wrote about ''Soulcalibur IV'': "Sure, Taki's boobs flopped about ridiculously with the slightest breeze it seemed, but that's not necessarily a complaint,"<ref>Michael McWhertor, , Kotaku, January 9, 2008.</ref> while Vicious Sid of ''GamePro'' wrote: "Taki's, um, assets bobbed and jiggled after each move. We expect that fighting fans – and pubescent teen boys – will have a ton of fun with ''Soul Calibur IV''".<ref>Vicious Sid. , GamePro, September 21, 2007.</ref> Ross Lincoln of ] included Taki's breasts on his 2011 list of "greatest boobs in video game history".<ref name=gf>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefront.com/the-greatest-boobs-in-video-game-history-gallery/ |title=The Greatest Boobs In Video Game History (Gallery) |publisher=GameFront |date= May 5, 2011 |author=Ross Lincoln}}</ref> Knight wrote that Taki's knowledge of mastery of ] and ninja magic that must be reason how she is able to do all her acrobatic moves with such a chest,<ref name=complex/> adding that "most women with a cup size that big would have back pains and would have to sleep on their side at night" yet Taki "takes it all in stride, moving around the stage of history like the most athletic girl on the volleyball court."<ref name=complex/> UGO commented: "To be honest we don't really care, but there must be some kind of ninja-magic that supports those behemoths."<ref name=hotties/> | ||
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| A number of media outlets strongly criticized Taki's replacement with Natsu in ''Soulcalibur V''. In 2011, ''GamePro'' stated it as one of the reasons why they were "worried" about the game.<ref name=gp>{{cite web |url = http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/221336/why-we-re-worried-about-soul-calibur-v/ |title = Why we’re worried about Soul Calibur V], GamePro, July 25, 2011|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20110817024230/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/221336/why-we-re-worried-about-soul-calibur-v/|archivedate = August 17, 2011| accessdate = January 31, 2013}}</ref> C.J. Smillie of Game Rant wrote that the "long-time favourite" Taki was one of the "most notable of the absentees",<ref name=gr/> Daniel Maniago of ] listed her among the characters that are "noticeably absent",<ref>Daniel Maniago, , G4tv.com, February 2, 2012.</ref> Nick Dinicola of ] listed as first among the missing "fan favorite fighters",<ref>Nick Dinicola, , PopMatters, February 6, 2012.</ref> and Kotaku's Evan Narcisse described the replacement of "established characters ], Taki and Kilik" as ]'s "most baffling decision".<ref>Evan Narcisse, , Kotaku, January 31, 2012.</ref> Following the release of ''Soulcalibur V'', the staff of IGN named Taki "the most obvious choice for the first DLC character" because her omission from the game was "ridiculous". In an accompanying poll that asked IGN's readers which character they would they choose to be added through downloadable content (including new characters from outside the series, such as ]), Taki placed third out of seven candidates.<ref>IGN Staff, , IGN, January 23, 2012.</ref> Angelo M. D'Argenio of ] included Natsu and "every new character in the game" in a 2012 list of top ten "lamest" video game characters of all time, and wrote: "Instead of Taki, the mysterious ninja, we get Natsu, a bored girl with the same backstory as ]."<ref>Angelo M. D'Argenio, , Cheat Code Central, March 19, 2012.</ref> | A number of media outlets strongly criticized Taki's replacement with Natsu in ''Soulcalibur V''. In 2011, ''GamePro'' stated it as one of the reasons why they were "worried" about the game.<ref name=gp>{{cite web |url = http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/221336/why-we-re-worried-about-soul-calibur-v/ |title = Why we’re worried about Soul Calibur V], GamePro, July 25, 2011|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20110817024230/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/221336/why-we-re-worried-about-soul-calibur-v/|archivedate = August 17, 2011| accessdate = January 31, 2013}}</ref> C.J. Smillie of Game Rant wrote that the "long-time favourite" Taki was one of the "most notable of the absentees",<ref name=gr/> Daniel Maniago of ] listed her among the characters that are "noticeably absent",<ref>Daniel Maniago, , G4tv.com, February 2, 2012.</ref> Nick Dinicola of ] listed as first among the missing "fan favorite fighters",<ref>Nick Dinicola, , PopMatters, February 6, 2012.</ref> and Kotaku's Evan Narcisse described the replacement of "established characters ], Taki and Kilik" as ]'s "most baffling decision".<ref>Evan Narcisse, , Kotaku, January 31, 2012.</ref> Following the release of ''Soulcalibur V'', the staff of IGN named Taki "the most obvious choice for the first DLC character" because her omission from the game was "ridiculous". In an accompanying poll that asked IGN's readers which character they would they choose to be added through downloadable content (including new characters from outside the series, such as ]), Taki placed third out of seven candidates.<ref>IGN Staff, , IGN, January 23, 2012.</ref> Angelo M. D'Argenio of ] included Natsu and "every new character in the game" in a 2012 list of top ten "lamest" video game characters of all time, and wrote: "Instead of Taki, the mysterious ninja, we get Natsu, a bored girl with the same backstory as ]."<ref>Angelo M. D'Argenio, , Cheat Code Central, March 19, 2012.</ref> | ||
| Some sources approved of Taki's replacement. Taylor Cocke of the '']'' stated that "you'll be happy to know that newcomer Natsu is taking up mantle and then some."<ref>Taylor Cocke, , Official XBOX Magazine, August 23, 2011.</ref> Similarly, Derrick Smith of Game-insider.com wrote: "Taki, my personal all-time favorite doesn’t make the ''Soul Calibur V'' trip. Yet she is nicely replaced with Natsu, her apprentice who brings with her the complete Taki package with some added youth to spice things up."<ref>Derrick Smith, , game-insider.com, February 12, 2012.</ref> Jeremy Duff of ] suggested players who are "not happy with the fact that Taki was left out" to restore her through the game's "better than ever" character creation mode.<ref>Jeremy Duff, , Gaming Nexus, January 31, 2012.</ref> | Some sources approved of Taki's replacement.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Taylor Cocke of the '']'' stated that "you'll be happy to know that newcomer Natsu is taking up mantle and then some."<ref>Taylor Cocke, , Official XBOX Magazine, August 23, 2011.</ref> Similarly, Derrick Smith of Game-insider.com wrote: "Taki, my personal all-time favorite doesn’t make the ''Soul Calibur V'' trip.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Yet she is nicely replaced with Natsu, her apprentice who brings with her the complete Taki package with some added youth to spice things up."<ref>Derrick Smith, , game-insider.com, February 12, 2012.</ref> Jeremy Duff of ] suggested players who are "not happy with the fact that Taki was left out" to restore her through the game's "better than ever" character creation mode.<ref>Jeremy Duff, , Gaming Nexus, January 31, 2012.</ref> | ||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 23:46, 22 July 2013
Fictional character
| Taki | |
|---|---|
| Soul character | |
| File:Taki-in-soul-calibur-4.pngTaki in her primary costume from Soulcalibur IV | |
| First game | Soul Edge (1995) |
| Created by | Kouji Mitsunaga |
Taki (タキ, Taki, also written as 多喜) is a fictional character in the Soul series of fighting games produced by Namco. Taki, one of the series' main characters, is a 16th-century Japanese demon huntress and a runaway kunoichi (female ninja), who is traveling the world on a quest to destroy an evil sword known as Soul Edge.
Taki was introduced in the arcade version of Soul Edge in 1995, in which she and Sophitia were the two official protagonists. She was featured as a player character in every title of the Soul series until 2011's Soulcalibur V, in which Taki's place was taken by her young disciple Natsu. Taki is also featured in some other works, including Namco × Capcom and Queen's Gate.
The character has achieved popularity, receiving mostly positive critical feedback. She is often regarded as one of the top female ninja characters in video games, and a sex symbol of the fighting genre and gaming in general. Several publications, which noted her iconic status in the Soul series, regretted her absence in Soulcalibur V.
Appearances
In the Soul games
Taki debuted as one of the eight original characters in Soul Edge (1995, Soul Blade in PAL countries), set in a historical fantasy version of the year 1584. In it, she is a 22-year-old Sengoku-era "Hunter of Darkness" (闇の狩人, Yami no Karyuudo) who has dedicated herself to fighting supernatural evil and travels around Japan using her "seal magic" (封魔) against demons. Taki has been raised by the Fu-Ma ninja clan since they adopted her after her parents and brother died from an unknown disease. She is an accomplished spy and blacksmith. In the series' lore, what "lies within her soul" (a character's defining concept) is honor. In her in-game story in Soul Edge she finds that her self-made magical blade Rekkimaru has weakened by the powerful, evil sword known as Soul Edge. Taki decides to travel west to save her treasured Rekkimaru and to destroy Soul Edge. The prologue of Soulcalibur (1998) tells of how she has eventually confronts and defeats the first game's main villain and Soul Edge's wielder, Cervantes de Leon, and obtains a fragment of the shattered sword. In the process, she also saves another character, Sophitia. In addition to Sophitia, Taki later befriended also Mitsurugi.
Soulcalibur Legends (2007) takes place between Soul Edge and Soulcalibur, and pits Taki against Geki and his partner Maki, both of whom have been transformed into monsters by Soul Edge's power. In this struggle, she receives support from the Holy Roman Emperor. Taki tries to merge the Soul Edge fragment with her Rekkimaru without success, but when she fuses it with her other weapon, the kodachi Mekkimaru, she creates a new evil weapon that she seeks to pit against Soul Edge, hoping both blades would then destroy each other. Her old master Toki (トキ) tells her that Fu-Ma's former leader, Hachibei (八兵衛), has stolen Mekkimaru and fled, becoming a nukenin (fugitive ninja). Toki orders Taki to hunt down and kill Hachibei and his daughter Chie (千恵), a childhood friend, and bring back the blade. Taki locates Hachibei quickly, but learns about Toki's obsession with the powers of the blade. Hachibei urges her to not let Toki take hold of Mekkimaru and gives it to her. Taki later gives a false report to Toki, leading his forces to pursue Chie's lover Li Long but Geki, Toki's right hand man, discovers her deception and she becomes a nukenin outcast herself as she tries to destroy Mekkimaru.
Taki returns in the next sequel, Soulcalibur II (2002), set seven years after the events of the first game. After hearing about the destruction of Soul Edge, she tries to tame the evil kodachi, but discovers that Toki has obtained more Soul Edge fragments and decides to keep both Soul Edge and Mekkimaru away from him. Four years later in Soulcalibur III (2005), Taki returns to Japan and learns that because of Toki's madness, the Fu-Ma have descended into an internal conflict. Contacting the rebellious faction within the clan, Taki faces the Soul Edge-corrupted Toki at the underground sanctum within the Hoko Buddhist temple, where he absorbs the Oni spirits within the shrine. She defeats him but the spirits dwelling within him leave and travel west. Knowing they are seeking Soul Edge, and that the cursed sword's power was weak enough to allow its destruction, Taki begins a new journey to extinguish Soul Edge. In Soulcalibur IV (2008), Taki witnesses how the battle between Siegfried armed with the Soul Calibur and Soul Edge-wielding Nightmare unleashes a powerful cataclysm, motivating her to destroy both Soul swords.
It was announced that Taki would return in Soulcalibur V (2012), set 17 years after the events of the previous game. Taki was expected to appear along with a young, female disciple named Natsu (凪津), who is one of a number of new player characters in the series. According to Natsu's backstory, she traveled west in search of her mentor, who had mysteriously disappeared several months earlier after telling Natsu that she would return in two weeks. The game itself does not reveal whether Natsu finds Taki, but it was announced that Taki would "eventually" return, possibly in another sequel.
Other appearances
Taki also appears as a playable character in the 2005 crossover tactical role-playing game Namco × Capcom. In it, she represents the Soul universe alongside Mitsurugi and is paired with Waya Hime (Princess Waya, a boss character in Bravoman) and teamed with fighting game icons Jin Kazama (Tekken) and Ryu (Street Fighter). In 2009, Taki's costume for the player character Estelle was made available as free downloadable content (DLC) in the action role-playing game Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology.
Taki plays a lead role in the 1999 Soulcalibur manga series, in which she fights together with Sophitia, first killing Cervantes and then destroying Nightmare. She has also joined the cast of Queen's Blade characters and is featured (in a cartonish version of her appearance from Soulcalibur IV) in her own erotic gamebook Queen's Gate Taki (神速の封刃 タキ), published in 2011.
Namco released a Taki keychain figurine and a 'standing clock' watch in its Soul Edge line. Yujin released two 4-inch (10 cm) immobile figurines of Taki in her primary outfit from Soulcalibur II as part of its gashapon figure collections "Namco Girls Series 1" and "Namco Girls Series 4" (in her alternative costume based on Waya-Hime's design). In 2003, Wave released a 1/8 scale 7.5 in (19 cm) resin (garage) kit figure of Taki from Soulcalibur II. In 2006, Namco released a MegaHouse PVC statuette based upon promotional artwork of Taki for the game as part of a Soulcalibur III set "Game Character Collection Soul Calibur III Series 1", while an alternative color and unmasked version was also released in a secondary set, which was not posable and came with three interchangeable weapons for it to hold. Triad Toys released a 12 in (30 cm) action figure of Taki from Soulcalibur IV in red and blue versions in 2008, which David Houghton of GamesRadar criticized as oversexualized. In 2007-2010, companies Futene Karada and Aya released two resin kits for Taki's appearances in her prime costumes in Soulcalibur III, 6.7 in (17 cm) (crouching) and 9.4 in (24 cm) (dashing); an alternate version of the latter was also released.
Character design
During the early development of Soul Edge, Taki was conceived as a Yoshimitsu-like ninja character, armed with a long sword and wearing a loose outfit and large helmet covering her upper face. She underwent several major design changes before the game's release, evolving into an athletic, iron-masked, buxom woman with a chest size of 90 cm/E, clad in a partially armored catsuit. Taki used variations of this outfit throughout the series; by default her primary costumes were colored crimson or navy blue. A cloth mask returns with Taki's primary costume in Soulcalibur—the only game in which her breasts are partially exposed—and an iron mask with her blue-colored main costume based on a lower part of a female demon mask in Soulcalibur III. A similar red costume is featured in Legends. Other demonic motifs have appeared on her armor since Soulcalibur.
Taki also wears some alternate costumes, such as her green attire in Soulcalibur II, which was modeled after an outfit worn by Waya Hime in Bravoman and Namco × Capcom. In it, she appeared for the first time with loose hair instead of her usual ponytail. Her hair is also tied back in her Soul Edge alternative costume. Until Soulcalibur II, Taki only appears unmasked in some of her alternative costumes, but in this game and in Soulcalibur IV she is unmasked in all costumes. In Soul Edge, one of the secret characters is "Nugi Taki", an alternative version of Taki who is unmasked, has short hair, and wears a unarmored blue bodysuit with a mesh shirt underneath. Soulcalibur III director Katsutoshi Sasaki described her as his personal favorite character from the series. The game's producer Hisaharu Tago said of her appearance in Soulcalibur V, in which Taki is depicted as over 40, "In terms of her outfit, we don't know if she'll be in body tights."
Taki's height is 170 cm (67 in) and weighs 55 kg (121 lb) (later 53 kg (117 lb)). Her original weapon in Soul Edge is a ninjatō, called Rekkimaru (Rekki-Maru), which she made by infusing it with mystical powers. This is her preferred weapon and is one of the few original weapons that have not been replaced in subsequent games. Her secondary weapon, the kodachi Mekkimaru (Mekki-Maru), formerly property of Yoshimitsu's deceased clan, was added for her dual-wielding style in Soulcalibur as the lower blade on her back. Though Taki uses a single weapon in Soul Edge, Mekkimaru was featured in this game as an unlockable weapon. Her other optional weapons include a jutte, a kunai, a tantō and a bladed iron fan. Immediately after the release of Soulcalibur V in Japan, the game's director Daishi Odashima said that he had decided that at 46, Taki would be too old to be an active ninja, and she retired to train the next generation and is now watching over her pupil Natsu from the shadows.
Gameplay
Adam Rosenberg, UGOTaki is a close-range fighter, end of story. She's blindingly fast, perhaps one of the most agile fighters in the series. The best way to play Taki then is to string combo into combo without ever letting up.
James Price of DC-UK wrote that in Soulcalibur, Taki is "fast and agile", capable of "swift and deadly attacks" as well as "of making somersaults over and around her opponents," but at the cost of having a limited range. According to Jesse Schedeen of IGN, the character's fighting style "improved dramatically" between Soul Edge and Soulcalibur due to being given dual swords to use at once. In Soulcalibur Legends, Taki is the only character capable of performing a double jump (a video game character's ability to jump a second time in mid-air). Soulcalibur V's Natsu borrows "many of Taki's trademark moves."
In GameSpot's guide to Soulcalibur II, Stephen Kleckner wrote that Taki has "a lot of options and variety which allow her to really mix up her attack heights" and very quick moves making her highly capable at close range, but might "essentially become a moving target" if her player "can't rush down someone who is really good at sustaining a range game, such as Kilik." Andrew Alfonso wrote in GameSpy's Soulcalibur II guide that "what makes Taki so fearsome is her speed. She's still the fastest character in the game, and despite this her damage potential is still very good at times. However, unlike the big power hitters like Cervantes and Astaroth, she needs to work for her wins." Alfonso added that Taki can be "somewhat hard to learn and execute with" and the key strategy "is to maintain her flow of attack."
Taki was one of the four characters available in the pre-release demo version of Soulcalibur IV. According to Alex Jenkins of 1UP.com, in this game she lost some of her prior advantages but is still an agile and fast character who can cause considerable damage and is meant to be played aggressively, as well as a strong counter-attacker. Her weaknesses include difficulties in playing against ranged-type characters and having many risky special moves. Schedeen wrote that, due to her lightning-quick ninja reflexes, Taki is "a vicious combatant that new and old players alike love to control."
Reception
Taki is widely regarded as one of the most popular characters in the Soul series. Namco named Taki as one of the three most popular Soulcalibur characters in North American markets, alongside Ivy Valentine and Nightmare. In 2008, UGO ranked Taki as sixth best Soulcalibur character. In 2008, IGN's Jesse Schedeen ranked her as the fifth top fighter in the series and wrote that "it's hard to imagine a Soulcalibur game without Taki. It just wouldn't be the same." GameDaily's staff called Taki one of the most elite fighters in the Soul games, adding that she "has left an impact from the very start" of the series. GameDaily wrote: "There are many women worth mentioning in the Soul Calibur series, but if anyone really knows how to handle Darth Vader, Yoda and the Apprentice, it's Taki."
Taki has also been repeatedly listed as one of gaming's top ninja characters; Schedeen wrote in 2008: "Everyone loves a good ninja, and Taki just so happens to be one of the best." In 2007, Joystiq's JC Fletcher called her "everyone's favorite underdressed ninja". She was ranked as fifth best ninja hero in video games by Virgin Media in 2008. In 2010, Game Informer chose Taki as one of the 20 Namco characters they would like to see in a rumored crossover fighting game Namco Vs Capcom, her Capcom side equivalent being Strider Hiryu, adding that "most fighting game characters can’t quite keep up with Taki’s rapid (and annoying) leaps." That same year, GamePro's Chris Jager ranked her as the second best video game ninja character, comparing her with the similarly proportioned Mai Shiranui, and wrote that they had "originally contemplated giving Taki two places on this list in honour of her formidable pair of assets" and called her "arguably the toughest and most skillful ninja on our list" next to Mai in such circumstances. In 2011, UGO ranked her as one of the top 25 "hot ninja girls" in all media. In 2012, Complex ranked her as the fifth-swiftest video game ninja, and wrote that because of her bust size, "the only female on this list is also probably the most incredible ninja on here."
Some publications have regarded Taki as one of the best female video game characters. In 2003, play called Taki and Ivy "arguably the finest females in all of 3D fighting." In 2007, Rob Wright of Tom's Games chose Taki as one of the 50 greatest female characters in video games, calling her "a skilled and noble warrior with a shining spirit and stunning beauty" and suggesting that Zhang Ziyi should play her in the live action adaptation of the Soulcalibur series. GameDaily featured Taki in many entries of its "Babes of the Week" gallery series, including the 2007 special "Babe of the Week: Taki", which stated that she has been "becoming more agile – and big-breasted – with each new entry. She made such an impact that we awarded her a solo gig." In 2011, FHM featured her as one example of "some of the wonderful women of videogames", but one that would be impossible to date.
Sex appeal
The character is often noted for her attractiveness. In 2008, GameDaily ranked her as 17th "hottest game babe", stating that "female ninjas will always hold a special place in our hearts, especially Taki, what with her muscular physique and insanely large chest." In 2009, Rich Knight of Complex listed Taki as one of top ten "hottest game girls" and later also pitted her against Mortal Kombat's Kitana in its "battle of the beauties" feature, category "female ninjas", calling her "hot, face mask on or off". In 2010, UGO listed her among the 50 "hottest girls" in video games, describing her as "quick, efficient, and super-deadly". In 2011, Bob Muir of Japanator.com described Taki as "easily the hottest one in the cast" of the series and included her on his list of Japanese gaming's top ten "hottest girls" for her "sexy that insists on not covering up anything that's fun to look at on her voluptuous body, including her generous chest" and "a dark humor to all of her taunts." In the Polish console magazine PSX Extreme, Taki was voted second place in the 'Soul Calibur' category of "Miss of Video Games 2012". In 2012, Gelo Gonzales of FHM included Taki on its list of nine "sexiest ninja babes" in games, comparing her to Solenn Heussaff.
Ben Richardson, GamesRadarLong time Soul Calibur battler Taki is a fanboy fave - and here we see why. Taki's ninja suit has seemingly been designed for one thing. And that's making her love pillows resemble torpedoes. Namco really understands its fanbase.
Many publications commented on her large bust and revealing outfits. GameSpy in 2003 described her as "the bounciest ninja this side of Mai Shiranui." In his review of Soulcalibur II, Gaming Target's Ryan Genno wrote: "I love the ninja Taki and her very skin tight red number which I'm surprised got by the censors." GameDaily praised her "superb fashion sense" and positively contrasted with Mortal Kombat's Mileena. GameDaily also repeatedly contrasted Taki's "inexplicably big" breasts and her "swift ninja moves," and rhetorically asked "how does she fight with those big boobs." Michael McWhertor of Kotaku wrote about Soulcalibur IV: "Sure, Taki's boobs flopped about ridiculously with the slightest breeze it seemed, but that's not necessarily a complaint," while Vicious Sid of GamePro wrote: "Taki's, um, assets bobbed and jiggled after each move. We expect that fighting fans – and pubescent teen boys – will have a ton of fun with Soul Calibur IV". Ross Lincoln of GameFront included Taki's breasts on his 2011 list of "greatest boobs in video game history". Knight wrote that Taki's knowledge of mastery of ninjutsu and ninja magic that must be reason how she is able to do all her acrobatic moves with such a chest, adding that "most women with a cup size that big would have back pains and would have to sleep on their side at night" yet Taki "takes it all in stride, moving around the stage of history like the most athletic girl on the volleyball court." UGO commented: "To be honest we don't really care, but there must be some kind of ninja-magic that supports those behemoths."
There was also some criticism in this regard. According to McWhertor, Taki's "tighter than skin tight ninja outfit leav absolutely nothing to the imagination, making her high kicks the stuff of Hustler magazine spreads." EGM commented on "ridiculously endowed ninja gal Taki, who demonstrates what happens now that consoles can chum out superflucous polygons to render realistic nipples under a skintight leotard." Shawn Sines of GameFront used the images of Taki from Soulcalibur II and Kasumi from the Dead or Alive series to illustrate the 2007 critical article about "the video game implementation of modeling female breasts." GamesRadar UK wrote that in Soulcalibur IV Taki’s breasts look if they "have been designed by a hormone-addled 13-year-old. They’re simply unfathomable and totally impractical for the fighting physique. If she gets punched in them it’s going to hurt and she isn’t even wearing a sports bra." Grant Howitt of FHM wondered about "how she kept those enormous breasts supported during fights". GamesRadar's AJ Glasser added: "Sure, Ivy's a couple of cup sizes larger, but Taki probably has less back pain."
Reactions to substitution
Daniel Bischoff, Game RevolutionIt's a cop-out to say that Taki is too old to fit in Soul Calibur V's timeline, and then flaunt Ivy and all of her overly abundant assets at the age of 50+. Why remove the characters at all if you're going to replace them with cardboard stand-ins?
A number of media outlets strongly criticized Taki's replacement with Natsu in Soulcalibur V. In 2011, GamePro stated it as one of the reasons why they were "worried" about the game. C.J. Smillie of Game Rant wrote that the "long-time favourite" Taki was one of the "most notable of the absentees", Daniel Maniago of G4 TV listed her among the characters that are "noticeably absent", Nick Dinicola of PopMatters listed as first among the missing "fan favorite fighters", and Kotaku's Evan Narcisse described the replacement of "established characters Talim, Taki and Kilik" as Project Soul's "most baffling decision". Following the release of Soulcalibur V, the staff of IGN named Taki "the most obvious choice for the first DLC character" because her omission from the game was "ridiculous". In an accompanying poll that asked IGN's readers which character they would they choose to be added through downloadable content (including new characters from outside the series, such as Darth Maul), Taki placed third out of seven candidates. Angelo M. D'Argenio of Cheat Code Central included Natsu and "every new character in the game" in a 2012 list of top ten "lamest" video game characters of all time, and wrote: "Instead of Taki, the mysterious ninja, we get Natsu, a bored girl with the same backstory as Naruto."
Some sources approved of Taki's replacement. Taylor Cocke of the Official Xbox Magazine stated that "you'll be happy to know that newcomer Natsu is taking up mantle and then some." Similarly, Derrick Smith of Game-insider.com wrote: "Taki, my personal all-time favorite doesn’t make the Soul Calibur V trip. Yet she is nicely replaced with Natsu, her apprentice who brings with her the complete Taki package with some added youth to spice things up." Jeremy Duff of GamingNexus.com suggested players who are "not happy with the fact that Taki was left out" to restore her through the game's "better than ever" character creation mode.
See also
Notes
- In her Soulcalibur IV ending (which is later proved noncanon), she tracks down and defeats Siegfried, who takes the evil sword and allows himself to be crystallized while she silently walks away. According to the epilogue, "There is no way to know how Taki lived her life from that point on. She sealed such a great evil and disappeared from history."
- In Soul Blade (the English localization of Soul Edge) described as 'Katana "Rekki-maru"'.
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- Fictional exorcists
- Fictional demon hunters
- Fictional female ninja
- Fictional Japanese people in video games
- Fictional smiths
- Ninja characters in video games
- Orphan characters in video games
- Role-playing video game characters
- Secret agent and spy characters in video games
- Soul series characters
- Video game characters in comics
- Video game characters introduced in 1995
- Video game characters who use magic
- Video game protagonists
- Woman soldier and warrior characters in video games