Guilty Gear creator Daisuke Ishiwatari has been involved in almost every aspect of the franchise since its conception. Aside from his work as a game developer, Ishiwatari draws artwork, composes music, and even serves as the voice actor for protagonist Sol Badguy and his iterations in the character’s early appearances. Though Ishiwatari has been less involved with recent Guilty Gear projects, newcomer Unika’s design and name were created entirely by him. Take note that spoilers follow for Guilty Gear Strive and Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers.
In Volume 18 of the Guilty Gear Strive Developer’s Backyard, it is revealed that Ishiwatari was heavily involved in the plotting phase of the Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers anime. As the show marks Unika’s debut, Ishiwatari carefully plotted Unika’s place in the Guilty Gear universe as the daughter of Ky Kiske and Dizzy from an alternate future timeline.
Given Unika’s relationship with her parents and her brother Sin, Ishiwatari carefully crafted a character that shares certain traits with her family but is entirely her own. Though she resembles her warmhearted father and mother, Unika holds a grudge against all gears. Her initial coldness is also a stark contrast to her brother’s upbeat personality, as the two were raised by different father figures.
Combat-wise, Unika was created to be an all-rounder who can deal damage from different ranges. Her large transforming weapon makes her slower than the rest of her family, but its versatility makes her more approachable to players. According to producer Ken Miyauchi, while Unika’s unique Weapons Free Overdrive transformation does not appear in the anime, it was part of her initial design by Ishiwatari.
Despite being one of the main characters in Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers and having her story continue in Guilty Gear Strive, Miyauchi says there are still many unknowns surrounding Unika.. . Since Unika is an important character in Guilty Gear lore, Arc System Works hopes it will have the opportunity to explore more about her in the future.
Guilty Gear Strive is currently available on PS4/PS5, PC (Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and arcades.
