Ivy

Story

As a child, Isabella enjoyed a happy life in the wealthy aristocratic family of Valentines. Alas, that joy did not last long. Her father got crazy as a result of many alchemical experiments. He passed away, and then the grief took Isabella’s mother. 

Such an experience strengthened the girl. She did not throw herself into sorrow but preferred to dig into the reasons for this childhood tragedy. In her research, Isabella discovered the real intentions of her father. He considered Soul Edge a key to immortality, a kind of Philosopher’s Stone. But that’s a cursed sword, you know. It can’t bring anything good — even to those who just look for it.

Isabella deeply understood the nature of Soul Edge and decided to destroy it. She’s a wise girl, so she did not rush the process. First, Isabella delved into alchemical research on how it is possible to confront the demonic power of Soul Edge. After a while, she created her ultimate weapon, Ivy Blade.

This Snake Sword has a miraculous ability to adapt itself to the needs of its owner. The Blade acts as a traditional sword in some situations and becomes rather a whip when it’s needed during a fight. With such a weapon, Isabella Valentine transformed into Ivy, a character we know (and love) in the Soulcalibur series.

Her following actions might seem weird, but there is a perfect stealthy idea behind them. Ivy joined Nightmare and started taking orders from the possessor of Soul Edge. Those orders were obviously dark, full of evil, but Ivy was ready to do so — it’s her way to get closer to the sword.

While being a subordinate of Nightmare, Ivy defeated Seong Mi-na and advised her to practice more and grow stronger. Also, Ivy fought Xianghua, who traveled with Kilik and Maxi to Ostrheinsburg. Ivy lets them continue their mission after making sure they're strong enough to face the potent evil.

Probably, the most important battle for her was against Astaroth. This opponent revealed Ivy the truth on the whereabouts of Soul Edge. Astaroth said that the sword was right in front of her. And he called Ivy a “spare vessel” for it.

Ivy decided to confront Nightmare at last but Taki stopped her. It turned out that the real father of Ivy is a previous possessor of Soul Edge, Cervantes.

The truth was especially shocking as Ivy is really a spare vessel for the demon sword. She even lost her motivation to live. After a battle against Cervantes, only Ivy Blade managed to save her, acting on its own. Cervantes spares her life only to kill later, when Ivy becomes a decent opponent for him. In the end, Ivy is ready for this journey, eager to fight again.

Personality

The early trauma of losing her parents created a basis for the whole personality of Ivy. She became a determined woman, ready for any steps to achieve her goal and destroy that cursed sword. Ivy joined her enemy and started taking orders from Nightmare, and still, she kept a sparkle of kindness in her heart as she did not enjoy evil deeds in the way her temporary comrades did.

Playstyle

The Snake Sword strongly affects the playstyle of Ivy in Soulcalibur VI. Some traditional techniques do not work for the Ivy Balde, but the possibility to transform the weapon into a whip opens many interesting fighting opportunities.

Ivy is the most effective at a long distance. And she uses effective moves to not let opponents come closer.

According to the story, only a mystic connection between Ivy and Soul Edge gives the girl this ability to control Ivy Blade. Sword transformations make it deadly in battles. To take the max out of them, Ivy elaborated her own fighting style.

Appearance

Ivy has a very prominent body and outfit. Her clothing is revealing, to say the least. The prominent breast (and actually everything else) is just slightly covered. Probably only Ivy’s legs and arms have full “protection.” This style makes the girl one of the most notable characters in the whole roster.