| Overview |
- "Even beasts know when to give up."
- — Rock
Nathaniel William "Rock" Adams (ロック・アダムズ, Rokku Adamuzu) is a fictional character in the Soul series of fighting games. He appears in Soul Edge, Soulcalibur, Soulcalibur III, Soulcalibur IV and Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny. He does not appear in Soulcalibur II, but the character Berserker has a similar moveset. In most games, Rock is a non-starting character who must be unlocked. He is known as the Roaring Fighting Spirit (爆走する闘志 Bakusou suru Toushi) in Soul Edge, the Earth of the Severe Earthquake (激震の大地 Gekishin no Daichi) in Soulcalibur, and the Fierce Beast's Fang (猛き野獣の牙 Mouki Yajuu no Kiba) in Soulcalibur III, Soulcalibur IV, and Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny.
What lies in his soul is Resolution.
Biography
Soul Edge
Born the son of Mr. Adams, an English curio dealer specializing in rare weapons, Nathaniel William Adams obtained his nickname, "Rock," because of his immense strength. Rock's father had bid on Soul Edge at a secret auction, and was bringing it home on his ship with family on board when the dread pirate Cervantes de Leon attacked. Rock's father ran to the storage room to hide Soul Edge, and his mother ran after to stop him, telling Rock to stay where he was until their return; but they never came back, and the ship sank before they even had the chance. Rock washed up on the shore of the New World, where he learned to live off the land as the Native Americans had been practicing for many centuries before. He tried to join one of the tribes in the area, but they were afraid of the "White Giant," and the only one to befriend him was a young Apache boy, Bangoo, whose parents had been killed in tribal warfare. Rock, by this time an adult, became a father figure to Bangoo.
Soulcalibur
Rock eventually re-learned of the people across the ocean, and faded memories of his parents and Soul Edge began to resurface in his mind as he gradually recalled his past. He eventually decided that Soul Edge would be the key to his fully-restored memory and with only his moon axe in hand, Rock set out towards the sea, hoping to cross it and find his destiny. In a battle with the Grecian, Sophitia Alexandra, he fought without conviction. When she halted the battle to ask him why he was hesitant in his attacks, he realized that he was leaving Bangoo to grow up alone and that leaving Bangoo alone was no better than never adopting him at all. He thanked Sophitia for her help and returned to Bangoo in the New World. But one horrible day, the grand priest of the cult order Fygul Cestemus, Kunpaetku, sent out a group of lizard men, lead by Aeon Calcos, to kidnap the Native boy and lure Rock out to steal his soul. Taking the bait out of love for his foster son, Rock set out once again to Europe; but this time his motivation was not related to Soul Edge at all. He searched for a long time and eventually defeated Aeon Calcos in a battle, at the cost of his trusty axe. He saved Bangoo, but never truly discovered for what purpose Kunpaetku had wanted his soul out of all the souls available.
Soulcalibur III
They were free once again, though they didn't return to the New World. Believing the travel at sea would be too much for young Bangoo, Rock decided to wait until he has become older to return. Heading north along the coast, they settled in northern Europe. There, they were greeted by a different and harder environment from that of his home. Rock wished for Bangoo to learn and strengthen himself amidst Mother Nature's limitless knowledge.
During one stormy winter night, Bangoo broke through thin ice while crossing the snowy valley. He fell into a crevice and spent the night with no way to warm himself. When he was rescued by Rock, he was exhausted, but the light had not faded from his eyes. Rock asked him if he was frightened of nature, for which he answered that yes, but that he can’t bring himself to hate it. Upon hearing this, Rock felt that Bangoo’s time had finally come. For his rite of passage, Bangoo chose to cross the sea on his own, an act he before couldn't do. Rock saw Bangoo off on his solitary journey with a multitude of emotions in his heart.
Alone once more, Rock thought to himself and finally decided that he wanted to prove that he's worthy of being Bangoo's father. He had once searched for Soul Edge without success, but now he would continue the search. In this journey, he would reaffirm his strength and will. Without doubts in his heart of who he was, Rock beholds the seas one last time before leaving.
Soulcalibur IV
Rock was crossing the Alps and heading south, continuing his hunt for Soul Edge. Suddenly, he was attacked by Astaroth, and was defeated. But he did manage to escape from death by jumping off a cliff and making his way to a hot spring, where he revived himself.
While he was recovering, Rock wondered why Astaroth's attacks were similar to his own. He then realized that this "Black Giant" was very powerful, and he must be stopped. After his wounds healed, Rock journeyed again.
Then he found out that Astaroth was now under Nightmare's service, who is now dwelling in the cursed city of Ostrheinsburg. Now Rock is looking for more than just proof. There was something much bigger waiting for him.
Profile
Soul Edge
He is a giant living on the Savannah of the New World.
He was born “Nathaniel William Adams” in England. He was nicknamed “Rock” because of his strength. His father ran a curio store specializing in rare weapons and was always taken with strange antiquities. He had a loving mother and with it, an idyllic childhood; until that fateful day...
“Rock, look at the SoulEdge. Isn’t it a beauty?”
His father’s wish had finally been fulfilled. He showed his son the sword in the ship’s cabin. “At last, “SoulEdge,” the hero’s sword...”
The storm that buffeted the ship scared young Rock to the point of tears. His Father was too excited to even notice. His mother, frustrated, led Rock to the hammock. Just then...
Cannon fire sounded and the ship rocked from a direct hit! Rock screamed in terror. His Father and Mother held him tight as the cires of the crew echoed: “Pirates!”
The Spanish pirate Cervantes, confederate of Vercci, the Italian “Merchant of Death,” had started his attack. His goal was none other than “SoulEdge.”
Father ran to the ship’s storeroom to his the “SoulEdge.” After another explosion, Rock’s Mother ran after to stop him.
“Rock, stay here until we return!”
His parents never did. Before they could, the ship sank.
Rock awoke on an unfamiliar shoreline, alone.
At first, Rock cried out, looking for his parents. Eventually he learned to live off the land to survive; discarding former habits and language.
It was at this point that he first came upon other living people, a tribe native to the area. Afraid of the “white giant,” they could not approach him. The child Bangoo, an orphan of tribal warfare, was the sole consolation for Rock, who was now an adult.
From the natives, Rock re-learnt about the “people across the ocean.” Faded memories of his parents and even “SoulEdge” returned.
He remembered having heard the words “SoulEdge.” It was a word he heard often as a child. At bedtime, mealtime, while being held in someone’s arms... a hazy image formed in his mind. If he could find “SoulEdge,” perhaps he could recover his own past. He might even find his parents!
With his giant ax in hand, Rock set out for the land across the sea.
Nathaniel’s youngest memories are the smell of old books and the countless items of brick-a-brac stored in moulding boxes throughout his parent’s antique shop in England. He remembers his father travelling many miles to distant manor houses (and sometimes to London), returning with his cart laden with numerous objects de’art. Always with a kind smile his mother would chase Rock about their tumble-down mansion while his father meticulously dusted and chatted to prospective buyers.
One day, his father beckoned Nathaniel into the Drawing Room, and the youngest could see the excitement on his father’s face immediately. “Son, come look at the sword I bought!” he exclaimed, pulling out a rusty chest. Peering inside, Nathaniel began to shake; instinctual feelings made him instantly distrust the two rusting weapons nestling on purple cushions. He feared the sharpness of the blade, and cried upon the sight of the hilt. Ignoring Rock, his father continued, “Nathaniel, I finally got the Soul Edge that I told you about! I have it! The Sword of Heroes if finally mine...”
A great voyage to New America soon occurred, the Adams selling their house for a chance at fortune in the New World with the sword by their side. Leaving Southhampton, they travelled across the Atlantic, braving the waves and baking sun. This was until one stormy and fateful evening, when disaster struck.
The merchant’s boat they were travelling was tossed about like a piece of flotsam, and the Adams family took refuge in the hold. What Rock remembered next was unclear, but at the very moment thunder rumbled overhead, there was a tremendous explosion in the cabin area. Out of the mist loomed a huge and decaying galleon... with the feared Jolly Roger flying! Rock heard the two ships colliding, and an imposing figure stride aboard. Sorrowful cries from the crew rang out as they were slaughtered, and Rock remembers his father shouting “no Marion, stay here with Nathaniel. That damn pirate isn’t going to take my sword!” With that he disappeared into the cabin area. Rock’s mother’s protests came to naught.
The dread butcher of the oceans and his employer, the Italian death merchant, soon ransacked the boat, and Rock’s next memories were of lying on a sandy beach. He knew not where he was. He started to shout and then cry, but no one heard. In the following months, Rock learned to live on his own in this mysterious continent. Years later, he encountered the natives of this place, who seemed afraid of this white man, and refused to speak with him. His only friend was a Native American child who had lost both his parents in a tribal conflict.
Soulcalibur
As a young child, Rock was cast adrift at sea after a shipwreck and landed in the New World, an orphan without parents.
Many years later, he came across an orphan named Bangoo, who lost his kin through tribal warfare. Rock felt sympathetic to the boy and became his guardian.
Rock had once traveled abroad in search of Soul Edge, a distant memory and a fleeting clue to his past. However, he realized that by doing so, he was subjecting Bangoo to the same loneliness that he had suffered as a child, and so he returned home to Bangoo.
But one day, Bangoo disappeared.
Kunpaetku, the grand priest of a heretical order called Fygul Cestmus, was responsible for Bangoo's kidnapping. The abduction of Bangoo by his Lizardmen was part of his plan to lure Rock out into the open with the ultimate goal of taking his soul.
"Bangoo, I will never abandon you!" Rock cried out as he crossed the sea again in desperate search for Bangoo.
Chapter XV: The Trembling Earth[11]
The battle had ended. They had fought each other in complete misunderstanding. During their fight they realized this and ceased their conflict.
Lit by the parting beams of sunlight in the fading dusk the female fighter named Sophitia said, "I felt hesitation in your attacks. You have someone that needs your protection, don't you?"
He crossed the great ocean to find the past. With no memories of his parents he searched for Soul Edge, the only possible cure, and continued his quest. Yet Sophitia's words hit his heart. He longed for his one and only family, the Native American orphan that he had left behind, Bangoo.
After due consideration Rock chose not past but present. His quest was over. Rock bid farewell to Sophitia and returned to the west. As he set sail he saw the light rising into the sky above the continent as if it were bidding farewell to him. When the light faded the earth was hidden by the darkness of night.
After a year of travelling the vast earth Rock returned to his life with Bangoo. He knew he had made the right choice, because he never wanted Bangoo to experience the loneliness he used to feel. He decided to stay with Bangoo until Bangoo had become a fully independent man.
One day a rumor that mysterious lizard-like humanoids were wandering the land disturbed their peaceful existence. Rock tried to avoid the matter and focus on keeping peace with Bangoo but the monsters attacked Rock without warning on a moonless night. Their target was non other than Rock "the White Giant" himself! Rock mowed down every single lizardman with his giant battle-axe. Dimly aware that their proud hard scales were powerless against Rock's giant axe, the lizardmen disappeared into the darkness. As the silence grew Rock returned home and found his home destroyed and Bangoo missing! The lizardmen knew they could never capture Rock so they kidnapped Bangoo to lure him! Even though he knew it was a trap, he couldn't avoid falling into the lizardmen's plans. He left on his quest chasing the trail of the lizardmen, but once he reached the European continent he lost their trail. Rock now wandered Europe trying to find Bangoo. "I have one whom I must protect."
It had been three years since he had heard the words that made him decide to be the boy's guardian.Soulcalibur III
Several years ago, Rock succeeded in rescuing Bangoo from the clutches of the evil cult that had kidnapped him. His trusty axe had broken in the process, but he did not regret it.
The two of them were once again free, but deciding that Bangoo was not ready for a long journey, they headed up north along the coast and settled in northern Europe. Rock hoped for Bangoo to grow strong in the fierce winters of this land, different from the New World.
One night during a snowstorm, Bangoo met with an accident. When the sun rose and Rock rescued him, Rock asked the boy if he was frightened of nature.
"Yes, it's scary. But I can't bring myself to hate it..."
Hearing this answer, Rock sensed that the time had come for Bangoo to become a man. Bangoo chose a trip across the sea alone as his ritual of manhood, and Rock saw him off with a great mix of emotions.
Rock was alone once again.
Bangoo had returned to his place of birth. But as for Rock...
In the past, he had traveled in search of Soul Edge, the one clue linking him to his parents...Had old regrets and attachments surfaced now that he'd come to this place?
"No. I, too, need to become a man that Bangoo can be proud of," he said to himself.
Rock decided to set out on his own journey to confirm his strength and will. The quest for Soul Edge which he had previously abandoned...once he completed that, he could proudly call himself Bangoo's father.
With the image of the boy in heart, Rock cast his gaze one last time across the great sea.
"..he who is patient, free from hatred and fear, he is called learned."
-"The Dhammppada," Gautama Buddha
Several years ago, Rock successfully rescued Bangoo from the clutches of the evil cult that had kidnapped him. The cost of that battle was his trusty ax, but he did not regret it for a moment.
The two of them were once again free, but they did not immediately return to the New World. The journey across the sea was a long one, and Rock decided that the journey might be too difficult for the young Bangoo. He decided to wait until Bangoo was of age to return home.
The two of them headed north along the coast and settled in northern Europe. There, they were greeted by fierce winters and a different environment from that of the New World.
Nature is the best teacher. It holds limitless knowledge, and there is always something one can learn if one approaches in good faith. And, if necessary, nature will grant harsh but accurate lessons. Rock wished for Bangoo to learn and strengthen himself amidst Mother Nature's world.
The act of facing nature's power head-on is sometimes accompanied by danger. Bangoo's young body could not always handle the frigid cold or fierce storms. During those times, Rock gently supported Bangoo. Occasionally interacting with hunters and fishermen, the two of them continued their life in this land.
Some things are strong and reliable; others, fragile and dangerous. An important part of life is learning to recognize the true nature of things that cannot be observed through sight alone.
During one stormy winter night, Bangoo broke though some thin ice while crossing the snowy valley. He fell into a crevice and spent the night with no way to warm himself. When the sun rose and he was rescued by Rock, he was exhausted, but the light had not faded from his eyes. Rock asked Bangoo if he was frightened of nature. Bangoo answered slightly bashfully,
"Yes, it's scary. But I can't bring myself to hate it..."
Upon hearing this answer, Rock felt that Bangoo's time had finally come. For his rite of passage, Bangoo chose an act he had been unable to accomplish before--to cross the sea on his own. Rock saw Bangoo off on his solitary journey with a multitude of emotions in his heart. Bangoo had become like his own son.
Alone once more, Rock closed his eyes in thought. Bangoo had returned to the land of his birth. But he himself...this was something he may have been thinking about, little by little, as he watched Bangoo grow up. Rock's true homeland was not the wide plains across the great ocean before him. It was somewhere in this land upon which he now tread. The only clue he had connecting him to his parents was Soul Edge. He had traveled before in search of its whereabouts, but had never successfully reached it.
He stopped his thoughts at that point and lightly shook his head. Now that he and Bangoo had separated, had old regrets and attachments resurfaced? No, that wasn't it...He, too, had to become a man Bangoo could be proud of.
He once again laid a task upon himself. He had stopped in the middle of his search for Soul Edge, but now he would continue that search. Only when his search was complete, could he proudly call himself Bangoo's father.
He was not like he used to be, back when he had searched for Soul Edge with doubt in his heart about who he really was. Rock had matured as well during the time they had spent in this harsh northern country. This journey would be one in which he reaffirmed his own strength and will. And this time, he had a home to go back to.
Soulcalibur IV
Was he truly a father Bangoo could be proud of? Rock needed proof, and so he continued his hunt for Soul Edge. However, an unexpected road block had cut that search short. As he crossed the Alps and headed south, he had been ambushed by a gargantuan man, and lost.
By throwing himself off the cliff into the river below, he had narrowly escaped his unknown foe, and found his way to a secluded hot spring where he could heal his battered body. During the time he spent recovering, Rock’s thoughts wandered towards his assailant, the “Black Giant.” It bothered him that the assailant’s fighting style was so similar to Rock’s own. Then there was the attacker’s merciless nature. He was dangerous--too dangerous to be allowed to run loose. With new resolve, he waited for his wounds to heal and the strength to return to his limbs, and then left the hot spring.
As he continued his journey, he discovered a startling fact: his attacker, named Astaroth, had entered the service of the Azure Knight, who was headquartered in Ostrheinsburg Castle. And the Azure Knight was none other than the wielder of Soul Edge.
Was fate the architect of all this? To Rock, the journey became not only about finding “proof,” but instead something much bigger.
Was he truly a father Bangoo could be proud of? Rock needed proof, and so he continued his hunt for Soul Edge. However, an unexpected road block had cut that search short: as he crossed the Alps and headed south, he had been ambushed by a man even more gargantuan than himself, and lost.
By throwing himself off the cliff into the river below, he had narrowly escaped his unknown foe. The enemy's identity and intentions concerned Rock, but first he needed to heal his battered body. Fortunately, he had stayed in these mountains before and knew the lay of the land well. As he pushed his way deeper into the mountains, he arrived at a secluded hot spring known only to the wild animals. A sojourn here for some rest ought to speed his healing.
Sometimes wounded animals would visit the spring, but otherwise he had no visitors, just peace. Here fierce carnivores never attacked the weaker animals. All the wildlife respected each other's territory, so there were no conflicts.
Rock spent days soaking in the healing waters and hunting for herbs to prepare salves. He lived only to tend his wounds, which gave him plenty of time to organize his thoughts. Needless to say, most of the time they wondered toward his assailant. Such a terrible foe. In the New World, Rock had been called the "White Giant." So who was this "Black Giant"? He had fought without honor and sought only to kill. Where had such brutality come from?
There was another thing: the assailant's fighting style was too similar to Rock's own. It went further than just their similar size and weapons; for no discernible reason, his attacker had come at him with the same exact techniques and moves that Rock himself had devised. Rock had felt as though he was facing his own dark side. True, one could try to duplicate another's maneuvers, but match the finer quirks and nuances? Never. And certainly not if those maneuvers took years of work to develop. No matter how similar the silhouette of each leaf on a tree may appear at first glance, a closer examination always reveals subtle differences. Such is the way of nature. But that monster had copied Rock's every move perfectly.
It was unnatural.
Then there was the attacker's merciless nature. He was dangerous--too dangerous to be allowed to run loose. If people have roles to play, responsibilities to bear, then perhaps this Black Giant was Rock's burden. When he faced the beast again, he would not lose. Not even the most ferocious opponent could scare him. Even the most solid-looking boulders crumble when struck in the right place. If he uses my techniques, Rock thought, then I already know his weaknesses. With new resolve, he waited for his wounds to heal and strength to return to his limbs before putting the hot spring behind him.
Rock assumed that chasing after the Black Giant would mean abandoning his search for Soul Edge. But it was not long before he discovered an unexpected connection between those two seemingly separate purposes. Because the monster, named Astaroth, had entered the service of an Azure Knight headquartered in Ostrheinsburg Castle. Now Astaroth was assisting his lord, day and night, in a great massacre they called a "soul hunt." And his master, this Azure Knight, was none other than Soul Edge's wielder.
While surprised at the way these pieces had falled into place, Rock also began to feel that some much greater force—perhaps it could be called fate—was the architect of it all. For rock, his journey was less and less about simply testing himself or finding "proof," but instead something much bigger.[13]Soulcalibur VI
The White Giant
A mysterious character and the subject of many rumors in the New World.
According to those who know him, he is a giant with pale skin who lives in harmony with nature. For a number of years, he has apparently been raising an orphan, but those who claim to have seen the White Giant have not interacted with him, so the veracity of their claims is questionable.
Despite being called a "giant," he is only comparably tall to the people living in the area. His "pale skin" hints that he may be of European origin.
The latest tales of his exploits say that he has left the New World and traveled to Europe. Recently, a "beast-headed barbarian" was sighted in multiple locations across Europe. This strange figure wielded a battle ax that resembles that used by the White Giant, which hints that these two figures are one and the same. Of course, it is conceivable that the White Giant may have taken to the seas once more and returned to the shores of his homeland.
Fighting Style
Rock fights with a large two handed tomahawk/mace, and as a consequence most of his attacks are slow, particularly his vertical attacks, but deal higher than average damage. Rock has a small but effective assortment of very fast kick and charge attacks, which he must utilize quite regularly to interrupt faster enemy attack chains; but this can also be problematic as it causes Rock to become predictable. Although Rock moderately benefits from good spacing between him and his opponent, he is at his peak effectiveness when performing ground throws, which is widely regarded as Rock's bread and butter fighting tool. These ground throws can combine with subsequent ground throws to deal impressive damage and are imperative to Rock's gameplan. Rock's low attacks are few but potent, but he does lack vertical low attacks. Rock is generally regarded by the Soulcalibur tournament community as bottom tier and there is a wide ranging consensus that he is one of the worst characters in the game.
Soulcalibur IV
Self-Taught
Since Rock was washed up on an unknown land, he was forced to rely upon his God-given physical strength to survive. One blow from the man they call the "White Giant," coupled with the force of a weapon, can deliver an incredible amount of destructive power.
For Rock, his fighting style is both a way to defend himself and an extremely natural way of fighting born of need. As a way of showing respect to foes that fought with honor against him, he adorns himself with their skin and skulls.[13]
Endings
Soul Edge
Arcade/Edge Master ending
Rock had finally seized the SoulEdge.
Evil be the sword, so evil be it's power.
To touch the sword, Rock lost his strength, visions of fears fill up his head.
A mother's smile, a father's warm meal, a nice soft bed.
Cherished are his memories of these times long ago.
His mind turns to Bangoo, for he wants to be there.
This young child needs his protection, like he long ago.
This quest for the sword did take him away, now it is time to return.
Rock chooses to live life in present and fears not what the future will bring.
He gathers his things and starts his way home.
PlayStation endings
Rock lifts the two Soul Edge swords up over his head. He begins to have flashbacks to the night his ship was attacked and he was separated from his parents, shown in various slides. Some time later he stands upon a cliff with the Soul Edge swords, wondering if his parents are still alive.
Bad Ending: Bangoo is seen lost on a desert island calling for Rock, as Rock's voice apologizes to Bangoo for abandoning him.
Good Ending: Remembering that Bangoo's own parents were killed as well, Rock throws the Soul Edge swords down the cliff with a mighty roar, and roars Bangoo's name as he prepares to head home. The next scene is of Rock and Bangoo discussing their parentage on their native land. Rock asks Bangoo if he's lonely without his parents, to which Bangoo admits he's happy that he's with Rock. When Bangoo asks the same question, Rock considers the earth to be his only true parent, as it gave him his life to live with Bangoo. Bangoo is overjoyed when Rock agrees to stay with him for life.
Soulcalibur
At the end of the fierce battle, Rock finally rescued Bangoo and returned back to their homeland in the wilderness.
Although he staggered a little, Bangoo lifted Rock’s ax high.
"See, I’ll be okay Rock. I can take care of myself from now on."
With the passing of time, Bangoo became a strong young man.
He would recall Rock’s words whenever he saw a large cloud in the vast blue sky.
"You’ll leave someday on a quest of your own, to find your true soul for yourself."
Soulcalibur III
Rock looks out into the horizon shouting "I've finally obtained Soul Edge! I did it, Bangoo! I'll come home soon, Bangoo."
Soul Calibur 3 - Rock - Ending B
Soul Calibur III Rock's Ending B
The screen fades, and then shows three sailors on a boat in the ocean. One of the sailors looks out into the ocean and sees something swimming. Unaware that it is Rock, the sailor says "What is that?! A whale? No, it's a beast! The other sailor replies "No, that is the protector of the sea."
Input Ending: As Rock becomes more visible, the sailor says "It's a monster! Ready the harpoon!" The screen fades to black once more, and then shows a row of cages. The first cage has Aeon Calcos, or Lizardman, trapped in it, the 2nd has Olcadan, and the 3rd has a very upset, trapped Rock.
Soul Calibur 3 - Rock - Ending A
Soul Calibur III Rock's Ending A
No Input Ending: The sailors continue to look on as their boat drifts away from Rock, until he is out of sight. (Note: In this ending, the costume you choose will occur. If the player chooses his primary costume, it will show a horned sea lion, if the player chooses his alternate costume, it will show a mammoth)
Soulcalibur IV
Soul Calibur IV ☆ Rock ☆ Ending
Soul Calibur IV Rock's Ending
A defeated Algol tries to attack Rock once more, but Rock catches him and tosses him into the air. The screen fades, and Rock is now shown walking through the mountainous cliffs of Grand Canyon. He stops, throws his hands up into the air, and chants "Bangoo!" He then laughs triumphantly as he returns to the New World.
The text-only epilogue reveals that Rock and Bangoo (father and son) found each other, and the two of them started their new life together.
Weapons
- Apocalypse
- Stone Club
- Onslaught
- Morning Star
- Crescent Ax
- Giant Mace
- Ropalon
- War Hammer
- Juggernaut
- Twin Ax
- Wayakin
- Cross Ax
- Double Tomahawk
- Great Ax
- The Ancient
- Iron Fists
Stages
Soul Edge
Unknown Land in Soul Edge.
In a savannah located in the New World lie a gigantic crater. In the center of this wide crater is a forest of megaliths of unknown origins. The natives called it "sacred" land, but were afraid to visit this place. Nobody ever comes here normally. Is it a site of power?
Soulcalibur
The Colosseum in Soulcalibur.
The Colosseum is what remains of an ancient coliseum built around the canals. It appears to have served as a stadium for competition and a theater as well. The seating capacity of this place is approximately 20,000, which ranks in size with the Megalopolis in Greece.
The players entered the Colosseum on boats adorned with gold and silver. Winners were praised atop the altar of sacred fire in the center of the Colosseum.
Soulcalibur III
Lakeside Coliseum in Soulcalibur III.
What is the most primitive, most appalling, yet most exciting sport? The answer lies in ancient Rome. It is the Colosseo, where men bet their lives in combat.
On a certain lakeshore exists a secret arena constructed to recreate that world. Men of power who have already exhausted all other luxuries the world has to offer come here to watch men fight for their lives. This place was built in search of this ultimate stimulation.
In contrast to the blood-stained madness of the arena, the surrounding landscape is pleasant and peaceful. The surface of the lake calmly reflects sunlight onto the gently swaying trees of the forest...
The arena, which has tested the blood of countless warriors, breathes deeply of the clear lakeside air and quietly awaits the signal for the next battle to begin.
Soulcalibur IV
Ice Coffin of the Sleeping Ancient
Ice Coffin of the Sleeping Ancient in Soulcalibur IV.
(Rock shares this stage with Cervantes and Ivy)
Soulcalibur Broken Destiny
Sleeping Marsh in Soulcalibur Broken Destiny.
(Rock shares this stage with Talim)
Theme Music
Soul Edge
- "Recollect Continent" (Original)
- "A Continental Gale" (Khan Super Session)
Soulcalibur
- "Gathering: Fatal Gravity" (called "Gathering: Destiny Beckons" in the overseas Dreamcast version)
Soulcalibur III
- "Lakeside Coliseum"
Soulcalibur IV
- "Glacial Colosseum"
Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny
- "To the Wind -Arrange-"
Gameplay
Soulcalibur IV
Tower of Lost Souls
Rock appears in the Tower of Lost Souls mode on the Ascend path on the floor challenges, "Law Of The Earth" and "Unfailing Tower."
- TOLS Ascend Mode
- Law Of The Earth
- Unfailing Tower
- Partners
- Skills On "Law Of The Earth"
- Slow Feet
- Knock Down
- Skills On "Unfalling Tower"
- HP Recovery B
- Auto Grapple Break S
- Default Skills
- Soul Repel
- Soul Gauge Boost C
- Start Dash A
Quotes
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| バングー、見ててくれ！ | Bangoo, this is for you! |
| ムン、ムワー！ | Grr grrowl! |
| 無駄だ！諦めろ！ | It’s no use! Give up! |
| バングゥーーー！ | Bangoooo! |
| 邪魔をするな！ | Get out of my way! |
| だりゃあー！ | Daryaaah! |
| むううううん！ | Nuaaawah! |
| うせろ！ | Get lost! |
| いやぁー | Eeyaaah! |
| はいいー！ | Hayaah! |
| Japanese | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 全力で来いっ | Let's see what you've got! | — |
| いくぞ、本気だ！ | All right...no more games! | — |
| 大地よ、俺に力を！ | Spirits, grant me strength! | — |
| 今日の俺は一味違うぞ | Just so you know, this won't be easy. | — |
| 戦う勇気がないなら、失せろ | You haven't the courage. Disappear! | — |
| お前の勇気を、示してみろ！ | Show me your courage...the way of the warrior! | — |
| 邪魔するなら、叩き潰す！ | I will destroy you...if you stand in my way! | — |
| こい！相手になってやる！ | Come! I will take you on! | Spoken when encountering Olcadan during the "Deep in the Labyrinth" event. |
| この試練、乗り越えてみせる！ | This trial...I will overcome it! | — |
| かかってこい！ | Nuoon! Come and get me! | — |
| 挑んだことを後悔するなよ！ | You will be sorry you challenged me. | — |
| 俺はもう、迷わない！ | I will not...hesitate! | — |
| 正々堂々、勝負しろ！ | Come fight me...fair and square! | — |
| お前の牙を試してみるか？ | Do you want to test out your strength? | — |
| 心が折れぬ限り、負けではない！ | You cannot break my will. I will not lose! | — |
| 無駄だ！諦めろ！ | It's useless! Give it up! | — |
| バングー、見ててくれ！ | Bangoo, did you see that? | — |
| お前には、勇者の資格がある… | Impressive...you are a worthy warrior. | — |
| 引き際も知らん、獣以下だな | Even beasts know a fight they cannot win. | — |
| この程度か、立ち去るがいい！ | If that's all, get out of my sight! | — |
| まだ、倒れるわけにはいかんのだ！ | See, I cannot lose! | — |
| 立ち上がるな！次はないぞ！ | Don't get up...There's no second chance! | — |
| これ以上は無駄だ！ | There's no point in continuing this! | — |
| 負けを認めろ、それも勇気だ！ | There is no shame...in admitting your defeat. | — |
| うおぉぉぉー！バングー！！ | Ahhh! Bangoo! | — |
| 噛み付くだけが勇気ではない… | Willingness to fight...is not courage. | — |
| いい加減にしておけ！ | This is quite enough! | — |
| そんな程度で、俺は止まらんぞ！ | You cannot stop me...you are not strong enough. | — |
| 譲るわけにはいかん、許せ！ | I cannot lose to you. Forgive me! | — |
| この敗北を忘れるな！ | Let this be a lesson to you. | — |
| お前に、俺の道は阻めね！ | Trust me, you will never beat me. | — |
| 立て！まだ終わりではないだろう！ | Get up! You're not done yet, are you? | — |
| お前の勇気、大地も認めるだろう | Great warrior, even the spirits saw your bravery. | — |
| 二度と俺の前に立つな！ | Never stand in my way again. | — |
| 無謀な挑戦だったな！ | It was reckless of you to challenge me! | — |
| 何を迷っている…？ | Why are you hesitating? | — |
| 力の使い道を知らなめようだな | It looks like you do not know the way. | — |
| お前では、一生勝てん！ | You can...never defeat me. | — |
| バングー、俺はやり遂げてみせるぞ | Bangoo, I promise I will succeed! | — |
| 俺は何度でも受けて立つ！ | I will take you on as many times as you like! | — |
| ここで止めなくては…！ | I must stop you here! | Spoken to Astaroth during their Destined Battle |
| 恐ろしい敵だった… | He was a powerful adversary. | Spoken after defeating Astaroth during their Destined Battle |
| 見た目通りの相手ではなさそうだな…！ | It's true when they say looks can be deceiving. | Spoken to Tira during the "Encounter" event. |
| …卑怯者め！ | You coward! | Spoken to Zasalamel after passing the Quick Time Event during the "A Trap" event. |
| ぬぅ、まだまだっ | Not over yet! | Spoken to Zasalamel after failing the Quick Time Event during the "A Trap" event. |
| 行くぞっ、この一撃、受けてみろ！ | Come on, let's see if you can stand against me! | — |
| 俺は、まだ、闘えるぞぅ！ | I can still fight! | — |
| お前は一体何者だっ！？ | What in the world are you? | — |
| ぬおぅ！？い、いかん！ | Wha--?! Oh no! | — |
| 狩りでもしているつもりか！？ | Do they think this is a trap? | — |
| 俺には分かる…これは悪いものだ | I can feel its pure evil...This thing is dangerous. | — |
| バングー！、見ててくれ！俺はこいつを倒す！ | Bangoo, watch me! I will defeat this creature! | Spoken after passing the Quick Time Event during the "Netherworld 1" and "Netherworld 2" events. |
| ここで退くわけにはいかん！ | I...cannot give up now! | Spoken after failing the Quick Time Event during the "Netherworld 1", "Netherworld 2" and "Evil Awakens" events. |
| な、何だこれは？何が起きている！？ | Wh...what is this? What's going on? | Spoken after passing the Quick Time Event during the "Evil Awakens" event. |
| ソウルエッジは手に入れた！俺は、やり遂げたんだ！ | I've finally obtained Soul Edge! I did it, Bangoo! | Spoken in his ending |
| 帰ろう、バングーの元へ… | I'll come home soon, Bangoo. | Spoken in his ending |
| むぅ…？ | Huh? | — |
| どけぇ！ | Outta the way! | — |
| 砕け散れ！ | Time to die! | — |
| 潰れろ！ | I'll crush you! | — |
| まだだ！ | I'm not done yet! | — |
| ここだ！ | Here! | — |
| 邪魔だ！ | You're in the way! | — |
| きまりだ！ | This is the end! | — |
| はじけろ！ | Time to fly! | — |
| おぉぉぉ！ | Uaaaah! | — |
| 吹き飛べぃ | Let's see you fly! | — |
| 唸れ！ | Scream! | — |
| 効かんな | It won't work! | — |
| Attack 1 | — | |
| 轟け！ | Roar! | — |
| 蹴散らせ！ | Get out of here! | — |
| 寝るな！ | Get up! | — |
| バングーー！ | Bangoo! | — |
| 勇者よ、立て！ | Get up, warrior! | Taunt |
| 何故だ！？ | No, why?! | — |
| うぉおおーん | Aaarrgh! | — |
| Attack 2 | — | |
| Attack 3 | — | |
| Attack 4 | — | |
| Attack 5 | — | |
| Attack 6 | — | |
| Attack 7 | — | |
| Attack 8 | — | |
| Attack 9 | — | |
| Attack 10 | — | |
| Attack 11 | — | |
| Attack 12 | — | |
| Attack 13 | — | |
| Attack 14 | — | |
| Attack 15 | — | |
| Attack 16 | — | |
| Attack 17 | — | |
| Attack 18 | — | |
| Attack 19 | — | |
| Damage 1 | — | |
| Damage 2 | — | |
| Damage 3 | — | |
| Damage 4 | — | |
| Damage 5 | — | |
| Damage 6 | — | |
| Damage 7 | — | |
| Damage 8 | — | |
| Damage 9 | — | |
| Damage 10 | — | |
| Damage 11 | — | |
| Damage 12 | — | |
| Damage 13 | — | |
| Damage 14 | — | |
| Damage 15 | — | |
| Damage 16 | — | |
| Damage 17 | — | |
| Damage 18 | — | |
| Damage 19 | — | |
| Damage 20 | — | |
- Come, I will take you on.
- So, you wish to test your strength?
- Spirits, grant me strength!
- Show me your courage... the way of the warrior!
- If you don't have the courage to fight, begone!
- Let's see what you've got!
- You will regret challenging me.
- Stand in my way and I will destroy you.
- I don't know who you are, but do not take this personally.
- There's no point in continuing this.
- Even beasts know when to give up.
- You were a powerful adversary.
- Don't bother getting up. Next time you'll die.
- Bangoo, are you watching me?
- Trust me. You will never defeat me.
- Pitiful!
- Ready for a...quick death!
- Now...perish!
- Die...with honor!
- Your form is poor!
- Stop right there!
- Disappointing!
- Fatal mistake!
- I'll destroy you!
- Disappear!
- Give me more!
- Roar!
- Here!
- Here I come!
- Take this!
- Bangoo!
- Give up!
- A final blow!
- What do you want?!
- Is that all you got?
- I hesitated too much.
Reception
Rock ranked low on the Soulcalibur Series Character Popularity Poll, ranking #31 out of 45. Astaroth had exactly twice as many votes as Rock, despite the latter entering the series first. His relative unpopularity is generally attributed to a preference to Astaroth, as well as his low-tier rankings in the competitive scene.
Trivia
General
- Since Daishi Odashima mentioned on his Twitter that he would like to have Bangoo in the game, many fans speculated that he would replace his adoptive father Rock in Soulcalibur V.
- In Soulcalibur, his Destined Battle is Lizardman. In Soulcalibur III, his Destined Battle is Astaroth.
- Rock is sometimes referred to as the "White Giant."
- Rock and Raphael Sorel are the only two characters who have adoptive children. But unlike Amy, Bangoo is not a playable character in any of the games.
- Rock's facial appearance in Soulcalibur III and Soulcalibur IV is similar to that of WWE COO Triple H. both of them also use the same weapon, a Hammer.
- Rock, Aeon and Siegfried are the only three characters in the series that have 2 different exhibitions. In Soulcalibur, his exhibition is the same as Astaroth, but in Soulcalibur III, he has his own.
- Although he is British, Rock considers himself a Native American due to the fact that he was raised in the Americas, once called "The New World" to the Europeans at that time.
- Rock's background is very similar to Blanka from Street Fighter series.
- In their childhood, both of them had been separated from their parent(s) due to their vessel's crash caused by the villain(Cervantes and his pirates' assault/Shadaloo's assassination of the minister). Finally, they landed in the wild land and grew up with learning how to survive and live in the nature.
Soul Edge
- The English version of the game states that Rock's real name is "Nathaniel William Adams", and that he was nicknamed "Rock" due to his strength. This detail, however, is not found in Japanese versions of the game, nor on his profile on Japanese websites[8][14] His real name being Nathaniel William Adams has not been mentioned in any of the later games since, English or otherwise, so it is unknown whether this is considered to be canon.
Soulcalibur III
- The Soul of Rock discipline is available to created characters of the Gladiator class.
- Rock is supposed to have already met Sophitia during his first journey, but during his "Tales of Souls", if she is encountered, the text will imply that she and Rock have only just met.
- In Soulcalibur III, in Maxi's alternate ending, Rock appears in a cage.
Soulcalibur IV
- In his Story Mode, Rock encounters Cassandra after the first stage. The two of them work together on defeating Astaroth in the second stage, but then Cassandra leaves Rock after the third stage for personal goals. In Cassandra's Story Mode, Rock does the same thing with the encounter and the departure in exactly the same stages.
- Amy, Rock and the other Bonus characters are similar in that, not only are their 2P outfits colour swaps of their 1P outfit, but they share voice lines with one of the voices available to custom characters, with Amy sharing voice lines with Female Voice 4 and Rock sharing some with Male Voice 6.
Soulcalibur V
- Rock's 1P costume helmet from Soulcalibur IV is a DLC in Character Creation Mode.
- Rock, Talim, Yun-seong and Zasalamel are the only characters not to appear and not to have a successor to replace them.
- In the Quick Battle mode, there is one opponent named "Tetubusi" with Astaroth's style. His appearance strongly resembles that of Rock's 2P costume from Soulcalibur IV.
Soulcalibur VI
- Despite having been playable characters in the original Soulcalibur, Rock, Aeon, Arthur and Edge Master are the only characters in that game to not be playable in Soulcalibur VI. Edge Master and a lizardman (who is suggested to be Aeon due to his title of "Lizardman Chief" and his unique outfit consisting of his Soulcalibur IV armour) both appear during Soul Chronicle and Libra of Soul, while Arthur only appears in the latter mode. Rock, however, does not appear at all in the game. The game's Museum does contain an entry for "The White Giant," but it doesn't explicitly state that it's Rock.
Etymology
Rock's real name, Nathaniel, is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has given."
Relationships
- Adoptive father of Bangoo.
- Was attacked by Lizardman, but he defeated the monster to save Bangoo in Soulcalibur.
- Fought Sophitia to a draw in Soulcalibur.
- Defeated and nearly killed by Astaroth before Soulcalibur IV.
- Used by Kunpaetku as a template to create Astaroth.
- Travels with Cassandra in both of their Story Modes in Soulcalibur IV.
Series' Appearances
- Soul Edge
- Soulcalibur (unlockable character)
- Soulcalibur III (unlockable character)
- Soulcalibur IV (unlockable character, if bought him in Character Creation mode for 4000 gold)
- Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny
- Soulcalibur: Unbreakable Soul
Notes
- ^ This is only stated in English localisations of Soul Edge; the Japanese versions of the game simply state that his name is just "Rock Adams".
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Character Profiles, Soulcalibur
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Chain of Souls, Soulcalibur IV.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "SOULCALIBUR Ⅳ". soularchive.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 17, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k ソウルキャリバー Ｂｒｏｋｅｎ Ｄｅｓｔｉｎｙ コンプリートガイド[Soulcalibur Broken Destiny Complete Guide]. SOFTBANK Creative Corp. October 15, 2009. p.110. ISBN978-4-7973-5688-5.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k 激震の大地 -ロック- (in Japanese). Bandai Namco. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Character Profiles, Soulcalibur III
- ^ a b c d e f g h i キャラクター｜ロック (in Japanese). Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g ロック プロフィール (in Japanese). NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. Archived from the original on February 13, 2005. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ^ a b c d 爆走する闘士 ロック (in Japanese). Bandai Namco Amusement Inc. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ^ GAMEFAN'S SOULBLADE STRATEGY GUIDE. Los Angeles, California: Metropolis Publications. 1997. p. 25.
- ^ "Soulcalibur -- Rock". Soulcalibur. Namco Limited. Archived from the original on December 8, 2000. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
- ^ "SOULCALIBUR III". Soul Archive. NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. Archived from the original on March 20, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Deats, Adam; Epstein, Joe (July 17, 2008). SOULCALIBUR IV Signature Series Fighter's Guide. BradyGames. p. 101. ISBN 978-0-7440-1006-0.
- ^ "SoulEdge for Playstation". Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
| Soulcalibur |
|---|
| Soulcalibur • Legend of Soulcalibur • Soulcalibur: Spirit Sword • Soulcalibur (Chinese Manhua) • Soulcalibur Original Soundtrack |
| Modes |
| Arcade • Art Gallery |
| Characters |
| Stages |
