June 24, 2003 - Publisher Namco's 3D fighter sequel Soul Calibur II has been available in Japan for some time and -- particularly for GameCube owners, the urge to import and play as Link (of Zelda fame) has been all too hard to resist. But those who are sticking it out for the August 26 US release (simultaneous for GCN, Xbox and PS2) are in for an extra treat as the American builds will come complete with some notable character additions.
IGN learned today that classic Soul Blade/Calibur fighters Rock and Hwang will be unlockable playable characters in the US version of Soul Calibur II. Sources also confirm that Lizardman, a playable (but not selectable) fighter in the Japanese incarnation of the game, will be opened up for the title's US release.

Rock, often referred to as the "White Giant" in Soul Calibur storylines, is a lot like Astaroth -- big, slow and very powerful. He uses an axe in battle. Hwang, like Xianghua, is fast and nimble with a set of moves that are dance-like and very fluid. He uses a sword in battle.

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