Specials // Interviews // Interview with G.K. Bowes
KOEI Warriors is proud to announce that we have been able to get an exclusive interview with G.K. Bowes, a very talented young voice actress who is the voice of Kunoichi in the Samurai Warriors series and Sun Shang Xiang in Dynasty Warriors 6. A big thanks to Mei Ling, who was able to set up this amazing interview with her.
THE INTERVIEW
KW: Did you create the "dark and light" character of Kunoichi, or was she written that way?
G.K. Bowes: Sometimes she would lose the jaunty happy-go-lucky hipster style to become very serious, and often feminine. This was one of the reasons I loved her so much and mourned her removal. Kunoichi's character was written that way. The creators at KOEI wanted her to be a bit more modern in her attitude and speech, yet still have the spirit of a ninja. As actors, though, we are encouraged to take some liberties with our characters and add a bit of our own spins. I had a lot of fun with Kunoichi.
KW: How did you first get involved with this project?
G.K. Bowes: I was invited by a friend to audition for the first "Samurai Warriors" game. He heard some of my quirky voices and thought I'd be perfect for Kunoichi, as well as some other characters in the series.
KW: Do you know why they replaced Michelle Ruff with you as Sun Shang Xiang?
G.K. Bowes: I'm not really sure. Sometimes actors are working on other project or are unavailable, and producers are under deadlines to complete the projects, so a replacement may be necessary.
KW: Who do you like more, Kunoichi or Sun Shang Xiang?
G.K. Bowes: Sun Shang Xiang was a fun character, but Kunoichi will always be my favorite :) She was my first introduction to the amazing world of Koei.
KW: How do you manage to stay so bubbly all the time?! It's amazing!
G.K. Bowes: Hahaha! That's a good question. I believe starting my day with chocolate helps.
KW: Do you have a favorite line from the games?
G.K. Bowes: I like all her lines. She's just so goofy.
KW: In SSX's case, did you check up on the older games to see how she was portrayed so far or did you just do it how you thought she should be done?
G.K. Bowes: The producers at KOEI had me listen to some Japanese sound samples and watch her movements in her little "movies" so that I could get a feel for who she was.
KW: Regarding her former versions, would you say you like the visual change?
G.K. Bowes: I like both versions.
KW: And also, which version of Sun Shang is more interesting for you personally? The tomboyish one from the former games or her new, more feminine one?
G.K. Bowes: While her tomboyish version was interesting, I enjoyed playing her more feminine. I enjoyed her more playful tone and persona.
KW: Did you enjoy voicing Kunoichi and Sun Shang Xiang?
G.K. Bowes: I had so much fun voicing both Kunoichi and Sun Shang Xiang. Some people complain about the English versions never being good enough compared to the Japanese. As actors, we are given certain directions by KOEI, and simply do our best to follow them. I was still a teen when I did Kunoichi, and as I have grown as an actress, I feel my performance has as well. I was more seasoned when I did Sun Shang Xiang, so she was easier for me to relate to right off the bat.
KW: Do you see a little bit of them in yourself?
G.K. Bowes: I love how they are both so girlie and silly, yet still strong and thoughtful. I would like to say I see those qualities in myself. Although, I don't strip and run around naked in the moonlight like Kunoichi :)
KW: Have they been two of your favorite characters to voice?
G.K. Bowes: Kunoichi is definitely one of my favorite characters to voice. I was still learning so much about voice acting when I first got the job to voice Kunoichi. I believe, and I think the fans would agree, that I am a much better actress now. When you hear Kunoichi's first game, compared to her later games, there is definite improvement in her portrayal.
KW: Will you be doing any future voice work with KOEI?
G.K. Bowes: I truly hope so! I love KOEI!
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Game News & Release Dates
| Game Title (Platform) |
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2012 |
- |
- |
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Dec 17, 11 |
2012 |
Feb 22, 12 |
|
Mar 15, 12 |
- |
- |
|
Dec 16, 10 |
Jun 28, 11 |
Jul 01, 11 |
|
Mar 10, 11 |
Mar 29, 11 |
Apr 08, 11 |
|
Sep 29, 11 |
Nov 15, 11 |
Nov 18, 11 |
|
Mar 09, 12 |
- |
- |
|
Mar 25, 10 |
Nov 02, 10 |
Nov 05, 10 |
|
2012 |
2012 |
2012 |
|
Mar 01, 12 |
- |
- |
|
Mar 17, 12 |
- |
- |
|
Mar 02, 12 |
- |
- |
|
Feb 10, 11 |
Canceled |
Canceled |
|
Aug 25, 11 |
Canceled |
Canceled |
|
Feb 16, 12 |
- |
- |
|
Nov 25, 10 |
Feb 08, 11 |
Feb 11, 11 |
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Dec 22, 11 |
Mar 20, 12 |
Mar 30, 12 |
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Mar 31, 11 |
Mar 08, 11 |
Mar 18, 11 |
*Note: Q1 = Jan to Mar ; Q2 = Apr to Jun ; Q3 = Jul to Sep ; Q4 = Oct to Dec
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