Topic: Uh, did Konami reference themselves here?

[Super Waffle]

This is a minor supporting character from some mediocre Konami game called NeverDead.  Her name is Cypher.



Her name written in Japanese is サイファ.  That's exactly how Sypha is spelled in all of the Akumajo Dracula games.  Oh and there's kind of this major plot point concerning her being married to the demon hunter main character before an immortal demon lord killed her in battle 500 years before NeverDead's plot takes plot.

The very first time I saw her character design, I kind of wondered if they just recycled her out of an unused Sypha design from Pachislot III or somewhere.




I don't think it's just a coincidence.

[Chernabogue]

Agreed here, it seems to be recycled.

[uzo]

Considering that she has no actual details in common with Sypha's outfits, other than she has boots, and a hood, (not compelling) I would have to say you're digging way too hard. The name and backstory is the best you have here, but it's by no means a recycle of a design. They're different in almost every way, to the point that characters from other unrelated games have more in common with her than this character does.

[darkwzrd4]

This is a minor supporting character from some mediocre Konami game called NeverDead.  Her name is Cypher.



Her name written in Japanese is サイファ.  That's exactly how Sypha is spelled in all of the Akumajo Dracula games.  Oh and there's kind of this major plot point concerning her being married to the demon hunter main character before an immortal demon lord killed her in battle 500 years before NeverDead's plot takes plot.

The very first time I saw her character design, I kind of wondered if they just recycled her out of an unused Sypha design from Pachislot III or somewhere.




I don't think it's just a coincidence.

There are some vague similarities. It's possible that this a covert reference, but more likely a coincidence.

[Dark Nemesis]

I'll agree with UZO, no matter how hard i'm looking, i can't find any similarities.

[Super Waffle]

Considering that she has no actual details in common with Sypha's outfits, other than she has boots, and a hood, (not compelling) I would have to say you're digging way too hard. The name and backstory is the best you have here, but it's by no means a recycle of a design. They're different in almost every way, to the point that characters from other unrelated games have more in common with her than this character does.

I mean in it a way where, like, they were designing Pachislot III and initially wanted to redesign Sypha to be all skanky and fanservicey and more resembling Angela from the first two games, but then they decided that was too over the top for canonical reasons and threw it out in favor of the (relatively) more modest design they used in the final game.

And then they were designing NeverDead and were like oh hey here's this unused Sypha concept we could always recycle.

Because that's exactly the kind of vibe I get from Cypher.  It's all of the same costume elements, just designed to show more skin (and... mud or whatever.)


Besides, my original question just was whether you think サイファ and サイファ are the same character.

[Inccubus]

Well, It's definitely the same name. That combined with the back story screams reference. Also, I got what you meant and it certainly seems possible.

[X]

I'm kinda on the fence but the possibility is definitely there.

[beingthehero]

I dunno, the first picture (along with name) strikes me a fair reference to her design at least for CVIII.

[Ahasverus]

IGA's lastest contribution to the classic canon.

(click to show/hide)

jk 

[Jorge D. Fuentes]

I think it's a casual reference.  While it's not the same character, it's one of those things that Konami fans in general will go "Hmmmm I see!".

[Neobelmont]

This version get a thumbs up from me, shes cute even though I never really imagined that sypha could look this girlish almost schoolgirl/girl next door like. I guess I like her judgement version better.

[Ahasverus]

This version get a thumbs up from me, shes cute even though I never really imagined that sypha could look this girlish almost schoolgirl/girl next door like. I guess I like her judgement version better.

Exactly, I've always thought of Sypha as a rough-almost sad looking woman, because of her past endurement and discrimination she suffered, in my mind she's a beautiful but disturbed woman who found refuge in Trevor. This girly Sypha seems odd to me

[X]

Exactly, I've always thought of Sypha as a rough-almost sad looking woman, because of her past endurement and discrimination she suffered, in my mind she's a beautiful but disturbed woman who found refuge in Trevor. This girly Sypha seems odd to me

I agree as well. Sypha is a bit too young-looking here; child-like even. Instead she should have a more mature look to her. If there's one thing I know it's that Europeans didn't age as gracefully as the Asians did. Nowadays aging is not so much an issue, however during the medieval period the story was far different. A short lifespan, all sorts of diseases plus the fact that they didn't bathe regularly would cause a woman to show her age far more early in life then in today's society.

[Reinhart77]

I don't think this could be anything other than a direct Sypha reference.  Definitely, definitely, definitely.  Not saying it actually "is" the Sypha from Castlevania, but certainly inspired by her and meant to remind you of her.