Galford D. Weller

Galford D. Weller (ガルフォード＝Ｄ＝ウェラー, Garufōdo Dī Werā), better known as Galford, is a character in the Samurai Shodown series. He has been consistently been in the roster since his introduction in Samurai Shodown with the exception of Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage. He fights alongside his pet husky, Poppy, and is accompanied by her puppies. His "Rasetsu/Bust" form appears as a separate character from him in Samurai Shodown VI. In the 1997 Gamest Hero collection, Galford was tied at fifteenth place as the staff's favorite character (along with Street Fighter Ken and Fatal Fury character, Ryuji Yamazaki).

Story
After the murder of his father, Galford left his home to become a sailor, where he learned about the ninja of Japan. Fascinated by their stories of heroics and mysticism, he decided to learn from them. He completes his training in the Koga style under Ayame, the wife of Hanzo's master (Earthquake trained with him too but quit early). Throughout the series, Galford seeks to uphold justice throughout the land (eventually as a superhero of justice). In Edge of Destiny, he learns the location of his father's murderer and goes to seek revenge.

Poppy is Galford's husky companion introduced in Samurai Shodown who acts as an exclusive helper to Galford's Slash form in Samurai Shodown III. During the course of the series she gives birth to at least three other puppies: Pahpa, Pippy, and Pippa. In Samurai Shodown V, players can play as her by inputing a special command on the character selection screen. In her ending, she sacrifices herself to save Galford. In honor of her memory, Galford renames one of her puppies in her name.

Personality
Contrary to the seriousness of his fighting style, Galford is an optimistic and cheerful person. Like Terry, he fits many Japanese stereotypes for an American character in appearance, personality and speech. He exhibits good sportsmanship though there are times when he won't hesitate to take someone's life for the greater good. He also regrets leaving his mother and sisters, aware that he was supposed to help the family's income, but knows that he cannot rest until justice has been served. He has unrequited feelings for Nakoruru.

Powers
Aside from these powers, he also has all the skills perceived to be had by ninja (stealth, swimming, climbing, ect.)


 * Use of Kunai - Galford is only character in series to use kunai.
 * Electrokinesis - Galford can infuse his attacks with electricity.
 * Teleport - Galford can teleport short distances above his opponent.

Fighting Style
When first introduced, he and Hanzo nearly mirrored each other in several aspects such as confusing foes with teleportation, illusions, and surprise piledriving. His main deviation from Hanzo is the addition of his dog, Poppy. In Samurai Shodown III, his "Shura/Slash" form integrates a heavier reliance on Poppy, creating a quick, hit-and-run style of fighting. His "Rasetsu/Bust" form, however, relies on grappling and aggressive up-close combat. As the series progresses, Galford becomes faster but slightly less powerful than Hanzo. His lightening projectile, or "plasma" as it is dubbed by the creators, differentiates from Hanzo's fire as it only flies horizontally straight rather than traveling along the ground in a slinky-like motion.

With a special input, the player can order Poppy to headbutt, bite, or drop from above on their opponents. She may also piledrive her foes during Galford's desparation move -which relies entirely on her- in Samurai Shodown II. In Samurai Shodown III, Galford's Slash form relies on Poppy for a vast majority of his special moves. She retains her attacks from before but can also be kicked as a projectile and replicate Galford's movements in his desperation move. When utilized strategically, she can distract opponents whilst the player moves Galford into a more favorable position or act as a counter against most projectiles. In Samurai Shodown VI, Galford can also order Poppy to teleport or change her attacks during her initial charge.

However, she is not invulnerable to attacks as opponents can strike her down to diffuse her advances, leaving her unusable by the player until she recovers. Players also have to be aware of which direction she is facing when summoned as she may charge in a direction opposite than intended.

Music

 * Maguro (Tuna) - Samurai Shodown
 * Kuro Maguro (Bluefin Tuna) - Samurai Shodown II
 * Shoujin no Ryuu (Purifying Waterfall) - Samurai Shodown III
 * Incarnation of the Tuna - Samurai Shodown IV
 * Kuro Maguro (Bluefin Tuna) - Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits: Bushidou Retsuden
 * Reunion - Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits: Bushidou Retsuden
 * Hi Tension - Samurai Shodown 64
 * Shin Maguro (True Tuna) - Samurai Shodown 64-2
 * Melt - Samurai Remix VA

Game Appearances

 * Samurai Shodown
 * Samurai Shodown II
 * Samurai Shodown III
 * Shinsetsu Samurai Spirits: Bushidou Retsuden
 * Samurai Shodown IV
 * Samurai Shodown 64
 * Samurai Shodown 64-2
 * Samurai Shodown V
 * Samurai Shodown V Special
 * Samurai Shodown VI
 * Samurai Shodown: Edge of Destiny

Anime Appearances

 * Samurai Shodown: The Motion Picture
 * Samurai Spirits 2: Asura-Zanmaden (OVA)