Adam Howden, the voice behind Shulk from Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch has recently spoken with Nintendo Everything about returning to the role for the much-loved protagonist. The interview covers topics such as what it was like coming back all these years on, if he was surprised at learning about the project, what Howden’s main concerns were revisiting the role of Shulk and even what character he would like to voice from a different Nintendo game. Take a look at some of the interview below; you can check out the interview in its entirety here.
It’s been close to a decade since you first voiced Shulk in Xenoblade Chronicles. What was it like coming back to the character for Future Connected and playing that role again after so many years?
Always a pleasure, never a chore. It’s great that Nintendo keep finding ways to continue the story. It was 2011 when I first recorded XC and even though that’s nearly 10 years ago the time has flown by. The worry for me was “does my voice still sound the same?” Luckily my voice doesn’t age the same as the rest of me.
Do you remember when you got the call to return? How long did the whole recording process of Future Connected take?
When I get called in to do games it’s always quite vague. Exciting though. My agent said I’d be doing some recording on *code name* and that I’ll be reprising my role as Shulk.
I do sometimes get sent the script beforehand but it’s often out of context, so it’s not until I’m in the studio that the director/producer can fill me in on the details. Future Connected didn’t actually take long to record for me, but Shulk was more of a supporting role this time around.
When you found out about the project, were you surprised at all to learn that the first Xenoblade Chronicles was coming back and was even getting a new epilogue?
Yeah I was surprised, but really pleased because it meant the original game got a new lease of life. Hopefully they’ll make more epilogues.
Even though it’s been so many years since Xenoblade Chronicles initially released, did coming back to Shulk feel natural? Did you look back at the original game at all to see how you first played Shulk before recording?
As I said before, when revisiting Shulk my only real concern is whether or not my voice has changed over time. Other than that it’s like seeing an old friend and picking up where we left off.
I always have a look back at bits from the original game as a reference and we do some voice matching in the studio to ensure the voice is consistent.
One question just for fun: if you could voice a character from any other Nintendo game, who would you pick?
Waluigi. I wish I could do that voice. It’s such a naughty voice.
Is there anything else you want to share with fans? Where can fans of your work follow you?
Whenever I’m allowed to talk about any projects I’m in I generally say on Twitter. My handle is @A_HOWDZ
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