:Shulk

Tetsuya Takahashi, creator of the Xeno series, Xenoblade Chronicles, and Shulk, states that his primary motivation in creating Shulk was to make a more likeable and relatable protagonist than in most Japanese role-playing video games.{{cite web|date=29 June 2011|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/28334/most-rpg-heroes-end-up-being-hated-monolith/|title=Most RPG heroes end up being hated - Monolith - Official Nintendo Magazine|author=Thomas East|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=31 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031011354/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/28334/most-rpg-heroes-end-up-being-hated-monolith/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=S.|last=Prell|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/01/31/who-the-hell-is-shulk/|title=Who The Hell Is: Shulk|work=Engadget|date=31 January 2015 |publisher=AOL|access-date=2017-09-11|archive-date=2018-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618125844/https://www.engadget.com/2015/01/31/who-the-hell-is-shulk/|url-status=live}} Xenoblade featured a prolonged, four-year development cycle dating back to 2006, with Takahashi stating that although the game went through many changes, the overarching plot following Shulk remained largely the same.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/04/07/monolith-soft-tried-using-a-turn-based-battle-system-for-xenoblade-chronicles/|title=Monolith Soft Tried Using A Turn Based Battle System For Xenoblade Chronicles|work=Siliconera|date=8 April 2012|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=20 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520195246/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/04/07/monolith-soft-tried-using-a-turn-based-battle-system-for-xenoblade-chronicles/|url-status=live}} Takahashi believed that the more negative and jaded JRPG main character type leads the player to resent them due to the emotional investment required to complete such long games. Takahashi worked with anime writer Yuichiro Takeda on Shulk's creation, with Takeda feeling that the easiest way to make Shulk likeable would be to make him a silent protagonist.{{cite web|author=Laura|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2010/06/03/monolith-soft-discusses-developing-xenoblades-protagonist/|title=Monolith Soft Discusses Developing Xenoblade's Protagonist - Siliconera|work=Siliconera|date=3 June 2010|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029051827/http://www.siliconera.com/2010/06/03/monolith-soft-discusses-developing-xenoblades-protagonist/|url-status=live}} However, Takahashi rejected this idea, feeling that it hurt the character's ability to "resonate with the player". Ultimately, Takahashi went in the opposite direction, making Shulk's positive interactions and words of encouragement a focus of the game. Takahashi tried to make Shulk react to in-game events as much as he thought game players would react to them. Nintendo's team of debuggers, the "Super Mario Club", assured Takahashi that he was on the right track for his goal. Takashi stated that in Xenoblade Chronicles, there was no character design artwork; instead, there were costume drawings for the characters' outfits. This meant that they had to construct CG character models to match the costume ideas. Furthermore, the only artwork produced featuring those characters were altered versions of the CG models; there was no concept art.{{cite web|author=Alistair Wong|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2017/12/11/tetsuya-takahashi-discusses-character-design-xenoblade-chronicles-1-2/or_shulk|title=Tetsuya Takahashi Discusses The Character Design Of Xenoblade Chronicles 1 And 2|work=Siliconera|date=December 11, 2017|access-date=April 24, 2024}} During the interview, Co-producer Genki Yokota stated that Shulk debuting in the Super Smash Bros. series helped to attract new eyes to the brand and emphasized the importance of introducing these characters to an audience unfamiliar with RPGs.

In English, Shulk is voiced by Adam Howden. He was given instructions on how to portray Shulk, largely that he should have a neutral English accent, which was intelligent, "not posh", and fierce when necessary.{{cite web|author=Orla Madden|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/03/ninterview_meet_adam_howden_voice_actor_for_shulk|title=Ninterview: Meet Adam Howden - Voice Actor For Shulk|work=Nintendo Life|date=24 March 2013|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=19 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119202411/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/03/ninterview_meet_adam_howden_voice_actor_for_shulk|url-status=live}} Howden was never given a full script of the game so he could more realistically sound surprised at the game's plot twists, but was informed of the story progression shortly before he would have to voice it so he would not sound baffled. In Japanese, Shulk is voiced by Shintarō Asanuma. Having not played the character on a regular basis for many years, Asanuma admitted to feeling anxious. Furthermore, he stated that he believed he had evolved during the previous ten years, acquiring voice acting skills and altering his breathing pattern. He thought that he had purposefully adjusted several aspects of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 to give it a more "senior feel" to them. During his portrayal of Shulk, he made a particular effort to highlight his innocence.{{Cite web |date=May 29, 2020 |title=『ゼノブレイド ディフィニティブ・エディション』は本日発売！関連グッズ情報と、「つながる未来」出演声優さんからのメッセージをご紹介！ |url=https://www.nintendo.com/jp/topics/article/6532863c-c5ed-4949-bc94-ce7bbc73c96a |access-date=April 24, 2024 |website=Nintendo.com |language=ja }}

Shulk debuted in Xenoblade (2010) as the game's primary protagonist, portrayed as favoring "brains over brawn".{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/games/xenoblade-chronicles/wii-14354769|title=Xenoblade Chronicles|work=IGN|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=8 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108212936/http://www.ign.com/games/xenoblade-chronicles/wii-14354769|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Leona McCallum|date=28 September 2011|url=http://rpgfan.com/reviews/Xenoblade/index.html|title=RPGFan Review - Xenoblade Chronicles|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=12 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190312123730/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Xenoblade/index.html|url-status=dead}} He lost his parents 14 years prior to the game's events during an expedition for the Monado, a powerful sword that only a select few can wield. Shulk lives in Colony 9, one of the two remaining Homs settlements, where he works as an engineer and studies the Monado. The story follows his quest to defend his homeland from the Mechon after they attack Colony 9 and kill his childhood friend and love interest Fiora, during which he succeeds Dunban as the Monado's wielder.{{cite web|author=Jim Sterling|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-xenoblade-chronicles-225166.phtml|title=Review: Xenoblade Chronicles|website=Destructoid|date=4 April 2012|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029201654/http://www.destructoid.com/review-xenoblade-chronicles-225166.phtml|url-status=live}} The Monado allows Shulk to glimpse the near future.{{cite web|author= Alex Fuller|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/wii/monado/reviews/monadostrev1.html|title=Xenoblade Chronicles - Staff Review|website=RPGamer|date=14 September 2011 |access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=18 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218155602/http://rpgamer.com/games/other/wii/monado/reviews/monadostrev1.html|url-status=dead}} The game follows Shulk's quest to stop the Mechon and avenge Fiora and his struggle to understand his visions and change the future for the better, while uncovering the Monado's origin and hidden capabilities. With the current universe threatened with death, Alvis asks Shulk to remake the universe as its new god. Shulk declines and wishes for a world without gods, where everyone can decide their own fates.{{cite video game|title=Xenoblade Chronicles|developer=Monolith Soft|publisher=Nintendo|date=1 September 2011|platform=Wii|scene=|level=|quote=Alvis: This world has little time remaining if left in this state. Have you made your decision? The choice is yours, Creator. Tell me your decision for the future of this world. / Shulk: I won't decide. The future should be decided by each and every person in the world. And so, what I... No, what we wish for is... A world with no gods! }} In the new universe, the survivors of Bionis and Mechonis build a new settlement and live peacefully together. Fiora is restored to her Homs form, and she and Shulk look forward to meeting the people of their boundless new world.{{cite video game|title=Xenoblade Chronicles|developer=Monolith Soft|publisher=Nintendo|date=1 September 2011|platform=Wii|scene=|level=|quote=Shulk: Do you remember what the Monado, I mean Alvis, said to us the last time we saw him? / Alvis (flashback): Shulk. This new world is boundless. It is home to not only you, but many forms of life. I can see it. In this world, all life will walk towards the future hand in hand. / Shulk: One day I hope I can meet them all. The people of this endless world. / Fiora: Me too. We will. I know it. }} Optional side missions cover smaller quirks in Shulk's personality, such as a distaste for vegetables and fear of caterpillars.

In August 2014, a handheld port of Xenoblade Chronicles, titled Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, was announced for Nintendo's New Nintendo 3DS system, with Shulk reprising his role as the main character.{{cite web|date=29 August 2014|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/youll-need-the-new-3ds-to-play-xenoblade-chronicle/1100-6422002/|title=You'll Need the New 3DS to Play Xenoblade Chronicles' Upcoming Port|author=Chris Pereira|work=GameSpot|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104074106/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/youll-need-the-new-3ds-to-play-xenoblade-chronicle/1100-6422002/|url-status=live}} In Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected (2020), an epilogue campaign added to the Definitive Edition release of the game, Shulk assists his friend Melia in retaking Alcamoth, the capital city of the birdlike High Entia race.{{Cite web|author=Odel Rawda|url = https://www.cbr.com/xenoblade-chronicles-what-we-know-future-connected/|title = Xenoblade Chronicles: What We Know About Future Connected|website=CBR|date = 20 May 2020|access-date = 16 June 2020|archive-date = 17 June 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200617012436/https://www.cbr.com/xenoblade-chronicles-what-we-know-future-connected/|url-status = live}}

Shulk, along with Fiora, appears in Xenoblade Chronicles 2's "Challenge Mode" downloadable content (DLC) (2017), where they are playable as "Blades" — side characters directed during battle.{{Cite web |author=Andrew Goldfarb|date=13 June 2018 |title=E3 2018: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 DLC Torna: The Golden Country Revealed |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/13/e3-2018-xenoblade-chronicles-2-dlc-torna-the-golden-country-revealed |website=IGN|access-date=6 December 2018 |archive-date=16 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616001714/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/13/e3-2018-xenoblade-chronicles-2-dlc-torna-the-golden-country-revealed |url-status=live }} An older version of Shulk appears as one of the playable party members in Xenoblade Chronicles 3{{'s}} Future Redeemed (2022) story expansion. Set between the events of Future Connected and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Shulk joins Xenoblade Chronicles 2 protagonist Rex in founding the Liberators, a rebel group that opposes the Moebius, who threaten the newly-merged world of Aionios.{{Cite web|last=Joshua|first=Robertson|date=27 April 2023|title=Shulk Isn't Really Feeling It In Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed|url=https://www.thegamer.com/shulk-im-really-feeling-it-xenoblade-chronicles-3-future-redeemed/|access-date=18 April 2024|website=TheGamer|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603131644/https://www.thegamer.com/shulk-im-really-feeling-it-xenoblade-chronicles-3-future-redeemed/|url-status=live}} Nikol, the son of Shulk and Fiora, also appears as a playable party member.{{cite web | last=Lab | first=Jesse | title=Xenoblade 3: Future Redeemed Is a Messy, Satisfying Ending | website=The Escapist | date=2023-05-14 | url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/xenoblade-chronicles-3-future-redeemed-messy-satisfying-end-trilogy/ | access-date=2024-05-17}}

Outside of the Xenoblade Chronicles series, Shulk has been featured in Nintendo's crossover fighting game Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U (2014).{{cite web|title=Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS Gets Xenoblade's Shulk As Playable Fighter|author=Eddie Makuch|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds-gets-xenoblades-shulk-a/1100-6421986/|date=29 August 2014|website=GameSpot|access-date=18 April 2024|archive-date=18 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418061415/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds-gets-xenoblades-shulk-a/1100-6421986/|url-status=live}} Shulk reappears in the series' 2018 entry Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.{{Cite web|author=Landon Wright|url=https://gamingbolt.com/xenoblade-chronicles-definitive-edition-producers-credit-shulk-in-smash-as-huge-for-series|date=10 June 2020|title=Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Producers Credit Shulk In Smash As "Huge" For Series|website=GamingBolt|access-date=18 April 2024|archive-date=18 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418073933/https://gamingbolt.com/xenoblade-chronicles-definitive-edition-producers-credit-shulk-in-smash-as-huge-for-series|url-status=live}} In November 2014, it was announced that Shulk would receive his own amiibo figure, which can be used in conjunction with Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Wii U and Ultimate, Super Mario Maker (2015), Yoshi's Woolly World (2015), and Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and 3.{{cite web|author=Ishaan Sahdev|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/11/10/shulk-mega-man-sonic-getting-amiibos/|title=Shulk, Mega Man, Sonic And More Getting Amiibos|work=Siliconera|date=11 November 2014|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-date=11 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111220859/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/11/10/shulk-mega-man-sonic-getting-amiibos/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=26 May 2015 |title=Yoshi's Woolly World features unlockable Amiibo skins |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-05-26-yoshis-woolly-world-features-unlockable-character-skins |access-date=5 August 2020 |work=Eurogamer |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030050503/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-05-26-yoshis-woolly-world-features-unlockable-character-skins |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=11 September 2015 |title=Every Costume In Super Mario Maker |url=https://kotaku.com/every-costume-in-super-mario-maker-1730084595 |access-date=5 August 2020 |work=Kotaku |archive-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606073836/https://kotaku.com/every-costume-in-super-mario-maker-1730084595 |url-status=live }}

Shulk received a mixed reception from critics. According to Katharine Byrne of Nintendojo, Monolith Soft's handling of Shulk's previously revealed ability to glimpse into the future is one aspect that deserves special recognition. She also noted that the players are given a careful and nuanced analysis of Shulk's challenges in coping with these visions, and the themes behind this capability are deeply embedded into the overall story, making it more than just a clever fighting technique.{{cite web|author=Katharine Byrne|url=http://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/xenoblade-chronicles-review|title=Xenoblade Chronicles Review|date=24 August 2012|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=6 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206190712/http://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/xenoblade-chronicles-review|url-status=live}} Phil Kollar of Game Informer said that the voice acting gives this game a significant advantage over the typical stereotype-heavy JRPG, even though the characters may not deviate from well-worn tropes. He said that throughout the narrative, Shulk has the potential to come across as cloyingly hopeful or whining at different moments, and Xenoblade skillfully avoids that usual issue because of the writing and voice acting.{{cite magazine|author=Phil Kollar|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/xenoblade_chronicles/b/wii/archive/2012/03/29/xenoblade-chronicles-review-a-vision-of-the-future.aspx|date=6 April 2012|title=A Vision Of The Future - Xenoblade Chronicles - Nintendo Wii|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=21 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121174542/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/xenoblade_chronicles/b/wii/archive/2012/03/29/xenoblade-chronicles-review-a-vision-of-the-future.aspx|url-status=dead}} Hope Pisoni of Paste stated that one of the main features of Xenoblade Chronicles is the narrative centered around Shulk's visions. She went on to say that he has a power that lets him see the future and uses it to stop the deaths of his friends and allies.{{cite web|author=Hope Pisoni|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/xenoblade-chronicles/xenoblade-chronicles-tells-stories-for-our-times|date=2 August 2023|title=Xenoblade Chronicles Tells Stories for Our Times|website=Paste|access-date=18 April 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127083416/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/xenoblade-chronicles/xenoblade-chronicles-tells-stories-for-our-times|url-status=live}}

Tom Regan of VG247 said that many may recognize the game's protagonist as "that weird naked guy from Smash, " but stated that there are more JRPG cliches than you can shake a potion at thanks to Shulk's almost overly positive outlook, faith in his allies, and will to overcome obstacles.{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/play-xenoblade-chronicles-before-xenoblade-chronicles-3|title=You owe it to yourself to play Xenoblade Chronicles before Xenoblade Chronicles 3|author=Tom Regan|work=VG247|date=18 May 2022|access-date=18 April 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127083419/https://www.vg247.com/play-xenoblade-chronicles-before-xenoblade-chronicles-3|url-status=live}} Engadget{{'}}s Kat Bailey stated that she is a fan of Shulk and said that "It's not that his voice actor is better than average, or the fact that he's on a roaring rampage of revenge. It's that he has real friends."{{cite web|author=Phil Kollar|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-04-06-rethinking-the-jrpg-protagonist.htmlx|title=Rethinking the JRPG protagonist|website=Engadget|date=12 April 2012|access-date=18 April 2024}} According to the book EDGE Special Edition: The 100 Greatest Videogames (2015), Shulk is an orphan who yields a legendary sword and carries an otherworldly power, but "he's not a cocksure, reckless, or headstrong teenager." They stated that "he's an unusually thoughtful and compassionate youngster, brave but not foolhardy, with a poise beyond his years."{{cite magazine|magazine=Edge Magazine|title=Xenoblade Chronicles|page=64|orig-date=2015|version=Special Edition - the 100 greatest videogames|url=https://archive.org/details/EDGE.the.100.greatest.videogames.2015/page/62/mode/2up?q=Xenoblade+Shulk&view=theater|date=2020-08-25}} Conversely, some reviewers complained of him being too plain. Destructoid reviewer James Stephanie Sterling complained that Shulk lacked personality, stating that he was little more than a "vanilla reactionar[y] with only vague snatches of individuality," and otherwise blended into the rest of the cast too much. Similarly, Jason Schreier of Kotaku referred to Shulk as a "personality-less, unequivocally bland warrior" who "makes other JRPG heroes look like Marlon friggin' Brando."{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5898947/xenoblade-chronicles-the-kotaku-review|title=Xenoblade Chronicles: The Kotaku Review|author=Jason Schreier|author-link=Jason Schreier|work=Kotaku|date=5 April 2012|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030003113/http://kotaku.com/5898947/xenoblade-chronicles-the-kotaku-review|url-status=live}}

In comparison, Shulk also received a mixed reception in Super Smash Bros. series. Heavy, TechnoBuffalo and GamesRadar+ felt that his Monado, particularly the carryover of its "Arts" customization mechanics from Xenoblade Chronicles, made him a strong choice to play as.{{cite web|author=Elton Jones|date=19 April 2015|url=http://heavy.com/games/2014/08/watch-shulk-character-reveal-trailer-for-super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds/|title=WATCH: Shulk Character Reveal Trailer for 'Super Smash Bros.'|website=Heavy|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603083938/http://heavy.com/games/2014/08/watch-shulk-character-reveal-trailer-for-super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Ron Duwell|url=http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/09/02/shulk-fits-in-with-the-sword-slingers-of-super-smash-bros-in-reveal-trailer/|title=Shulk Fits In With the Sword Slingers of Super Smash Bros. in Reveal Trailer|work=TechnoBuffalo|date=2 September 2014|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=28 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028233354/http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/09/02/shulk-fits-in-with-the-sword-slingers-of-super-smash-bros-in-reveal-trailer/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-wii-u-characters-must-join-roster/|title=Super Smash Bros Wii U roster|website=GamesRadar+|author=Henry Gilbert|date=23 October 2014|access-date=30 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421044916/http://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-wii-u-characters-must-join-roster/|archive-date=21 April 2015}} However, USGamer felt that Shulk "can be a tricky fighter" due to the Monado's Arts being accompanied by kanji, and suggested that non-native speakers should first practice utilizing the Arts in order to become familiar with each one.{{cite web|author=Kat Bailey|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds-basic-tips-unlocking-guide-and-strategies-for-every-character|title=Super Smash Bros. 3DS Strategy Guide: Beginner Tips, Best Unlocks, and Move Tactics for Every Character|work=USGamer|date=2 October 2014|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=28 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028222936/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds-basic-tips-unlocking-guide-and-strategies-for-every-character|url-status=dead}} Jeremy Parish of Polygon criticized by stating as "sorry, Shulk. It’s nice that Nintendo is letting you rep Xenoblade, but I’m afraid I’m not really feelin’ it.",{{Cite web|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=2018-12-03|title=We rank the Smash Bros. (and friends)|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|access-date=2020-11-05|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=2019-03-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322075054/https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|url-status=live}} while Gavin Jasper of Den of Geek also criticized him by calling Shulk "as not too shabby, but being overshadowed by the rest of the Smash 4 roster".{{Cite web|author=Gavin Jasper|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-ranked/|title=Super Smash Bros. Characters Ranked|date=March 7, 2019|website=Den of Geek|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610234650/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-ranked/|url-status=live}}

In Student Independent Projects Historical Studies 2017: Human Freedom: Existential Philosophy in Video Games, Anthony J. Eisner from University of Newfoundland compared Shulk with Tidus from Final Fantasy X, seeing both as messiah figures who find their purpose to fight in their video games and protect a society despite both coming from nearly blank states. Like Tidus, Shulk wants humanity to be free from people who force their ideals on others, resulting into the creation of a new status quo.{{cite web|last=Eisner|first=Anthony| url=https://research.library.mun.ca/13142/|title=Student Independent Projects Historical Studies 2017: Human Freedom: Existential Philosophy in Video Games|publisher=University of Newfoundland|access-date=May 9, 2024|year=2017}}

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