Why Faust is my Favorite Fictional Character of All Time

[@FilthyTea]

Me too (I’ve never played guilty gear)

[@Robocrab-td8dr]

Same, if I ever get into the game he will be the first one I will try to play as

[@FilthyTea]

@@Robocrab-td8dr yeah I like him cuz he has a bag over his head and a big goofy scalpel he looks badass

[@Robocrab-td8dr]

@@FilthyTea His design hooked me too, and the story behind him made me a fan

[@JAHHHED]

I like him because he's a silly little goober but I play as potemkin who is a big boy who eats his veggies and carries his mother's groceries all at once

[@itsDeej.]

don't fuck with guilty gear fans, we don't even play the game

[@drungaodys5610]

My favorite Faust running gag is when most of the GG characters assume he's a Gear, an Alien or anything else but human

[@Meowsamurai]

I imagine that he IS just a human Just picture this: the one and only, the Incomprehensible Enigma - is actually a normal human in a world of gears and greatest mages

[@mikeoxlong1395]

@@Meowsamurai That walks around the place coming in and out of dimensions, pulling bombs and wheelchairs out of his sleeve. He's only human after all.

[@TheSaival]

I remember that in one of the older GG games each character had an info card with race typed on it. Most had gear or human. Faust had ????

[@Gaminginvrrr]

@@mikeoxlong1395hes just like usopp frfr

[@greggersonny]

i think Faust would be ecstatic to hear he somehow helped someone who isn’t even on his plane of existence by just living and being relatable to someone

[@LumaSloth]

Damn

[@aesra1185]

This is so sweet.

[@FaustGGS]

Yes…

[@BiscuitBoy225]

@@FaustGGS omg faust guilty gear i love you :D

[@wednesdaygeckok.7899]

That made me really emotional im not gonna lie

[@darienb1127]

One thing I love about Faust is how his story begins and ends. It starts with a young girl being killed in his care, causing him to go crazy. In Strive's "Another Story", Faust risks his life in order to save Delilah, a young girl, possibly killing himself and turning into what he is now. It started with a young girl, and it ended with a young girl. A beautiful and poetic bookend for his story.

[@sev1120]

It's also important to note that the young girl's death that caused his madness was entirely out of his control, it was the work of another. Choosing to sacrifice himself for Delilah, it's a decision he made entirely of his own will, one that he knows the potential consequences of, but he's doing it anyway. Because he's a doctor, and even if you can't save everyone, you can damn well try

[@mishuggah_33]

Bruh. Circular narrative is like writing 101. You are really easy to impress lmao.

[@HappyIsaac0420]

@mishuggah_33 well shit, let's see you write a heart touching story, since you obviously know exactly what to write and how to write it. Go on, please, take as much time as you need to.

[@darienb1127]

@@HappyIsaac0420 Alright, let em go. It isn't worth it.

[@RadikAlice]

@@darienb1127 Nah. Talk shit get hit, them's the rules

[@МагжанЖаксылык-м1с]

Faust is a user of very rare spacial magic that allows him to essentially warp reality to some extent. Being the best doctor in the world, Faust uses his knowledge of human body to warp his own body in any way

[@gustavogodoy5651]

you know a character has been made right when i like him so much even though i havent touched a single guilty gear yet

[@neinja66469]

Have you played yet? Faust is a *god* if u can use him right

[@bowsmed]

The thing about him going insane after just one surgery makes sense to me tbh. I imagine there are a lot of cases where doctors think they're prepared for the possibility of their patient dying, until it happens. Even just one life is a pretty heavy weight to bear, I couldn't imagine what it's like to lose a patient. And on top of that he's said to have miraculous medical talent, which is a TON of pressure for anyone to bear. I can see all of that stress getting to someone's head after a catalyst like losing a patient. Also, tysm for getting me into Guilty Gear, fantastic vid!

[@apossiblyhereticalalphaleg3595]

Going insane after one botched surgery, despite presumably doing every single one before that flawlessly and having (albeit unknowingly) such extensive medical talent that you literally can overcome death itself, seems pretty reasonable yeah.

[@DorkyDogBoy]

And it's, ya know, a child. That makes it so much worse

[@wednesdaygeckok.7899]

Now, take into account the crushing weight of expectations. You are the BEST in the entire world NOBODY even comes close to you You have never failed a patient You are routinely put on a pedestal Now you preform a surgery on a child, you did EVERYTHING right The child dies due to an assassin but you dont have a clue because they covered their tracks THAT WELL so despite doing every single thing you needed to perfectly you failed, and not only did you fail but your failure cost an innocent child her life You didnt go in with the possibility of failure even being an option Your world, your identity, everything about you as you knew yourself is a lie because you failed

[@mania1916]

I love this video and Faust so much! But one thing Fausts outfit in strive is not a patient uniform. It’s called a scrub uniform and that is what surgeons wear during surgery so they probably picked it cause it’s more horror like compared to a normal doctors uniform

[@thepixeltraveler8731]

It can also be seen as him going back to his roots as a doctor, with him going from a suit and tie - attire that can be associated with a high ranking/administrative doctor (also a look pretty similar to how he was before he became a serial killer) - to scrubs that any surgeon, newbie or experienced, could wear; aka, his "square one"

[@Poker2735]

I love the way the scrubs look on him. It’s so much more realistic and I personally prefer the design itself

[@PerfectTenth]

@@thepixeltraveler8731 the scrubs are also probably more comfortable and practical than the multiple layers of clothing he used to wear. baldhead-era faust is only pictured wearing the doctors' attire before his patient's death and in his intro/win animations, ripping it off before battle to reveal the green tunic underneath that allows him to be more flexible. it almost feels like he forced himself to wear the coat in order to uphold his image of a good and caring doctor, and as of strive he's too tired (and/or feels unworthy of it) to keep it up.

[@baonkang5990]

I can't do this all on my own

[@Nzargnalphabet]

This video finally made me realize why Faust gameplay just made sense to me, I’ve played smash ultimate and damn if I’m not playing him when I eventually play the game, I don’t know what I’m doing (except Nagoyuki but he’s reliable when playing against low tier players)

[@funnyman1563]

I find it funny how similar we got into faust and guilty gear as a whole. During the time I got the game I was going through a really abusive relationship where I kept going back to it to get hurt worse. During that time I saw a funny doctor and I thought I might try guilty gear. I was game shared it, and I fell in love with him. same as you. I got into his story and learned of the self-sacrifice and relapse into depression. I felt for him and he helped me through the worst time this year put me through. Thank you for the video it's great to see faust get some credit for once!

[@dexlovesgames_dlg]

don't go back.

[@steepledmender8502]

I hope you're doing much better now friend, I've been going through too much of a same situation recently with relapses and relationships issues yet I found out of ggst due to xbox gamepass and all the themes (faust primarily as it hits closest to home having this goofy persona on constantly) have very much helped me as when I listen to them I feel as calmer knowing others suffer and fight through similar situations as I do (be they fictional or real)

[@eggwulf2374]

The only reason I want Fanny in Strive is for narrative purposes... Having her find the man who saved her life and helping him through his struggles in return would be really nice... Bonus points if she still doesn't know Baldhead became Faust and she's doing it purely out of her need to help.

[@aidenWebber-nm7qj]

TRUEEE

[@goatedgoatsim]

i just wanna play faust but a girl but this too

[@smithbabies7886]

I have an idea for Fanny Yandere. I leave now.

[@Sappysappster]

Faust is one of the few fictional characters that has made me unironically go "HE JUST LIKE ME FR". And his arc just hits me sumn fierce as someone who has cllinical depression Something alot of people who konw Faust on a surfance level (sorry if this sounds sobbish but it irks me), is that Faust "became depressed" or randomly became super edgy when really, Faust has been depressed THIS ENTIRE TIME. He just hides it with his sillinesss and masks it well (with the mask finally falling off in Strive) and that struck a cord with me so hard.

[@dormitory650]

OH MY GOD FINALLY SOMEONE FUCKING SAYS IT people who complain about strive faust not being "silly" and him being "depressed" like HE HAS ALEAYS BEEN DEPRESSED! HE TRIED TO FUCKING KILL HIMSELF HIS WIN DIALOGUE AGAINST ELPHELT LITERALLY HAS HIM STATING THAT HIS SILLY DEMEANOR IS A MASK!!! if anything, he's doing better in strive! not only is he NOT MASKING, he actively states that he has "finally found his answer" he's getting better! it takes time!! he's! not! relapsing!

[@bananaleg82]

Strive Faust aesthetic wise is maybe the most fantastic thing to ever grace media, the way he moves, the nonsensical attacks, the expression it's all just so masterfully done

[@ColonelCowboy_]

I am soooo thankful that you covered Faust. After you said that Faust was your #1 favorite character, I hoped that your next video would talk about our fav boi.

[@thisgoddamusernamestoodamnlong]

I'm glad so many other people are appreciating an underrated bit of german literature.🥰

[@bigbone_99]

36:00 That piano section is taken from "No Surprises" by Radiohead in case you didn't know. It's a song about a slow or quiet death, so it's inclusion in the Faust theme adds a really cool layer to it

[@callumanderson6373]

It's kind of similar but not the same. It's at a point where I wouldn't be surprised if it was intentional but it could also very well be purely coincidental. Either way there would be no surprises here.

[@bigbone_99]

@@callumanderson6373Lol. It's not the first time Daisuke has included a riff from another rock song in the GG OST in fairness. The opening riff in Magnolia Eclair (Ky's XRD theme) has a riff that sounds just like one from ariund the beginning of Electric Eye from Judas Priest. And considering his Dragon Install has one of his eyes become electric, it's a pretty cute homage. There are probably more deep cuts that are all over the soundtrack that I don't know about, but I'm sure they're there

[@ElSandwich777]

I’ll be honest I didn’t hear it until you said this, but now it’s all I can hear.

[@Oscar97o]

@@bigbone_99 Jack'O's theme in Strive sounds very similar to Don't Stop Me Now by Queen.

[@fellamcgee]

@@bigbone_99 trigger is literally just sabotage by the beastie boys

[@cheemsthegranolaguy7622]

Faust is not only the most fun character I've ever played as in a fighting game, but he's also the drippiest. My mans is rocking the J's in strive

[@arandomguyontheinternet2308]

Sadly asuka has officially beaten him

[@ethanadams8109]

This is how I feel about Asuka lol

[@cheemsthegranolaguy7622]

I never even noticed Asuka's Air Macs. Mans is rockin HEAT

[@ImR3DACT3D]

The strive 5's as some call it

[@gkgeze]

Slayer in strive is the most fun fighting game character I’ve played, his attacks are like butter and it’s so satisfying to just wale on your opponent

[@The8BitDrummer]

Good stuff! :D

[@omg_falafel]

Ayo 8bit fr?

[@ProudlyIdiotic]

What the fuck are you doing here

[@Russo_Von_Carnificia]

@@omg_falafel yep, he is

[@gabrielbean3478]

I'm surprised you didn't talk about Square One when you were talking about relapsing. I feel his climactic scene in the DLC story pretty much spells out to us that he was willing to do anything for a young girl that reminded him of his patient, but in the process, likely destroyed everything in his own head to do so, just like when he went manic back in ML

[@oliveriii1473]

Exactly. The dlc perfectly explains why Faust is the way he is now and it's not cuz of depression. I'm surprised he didn't mention it.

[@juanokug4]

he does seem to be on the path to get better, if his story mode cameo in the ending goes after the extra, plus some dialogue and the fact that despite becoming a zombie he's still trying to be himself

[@DavaaGames]

Beautifully done video. Especially felt what you meant near the end. I may not play him much, but we shall always love this doctor forever

[@dormitory650]

one thing i want to say is that he is not really doing better in xrd, in his win quote against elphelt he states directly that he hopes elphelt's happiness is not "only a mask" like his personally i see he's doing better in strive, even if it doesn't seem like it he's finally beginning to acknowledge his emotions and issues, beginning to let himself let go and move on (i think this also reflects very well in his theme, with the end sounding far more hopeful. personally i think alone infection helps tell the entirety of his story in chronological order with the final hopeful sounding bit being strive faust) i think he's absolutely fantastic representation of depression (and also autism but i'm biased), just in a different way than you might think

[@dormitory650]

also not to mention in his arcade mode he directly says after being asked who will help him "i help me. finally found my answer" like, literally says that he's doing better, it just takes time

[@Loviedove__]

I always thought the mask line was in reference to the fact he wears an actual mask- but it actually being about his happiness makes a lot more sense I’m glad he’s doing better in strive🥹

[@johnjohn-fb7nx]

34:54 Honestly I like this interpretation because it makes Dr. Baldhead's story in Missing Link less silly. This is all speculation of course, but this "back to square one" (as he calls it) form of himself could very well be an exaggerated version of what he was like before he found his calling as a doctor and a healer. Imagine having no will to live or purpose in life as you lethargically shamble through it, before you suddenly find something that you're passionate about and it pulls you out of your funk. For Faust that was medicine, and he quickly became one of the most brilliant physicians the world has ever witnessed. And then one day, he failed. A young girl died in his care before he could even process where it all went so wrong. After years spent aimlessly searching for his calling, he (in his eyes) even managed to ruin the one thing he was supposed to be the best at. Assuming his mental state prior to his career resembled anything like his Strive appearance, it's no wonder that the sheer grief and frustration after this event drove him over the edge. He does seemingly get over it later, but his unusually cheery demeanor is just a facade. Even with his sanity (mostly) intact he hasn't really moved on. We even see this confirmed when Ramlethal confronts him about it in Strive's 2nd story, that even after all this time he hasn't forgiven himself for something that was never really his fault, and that he sees dying saving people as his only way out before Ram talks him out of it. I'm pretty sure in Xrd he also reaffirms to Johnny that he doesn't deserve the title of doctor after all the things he's done. With Faust supposedly going back to the beginning in Strive right after the events of the second story, I wonder if they're setting him up to move over the tragedies of his past life properly this time. I'd honestly love to see him reappear an installment or two from now sporting his true identity without the mask, as a healed (or healing) man truly no longer ashamed of himself or his unfortunate past. He'd lose some silliness sure, but I think it'd all be worth it just to see him truly happy for once. This comment is probably a mess, but all I'm saying is that I hope ArcSys has something nice planned for funny bag man. Pls.

[@MysticPyroFreak]

While as a lore head, I could go about all the stuff that was omitted (Like Another Story), unclear, or incorrect, but it looks like people in the comments have already taken care of that ^^; What's also important is how the characters we love affect and Impact us. And your passion for the doc touches me just as much as the character himself. It always makes me so happy to find more Faust fans both old and new. This August 27th will mark 20 years since Faust became one of my favorite characters of all time. I was initially drawn to him because his silly antics made me nostalgic for the Looney Tunes I watched growing up. Then I went through his story mode in XX and learned he was so...much...more. As I grew older and changed, so did my admiration for him. I found new ways and reasons to relate with and love him. And while there were points where I focused on other media, every time I came back to Guilty Gear, Faust never failed to make me fall in love with him all over again. Then came his reveal in Strive and the agonizing couple years we had to wait before we could learn what was really going on with him. My friends and loved ones can attest how worried I was over if he was even going to survive in the story. And, admittedly, said anxiety spilled over into my everyday behavior and...let's just say I'm not proud of some of the ways I lashed out at people trying to ground me back to reality. Ofc as it turned out, Faust was gonna be just fine (even if he's a bit worse for wear PHYSICALLY). Something I've always had a hard time coming to grips with is living with the mistakes I made without utterly hating myself for making them. Faust's arc in Strive actually helped me realize that even if I make a HUGE mistake or do something that some (or MANY) would consider unforgivable...Life goes on. Even when I'm at my lowest, life STILL goes on. And I'll always have the ability to choose! I can either dwell in the darkness for the rest of said life...or light a torch and move forward. The path may not be well lit, making me stumble, but I'll get back up and keep moving, keep living, and forgive myself regardless of how other people feel about me or how things will change due to my actions. I don't have to let my past define me as long as I hold myself accountable, learn from my mistakes/wrongdoings, and always STRIVE to be a better person today than I was yesterday. Eventually, I'll open a new door. Thank you, Doctor Faust, for reminding me of that fact.

[@calciumdream6870]

Beautiful comment

[@happycamperds9917]

One interesting thing I'd like to add is Faust's stage (well at least I think it's Faust's) "A Happy Family." This title could be a reference to a King Crimson song "Happy Family" about a family that acts all peace and love but actually hate each other behind closed doors (This family was actually symbol for the Beatles, of all things.) The stage name could be a reference to how Faust tries his best to act all silly and tries to help people but is struggling with inner conflict.

[@starapton5374]

Honestly I love Faust he looks so sick and his lore is honestly kinda underrated. But for me Leo hit me the same way Faust hit you. With the entire feeling guilty for something that is completely out of your control. So you put on a false aura of confidence that’s there to protect you from your insecurities. While at the same time trying your best to be your best for everyone else around you.

[@Luv_sicc]

Never knew about the "Messiah" connection between Missing Link and his Strive theme, neat

[@bmscribbles]

To what you said with Faust hitting something very personal: I learned about Faust when Accent Core came out and that led to me really delving into the story of Guilty Gear for years to come, especially Faust. I can confidently point at him and say this character helped shape me as a person, helping me find my compass in who I wanted to be growing up and putting names to morals that were important to me. Down-the-line, I had gone through a pretty rough decade to say the least and only in recent years had finally gotten out of it all. Looking at myself to figure where to go from here, I felt like I was looking at a husk of my former self. A broken mirror. I didn't know what to do with that as trauma had shattered so much of who I was and has worn me down so thoroughly. I'm exhausted and hurting and didn't know what to do now that the damage was done. When Strive came out, while initially I was heartbroken to see him as an absolute trainwreck, when I saw his animations and his quotes and how it was still him, I mean deadass I remember crying. Cause despite being a shambling husk of a person, even when he's at his worst in ages he's still himself and that won't change, and to this day I use him as a reminder that not even the worst of times means someone is lost. That all of the time and effort and passion you put into being a better you isn't gone. Faust feels like one of those characters where he's written to be one thing, but is taken seriously enough in the story to touch those who have gone through the wringer but are still doing their best. When you mentioned how it had touched you personally, I felt that very strongly, and I'm glad it's a character you could find some solace in too.

[@Xanit]

I'm so glad you did this. Everything you said resonates with me, and honestly taught me more about why I love this guy. He mirrors a tragedy in our own lives. I know nobody asked, but I've been a Faust main since XX Accent Core on PS2. The dude's goofy style really resonated with me, and knowing he was a great doctor who actually cared for people even as he's on the offensive made me smile. Y'know that prostate exam move? I believe it's also meant to be similar to a prank that young boys in Japan used to do, called a kancho, where they put their index fingers together and clasp their hands, then jab them into the butt of an unfortunate target. It shows he's playing with his enemies, and has a childlike whimsy. Honestly, even one of his XX ending CGs shows him fawning over a bedridden child he's caring for, showing a real youthful heart. I can imagine he has a stash of lollipops in that medical case to give out after procedures. When I later learned about Dr. Baldhead, I was in denial for a while, until I learned why. He was devastated at the loss of a precious person he really believed he could save, and blamed himself, turning to wanton destruction of himself and others' lives. The paper bag finally spoke to me as a symbol of shame instead of just a quirky design element. I always love characters in fighting games that feel like they're playing their own game and the enemy has to work around it just as much as they do, so his items and crazy moves like the "EX BOI" and the door teleports were just the best. The changes made to him in Strive I didn't quite adapt to at first, but now playing him is second nature. I almost won a local tourney early on in the game's life! I see what you mean with the smash bros analogy, but in terms of 2D fighters, that just means he has a lot of clearly defined tools! Being able to string them together and use them at the right times is what makes you good at a character, and his tools are easily identifiable and feel accessible. I think that's what you were feeling too. But man, I didn't put it together that he's still suffering so much, psychologically, and that he's the one who needs help now. He's still trying to put on that guise of the altruistic doctor but he's barely keeping it together right now because HE'S going through it. I want to help my boy the way he's helped me. Man. He's so special to me. I'm glad he's touched others too.

[@Ze_N00B]

28:00 So canonically Nagariyuki was rocking an afro at some point? Now that's the lore we wanted! :D Also, Faust's scarecrow teleport can be roman cancelled into any other attack and the spinning attack itself is actually quite effective at continuing combos on airborne enemies.

[@ScientificallyImprobable]

I was wondering why I liked Faust so much, despite generally not caring for fighting games- then a friend sent me this video Good video, the colors were a lot clearer to see from someone else's words

[@gatr2897]

Faust was one of the first Guilty Gear characters whose backstory I learned, and his was unbelievably dark and gruesome compared to many of the others. It opened my eyes to the range of stories this series tells, and I think it's really cool. I know I relate to my mains, Bridget and Goldlewis, and I think it's so rad that you could relate to Faust, the character that brought you in in the first place

[@dmovldz1470]

I don't usually comment but I had to say this. This whole video felt incredibly special, I can feel the passion in your voice and how much fun you had while working on this. I learned so much about a character I already loved, you displayed everything that there is to know about Faust that I feel I can bust down a sick combo just by the inspiration I felt. And at that segment in the end I was starting to tear up when you played the theme then you came back and made me cry, absolute masterpiece. I personally relate more to Bedman's character and your video on him is the reason I subscribed in the first place And in case you read this, thanks for doing this

[@gambit6283]

My friend wanted to buy this game and I wasnt too sure since I hadnt played a fighting game before. Then he told me that there was an RNG based goofy character and then i had to buy it instantly. Faust is for sure in my top 3 favorite characters ever. Great Video!

[@lillieampurra]

before this i only knew Faust from Strive, and i fell in love with his lanky-ass design and how well-meaning he seems. even as scary as he looks, he still wants to make people happy. And finding out that his outfit change is a reflection of his mental state is. kind of awesome and impactful at the same time.

[@moldycup4596]

Nice video! I'm a fellow Faust player who also started playing strive and GG as a whole because of this character. While I don't have as deep an emotional reason for starting out, I was attached from day one, seeing Fausts strive render alone, as someone who likes body horror and horrific character designs, it just immediately spoke to me and I decided to give the game an honest try. Its... kind of bizarre how much Guilty Gear spoke to me, it just felt like a series I wish I had known about my whole life. The soundtracks being as good as they are, every character being awesome in their own way, the really cool story with emotional moments across just about every character, its all so great. Even with all of that though, nothing resonates with me as much as Faust does. His gameplay for one being something I will never tire of because of how many different options and ways to open up the opponent he has given any item, it just feels like magic to do any conversion with an item even after 600 hours on strive and probably an additional 100 on Xrd with the same character. And of course not to mention his story and arc as a character. A single perceived slip up and loss of a life that he believed he caused, and the resulting madness that took many more lives, turning him into a man on the run who hides his face, doesnt feel he deserves to be called by the title of doctor, and only doesn't kill himself because he feels he owes it to the world and himself to help others. All while acting like a goofball who seems to not have a care in the world but really is just using his personality as a mask for his trauma, its just so touching, and something I would never have expected from a character whos gameplay looks the way it does, lol. to this day I play either Strive or Xrd near daily, and currently hope to compete at bigger events since I've surpassed pretty much all of my local scene. I want to improve and get better just to show people how much this character means to me. I deeply love guilty gear and i owe it all to this character for just being what he is, or I likely never would've found it. He might not be my favorite character in fiction, but if he isn't, he's pretty damn close. And I'm so glad to see others who feel similarly.

[@alexsheperd2060]

I think my favorite part of the strive redesign is they didn’t fall into the trap of “depression makes you someone else” a lot of media has. Faust is still the kind doctor who wants to help, he’s struggling himself at the moment but he still tries to make people laugh like with his taunt. It also makes me happy his theme ends on a lighter more triumphant note because it makes me hope that whenever we get the new guilty gear we’ll get a Faust who’s in a better place even if it’s only a little bit for now

[@zetaalpha5110]

I thought the prostate exam part was a joke until he pulled out the hidden leafs forbidden technique ‘thousand years of death’

[@nutmegdoesstuff1339]

I think it's incredible how guilty gear's stories always seem to be just as perfect for the people that love the characters as they arefor the characters themselves. I still remember feeling Testament's gameplay calling to me when I got xx for my switch, only to later learn that both of us were nonbinary, and prefer helping people to hurting, even at a personal detriment.

[@haydenfisher1387]

Nice you found a connection like that, if you said Bridget then neckbeards who think they know Japanese would come for your ass lol

[@LucidButtonMasher]

Hey bud. Thanks for the shoutout. Good to see my content reaching others, and being mentioned as actually helpful lol. I'm glad Faust hit you at the time he did, it should only get better from here. If you ever want to collab sometime, let me know, I'd love to get more GG love out there. Cheers

[@Toxic-Pyro]

It would be an honor. If I have any plans I’ll hit you up. Thanks broski

[@thepixeltraveler8731]

Excellent video!! Faust is one of my favorite characters in gaming and your overall analysis - especially for Alone Infection - was sublime! Its so remarkable how such a character can, befittingly as a doctor, change us in so many unexpected ways from what we see at first glance :) Also, one quick thing: I may have interpreted it wrong, but when you said "the goofy comedic relief character getting depression" and "at the top of his game" in reference to how he was in XRD, it sounded as though you meant that the goofy side of him came first and the depression came later when Faust has actually had depression most likely since XX. In XRD, Faust's victory quote against Elphet says how he hopes,"the smile she wears isn't merely a mask like his". All of his goofiness is a front for his sadness and grief - aka smiling depression - and given how this trademark personality trait of his started with his debut in XX and his unchanging situation he's in until after XRD, he's most likely been this way since the birth of his Faust persona. And its only in Strive where he takes strides in facing it to become not only a more genuine version of himself, but also a better doctor for others (i.e. his "square one" in Another Story). So overall, although I agree that he is regressing, I feel that its moreso an identity regression - a mental conflict between his Baldhead and Faust personas that create the Faust we see in Strive - than a depression regression. Sorry for the long wall of text and if I misunderstood what you meant, but in any case, again, outstanding video!!

[@thekingsclips137]

Faust is the reason I even know guilty gear exists. Bought strive very recently (it's my first fighting game ever) and just play with a friend for now but it's non stop laughs when I roll 4 bombs in a row and kill myself immediately

[@gloweyesca5339]

No joke, Faust was the reason I started playing Guilty gear (and traditional fighting games as a whole). I took one look at his design (ESPECIALLY Strive's design) and the serotonin kicked in. Then I learned more about him and he quickly became one of my favourite characters ever. It has gotten to the point that I can't effectively play as anyone else other than Faust (I've only played Strive so far), but we all make mistakes in the heat of passion. I love this dorky 30-40 something goober.

[@RTX_Human_archive]

I love this video man, you got me into guilty gear. Take comfort in knowing you're still making an impact with this video. Have a good day bro.

[@jchadwick4918]

I’m so glad to have found someone else who’s cried listening to Alone Infection. It’s very rare to find a song that can find words that have made me feel so heard. It’s also just beautifully composed. The heavy metal start, the whispered chanting, the MESSIAH, the beautiful piano section, the wonderful rock breakdown, and a satisfying end. All tied together by that “All The Young Dudes/21 Guns/Route 209” sting in the chorus. I’ve not picked up Faust, but his role in the story, as well as his unrelenting will to help others and friendly disposition in spite of his underlying feelings, has interested and touched me more than any other character in the series. Thank you for making this video. You’re strong and you’re not alone. 🌷

[@astarothlocklear7532]

Alone Infection and Let Me Carve Your Way are the two songs that I think have ever brought me to tears like they have. Granted, I was going through some tough things myself back when I discovered them, but even still, I'm better now, and they still almost have the same effect. Daisuke and his crew really knew what they were doing when they made the soundtrack for this game.

[@teejaykaye]

I knew there was a reason that when I, depressed as fuck, someone who never plays fighting games ever, got GG Strive and looked at the character roster, I IMMEDIATELY singled out Faust on looks alone and decided "yeah this is gonna be my Guy"

[@igualap1182]

I love the way you decided to end the video, thank you for the speaking of my (also) favorite fictional character and remember what faust said "take care..." FAUST WINS

[@igualap1182]

sorry but my english is bad

[@Etholux]

It felt really easy to beat Baldhead's story in Guilty Gear. I just spammed 236S 66, 66, 66, 66, over and over. The AI really couldn't deal with it. Also, Baldhead just crawls under the super that Justice spams, and then you can punish.

[@OfficialMIMmusic]

God damn nice video. Fell in love with Faust the same way through Strive. He gave me more than just fun playing a game. Keep this inspiration with you bro. And keep eating those items.

[@funderscoretoast3220]

I don't know how to explain this, but it feels like your videos are never scripted, even though I know they're scripted. The voiceover is just so natural and charged and it got me so invested in a game that I've never touched in my life YEAH YOU TELL EM I LOVE BALDHEAD

[@terry.1428]

We REALLY need Zappa in strive. Ideally we get ABA and Slayer too in October

[@michaeijcaboose2037]

I have great news for you, although it's a bit past october now

[@commediaDollArte]

0:06 why did you say this exactly like the standard guilty gear xrd announcer

[@hybrid8716]

33:30, marionette is literally my favorite GG song and I'm so glad it got included in a video

[@Orion5005]

Damn man I've listened to the song before but for some reason it hit real hard this time thanks for a great video

[@RedMycroft]

Omg, i had such a similar introduction with Faust! I never knew about guilty gear but then I saw I-No’s strive trailer and thought she looked cool so I wanted to get the game soon as possible. I watched some lore videos and Faust really interested me! I always thought he looked so cool the way he moves and acts in Strive so that version was always my favorite version of him. I always loved his gameplay and character and thinking about his character makes me appreciate him more so I also play him in Xrd and +R. I think Faust is one of the sweetest characters ever because he’s constantly trying to heal people and spread happiness so watching him decay is so heartbreaking! He’s easily my favorite fighting game character and one of my favorite characters in general. People are so accustomed to silly Faust I think they forget how traumatized he is so there’s some whiplash when they see his new design. Faust is an inspiration to me because he’s so damaged but he tries his best to spread joy to the world so he’s like my hero and I aspire to be kind like him. Amazing video! There were some details I never knew like crawling under the jackpot bomb. This was well worth the watch so thank you for the video about my favorite GG character! 👍

[@mcdonald5519]

Faust is the most fun fighting game character I’ve ever played I started with strive and after playing his older versions, I vastly prefer those. Not just because he’s significantly better but from a design perspective. Also his pogo shenanigans are just so much fun But Faust is just amazing, he’s the perfect character for me

[@rivera3312]

Watching this video in the midsts of a depressional relapse as someone who plays guilty gear but didnt know much about Faust hit different. Alone Infection is now the second song in this series thats made me cry along with Let Me Carve Your Way. Guilty gear truely is peak fiction.

[@linguinilinguini3762]

Faust is peak frfr ok like for real i wanna thank you for like, introducing me to guilty gear. bedman and faust are probably my favorite characters in the game lmao wish i said so earlier but i'd love to hear you talk about more characters you like that'd be kinda fun

[@suchalem6686]

Alone Infection is definitely one of the best Strive themes. Any song that feels like it’s telling a story and ends as beautifully as it does is incredible in my book.

[@certifiednolife]

i havent played guilty gear but i just love faust as a character (in any of his interpretations) no matter how much he wants to be his original funny silly little guy but just cant because of his body, newfound mannerisms, and new strange speech patterns so this terrifying creepy looming figure in actuality is a nice gentle guy who is just trying to help and make people laugh is such a cool character idea guilty gear as a whole has a tone of great characters

[@eigengrau1]

When i encountered Faust, it was deep, true love a first sight -and still is. Thank you for making this great video he def. deserves. In my world he shares the throne with Chaos (Toshinden2) and Voldo (Soul Calibur).

[@rerere_no_tsuki]

6:54 "i will not be doing another "why blank guilty gear character is my favorite blank" until zappa comes out in strive" SO BASED

[@obitosenju3768]

You know it is kinda funny. I did not play much of GG strive but what I did play was of Faust and I loved him. I was completly mesmorised by this thing part horror part joke. I looked at his story and how he used to be this upbeat comedic relief and wondered how does that feel like because at the time I was also a very upbeat possitive person on top of their game. Not long after I stopped playing Strive to unrelated reasons of course I fell into deeper and deeper depression that makes me currently very suicidal and in general unpleasant to be around. I relate to him more now than ever.

[@quifen2660]

Guilty Gear Strive was my first GG game, I took 10 minutes looking at the roster, didn't really click with most of the characters. Then I saw Faust, he stuck out from the rest and caught my eye, I went into training, tried him a bit, and then I noticed the animations. Thats how I knew he was my main, goofy but dark, broken yet somehow whole. it took me about 40 hours in game to get the achievement on playing three different characters (bedman was my second and potemkin my third) but I always fall back on Faust. He is truly, the character of all time for me.

[@trynox0]

Well, I just got into the game a month ago or so, but hearing people like you talking about how you perceive certain characters, how much they means to them... Guitly Gear being possibly the game with the most different set of characters I've seen has this particular property of speaking deeply to people in ways I hadn't noticed. And I think that's my favorite part of this experience.

[@mytylest8283]

I love these videos. I love hearing people talk about their favorite characters and said characters story. I just love hearing people throughly enjoying stuff. Keep up the fantastic work and take care of yourself 👍

[@thecheesyboi6400]

ur video convinced me to pick up faust and try him out against a friend, and he’s now my favorite fighting game character of all time, so thank you so much for making a great video, that allowed me to find the silly doctor!

[@2cents968]

I think Faust and Vash the Stampede (Trigun) are similar characters. Both living with immense guilt, covering it up by playing the clown, and both wanting the best for EVERYONE, not just those in their corner.

[@jonathanjeremy1729]

Amazing video, this single handedly got me into guilty gear and it’s amazing soundtrack and crazy lore, I cannot thank you enough for introducing me to this franchise

[@Poptartpug]

When all my friends started playing Guilty Gear Strive, I thought I didn't want to play the game. But then I saw the goofy doctor with a paper bag over his head who appeared in the previous game. Although he's not really the same as in Xrd, I bought the game after watching that Nage tournament match. I really like the character and I really enjoy playing him too. Now those friends are trying to get me to play Street Fighter 6, but I'm not playing until they add Faust.

[@Jugg4n4ut]

Im a Faust main so i really appreciate the vid, but your rant about Guilty Gear X and how many times its been released earned you a new sub

[@code0462]

My first ever experience with guilty gear was actually playing with a friend not even knowing what game i was playing, while using Faust in XRD. I thought he was a cool and fun character despite the fact that i was literally awful at the game. All this time later I finally discovered that the game I had played with my friend before he moved was guilty gear, and while i may now be a filthy Baiken main, Faust will forever be the reason i came to this franchise in the first place.

[@Xirogify]

I relate to this video in so many levels. Pretty much the only difference i had from you was that instead of Faust, it was more or less the entirety of the Strive OST that helped pick me up. Find Your One Way, Armor-clad Faith, Love the Subhuman Self helped me at taking some very important first steps and gaining self-confidence. The Roar of the Spark, Out of the Box, Mirror of the World, Rock Parade, Let me Carve Your Way, Requiem, The Kiss of Death and Drift all motivated me to keep moving forward and helped me learn to love myself. Alone Infection, however, has always been a special one. The rest either helps me let go of the past, or push me forward towards the future. Alone Infection, in all of its beautiful chaos tell me a story of how both the future and the past were and will be both terrifying and glorious. And the answer to how that all is possible, for me, comes from the last line in the song: "No one can see the colors but you", because it's your story, only you can see the full picture. It had it's ups and downs, and there will continue to be both, but holy shit it is all beautiful, and Faust, you, me, and whoever else reads this, we should all be proud of our stories, and use that pride to keep going forward so we can write our own endings. Baldhead could have ended his story as the doctor who killed a girl, but Faust ended his story as the doctor who saved one. Nothing sounds more like "glorious ending" to me as the last part of Alone Infection does. It is a tribute to life itself, and when we boil the complexity out of guilty gear character lore, isn't there a simple beauty to how "the doctor character's theme song is a tribute to life"? Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk! Looking forward to more of your content, man! I've been looking for stuff like this.

[@sev1120]

Another thing is that Faust is also relapsing somewhat into his old dr baldhead persona. His attacks in strive, whilst still preserving that cartoony element to them, are a lot more vicious and brutal, especially with taking his new stance into account. That darkness still looms over him, and his new attire and appearance serve two purposes. 1. To remind him of who he is, the cross with the smilt face and "good" underneath it. It's so that if he ever falls back into old habits, there's a reminder. 2. To warn people away from him. If people see a 9 foot tall, skeletal thin monster man with a bag over his head wearing surgical scrubs and carrying a variety of medical equipment, they're gonna be creeped out at best. It could also explain why chronus sticks around. Faust is just as much doctor as he is patient, but this isn't something he can deal with on his own, he needs someone there to make sure he doesn't slip back into bad habits, and to be able to stop him if he ever regresses too far and goes back to being doctor baldhead

[@seetrogreen2042]

I did not realize how well the bedman video did. Well done dude! Glad you are finally getting some more recognition. As a non guilty gear fan, I await the next video.

[@limer.6355]

great video. hope you are going well. wish you the best. we faust !

[@Magn0Dota]

Since you're a Smash player I thought you would include Peach's rare stitches turnip and very rare Bob-Omb pulls in the video lol! Started GGST last week and also became a Faust main, don't intend on changing that :D great video ❤

[@sekibankilover]

Actually you forgot something important about the Chikuwa item in GGXX, it maxes out your tension pulse. This basically means that it makes your tension go up faster and is basically almost a win neutral item if a player gets it.

[@Baxerus_Bat]

I might not main him but damn is he fun. One of my favorite character picks fr fr and I really like how he got the jordans on in Strive. My first GG game was strive also and he was one of the characters I kinda was drawn toward. His energy is so amazing and the way his rng works has a "fuck it we ball" aspect to it in the most perfect amount. His story to me is cool but yeah pretty sad about the depression relapse and tbh that may be a reason why I liked him too, cause I was going through my own shit when I first found the game almost a year back from my sibling telling me bout it from the music. Thanks so much for this banger of a video, loved the editing and structure of it fs.

[@EiFarted]

In his current state, he looks like he’s gonna fucking die in the next game

[@goldsocks9999]

XrdR2 is my favorite fighting game of all time. All the characters feel unique, the animation is amazing, the meter is so versatile, and the mechanics are so varied

[@icetide9411]

Faust got me into this series, but not in a normal way. I heard his theme in an SFM animation, found it, listened to it on repeat about ten times, followed the source, saw his character design and thought it was cool, wanted to know his lore, fell more in love, and then needed to see more from the weird writers. Now I'm stuck in this fandom and cant escape. I don't even like fighting games. Help me.

[@ryanwang8528]

Which animation

[@icetide9411]

​@@ryanwang8528"Pootis Engaged: EXTREME" to be specific

[@StinkyReal]

When he told the mini Faust “yes YOURE very strong,” it hit me hard. Like I’m crying just hearing it, he’s an amazing character to me, and I absolutely love him. He’s so awesome.

[@marcelwood5064]

I know you said you probably won't do another video like this unless Zappa releases for strive. Which is understandable especially considering the personal investment mentioned at the end of the video. But I wanted to say that this and the bedman video were both great and I'd love to see more. Well researched, well explained and very entertaining from start to finish. Subscribing coz the videos were fire. Can't wait to see more, whatever it may be. Keep up the good work brother ❤️❤️

[@navcubed]

i've just started playing ggst and picked up faust because he's hot and i love him. i found this video in my reccomended and while i was interested in getting learn about others who share my love for the sack lunch doctor, i wasn't expecting to watch such a detailed and meaningful commentary on both faust's lore and your personal connection to the character. i don't leave usually leave comments like this, but i felt it was necessary to express my gratitude for such a wonderful video. i know this reads as super shakesperean and almost seems insincere, but i genuinely mean this: thank you for this amazing video.

[@Cheese-Slime-Sheriff]

Honestly, Faust is like a worse version of me. I repeatedly fell into depressive episodes when I couldn’t do anything to stop bad things, like how a girl died in Faust’s care. I managed to recover, but I still struggle often. Faust is like a horrible version of me who gave up hope but still shows love, despite being empty. Faust is a funny, yet broken character. All we can hope for is that Faust can recover too…

[@Cheese-Slime-Sheriff]

Quite honestly, I can’t help but see myself in him. We make the same jokes, act the same in certain ways, and many other things. I love Faust because he shows what I could’ve been and pushes me to be a better person each time I see him. Faust may not be the best, but he’s my hero.

[@tasogarerubica]

Yeah man... I know the fealing when a character just clicks and it's like your wearing a perfectly fitted glove that you barely notice it. That was definetly Faust for me tooo. I used to play alot of accent core with my friends and I defaulted to Jam, but one day Faust just kinda clicked. Since then I never looked back. I tend to play different charcter types for different fighting games, see what fits kinda way, I may play a rekka or rush down character in one game, or go for the othodox ryu clone, maybe a floaty ass charcter in games like smash. But Faust kinda solidfied some thing for me, I really love charcters with uncanny styles where you yourself have to think on your feat to actually make the kit work. Never been the type to iron out a combo, going for the bread and butter was more something my friends were good at. So I kinda opted for the reactive playstyle which Faust really fits in perfectly. Shit now I wanna grind out some matches with faust, lmao

[@dextra_24703]

baldhead going insane is kinda reasonable, think about it he is in lore a miracle worker and if your miracles dont work, you would also think of beginning your villain arc

[@dormitory650]

not to mention he was a doctor during a WAR (the crusades) trying your best to bring people back from the brink of death (something that would be very common during then) does shit to you, and even if he wasn't framed like that there'd a good chance he would still break eventually maybe not in the same way, but it's unlikely he would be able to keep going after so long

[@dextra_24703]

@@dormitory650 thats way better said than mine thank you

[@ephemeralexistence578]

I love seeing other Faust enthusiasts. Great vid. I used to complain about his redesign being so gloomy but after hearing your take about him relapsing I was like "OMG" and honestly I definitely appreciate it now! Anyways glad you're better now, much love 💕

[@SmokingSkeletonWithFlower]

Hey man I don't wanna spoil you but there's an other story mode in strive that tells what happened to Faust to become like that, but it can also be tied to your theory of recessing with him using all he had in a powerful magic power.

[@JarBasedKarateBlackBelt]

33:30 man faust put me in a spiraling depression. But for real, I hope you are feeling better nowadays man.

[@cannonballking7]

What a wacky character with a moveset full of gags to keep the opponents at bay, through goofs and gaffs. Surely his lore is just as wacky to boot, I mean we have substance abusing ninja wannabes, defective robo counterparts, and a guy called Goldlewis Dickinson, Faust must be a blast!

[@WakeUpUniverse66]

After that song i love Faust now. Keep up the good work brother, the hard times are what can make you whole if you can last. I believe in you.

[@gamer-qk8vd]

"ABCDEF Go" is bars though tbh

[@bluetoad1080]

I literally bought Guilty gear a few days ago because of this video and because of how cool of character he seems like

[@Pinky-0-1-0]

"Patients robes" Bro those are nurses scrubs. I hate being inside of hospitals but thats like thee uniform for a medical professional.

[@Robocrab-td8dr]

This video was already great, and the part where you talk about his theme made it perfect. Hopefully Faust can get the (canon) happy ending he deserves.

[@FilthyTea]

Hey guys I play guilty gear now

[@Suck_a_s4ge]

Nice

[@businessroboman]

He did it

[@danielszilagyi9112]

I'm so glad that so many characters can resonate with so many people. There are more characters out there, not just in Guilty Gear (which is just, wow. How did one man create so many characters that potentioally saved lifes is beyond me), but in many of our favorite games. If Faust embodies anything, then that might be depression. I personally felt it before, even after I thought it has gone away so many years ago. But I know things can be better, so I continue to yearn for a better future, I strive for a better future (pun intended). You just have to keep going.

[@E1212-p4j]

25:05 minor nitpick but those are nurse scrubs not patient scrubs

[@gh0rochi363]

Doctor's wear scrubs too. I think it's like a rank things idk, but doctors wear them too

[@E1212-p4j]

@@gh0rochi363 sure, but he called them patient scrubs

[@Buddyroe360]

Ok, I'm glad I watched this until the end. I've been playing GG since it's infancy, but I only kinda played XRD. In fact I only kinda played anything. I too fell into a depressive state, and Faust was one of my all time favorite characters, only on par with Zappa, who is hot trash that became A tier, but that's not the point. Strive really lit a flame in me as well.....with the character Nagoriyuki. He personifies what feel I had become, a loner, a tool used by others but having too much pride to admit that what I was doing wasn't really what I wanted to do. Wandering alone, no allowing anyone to get close....shunning the friendship of others (reference Chip and Anji Nago interactions). Seeking nothing more than pointless fights (irl and online) to feel anything because everything is so boring and frankly, who can beat me... Then I played a Nago and the intertwined stories just all felt do close to home....including the one with Faust...where he wants to help, but I'm far to stubborn to admit to the problem, and even if I did admit to it...I don't want help. I just want to be left alone.

[@LeBrebaDuh]

For anyone that is interested in the Guilty Gear Lore from the beginnings. Don't be. It has a billion plotholes and inconsistencies and for whatever reason the devs won't remake it so at this point every guilty gear lore nerd has got to turn their head over the guilty gear mantra: "When in doubt. A mage did it."

[@Rairaichan]

I was hoping you would bring up his theme in Strive and I was not disappointed. It really hits on a whole other level. Literally can't sit through it without being brought to tears by the end and I love it every single time.