Character from classic, 1999, Sega Dreamcast 3D fighting game Soul Calibur, by Namco. One of over a dozen colorful characters, Lizardman was a large, armored, scalp-locked
lizard who walked erect and carried a sword and shield. He communicated to his opponents on the "Stage of
History" through grunts, snarls, roars and gestures.
In 2000, in a
house just off-campus from Syracuse University where Soul Calibur tournaments were a daily staple, it occurred to one of the players that Lizardman's inarticulation might be a source of angst for the warrior reptile. It also occurred to this
player that Lizardman's outsider status could give him a source of strength. Finally, it was collectively decided in the
house that Lizardman's bittersweet dilemma was best expressed through early-1980s Glam and Heavy
Metal.
In 2001, a
two-minute song of questionable musical taste, based on the chord progression of Danzig anthem "Mother," was recorded in honor of Lizardman. Mercifully elusive, it can be found in MP3 format.
"Lizardman? No one understands him."
Lizardman/Lizardman/No one understands you/No one
sees your moves when they'
re comin'/They
don't know how to defend/Against your "unblockable move"
