That's a really good point... why is that however? Is his VO bad? I don't necessarly think so, I did like his delivery lines. Is it because his writing is campy? So was
Jon.
At least to me, I think it is, because how hard games tells you how powerful, scary, and manipulative his is... while he actually does bugger all. Transporting us is impressive but after that he is all bark and no bite. Deal he is selling is so obviously rotten and he sounded like a "used car salesman". As a sinister character (be it classic or modern, like Master Mirror from W3) he is just doesn't make a great first impression - unless, he is supposed to look like someone who postures as someone far bigger and powerful as he actually is. Though, even intentionally humiliated
Loki had more presence.
As no surprise, I am huge David Warner fan and the tone inflexions that he does to convey disdain, arrogance and condescendence are priceless and save all his lines. And he has some good lines too.
I think Raphael VA is very good. And I agree that he sounds like a used car salesman rather than someone negotiating your life. And I think it is multifactorial (writing, directing, Mo cap).. His transformation is more comical than anything. maybe they should invest in his sinister human form more.
It's also a byproduct of this game's pacing being all over the place. Like, the stakes are high but don't feel that way, and therefore Raphael sounds, as Gale puts it, like the one who needs us.
Personally, i think the encounter would have been better if the tone was cooler and Raphael himself more quietly manipulative or just full blown cool dude being cool. Think President Snow from Hunger Games or Al Pacino from Devil's Advocate.
The sneaky devil the companions build him up as, basically.