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Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of July 27th
Soulcalibur IV gets its worldwide release this week. If you're not into weapon based fighting games with a Star Wars twist, there's very little else that might interest you. By "very little" we do, of course, mean "nothing." If you live in Europe, however, you might be interested in knowing that a bunch of Platinum titles are being released this week. All of these five games are well worth their new £20 price, despite the yucky yellow packaging. Here's the full release list:US Games Soulcalibur IV EU Games Soulcalibur IV Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Platinum) Heavenly Sword (Platinum) MotorStorm (Platinum) Resistance: Fall of Man (Platinum) Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools Of Destruction (Platinum) Asian Games Soulcalibur IV Beijing Olympics 2008 Protip: Play.com have cut £2 off their Platinum price for the full range. £18 for Uncharted or Ratchet & Clank? You'd be mad not to. Release dates are constantly subject to change, so check with your local retailer if you're concerned.
Rumor: Vader DLC bringing dark side to Xbox 360 Soul Calibur IV
Never mind that we totally caught Yoda and Vader face to face in a Soul Calibur IV trailer months ago, Namco Bandai's official line has remained: Yoda is in the Xbox 360 version, Darth Vader in the PlayStation 3 one. While some of us assumed both characters could be unlocked in either version (except Ludwig, he pre-ordered both editions just to be safe), Namco Bandai has apparently come up with a better idea. Why not sell Darth Vader as DLC to Xbox 360 owners? (And presumably, why not pimp out Yoda to PS3 players?)GamersReports has allegedly obtained another "quality exclusive" in three screenshots that depict Vader as a selectable character in the Xbox 360 version of Soul Calibur IV. To be fair, the report only suggests that Vader would be offered as an "add-on download" and does not specify whether or not that would be paid content or a fan service freebie. The site adds, "No word on when, or even if ever it will be released." Oh the suspense![Thanks, alvin]
Deal of the Day: Soulcalibur IV Hori Fighting Stick $42
Those of you who were on the fence about the Soulcalibur Limited Edition Fighting Stick 3 by Hori last month might want to reconsider the peripheral again: the price has been reduced $8 to $41.99. Not too bad for a newly released product. We are aware there are some higher-end fighting sticks around, but at this price range, this particular one is unbeatable. With Soulcalibur IV arriving in stores a week from today, order one now and you might just have it ready when you bring the game home.[Via CAG]
No Soulcalibur IV demo before official release
If you were so looking forward to a Soulcalibur IV demo out before the game's release on July 29, then get ready for disappointment. Namco reps at E3 have stated that a demo of the game won't be available until after release. As to when that demo would be available, the only response received was that it would appear some time "down the road." Last time we checked, Soulcalibur IV was a 'first day purchase' kind of game; by then, who needs a demo?In related news, a press release sent out earlier today cordially announced that Soulcalibur IV had gone gold. There's only 12 days left Soulcalibur fans -- only 12 more days.
Soul Calibur IV demo coming 'down the road'
Fighting fans hoping for a pre-launch lightsaber throw down will wait until Soul Calibur IV cuts into retail shelves later this month, as Namco Bandai informs us that a demo for the game won't be available until after the game is released.According to reps manning the company's E3 room, the devs are currently putting all of their effort towards getting the game ready for its release for the PS3 and Xbox 360 on July 29. As for what and when exactly we can expect from the demo when it's finally released, Namco Bandai wouldn't say, teasing only that it'll be available sometime "down the road."
Algol officially joins the Soulcalibur IV roster
Despite appearing in the Soulcalibur IV UbiDays 2008 Transcendence trailer, Algol didn't become official until today. Heralded as the "strongest character ever in SC series" by character designer Hideo Yoshie, Algol possesses the Soul Calibur on his left hand and the Soul Edge on his right. He can also fly in the air and has ten kinds of weapons built into his body. Algol's armor is of a bird motif and originated in an ancient kingdom lost to the sands of time. While the above picture shows Algol when he was still human, his hair color change signifies his transformation into something more.%Gallery-4984%
PS3 Soulcalibur IV pre-orders trumping competition
According to online retailer amazon.com (data collected by PunchJump), Namco Bandai's upcoming fighter, Soulcalibur IV has been far more popular on PS3 than on the Xbox 360. Pre-orders for the fighter have been impressive on Sony's console. The PS3 versions of the game have amassed 72% of sales (52% premium, 20% regular edition) compared to the 360 versions' combined 28%.Such impressive numbers show that a third-party title can perform just as well, if not better, on PS3 than on Xbox 360. What can account for such an impressive showing by PlayStation fans? Could it be the series regulars from the PS2, the superior D-Pad, or the dark allure of Darth Vader over Yoda?[Via N4G]
Soulcalibur IV HD install size: 2.85GB with 2MB+ saves
Despite earlier reports of a mandatory hard drive install of more gargantuan proportions, a scan of the back cover of the Japanese version of Soulcalibur IV shows much more reasonable requirements. The mandatory install itself will be 2,850MB or 2.85GB while a save file will start at 2048KB or 2MB. Obviously, the more characters you create, the more space it is going to take up on your hard drive. Does this seem more reasonable to you guys? Do you still mind sacrificing some HD space for faster load times? Or still hoping developers eliminate them altogether?[Thanks, Emophia!]
Soulcalibur IV screenshots show modes and extras
There are 38 new screenshots of the PS3 version of Soulcalibur IV over at Dengeki Online, showcasing all the modes in the game. Under the banner of single player we have Story, Soulless Tower, Arcade and Training modes. Under VS Mode, you will have the choice of Standard or Special mode, depending on whether you want customized characters thrown into the mix. Extras are also highlighted, with Character Creation mode and Museum, which appears to give the player access to relationship charts, bios and pictures. There's even some old-fashioned manga funnies at the end. All are only a click away right here.[Via Kotaku]
Video: Soul Calibur IV's Star Destroyer stage
Fighting game characters have long been accompanied by their own personal arenas, and that's proving true for the Star Wars combatants appearing in Soul Calibur IV. The game was on display at the recent Anime Expo 2008, where attendees got a first glimpse at a fighting ground from a galaxy far, far away.In this particular case, it's Darth Vader's stomping (and lightsaber-ing) ground: the docking bay of an Imperial Star Destroyer. No sign of Yoda's yet, but we're hoping for Degobah, the Jedi Council chambers, or Frank Oz's dressing room.[Thanks, iChristy!]
One more anime-inspired soul for Soulcalibur IV
The anime invasion of Soulcalibur IV is relentless. It never ceases to end; with now having the fifth character revealed, how many more does Namco plan on adding? The latest anime-inspired, original combatant to join the roster is Kamikirimusi. She's some sort of half-demon and is a creation from Hirokazu Hisayuki whose previous works have included The Visions of Escaflowne and Tekken: The Movie.As we've mentioned in previous posts, all the new anime cameo characters are female. None are male. Perhaps, that's a good thing as it balances out the very male-centric Star Wars cameo cast (Vader and his apprentice for the PS3 version). With Soulcalibur IV's release only three weeks away, it's a wonder what other stuff Namco will hit us with next.
Kratos will not be in Soulcalibur IV
48:40. That's amount of time into yesterday's 1UP Yours podcast that reveals Kratos will not be in Soulcalibur IV. They have been playing the game on both Xbox 360 and PS3 (though Yoda is mentioned immediately after the Kratos comment, they do speak of Darth Vader later) and they do not see Kratos in it. Unless there is some last minute change, which is unlikely, Kratos will not be in the main game. Sorry kids! Let's all hope for something in the form of DLC then, shall we?[Via N4G]
Soulcalibur IV UK pre-order goodies at Game
Fans of Soulcalibur IV in the United Kingdom are getting a pretty sweet pre-order deal. If you order with Game, you will receive their exclusive package which includes the following: a metal case, booklet with character biographies and a bonus DVD containing 4 trailers in HD, 4 wallpapers and concept art. A look around online retailers shows the same price of £39.99 if you pre-order at Amazon or Play.com, so this seems perfect for any fans of the game.[Via X3F][Note: Apparently you can get £3 off if you enter in coupon code "modgamer" at checkout, which results in a price of £36.99. Thanks jgpliskin!]
Soul Calibur IV will have some sort of tag team
The latest Famitsu, according to translations from intrepid Cheap Ass Gamer forum goers, includes some brand new information on the upcoming Namco Bandai fighter Soul Calibur IV. Of the newly revealed details, the most intriguing is that the game is set to include some kind of "character swapping" which immediately evokes the image of tag team battles seen in many other fighting games of years past. The strange part is that the swapping elements are only mentioned in regards to the single-player game. It's hard to imagine implementing a tag feature without incorporating it into multiplayer, but we'll just have to wait and see.The article also includes details on the game's character creation mode as well as a few more technical aspects of the fighting itself. Hit the Source link to check it out.[Via Joystiq]
Soul Calibur IV getting tag teams of some kind
When Soul Calibur's cadre of fighters cut their way onto the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this July in North America, they will do so in pairs. The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that the game will feature tag team elements in order to "perform combos" based on an on-screen meter that depletes as characters continue to test the bonds of friendship.However, according to crack CAG translators, it remains unknown to what extent "character swapping" will be featured in Soul Calibur IV. The article interestingly only mentions the mechanic in reference to the game's single player mode, and that "teammates may suddenly join and leave at the end of the battle." We can't imagine that Namco Bandai would be so shortsighted as to leave something like this out of the game's versus mode. Still, we imagine that just the idea of Darth Vader conquering the galaxy shoulder to shoulder with top-heavy Taki (or Ivy, or Cassandra, or...) is enough to get fan fiction writers reaching for the keyboard and a change of pants.
Soulcalibur IV's story mode to feature tag-team swapping
The latest issue of everyone's favorite Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu has revealed that the upcoming fighter Soulcalibur IV will feature "character swapping" -- switching characters in the middle of battle a la Marvel vs. Capcom -- in its single-player story mode. A meter on the lower part of the screen will allow you perform combos using this mechanic. Strangely, there is no mention of this feature in vs. mode. A ton of other features are revealed, some of the more note-worthy ones are those of the Create a Soul mode, which will allow you have "50 character slots", with 20 parts of every character editable, "complete freedom for use of parts, color change, and cloth combinations," adjustable "body build and muscle" and ability to modify the character's voice. You can even buy parts and equipment to make your newly created character even more unique. Information is also presented on the fighting mechanics like guard impact, instant impact, an armor bar, and something called soul impact: you attack an opponent until their health meter is red, then force them to block, and "when opponent is soul impacted, enter the heavy finish command to execute," noting that "performing soul impact is a victory, regardless of circumstances." Another feature discussed is the Soulless Tower mode; but to us it sounds suspiciously like the Konquest Mode from Mortal Kombat: Deception. Full details are available at 1UP and the Famitsu scan can be seen at the forums of Cheap Ass Gamer.
Rumor: Kratos may be in Soulcalibur IV
If 1UP's mysterious Quartermann is to be believed, the PS3 version of Soulcalibur IV may be a rather dark, broody, angst-ridden fighter. Not only will the PS3 version exclusively feature Star Wars' Darth Vader, it may also feature God of War's always-angry Kratos. The character would make an excellent and logical addition to the Namco Bandai fighter, thanks to his over-the-top weapons-based moves. If he's not included in the upcoming fighter, we can only blame one thing: his chest is clearly not large enough.Soulcalibur IV is coming out next month, so all will be revealed in due time.[Via Joystiq]
Rumor: Kratos in PS3 version of Soul Calibur IV
The God of War may be making a guest appearance in Soul Calibur IV if EGM's Quartermann is to be believed. 1Up reveals that its sister-publication's resident rumormonger anticipates Kratos will be in the PlayStation 3 version of the game. Kratos, meet Darth Vader. Quartermann apparently doesn't go into whether Microsoft will have its own mascot to keep Yoda and the "Dark Apprentice" company on the Xbox 360's SC IV guest roster. Considering the game is due out next month, this rumor should reveal its veracity shortly.
Soulcalibur IV Limited Edition Fighting Stick available for pre-order
We've reported on this before, but those of you who are impatiently waiting for Soulcalibur IV can curb your anticipation slightly by pre-ordering this official Soulcalibur Limited Edition Fighting Stick 3 by Hori. This limited edition peripheral will be released on June 24th and retails for $49.99, which is the same as the regular ol' Fighting Stick, so if you are a fan of Soul Calibur IV or fighting games in general, we'd say this is a must-have. Though you are going to have to play other fighting games with it for now, since Soulcalibur IV itself won't be released till a little over a month later, on July 29th.
Hori bringing Soulcalibur arcade sticks to US
In preparation of Namco Bandai's upcoming fighting game, Hori is set to release an arcade pad in the US. There are a few things of note of this peripheral, as noted by Siliconera. Firstly, the PS3 pad is only $50 (as opposed to the Xbox 360's $60 controller). Secondly, Hori hasn't announced plans to bring this to Japan. Could the tables have finally turned? Strange!Hardcore fighting fans swear by arcade pads, opting not to use standard controllers. We'll see if Soulcalibur IV dominates the competitive fighting scene when it releases at the end of next month.
