soulcalibur
Latest
Namco scales down Ivy's polygons, not her 'size' for Broken Destiny
Expect the upcoming PSP-exclusive Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny to have less polygons than its console counterpart, Soulcalibur IV; however, this doesn't mean a drop in the quality "visuals" the series has become known for. Namco recently showed off a comparison of the two Soulcaliburs, using Ivy and her voluptuous form to show off the seemingly lossless quality.It appears that Broken Destiny will use not more than half the polygon count of Soulcalibur IV. The graphical disparities appear to affect clothing textures and shadow/lightning effects most of all. Still, with the PSP's relatively small screen it won't be too noticeable. That, and you'd be looking elsewhere, we think.
Portable Soulcalibur keeps things big
Click Ivy to see more pictures. As you can see in these new screenshots, Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny isn't giving up the graphical detail found in the console games. No, Ivy is well-endowed with ... polygons. It reminds us that although PSP may be a handheld device, it can pump out truly spectacular graphics so long as developers do the breast they can.%Gallery-51401%
Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny trailer transcends PSP graphical abilities
Whoa, what kind of demon magic did Namco Bandai use to pull off the graphics of Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny? We know developers are squeezing more and more power out of the aging PSP, but we can't help but be amazed at the fidelity of this handheld game. Could this best Soulcalibur Legends? Oh, we think so.%Gallery-51401%
One more thing: Soulcalibur Broken Destiny heading to PSP
Wait, Namco Bandai wasn't done announcing PSP games. Just an hour after their Tekken 6 announcement, the company also revealed a brand new Soulcalibur game for the handheld. Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny is a PSP-exclusive version of Soulcalibur IV. Gone are the Star Wars bonus characters, but in their stead will be at least one new character: Dampiere.Broken Destiny will feature all the dressings of a console fighter, with arcade, versus and survival modes. New to the PSP version will be a new single-player mode meant for beginners struggling to learn the intricacies of the battle system. It will function, essentially, as an enhanced tutorial mode.The PSP version will also feature new lighting effects that allow players to fight in stages at different times of day. Other gameplay components, such as the critical finish and armor destruction are also supposedly improved. Finally, Broken Destiny will offer Ad-Hoc wireless play, although according to Gamespot, Infrastructure might be a possibility. Expect Soulcalibur to hit your no-longer-defunct PSP this summer.
The soul still burns? Namco Bandai registers EXCALIBUR trademark
Companies like to keep secrets, hiding their upcoming projects from the general public until the marketing and PR stars align. However, leaks can come from a variety of sources: ESRB database listings, early achievement reveals, and trademark registrations. NeoGAF's Stormbringer has compiled a list of new Japanese trademarks and one entry in particular caught our attention: Namco Bandai's EXCALIBUR.While the trademark in question could be a reference to the classic story of King Arthur, we can't help but remember another popular Namco Bandai franchise: Soulcalibur (yes, it's one word). Could Namco Bandai be looking into creating a spin-off series of the popular fighting game? An even more dramatic possibility: the franchise will be donning an entirely new name. Let's not forget, the first game in the franchise was called Soul Edge, not Soulcalibur.
Tales of the World gets Soulcalibur-themed DLC
The currently Japan-only PSP RPG, Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 2, is growing far beyond just the Tales universe. The all-star lineup of Namco Bandai stars expands in new downloadable content, which allows players to get costumes from Soulcalibur and Legend of Valkyrie. According to Siliconera, most of these costumes have been free.We're pretty certain that Namco Bandai will bring this game over to the US, DLC intact. It seems as though PSP owners will need to get ready for a new era of DLC and microtransactions.
Yoda appearing as Soulcalibur IV DLC, will cost $5
SHOCK! Namco Bandai has just announced that Xbox 360's exclusive Soulcalibur IV character, Yoda, will be available as DLC on the PS3. We totally didn't see this coming.The DLC pack will be available next Thursday, October 23rd, and will cost $4.99. Xbox 360 owners will be able to access the PS3-exclusive character, Darth Vader, for 400 Microsoft Points.
Soul Calibur IV burns two million souls worldwide
Namco Bandai's ridiculously cross-branded Soul Calibur IV has cut a deep swath into retail shelves worldwide, shipping not one million units but two since its July 29 debut. Still, and not to make an example out of you, Namco, but really all of this chest puffery over units shipped is a bit overblown. It's like bragging about how many pencils you threw at the ceiling, rather than what's really important, namely how many stuck. Then again, we imagine it's difficult to look up and count while you're ducking under the desk from falling profits.
Snake versus Raiden: the SCIV user generated match
The character creation tools of Soulcalibur IV look to be rather robust. Kotaku's CB has created facsimiles of our favorite Metal Gear Solid characters, Snake and Raiden, using the in-game system. While not 100% spot-on, these renders do add a distinct Metal Gear flair to the classic fighter. Seeing these two fighting on the Death Star with Soulcalibur weapons ... well, that's the kind of stuff fanfics are made of.[Thanks, Gambit07!]
Yoda as DLC for Soulcalibur IV, says Korean PlayStation site
Over the weekend, a video of Darth Vader and Yoda fighting each other in Soulcalibur IV was leaked onto the internet (and then it was subsequently pulled). Currently, Darth Vader lives only on the PS3 version, while Yoda lives only on the Xbox 360 version. Could Namco Bandai be planning DLC which unlocks the famed Star Wars characters in both versions? It would make a lot of sense, wouldn't it?According to the Korean PlayStation site, Yoda will be available for download from the PSN. That sounds like DLC to us. While Namco Bandai hasn't confirmed anything yet, we wouldn't be surprised if Yoda (and who knows what other characters) ended up appearing in Soulcalibur IV.[Via Siliconera; Image via GamersReports]
Shipping this week: Now with more Yoda edition
This is it folks, this week officially marks the release of Soul Calibur IV. You may recall SCIV as the weapons based fighter that features not only ridiculously proportioned female fighters but also Yoda. The Playstation 3 version gets Darth Vader himself, though he may be Force choking his way to the 360 if rumors are to be believed. Also on the release this week are Spectral Force 3 and Summer Athletics The Ultimate Challenge. Spectral Force 3 is a Japanese strategy RPG and Summer Athletics The Ultmate Challenge is ... well, honestly, we have no idea. Looking at the title, we'd say someone is looking to cash in on the Olympic Games.[Via Joystiq]
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]
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."
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]
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.
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!]
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Soulcalibur
This week's XBLA in Brief examines Soulcalibur, the latest release for Xbox Live Arcade. Truly one of the best 3D fighting games ever made, it still shines on XBLA. There's only one problem: it doesn't support online play. Watch this week's episdoe and find out whether or not it's still worth the scratch. [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon). [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
Soulcalibur stabs XBLA through the heart
Looking for an upgraded fighting game with no widescreen support, online or modes to unlock? No? Well, if you change your mind Soulcalibur is now available on the Xbox Live Arcade. The classic fighter dropped as the lone release for the Arcade (as far as an actual game goes) and will hit your digital wallet up for 800 MS space-creds. Preparing gamers for the forthcoming Soul Calibur IV, the HD upgraded classic is a mixed bag. Probably one of the best fighters of its time, the XBLA exclusive feels so stripped down it would be more at home propped up on cinder blocks. Which sucks because it's still a rad game.
This Wednesday: Soulcalibur still burns on XBLA
OK, so not so much a surprise on the XBLA front this week, since we brought you the rumor last week that Soulcalibur would likely be released soon on the service. (It'll be there this Wednesday for 800 points [$10]). But hey, Schizoid wasn't released like we thought it would be, so that's kind of a surprise, right? Not like, a great one, but a surprise all the same. In other surprises that won't necessarily have you vibrating with glee, Wits and Wagers will be getting 280 new questions this week for 320 MS points ($4). In case, you know, you played it so many times that you ran out of questions.
Soulcalibur bloodies up the XBLA this Wednesday
Sometimes rumors turn out to be true, and in the case of Soulcalibur making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday ... well, that's true. Just today, Microsoft announced that on the morning of Wednesday, July 2nd, old-school Soulcalibur will be releasing to the XBLA at the 800 Microsoft price point. Included in this XBLA version of Soulcalibur will be all nineteen fighters, leaderboards, versus play and over eight game modes to experience in gorgeous high definition. Enough to make any fanboy shed a tear of happiness. Not only will we be treated to Soulcalibur this week, but XBLA game Wits and Wagers will be receiving a 320 MS point expansion that adds an additional 280 questions to the mix. Make the jump for the official press release. %Gallery-26192%
