soulcalibur
Latest
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.
Rumor: Soulcalibur to hit XBLA next week
It looks like our crazy Xbox.com page theory might be right after all. According to the Japanese product page for the Xbox Live Arcade release of the original Soulcalibur, Namco Bandai has scheduled the classic fighter for release next week. Of course this date could change like so many delayed XBLA titles before it have but international page leaks usually pan out for release dates. Clocking in at 800MS Points, Soulcalibur (XBLA) includes the standard HD upgrade and LIVE leaderboard support other retro revivals see but Namco Bandai has confirmed the title will not include online multiplayer support. While we still have fond memories of the 1999 Dreamcast release, we scratch our heads at the decision to opt out of the online versus upgrade. With Soul Calibur IV on the horizon we wonder, what's the point? Hopefully Namco Bandai will revisit the release and upgrade it with online support much like they did Tekken: Dark Resurrection for the PSN. But, we're not holding our breath.
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.
Schizoid, Soulcalibur pages appear on Xbox.com
Our frenemies at Xbox 360 Fanboy have noticed an interesting trend: Pages appear for games at Xbox.com, then they're the next XBLA games released. Seriously, it's happened twice. If we're in for a repeat performance, you can expect fighting classic Soulcalibur and former XNA title Schizoid to appear on the service next week, as pages for both have been discovered on the site. As developer Torpex has already said Schizoid is due next month, which would lend a little credence to the rumor, though Soulcalibur remains a wild card. The the suspense is all but unbearable, but at least we know it will end Monday when the real additions are revealed. Source -- Schizoid Source -- Soulcalibur %Gallery-1947% Gallery: Soulcalibur (XBLA)
Xbox.com pages appear: Soulcalibur & Schizoid
It happened this week. And a while before that too. Hows about next week? Well if the trend continues as it has next week's XBLA releases will be dictated by this week's newly arrived xbox.com pages. The twin appearances in this case are Soulcalibur and Schizoid, the classic weapons-based fighter and the neon-colored co-op shooter, respectively. While Soulcalibur didn't ever really have much of a rumored release date to help corroborate this thing, Schizoid is set to release sometime in July, so we could definitely see the pattern continue next week. And as always, thar be screenshots! %Gallery-26192% %Gallery-14316% [Source, Soulcalibur] [Source, Schizoid]
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]
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.
Soul Calibur IV gameplay video dump
In addition to yesterday's cinematic trailer, which gave us a fantastic look at the game's three combatants from a galaxy far, far away, a plethora of gameplay videos for Soul Calibur IV also recently made their way into GameTrailer's expansive archives. Other than the addition of a few new characters and a graphical overhaul, it's tough to pick out any changes that Namco Bandai has incorporated into their armament-rich fighting franchise -- we suppose the Soul Calibur series has adopted the official mantra of the fighting genre: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The above preview and those embedded after the jump certainly don't look broken, and have imbued in us an insatiable hunger for well-timed counters, guard impacts, and incredibly overdramatic dialogue.
Soulcalibur IV trailer focuses on gameplay
Namco's Soulcalibur IV is finally inching closer to release. This newly released trailer focuses on gameplay, showing off how the fights will look when you're playing the game. Also included in this trailer is the new character Hilde.
First shots of Soul Calibur XBLA
click to enlarge In all of our Spring Showcase excitement, it looks like we managed to overlook some major items not related to Microsoft Game Studios titles. For example, we missed these super sexy shots of Soul Calibur, Namco's seminal fighter that will soon arrive on Xbox Live Arcade. Anyone who played the game way back in the Dreamcast days will be right at home. The port isn't quite up to the original's quality (the character models look like they might not be sporting as many polygons), but overall the game looks solid and faithful. Check out the images in the gallery below, and just remember that Mitsurugi is the best, hands down. [Via Joystiq] Gallery: Soul Calibur (XBLA)
First screens: Soul Calibur for XBLA looking sharp
click to enlarge Been wondering what Namco's classic Sega Dreamcast fighter (and, as many would say, system seller) is going to look like when it hits Xbox Live Arcade this summer? So have we! Fortunately, before we had to storm down to Namco Bandai HQ, faux plastic swords in hand, they hit us up with these shiny first screens highlighting what to expect. We've laid down our arms, but our anticipation level has certainly picked up. The screens show a port that looks decidedly crisper than the original, although featuring the same poly-count for the models and backgrounds. And what's with that "Insert Coin" stuff? Shouldn't it be "Insert Microsoft Points?" More on this odds-on, must-download (sure to take up a good chunk of your HDD or memory unit) as it breaks. %Gallery-22978%
Soulcalibur IV gets another big-breasted, scantily clad character
A new female character wearing a horned-skull and a thong has been revealed for Soulcalibur IV. The new character named Shura, seen in blurry magazine photos, is yet another collaborative design by non-Namco anime artists. The creator of the manga series Gantz, Hiroya Oku, sculpted this new vixen's noticeable curves. The only other thing we know about this new character is that it appears she'll be wielding two katana blades for her Soulcalibur debut.With Soulcalibur IV aiming for a July 29 release in North America, we're wondering if there will be anymore new character reveals to come. And if so, then which anime artist will be called upon for the design? Can we please have Osamu Tezuka for an Astro Boy-esque character?[Via N4G]
Here's a better look at Soulcalibur IV's latest cast entries
Click for high-resolution image. It was only a few days ago that we posted about the latest trio returning to Soulcalibur IV: Talim, Rock, and Yoshimitsu. Today, we have all new high-resolution images of these characters and friends. So, check out both the new screenshots and concept art in the galleries below. %Gallery-4984%%Gallery-7829%
Returning Soul Calibur IV fighters: Rock, Talim, Yoshimitsu
"Hello, you've reached the Namco Bandai slash Bandai Namco offices. How can I help you?""Hi, we'd like to speak to the Soul Calibur IV designer, please.""Is this Joystiq? Again?""No. Yes. Sorry.""I told you to stop phoning. We are never, never, ever going to put Snuffleupagus into the game.""Not even as DLC?""Sir, do you have a legitimate request for him? He's quite busy with intensive mammary modeling.""Just one: Tell him it would rock if he would introduce Yoshi to Sue in the game.""Alright, by 'legitimate,' I meant something that would actually make sense.""TALIM it would ROCK if he could have YOSHI MEET SUE. In Soul Calibur IV.""Who are Yoshi and Sue?""No no, Yoshimitsu. It's sort of a pun, you see. There's also --""Let me stop you there, sir. Was there something, perhaps an unexplained supernatural force or the imminent threat of death, that prevented you from asking the question like a normal human being?""Oh, come on! Humor is Taki that opens the door to a healthy relationship. Yoda last one I should have to explain this to and ... what was that clicking sound? Hello? Are you still there?"[Via PS3 Fanboy]
More SC IV characters revealed: Rock, Talim, Yoshimitsu
This update is the cherry on our hot fudge sundae. While we've already seen the majority of Soulcalibur alumni return to Soulcalibur IV, we've yet to gander upon these three combatants. Rock, Talim, and Yoshimitsu are all making their way back into the fourth game. While this isn't a surprise, it's always exciting to get that first look.Rock's axe/mace swinging and stylish animal hide headgear is always welcomed, and Talim's quick-as-wind tonfas never fail as far as fun factor goes. Yoshimitsu's seashell-themed design is a little strange, but it's not a big deal. Check out the rest of the pics at Famitsu.
Soulcalibur IV 'tournament kit' revealed -- most disappointing
Were you hoping for a totally awesome Soulcalibur IV package when you heard they had a "tournament kit" ready for your consumption with the limited edition release? Sorry to burst your bubble, but it seems the secret tourney item has been revealed. It's a bracket card. Yep. A card and nothing more.What is interesting is the varied t-shirt content with the game. PS3 owners will get a black shirt featuring Darth Vader and Mitsurugi, whereas the 360 owners get a white shirt with Yoda and Siegfried. Both shirts only come in size XL, because come on, what's the stereotype for video gamers? That's right -- we all love Star Wars, too. Don't be rude.
Soul Calibur IV's Premium 'tournament kit' explained
Remember when we told you about all the goodies available in Soul Calibur IV's $79.99 "Premium Edition?" Surely you recall the self-explanatory collector's tin, the comic slash artbook and the "extra customization content." But what of the "tournament kit," that nebulous bonus which we, after several heartfelt attempts, simply could not explain to ourselves? Clearly sensing the many sleepless nights prompted by this enigma, Siliconera has revealed just how the tournament kit will, according to Namco Bandai, "give fans the opportunity to document the battle amongst friends." It's ... it's ... (highlight to read) a tournament bracket card!Oh.
Rumor: Soulcalibur IV may feature 'equipment destruction'
It's just a phrase, but "equipment destruction" can mean a lot of things. For Soulcalibur IV, it doesn't just refer to disarming your opponent, but cracking through their armor Valkyrie Profile 2 style to get to their weakpoints. So to speak. Apparently, the idea exists that you'll be able to chip away at Hilde's armor and break down Siegfried's mail. But, as Siliconera pointed out, not all characters in Soulcalibur really wear all that much. A lot of characters wear fabric outfits, while others seem to wear an outfit made completely of dental floss. So it's anyone's guess if this concept comes to fruition, but it's absolutely on the table.
Soulcalibur IV media blowout: screens, video
Click for high-resolution image. You may know that Darth Vader is one of the new characters in the upcoming Soulcalibur IV, but Namco Bandai showed off even more fighters in yesterday's media event. Angol is an incredibly cute fairy-esque female fighter, that's more than eager to beat you with a giant stick. The hard-to-spell Scheherazade looks like a character that's one part Zelda, and one part Folklore. You can check out both these new characters in our updated gallery, filled with high resolution images.Feel free to check out a new video, after the cut.%Gallery-4984%
