Soulcalibur IV

Infobox VG
title = Soulcalibur IV


caption =
developer = Project Soul
distributor =
publisher = Namco Bandai
Ubisoft (Europe)
composer = Masaharu Iwata, Jun'ichi Nakatsuru and Keiki Kobayashi
designer =
series = "Soul series"
engine =Havok (game physics)
media = Blu-ray Disc, DVD-DLcite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/search.cfm?search_text=soul+calibur+iv&search_type=title&rss_feeds=|title="Soul Calibur" Page|publisher=GamePro|accessdate=2008-03-21]
released =vgrelease|North America|NA|29 July 2008
vgrelease|Japan|JP|31 July 2008
vgrelease|Australia|AUS|31 July 2008
vgrelease|Europe|EUR|31 July 2008
vgrelease|United Kingdom|UK|1 August 2008

genre = Fighting
modes = Single player, Multiplayer
ratings = ESRB: Teen (T)
PEGI: 16+
CERO: C (15+)
BBFC: 12
platforms = PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
input = Gamepad nihongo|"Soulcalibur IV"|ソウルキャリバーIV|Sourukyaribā Fō is the latest installment in Namco's "Soul" series of fighting games, and was released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on 29 July 2008, in North America, on 31 July 2008, in Japan, Europe, and Australia, and on 1 August 2008, in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Gameplay

Modes

The fourth installment in the "Soulcalibur" series features the familiar Story, Arcade, Training and Museum modes.

A new mode called Tower of Lost Souls has the player fighting special battles in order to gain rewards. [ [http://www.namcobandaigames.com/games/soulcalibur4/features Namco Bandai Games America] ]

Character Creation

Character Creation from "Soulcalibur III" returned in "Soulcalibur IV". Instead of including original weapon styles for use with certain classes of fighters, "SCIV" now only allows players to simply choose which character from the series they would like to have their created character mimic (excluding Algol, bonus characters, and the Star Wars guest characters). This differs from "Soulcalibur III" in that many unique styles were also included, such as Grieve Edge, Katana and Shuriken, Wave Sword, Steel Fan, or Tambourine. Many styles were removed in the transition, and the character creation has been simplified.

A wide array of new pieces of equipment are available for use in "SCIV"'s Character Creation mode, and new options include a wider range of character voices (now with pitch adjustment) and the ability to change a character's general physique and muscularity.

In addition, equipped items now also affect a character's statistics. Armor, weapons, and accessories may increase health, attack or defense; they may also grant skill points that allow the character to equip special traits that affect the character's playstyle. [ [http://www.psu.com/Soul-Calibur-IV-Hands-On-Preview--a0003485-p0.php "Soulcalibur IV" Hands-On Preview] ] These traits range from automatically triggered guard impacts, the ability to cause damage against a blocking opponent, or even a stat increase based on parameters such as an opponent's alignment or gender. Standard characters will also be able to be modified in this way to a modest degree, allowing custom costumes and skill sets to be used in Special VS. mode. Custom characters can still be used in Standard VS. mode, but without any of the special abilities gained through equipment or weapon choice.

At the moment only one profile is allowed for offline versus mode, meaning that only one profile's created characters can be loaded at a time. If a friend comes over with their profile and saved characters, the only way to play with their custom characters is to either log off the other profile, or go through the process of recreating all the characters on the other profile. The game does not recognize two profiles and two save files, only one.

Active Matching Battle

Multi-fighter battles in "Soulcalibur IV" use a different structure from its predecessors, nicknamed Active Matching Battle (AMB). Similar to the tag system of games such as "The King of Fighters 2003", the AMB system allows players to switch to other members of a 'party' of fighters mid battle. Also, instead of starting a new round for each opponent defeated, new opponents will simply run into the battle immediately after a K.O. - with the exception of certain combatants. Matches utilizing the AMB system only appear in the Story and Tower of Lost Souls modes.

Soul Gauge & Critical Finish

"Soulcalibur IV" features an all-new Critical Finish system. Next to a player's Health Meter is a colored gem that represents the "Soul Gauge". The gem changes color when the player guards and is attacked. The color gradually changes from blue to green and eventually to red and then flashing red. The player's own Soul Gauge will regenerate if he or she makes an attack and hits the opponent (guarding or otherwise). If the character manages to empty out the opponent's Soul Gauge, he or she will get a short chance to perform a powerful "Critical Finish" move, which will defeat the opponent instantly, by pressing all four face buttons at the same time. Each character has his or her own personal Critical Finish move. Namco says that it developed the Soul Gauge to decrease the benefits from constant guarding, thus giving the game a faster tempo and making the matches more offensive. [ [http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/soulcaliburiv/news.html?page=1&sid=6189309&part=rss&tag=gs_previews&subj=6189309 GameSpot: "Soulcalibur IV" Updated Hands-On] ]

Force abilities

The Star Wars guest characters, Darth Vader, Yoda and the Apprentice, utilize unique attacks using the Force. Darth Vader is able to utilize Force-based pushes and chokes, Yoda can use the Force to launch himself into the air for complex aerial attacks, and the Apprentice is able to use Force lightning and other dark-side moves. These moves drain a special Force Meter, which recharges gradually when not in use. If the Force Meter is depleted, the player loses control of the character momentarily, at which time Yoda and the Apprentice show signs of fatigue, whereas Darth Vader appears to have malfunctions in his suit. ["Electronic Gaming Monthly" #229 (June 2008)]

Online Battles

For the first time in the series, "Soulcalibur IV" has the option to fight against other players online. Confirmed versus-modes available in online battles are "Standard VS" (for classic matches) and "Special VS" (for customized characters). [ [http://www.namcobandaigames.com/games/soulcalibur4/features Namco Bandai Games America] ] Created characters are playable in the online multiplayer mode. [ [http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3160573 "Soulcalibur IV" Goes Online] at 1UP.com]

Characters

Darth Vader, and Yoda, characters from the "Star Wars" universe, are the playable guest characters. Darth Vader appears on the PlayStation 3, and Yoda on the Xbox 360. The Apprentice, the main protagonist of LucasArts' video game "", also makes an appearance as a playable guest character on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions.

Revenant, [ [http://image.jeuxvideo.com/images/p3/s/o/soc4p3311.jpgRevenant] ] Frederick Schtauffen [ [http://image.jeuxvideo.com/images/p3/s/o/soc4p3267.jpgFrederick Schtauffen] ] [ [http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3168520 "Soulcalibur IV" Character Spotlight: Siegfried" via 1UP.com] ] and several other minor "Soul" series characters make an appearance in battle; most can be made in the Character Creation mode.

Returning characters

Characters are listed in alphabetical order, followed by their weapon of choice.
* Amy - "Rapier"
* Astaroth - "Ono axe"
* Cassandra - "Xiphos sword and aspis shield"
* Cervantes - "Longsword" and "pistol sword
* Ivy - "Snake sword"
* Kilik - "Gun staff"
* Lizardman - "Single-handed axe and aspis shield"
* Maxi - "Nunchaku"
* Mitsurugi - "Katana"
* Nightmare - "Soul Edge zweihänder"
* Raphael - "Rapier"
* Rock - "Mace"
* Seong Mi-na - "Guandao"
* Setsuka - "Iaitō sword hidden within an umbrella"
* Siegfried - "Soul Calibur zweihänder"
* Sophitia - "Xiphos sword and aspis shield"
* Taki - "Dual kodachi"
* Talim - "Tonfa"
* Tira - "Ring Blade"
* Voldo - "Dual katars"
* Xianghua - "Jian"
* Yoshimitsu - "Katana", "Wakizashi", and "Sashimono"
* Yun-seong - "Dao"
* Zasalamel - "War scythe"

New characters

* Algol - "Soul Calibur & Soul Edge"
* Hilde - "Arming sword and spear"

Guest characters

* The Apprentice - "Lightsaber"
* Darth Vader - "Lightsaber" (PlayStation 3 exclusive)
* Yoda - "Lightsaber" (Xbox 360 exclusive)

Bonus characters

* Angol Fear (designed by guest artist Mine Yoshizaki) [cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/372244/new-soul-calibur-iv-character-has-sharp-nipples|title=New "Soul Calibur IV" Character, Has Sharp Nipples|accessdate2008-07-18|publisher=Kotaku|first=Brian|last=Ashcraft] - "Spear"
* Ashlotte (designed by guest artist Oh! great) [cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5009587/new-character-for-soul-calibur-iv-ashlotte|title=New Character for "Soul Calibur IV": Ashlotte|accessdate2008-07-18|publisher=Kotaku|first=Owen|last=Good] - "Halberd"
* Kamikirimusi (designed by guest artist Hirokazu Hisayuki) [cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5022734/soulcalibur-iv-adds-one-more-female-fighter|title="Soulcalibur IV" Adds One More Female Fighter|accessdate2008-07-18|publisher=Kotaku|first=Michael|last=McWhertor] - "Kanabō"
* Scheherazade (designed by guest artist Yutaka Izubuchi) [cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/366758/new-soul-calibur-iv-character|title=New "Soul Calibur IV" Character|accessdate2008-07-18|publisher=Kotaku|first=Brian|last=Ashcraft] - "Rapier"
* Shura (designed by guest artist Hiroya Oku) [cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5009069/soulcalibur-iv-ups-its-ta-quotient-again|title="Soulcalibur IV" Ups Its T&A Quotient Again|accessdate2008-07-18|publisher=Kotaku|first=Michael|last=McWhertor] - "Dual katanas"

Premium Edition

The Premium Edition of "Soulcalibur IV" includes a 48-page softcover art/comic book illustrated in full color, an XL 100% cotton t-shirt, and a tournament chart that allows "fans the opportunity to document the battle amongst friends." This chart is also a poster on the reverse side. It comes in a metal case and was released on the same date as the regular edition. Gamespot also mentions that there will be exclusive access to extra customization content in this version. [ [http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/soulcaliburiv/news.html?sid=6189306 IV Premium Edition Details] at Gamespot.com] The "extra customization content" refers to the automatic unlocking of the "Soul Calibur", "Soul Edge", and joke weapons for each character, as well as clothing items to create a schoolboy or schoolgirl character. In New Zealand, United Kingdom and Australia there will be a Steelbook case edition instead, with bonus DVD containing 4 trailers in HD, 4 wallpapers, exclusive concept art and an exclusive booklet with character biographies.

Downloadable Content

Shortly after the initial release, various downloadable content were made available.

"Soulcalibur 1 Soundtrack" - The original 17 music tracks for "Soulcalibur" were released for 80 Microsoft Points each, or 1,200 for the entire soundtrack. These can be implemented into SCIV via options and integrated into the existing track list.

"Customization Equipment 1" - (100 Microsoft Points or $1.49 on PlayStation Network) Contains nine pieces of equipment that can be equipped to custom fighters or as alternate outfits for existing characters. The items included consist of classic pieces of costumes from "SCI" and "II" for Voldo (helms), Yoshimitsu (mask), Nightmare (helms), and a chest piece for Sophitia. [ [http://xbox360.qj.net/Soul-Calibur-4-gets-music-and-equipment-DLC/pg/49/aid/122827 "Soulcalibur IV" Gets DLC] at 1UP.com] The content is yet to be released in Europe on the PlayStation 3 version.

"Customization Equipment 2" - (200 Microsoft Points) Only available in places lacking the Limited Edition with exclusive equipment, this pack contains items that can be used to make a maid and "school girl" characters for females and a business suit for males.

"Customization Equipment 2" - (150 Microsoft Points or $1.99 on Playstation Network) Only available in places with the Limited Edition, this pack contains Halloween-themed items.

"Customization Equipment 3" - (200 Microsoft Points) Currently only available in places lacking the Limited Edition with exclusive equipment, this pack contains items that can be used to make a sailor fuku schoolgirl costume, and a business suit for females.

Reception

VG Reviews
1UP = A [cite web | title = "Soul Calibur 4" (Xbox 360) | publisher = 1UP.com| url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3168981&p=4&sec=REVIEWS | accessdate = 2008-07-29]
IGN = 8.7 of 10 [cite web | title=IGN: "Soulcalibur IV" Review | url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/894/894583p1.html]
XPlay = 4 of 5 [cite web | title = X-Play "Soul Calibur 4" review | url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1816/SoulCalibur_IV.html | accessdate = 2008-08-05]
PlayStation: The Official Magazine = 4.5 of 5Fact|date=August 2008
EGM = 88.3% [http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/940048.asp]
GSpy = 4.5 of 5 [cite web | title=Gamespy: "Soulcalibur IV" Review | url=http://uk.ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/soulcalibur-iv/895017p1.html]
GSpot = 8.5 of 10 [cite web|title="Soulcalibur IV" Review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/soulcaliburiv/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2008-08-03]
rev1 = zConnection
rev1Score = 86% [cite web |url=http://zconnect.org.uk/?action=review&r=17 |title=Soulcalibur IV |accessdate=2008-09-28 |publisher=zConnection |date=2008-08-21 ]

"Soulcalibur IV" has received mainly positive reviews from most media outlets.

The game was praised for its next-gen graphics, character-creation mode and finally being able to play online. Reviewers also noted that the gameplay is accessible for newcomers and beginners but still has plenty of depth and technicality for veterans and experienced players, including an abundance of single player challenges in Tower of Lost Souls mode. [http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3168981&p=4&sec=REVIEWS] [http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/soulcaliburiv/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review]

There were certain criticisms directed towards the guest characters from the "Star Wars" franchise, with several critics maintaining that their presence was unnatural and that Yoda and The Apprentice in particular were "broken" and "absurd", respectively. Yoda's smaller size (and thus his immunity to grab attacks) is mentioned as one such design problem. [cite news|url=http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/894/894583p2.html|title=IGN Review, p.2|accessdate=8 August|accessyear=2008|last=Clements|first=Ryan|publisher=IGN] Fans were also disappointed at the lack of a Team Versus Mode, which allows two players to fight with up to eight characters each. The mode had been a feature in previous installments of the series yet it is conspicuously absent in "Soulcalibur" "III" and "Soulcalibur" "IV". Critics have described its omission as “baffling” and disappointing.

References

External links

* [http://soulcalibur4.namcobandaigames.com/ Official English website]
* [http://www.soularchive.jp/SC4/index.html Official Japanese website]
* [http://www.namcobandaigames.com/games/soulcalibur4/ "Soulcalibur IV"] at NamcoBandai.com
* [http://www.whatswithinyoursoul.com/ Official Namco Bandai Promotion site]
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