Soul Calibur IV

Developer: NAmco Bandai
Format: Xbox 360, PS3
Genre: Action

Hack, slash and next gen polish

We love Soul Calibur games. The series has long defined the very cutting edge of beat 'em ups, thanks in no small part to gorgeous graphics, slick combos, interactive landscapes and devastating weaponry.

The latest installment, due this summer courtesy of veteran publisher Namco Bandai, looks set to be the best yet. Soul Calibur IV offers an entirely new battle system that promises to revolutionise the fighting game genre. Featuring an expanded customisation mode, the game allows players to personalize a character to look and perform as they desire.

Also, for the first time in the franchise, customised characters or original favorites can be taken online to challenge others for the top spot of this classic series. Developed by Project Soul, the legendary team behind Soul Blade and Soul Calibur I-III, Soul Calibur IV is set to reinvent the brand and reintroduce the fighting genre to new and existing fans alike.

And that's not all. News recently leaked that exclusive Star Wars characters will be available to play - depending which console you have. Darth Vadar and Yoda will appear on the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions respectively.

With a feature-heavy online mode planned to accompany the high street release, we have at least one very good reason to not go out too much in the summer. A release is scheduled for August.

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