Soul Calibur IV
Xbox 360, PS3
Classification: M
RRP: $110
Rating: 4/5
A decade on, the soul still burns. This is another outstanding fighting game in the much-loved series with a deep, lasting challenge and stunning presentation.
But the lack of innovation could cause many gamers to shrug their shoulders in apathy. It is also easy to be cynical about the inclusion of Star Wars characters, who seem wildly out of place in the 16th century fantasy setting.
PS3 owners can fight as Darth Vader, Xbox 360 users can wield a lightsaber as Yoda, while both versions of the game feature Vader's "secret apprentice" from the upcoming Force Unleashed game.
The most welcome additions are online play and extensive character customisation. You can create characters from scratch or just tinker with weapons and clothing that affect your fighter's attributes and abilities, including health recovery, unblockable attacks and even temporary invisibility.
Customised brawlers can be taken into the fray online, and as long as you choose your opponents wisely, matches can be lag-free. It's a shame the online options are so limited, though.
The game features arcade and story modes but solo players will probably spend most of their time in the new Tower of Lost Souls trying to defeat multiple opponents.
Special challenges provide the opportunity to win virtual gold, armour and weapons, often demanding the use of customised pugilists.
Beginners can immediately have fun and perform dazzling moves but careful timing and defence become important against skilled adversaries.
Just don't rely on blocking too much, or you might lose your armour.
The flesh-flashing might seem like a tawdry gimmick but removing an opponent's protective helmet, breastplate or even trousers ensures that repeated strikes in that region are even more damaging.
A perfectly timed special strike can also deliver a fatal blow, severely punishing overly defensive tactics.
- Review by Jason Hill for The Age.You can view the trailer here on TheVine.