Soulcalibur V
Encyclopedia
is the upcoming sixth installment in Namco
's Soul
series of fighting game
s, and will be released for the PlayStation 3
and Xbox 360
in 2012. The game will take place 17 years after the events of Soulcalibur IV
. The main protagonist
is Patroklos, the son of Soul series veteran Sophitia
, while her daughter, Pyrrha is the deuteragonist
. The only revealed guest character so far is Ezio Auditore da Firenze from the Assassin's Creed
series.
that "SC is back!". In late April 2011, Odashima tweeted again saying "Hopefully I will be able to announce something mid May." So far, 22 characters have been confirmed officially.
In addition to the 8 Way Run (introduced in the first Soulcalibur title), characters can now briskly sidestep around their opponent by double-tapping up or down.
The Guard Impact feature of the previous Soul series titles has been altered, now requiring holding away from the opponent and pushing horizontal slash, vertical slash, and kick together (as opposed to forward and guard). The Guard Impact will now repel any unblockable attack regardless of height, removing the need to anticipate the attack height of the aggressor. Guard Impacts require a segment of the Critical Meter to execute. Parries have been removed from the engine entirely.
A new defensive maneuver called "Just Guard" replaces the traditional Guard Impact technique. Tapping guard at the precise moment of an opponent's attack will result in a 'perfect' guard and considerably shortening the amount of delay that the character must wait before retaliating. This will allow players to respond to attacks quickly and with less consequence than a missed Guard Impact of previous installments (as mistiming a Guard Impact would not protect the character whereas a missed Just Guard will still provide defense without the advantage).
Ring Outs now add an extra layer of depth on certain stages, as knocking an opponent from the ring will result in both characters falling down into a new arena to continue the fight.
on October 22, 2011 that a collector's edition of Soulcalibur V will be released on the same day and date as the standard edition. The CE of the game is in a book-like package and contains the game, CD game music soundtrack, art book, making-of DVD and exclusive White and Dark Knight character creation DLC.
Namco
is a Japanese corporation best known as a former video game developer and publisher. Following a merger with Bandai in September 2005, the two companies' game production assets were spun off into Namco Bandai Games on March 31, 2006. Namco Ltd. was re-established to continue domestic operation of...
's Soul
Soul (series)
The is a weapon-based historical fantasy fighting game series by Namco Bandai Games. The series revolves around a sword that, after years of bloodshed and hatred, gained a soul of its own, the Soul Edge, and the sword forged to counter it, Soul Calibur. The series is special in that each character...
series of fighting game
Fighting game
Fighting game is a video game genre where the player controls an on-screen character and engages in close combat with an opponent. These characters tend to be of equal power and fight matches consisting of several rounds, which take place in an arena. Players must master techniques such as...
s, and will be released for the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
in 2012. The game will take place 17 years after the events of Soulcalibur IV
Soulcalibur IV
is the fourth installment in Namco's Soul series of fighting games. The game was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on July 29, 2008, in North America, on July 31, 2008, in Japan, Europe, and Australia, and on August 1, 2008, in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.The game is notable for...
. The main protagonist
Protagonist
A protagonist is the main character of a literary, theatrical, cinematic, or musical narrative, around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with whom the audience is intended to most identify...
is Patroklos, the son of Soul series veteran Sophitia
Sophitia
is a fictional character in the Soul series of video games. Created by Namco's Project Soul division, she first appeared in Soul Edge and its subsequent sequels, as well as appearing in various merchandise related to the series.- Creation and conception:...
, while her daughter, Pyrrha is the deuteragonist
Deuteragonist
In literature, the deuteragonist is the second most important character, after the protagonist and before the tritagonist. The deuteragonist may switch from being with or against the protagonist depending on the deuteragonist's own conflict/plot.-History:Greek drama began with simply one actor,...
. The only revealed guest character so far is Ezio Auditore da Firenze from the Assassin's Creed
Assassin's Creed (series)
Assassin's Creed is a historical science fiction Action Adventure game series that as of 2011 consists of four main games and a number of supporting materials. The games have appeared on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Vita, Mac OS X, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable,...
series.
Development
The game was officially announced by Namco Bandai on May 11, 2011 at their Level Up press conference in Dubai. The game was teased as early as 2010, where Daishi Odashima, game director, tweetedTwitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
that "SC is back!". In late April 2011, Odashima tweeted again saying "Hopefully I will be able to announce something mid May." So far, 22 characters have been confirmed officially.
Gameplay
Large changes to the series staple gameplay have been made for Soulcalibur V. The "Critical Finishes" of the previous game are no more, as is the Soul Gauge. Armor remains destructible but no longer has an indicator showing when it will break. A new gauge has been introduced that works similarly to the "super meters" found in other fighting games. Charging this meter in combat allows the characters to execute "Brave Edge" and "Critical Edge" attacks (progressively more powerful strikes that also require more meter to execute).In addition to the 8 Way Run (introduced in the first Soulcalibur title), characters can now briskly sidestep around their opponent by double-tapping up or down.
The Guard Impact feature of the previous Soul series titles has been altered, now requiring holding away from the opponent and pushing horizontal slash, vertical slash, and kick together (as opposed to forward and guard). The Guard Impact will now repel any unblockable attack regardless of height, removing the need to anticipate the attack height of the aggressor. Guard Impacts require a segment of the Critical Meter to execute. Parries have been removed from the engine entirely.
A new defensive maneuver called "Just Guard" replaces the traditional Guard Impact technique. Tapping guard at the precise moment of an opponent's attack will result in a 'perfect' guard and considerably shortening the amount of delay that the character must wait before retaliating. This will allow players to respond to attacks quickly and with less consequence than a missed Guard Impact of previous installments (as mistiming a Guard Impact would not protect the character whereas a missed Just Guard will still provide defense without the advantage).
Ring Outs now add an extra layer of depth on certain stages, as knocking an opponent from the ring will result in both characters falling down into a new arena to continue the fight.
Returning characters
- Siegfried Schtauffen, a zweihänder-user and former protagonist of the series. At one time wielded the Soul Calibur to stop Nightmare. In the 17 years since Soulcalibur IV, he has reformed the band of thieves known as "Schwarzwind" into a group of mercenaries he led during the time of Soul Edge, he also defeated and destroyed the original Nightmare in the end of Soul Calibur IV. Hilde accompanies him on his journeys.
- Cervantes de LeonCervantes de Leonis a fictional character in the Soul series of video games. Created by Namco's Project Soul division, he first appeared in Soul Edge and its subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise related to the series...
, a pirate who once wielded Soul Edge until he was felled. Was resurrected by the Evil Seed and now hunts down the evil blade to claim it once more. Wields a long sword and a short sword with a pistol in the hilt. - Isabella "Ivy" Valentine, a whipsword-wielding alchemist and cursed offspring of Cervantes De Leon, the previous wielder of Soul Edge. Has not aged since her previous appearance.
- Hildegard "Hilde" von KroneHildegard von Krone, for short, is a fictional character in the Soul series of video games. Created by Namco's Project Soul division, she first appeared in Soulcalibur IV and its subsequent sequels, later appearing in various merchandise related to the series...
, the former princess of the kingdom of Wolfkrone who made her debut in Soulcalibur IV. Now travels with Siegfried's band of mercenaries, Schwarzwind, due to her kingdom falling. Has also become a mother in between Soulcalibur IV and V. Wields a short sword and a spear. - Maxi, a sea-faring pirate who uses nunchakuNunchakuis a traditional Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope.-Etymology:The Japanese word nunchaku is the Kun'yomi reading of the Kanji term for a traditional Chinese two section staff....
. His entire crew was slaughtered by Astaroth and he has sought vengeance ever since that day. - Heishirō Mitsurugi, a Japanese mercenary, seasoned by many conflicts and forever seeking greater challenges who wields a katanaKatanaA Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
. He is a veteran who has been with the series since the first installment. In Soulcalibur V, he is apparently following rumors of a young man that is a martial artist, who may be his last living brother. - Nightmare, the series main antagonist. Was at one time the moniker Siegfried used when under the influence of the Soul Edge then became the spirit of the Soul Edge itself, bound to the Azure Knight armor. The original Nightmare was vanquished during the events of Soulcalibur IV. The Nightmare appearing in Soulcalibur V is a new being and he is more deadly and stronger than his predecessor, plotting behind the scenes under the alias "Graf Dumas". Wields the Soul Edge, transformed into a great sword.
- Tira, loyal servant to Soul Edge who wields a ring blade. Her mind is divided in half by the effect of Soul Edge.
- VoldoVoldois a fictional character in the Soul series of video games. Created by Namco's Project Soul division, he first appeared in Soul Edge, and later in all games of the Soulcalibur saga with the exception of Soulcalibur Legends. His likeness has been used for merchandise related to the series, ranging...
, a blind, mute man who serves the merchant Vercci by protecting his beloved Money Pit. Wields matching tri-bladed katars and has been with the series since the first installment. He has been malfested by the evil energy of the demonic sword, Soul Edge. - Astaroth, is the "younger brother" of the original Astaroth a living golem that wields a great axe, created by those who would serve the Greek god AresAresAres is the Greek god of war. He is one of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera. In Greek literature, he often represents the physical or violent aspect of war, in contrast to the armored Athena, whose functions as a goddess of intelligence include military strategy and...
. The Astaroth appearing in SoulCalibur V is a new creature, said to be more ferocious than his predecessor. - Raphael Sorel, a French nobleman who uses a rapier. Seeks to create a "perfect world" for his daughter, Amy, whom he has taken under his care. Was cursed by Soul Edge into becoming a vampire-like being that can drain others of their essence.
- Geo "Le Bello" Dampierre, a con artist who wields two spring mounted daggers strapped to the underside of his wrists. He will be making a return to the series beyond his introduction in Soulcalibur: Broken DestinySoulcalibur: Broken DestinySoulcalibur: Broken Destiny is a fighting video game in the Soul series for PlayStation Portable . It was announced by Namco Bandai on April 28, 2009. It uses many of the features of Soulcalibur IV, including its character customization mode...
, exclusive for players who pre-order the game. - Yoshimitsu, the leader of the Manji ninja clan and successor to the man who once bore the title. Wields a katana that bears the same name as its owner ("Yoshimitsu").
- Aeon Calcos, a man who was cursed into a reptilian form by the cult of Kunpaetku and at one time known as "Lizardman". In SoulCalibur V, he goes by his human name (Aeon Calcos) and evolved a pair of wings. Unlike his previous appearances, he fights with two hand axes.
New characters
- Patroklos Alexandra, Sophitia's son who uses a short sword and a shield like his mother . Unlike his sister, he knows that he has an older sister and is apparently searching for her and his mother. He is the main protagonist of SoulCalibur V.
- Pyrrha Alexandra, Patroklos' sister and Sophitia's daughter who uses her mother's sword and shield which were made by her father, Rothion. Pyrrha was kidnapped by Tira when she was only Three years old in order to torment Sophitia, she is the deuteragonist of SoulCalibur V. However, unlike her brother, who knows about her, Pyrrha has lived her life as a wanderer since she knows nothing about her family and she has no one she can truly call "family".
- Yan Leixia, a fifteen year old girl wielding a Chinese sword. She is the daughter of the former Soul Calibur wielder, Xianghua. She appears to be wearing Kilik's pendant around her neck, though her father isn't Kilik.
- Natsu, female ninja disciple of Taki wielding two tantōTantoA is one of the traditional Japanese swords that were worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The tantō dates to the Heian period, when it was mainly used as a weapon but evolved in design over the years to become more ornate...
like her master. She is the container for a demon called "Arahabaki". - Z.W.E.I., a man wielding a sword with three handles. He summons a werewolf-like creature called "E.I.N." to aid him in battle. He is one of the secondary antagonists in Soul Calibur V
- Viola, a woman who serves Z.W.E.I. and does not remember her origins or what happened during her past life. She is one of the secondary antagonists in Soulcalibur V. She wields a steel claw and a magic crystal ballCrystal ballA crystal ball is a crystal or glass ball believed by some people to aid in the performance of clairvoyance. It is sometimes known as a shew stone...
that floats around her during battles. Her appearance resembles a fortune teller. - Xiba, a young man who was raised near the mountains where Kilik trained. His design appears to descend from the protagonist of Journey to the WestJourney to the WestJourney to the West is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It was written by Wu Cheng'en in the 16th century. In English-speaking countries, the tale is also often known simply as Monkey. This was one title used for a popular, abridged translation by Arthur Waley...
, Sun WukongSun WukongSun Wukong , also known as the Monkey King is a main character in the classical Chinese epic novel Journey to the West . In the novel, he is a monkey born from a stone who acquires supernatural powers through Taoist practices...
, and like his inspiration he uses a rod in battle.
Guest characters
- Ezio Auditore da Firenze from Assassin's Creed IIAssassin's Creed IIAssassin's Creed II is a historical third-person action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. It is the second video game installment of the Assassin's Creed series, and is a sequel to the 2007 video...
, Assassin's Creed: BrotherhoodAssassin's Creed: BrotherhoodAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood is a historical third person, stealth action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. It was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in November 2010, Microsoft Windows in March 2011 and Mac OS X in May 2011...
, and Assassin's Creed: RevelationsAssassin's Creed: RevelationsAssassin's Creed: Revelations is a video game in the Assassin's Creed franchise developed and published by Ubisoft Montreal. The game was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on November 15, 2011. For Microsoft Windows, the game is delayed until December 2, 2011...
. He will appear as he did during Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood.
Collector's Edition
It was revealed by JoystiqJoystiq
Joystiq is a video gaming blog founded in June 2004 that has since become one of the most successful sites within the Weblogs, Inc. family of weblogs. It is the centerpiece of WIN's own network of video gaming blogs, which also includes a blog dealing specifically with the popular MMORPG World of...
on October 22, 2011 that a collector's edition of Soulcalibur V will be released on the same day and date as the standard edition. The CE of the game is in a book-like package and contains the game, CD game music soundtrack, art book, making-of DVD and exclusive White and Dark Knight character creation DLC.
External links
- Official artworks gallery at Game Art HQ