Soul Calibur III

Soul Calibur III Description

When the mighty Dreamcast launched to a lukewarm reception back in the day, there was always one title that was always bound to impress. Namco's Soul Calibur was the sequel to Soul Blade on the first PlayStation. Newcomers to the system enjoyed the pick-up-and-play fighting mechanic, the lushly designed, fluidly animated characters, the bluer-than-blue skies and the outrageous lens flare. Owners of the console delighted in the game's hidden depths, countless moves and combinations, and wealth of unlockable extras. Of course the sad demise of the Dreamcast meant that the game had to move on to pastures new, and creators Namco elected to hedge their bets and bring the sequel, Soul Calibur II, to all three current generation consoles. It was a massive success, and sold best on the GameCube, which makes it all the more odd that the third Soul Calibur is to be a PlayStation 2-only affair. So what started as a Sony-only franchise now comes full circle and makes a home for itself on the creaky old PS2. The third Soul Calibur game concerns itself once more with the battle between two supernatural swords. Soul Edge has cropped up throughout history, a blade forged from pure evil, which has unbelievable power. Possession of this cursed sword has been sought both by the black hearted, and those who feel they are strong enough to wield it. Soul Calibur is the nemesis of this hell sword, a holy weapon forged as a safeguard against the Soul Edge. Third in the series is set in the 16th century and follows the characters form Soul Calibur II. Siegfried has managed to tear himself from what he became after succumbing to the Soul Edge's control - Nightmare - and hopes to destroy it entirely as it threatens to become a warrior entity in itself. Still the dark blade calls to his troubled soul. All the other favourite characters return, along with three new ones, and the ability to create and customise your very own character from the ground up. Alos new is a 'real time strategy' mode that combines map battles with arcade slash action - a cue taken from the Dynasty Warriors series perhaps? Everyone's favourite arcade sword fighter is back and looking in fine form.

Featuring 3 new characters!

A new title from the popular world-wide smash hit 'sword-fighting action game' SoulCalibur series is due to be released in 2005.

SoulCalibur III offers the series' hallmarks of exhilarating sword-fighting action and profound martial arts while also delivering highly improved graphics and sound effects to create a unique gaming experience.

It also features a Character Creation Mode, which allows players to create original warriors.

With so many new gameplay modes and new characters rich with personality, this title will offer players the world-class sword-fighting action they desire.

3 new innovative characters

- Zasalamel (tentative)
This mysterious man desires to raise the evil sword. He drags those who witness the sharp light from his giant scythe to the abyss of death.

- Tira (tentative)
An angel of death from the darkness with a bird-like grace, she plays with lives using her Ring Blade.

- Setsuka (tentative)
The wandering beauty on a lonely journey. She lives for her revenge with a sword hidden in her umbrella.

An unprecedented number of modes in the series' history

- Character Creation Mode
Allows the player to customise appearance, weapons and roles of a character.

- Story Mode
Offers stories of great depth, unique to each character.

- Lost Chronicle Mode
Offers the hybrid combination of combat strategy simulation and fighting game elements.

- Soul Arena Mode
Offers rich variations of battles in special situations.

- World Competition Mode
Offers world championship battles against virtual tough contestants, all aiming for the top.

- VS Standard Mode
2-Player fighting mode which offers a quick battle.

- VS Special Mode
2-Player fighting mode with rich variations of battles features and special situations.

- VS Competition Mode
Single to multi-player mode, offering knockout tournaments and league competitions.

- Practice Mode
Offers training facilities where players can sharpen their skills.

- Museum Mode
Enables players to check items obtained in the game and view the history of the SoulCalibur series.