SoulCalibur V is a Solid but Underwhelming Addition to the Franchise

Namco's SoulCalibur series has wowed gamers for more than a decade by treating them to outstanding graphics, strong gameplay, and solid storylines. The latest edition of the franchise, SoulCalibur V, has many of the same qualities of its predecessors, but one weakness ruined the game for me. Here's a look at Namco's newest addition to the fighting game genre.

Graphics

The SoulCalibur series has always exhibited beautiful graphics, and this game is no different. When I loaded it onto my console, I was treated to a spectacular opening scene which recapped the final battle of SoulCalibur IV. The artwork used to create the fighting arena and loading screens was absolutely beautiful. As I watched the scene play out, I couldn't help but get excited to play the rest of SoulCalibur V. If nothing else, I wanted to see more of the artwork. And I wasn't disappointed. Each screen and arena was as visually stunning as the one before it.

The game's top-notch graphics don't stop with the arenas and loading screens either. Each individual character is drawn with bright, beautiful coloring and fine detail. During actual fights, the characters' movements exhibit all of the fluidity I've come to expect from a SoulCalibur game.

Sound

The music in SoulCalibur V is well done. During storyline mode, it always fits with the player's situation, while also fitting into the game's environment. The sounds are clear and concise so players won't have any problems understanding what a character is saying. The only complaint I have about the sound is how repetitive a few of the characters are when they speak in combat. It's gets annoying hearing someone say "please forgive me" over and over again.

Gameplay

I'll be the first person to admit that fighting games aren't my forte. I'm more of an RPG and sports gamer. But I have to admit that the combat in SoulCalibur V is addicting and fun. Most moves are easy to learn even when strategy is involved. It won't take you long to learn how to hold your own in the game if you focus on learning the various combat moves. It helps that there is a training mode available in the off-line play menu where you can learn many of the game's moves, including each character's special combos. Unfortunately, there isn't a basic tutorial available to push you in the right direction when you get started.

The character creation system is one of the best attributes of the game. There is so much flexibility with the system that it wouldn't be hard to create at least 20 completely different characters. You do have to unlock some of the moves and accessories that would fit your character, but hey, that's one reason to play through the story mode, right? Of course, unlocking the game's goodies might be the only reason why you'd want to fight your way through the latest SoulCalibur plot.

The story mode only takes about three hours to play through, but that's still a lot of time I'll never get back. I don't want to give away too much of the plot for those of you willing to work your way through it, but let me explain a few details. You'll spend most of your time playing as Patroklos, son of former SoulCalibur regular Sophitia. The story opens with him hunting for his missing sister, but it moves through so many weird and unexplainable plot turns that it quickly becomes a mess to watch. The worst part about this mode is that players will spend most of their time watching it all unfold instead of playing.

Overall, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners will enjoy this game. SoulCalibur V is a lot of fun to play if you plan on making the most of the it's online possibilities. However, I recommend playing through story mode as fast as possible just to get it finished. If you can do that, SoulCalibur V will be well worth your time.