Just stumbled across this bit of news on IGN regarding Soul Calibur IV

The Force is strong with some of the must-see new fighters in Namco's anticipated brawler sequel.

by Matt Casamassina

 

US, January 9, 2008 - At a Las Vegas-held press event this week, third-party publisher Namco showed off a playable build of the anticipated 3D fighter sequel Soulcalibur IV. Press gathered at club Blush in the illustrious Wynn hotel (a resort that houses its very own Ferrari dealership) for the festivities, which included everything from jumping dance music and a full bar to a presentation of the much-hyped game itself. Naturally, IGN's own editors took a break from CES 2008 coverage to stop in and see the new fighter, whose cast of blade-wielding brawlers now features such stars as -- are you ready? -- Yoda and Darth Vader from a galaxy far, far away. You just pre-ordered, didn't you?

 

Soulcalibur IV is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The ballyhooed franchise has remained at the tip-top of its respective genre due to its balanced and quick controls, deep fighting system and celebrated selection of characters -- a roster that has in previous games encapsulated such stars as Todd McFarlane's Spawn and Nintendo's very own Link of Zelda fame.

 

Namco introduced the game with a sizzle trailer -- what the company's EVP of sales and marketing called a "visual delight" -- which set up the gameplay demonstrations to follow. The short video montage showcased several different characters, including Siegfried and Nightmare, as they battled across a variety of different landscapes, many of them destructible. The footage displayed the fighter's polished visual style complete with stunning character and environment art, crisp high-definition graphics, advanced facial animation systems and more, and everything ran smoothly at 60 frames per second, a staple of the franchise.

 

Company reps said that Soulcalibur IV has been "completely recreated for both the PS3 and Xbox 360," and introduces several innovations. Obviously, high-definition graphics, but also a "completely new battle system," an expanded customization mode in which gamers can personalize their character and change the way they interact, as well as what they do, but also take these fully-tailored creations online. And finally, an all-new storyline that will reveal some big secrets that will "blow your mind."

 

The Soulcalibur Galactic Battle serves as the means to introduce both Yoda and Darth Vader into the roster. A separate montage video built up to the appearance of the major characters. "From all over the world they come in search of vengeance, honor, salvation," a voice-over announced during a selection of different clips from the game. "Driven by the desire to wield the soul swords. But the swords may have met their match." At this point in the video, the screen faded to black and we could only hear Darth Vader's trademark breathing. Then, both new fighters were shown for the first time and looking spectacular. Attendees on-hand for the event erupted into applause. At the same time, actors dressed in Stormtrooper outfits busted in through the door, led by Darth Vader himself.

 

Fans should note that Darth Vader is an exclusive character in the PlayStation 3 build of the game, whereas Yoda will flip into the air and take down enemies exclusively on Xbox 360. (We can only imagine the system-advocate wars which are bound to explode over this news, but we're staying neutral on this one.) Compare for yourself by checking out the PS3 version's Darth Vader screens here and the Xbox 360's Yoda screens here.

 

After the reveal, the game's director noted: "When we see Yoda jump in our game, we're like 'Oh, that's definitely Yoda. That's definitely him.' And we we see Vader using the Force, we're like 'Oh, look at Vader. He's badass.'"

 

Unfortunately, Vader and Yoda weren't playable at the show. In the two stages of the game we saw during the demo, only three characters got that honor: Cassandra, Mitsurugi and Taki. We should also add that we walked the entire show floor tonight in search of a PS3 running SoulCalibur IV, but there were none to be found. For now at least, it looks like the game is only being shown on 360.

 

Soulcalibur IV is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this summer. Namco says that with this game "two beloved properties" have come together for "one beloved game," clearly referring to the addition of Star Wars fighters. We have to admit, while they may seem incredibly out of place in this universe, the Star Wars fanboys in us are delighted to see Vader and Yoda in this fighter.

 

IGN is off to play the game now so look out for more detailed impressions in the near future.

 

YODA... I can't bloody wait for this! Not sure quite if they fit but can't wait none the less. Some piccys:

 

Yoda 1

Yoda 2

Vader 1

Vader 2

Edited January 10, 200817 yr by Davros

They look awesome and will be fun to play with, but I do have some reservations about their inclusion. What worries me about this is what it says about Namco’s confidence in not only the game itself, but also the genre as a whole, with it coming across that the only way to sell them is to fill them with gimmicky crap. Or it is worry related to SF4 perhaps?

Hell yeah if i was going to get this for the PS3, I am now just to play as the master Darth Vader

I'm not keen on this but it might be fun, just so long as they aren't like Link, especially Yoda, also the fact that they chose Yoda instead of Luke Skywalker makes me think they'll have some as DLC, but there is really few major characters that'd work, Stormtroopers, Han, Chewbacca, the Fetts and Leia all use guns, though Chewbacca could be like Heihachi from SC2.

As a very a fan of Spawn, I was excited about Spawn being placed in Soul Calibur II. As an even bigger Sar Wars fan I am very excited, I will most likely get it on PS3.

I'm not keen on this but it might be fun, just so long as they aren't like Link, especially Yoda, also the fact that they chose Yoda instead of Luke Skywalker makes me think they'll have some as DLC, but there is really few major characters that'd work, Stormtroopers, Han, Chewbacca, the Fetts and Leia all use guns, though Chewbacca could be like Heihachi from SC2.

 

 

Darth Maul would of worked, but maybe he's considered a bit too "fringe".

Darth Maul's cool but not really a major character. Also heard Vader uses the Force, cheesy projectile attacks ahoy!

Will Wii get an exclusive character too?

 

Ewoks maybe?

I don't think it'll be on Wii.