SOULCALIBUR IV

Publisher: Namco

System: Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3

Price: $59.99

Age rating: Teen

Soulcalibur IV may not be the quintessential one-on-one fighting game, but it’s certainly the quintessential Soulcalibur.

That’s a good thing, unless one dislikes Soulcalibur. This game won’t change anyone’s mind. It features the most diverse lineup, the most extensive character-building options and by far the best graphics of any recent fighting game.

Plus, Yoda is in the Xbox 360 version, and Darth Vader is playable for those with the PS3 edition. Another Star Wars character makes an appearance in both versions as well: Vader’s secret apprentice from the upcoming Force Unleashed game.

Star Wars characters may seem like an odd fit, but they work just as well here as Spawn, Link and Heihachi did in Soulcalibur II. The series’ makers always find some excuse for their guest characters’ existence in this universe.

The game play is what one expects from a fighting game sequel: familiar but with tweaks. Thus, fighters have had new moves added and their move sets reworked and rebalanced, with some familiar moves replaced or requiring different motions to carry out.

Character creation is where the game really shines. Soulcalibur III introduced the concept, but it’s refined here. With equipment earned through battle and by exploring the Tower, players can create characters using those items and any of the main cast’s fighting styles and weapons.

The options are sparse, but Soulcalibur IV allows for online play, using a well-done queue system for players waiting for a match.