Soul Calibur V is in all likelihood the best of the series. It combines the new with the old in order to produce an experience that is simultaneously fresh and intimately familiar. The game is based on the concept of legacies, reflecting a transition from the older generation of Soul Calibur to a newer one.
Theroster boasts of a great variety and balance. Characters reflect the theme of transition. New younger characters join older veterans like Ivy and Yoshitsune. The variety of fighting styles is immense, ranging from the traditional Japanese katana to a spellbook. The game also boasts greatly improved character creation feature and every aspect of a character’s appearance, including height, muscle tone, dimensions, and a plethora of equipment.
The story of SC V is surprisingly detailed for a brawler. The campaign, a few hours long, follows the story of Patroklos, son of IV’s protagonist Sophita. The plot transitions away from the black and white nature Soul Calibur and questions the foundations of the soul sword’s mythos. In short, it remains an incredibly satisfying addition to the game, adding depth to the characters.
The gameplay is where SC V truly excels. The game keeps the core of the series intact while adding more depth at each level. Combo chains are longer and a critical bar has been added for more powerful attacks. Stages now consist of multiple levels and can change based on battle conditions, such as time or a ring out. Guard impacts have been refined and divided into two, Guard impacts and Just Guards, each with different applications. The only problem here is the lack of any tutorial or instruction in the game, which can daunt new users, particularly with the game’s steep learning curve.
Still it isn’t too hard to adjust the difficulty to accommodate almost any player. Visually the game is a treat. Character rendering and scenery blend together seamlessly, both at a level far above the current generation of gaming. SC V is one of the few games where the cutscenes and the gameplay are of equitable quality. The music is also exceptional and varied, making each battle a unique experience.
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