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{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Soul Edge
| title = Soul Edge
| image = [[file:Soul Edge arcade flyer.png|frameless]]
| image = [[file:Soul Edge arcade flyer.png|frameless]]
| caption = Soul Edge, Japanese arcade flyer
| caption = Japanese arcade flyer for ''Soul Edge''
| developer = Project Soul<ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.ign.com/objects/943/943662.html |title=IGN: Project Soul |publisher=Games.ign.com |date= |accessdate=2012-02-11}}</ref>
| developer = [[Namco]] (Project Soul)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.ign.com/objects/943/943662.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821010505/http://games.ign.com/objects/943/943662.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 21, 2007 |title=IGN: Project Soul |publisher=Games.ign.com |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref>
| publisher = Namco{{Efn|Published in North America by Namco Hometek and in Europe by [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment Europe]].}}
| publisher = [[Namco]]
| series = ''[[Soulcalibur|Soul]]''
| series = ''[[Soulcalibur]]''
| director = Teruaki Konishi
| director = Teruaki Konishi
| producer = Masuya Oishi
| producer = Masuya Oishi
| designer = Hiroaki Yotoriyama <br> Koh Onda <br> Takayasu Yanagihara
| designer = Hiroaki Yotoriyama <br /> Koh Onda <br /> Takayasu Yanagihara
| artist = Hiroshi Kuwabara <br> [[Tarō Okamoto]] <br> Kouji Mitsunaga
| artist = Hiroshi Kuwabara <br /> [[Tarō Okamoto]] <br /> Kouji Mitsunaga
| programmer = Shinobu Nimura
| programmer = Shinobu Nimura
| composer = See [[Discography of the Soul series|discography]]
| composer = See [[Discography of the Soul series|discography]]
| release = '''Arcade'''<br /> February 20, 1996<ref name="nam">{{cite web|url=https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/corporate/press/namco/51/51-046refer.pdf|title=
| release = '''Arcade'''<br /> December 1995<ref>{{cite journal|last= |first= |title=Protos: Soul Edge |journal=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=76|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=November 1995|page=217}}</ref><br /> May 1996 (''Ver. II'')<br /> '''PlayStation'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/soulblade/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Soul Blade Related Games |publisher=GameSpot.com |date= |accessdate=2012-02-11}}</ref><br /> {{vgrelease|JP|December 20, 1996}} {{vgrelease|NA|January 1997}}{{vgrelease|EU|May 1997}}
「ソウルキャリバーⅢ」参考資料|author=Bandai Namco}}</ref>{{efn|Some magazines claimed a premature release date of December 1995<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Protos: Soul Edge |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=76|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=November 1995|page=217}}</ref>}}<br /> June 8, 1996 (''Ver. II'')<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-06-05 |title=News |url=http://www.next-generation.com/news/0696.html |access-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970605151042/http://www.next-generation.com/news/0696.html |archive-date=1997-06-05 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-06-06 |title=Soul Edge 2 Hits Arcades |url=http://www.next-generation.com/news/061096h.html |access-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970606055550/http://www.next-generation.com/news/061096h.html |archive-date=1997-06-06 }}</ref><br /> '''PlayStation'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/soulblade/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Soul Blade Related Games |publisher=GameSpot.com |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref><br /> {{vgrelease|JP|December 20, 1996}} {{vgrelease|NA|January 15, 1997<ref>https://psxdatacenter.com/games/U/S/SLUS-00240.html</ref>}}{{vgrelease|PAL|May 1, 1997<ref>https://psxdatacenter.com/games/P/S/SCES-00577.html</ref>}}
| genre = [[Fighting game]]
| genre = [[Fighting game]]
| modes = Up to 2 players simultaneously
| modes = Up to 2 players simultaneously
| cabinet = Upright
| arcade system = [[Namco System 11|System 11]]<ref>{{cite journal|title=Soul Edge|journal=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=12|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=December 1995|page=123}}</ref>
|sound = Namco C352
| platforms = [[Arcade game|Arcade]] <br /> [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
| arcade system = [[Namco System 11|System 11]]<ref>{{cite journal|last= |first= |title=Soul Edge|journal=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=12|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=December 1995|page=123}}</ref>
| display = [[Raster graphics|Raster]], 640 x 480 pixels (Horizontal), 65536 colors
| platforms = [[Arcade game|Arcade]] <br /> [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
}}
}}


{{nihongo foot|'''''Soul Edge'''''|ソウルエッジ|''Sōru Ejji''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a [[fighting game]] developed by the team Project Soul and published by [[Namco]] as the first installment in the ''[[Soulcalibur (series)|Soul]]'' series of 3D fighting games. Originally released as an [[arcade game]] in December [[1995 in video gaming|1995]], an upgraded and expanded version of the game was ported to the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] in December [[1996 in video gaming|1996]]. The PlayStation version was renamed '''''Soul Blade''''' in North America, Europe, and Australia.
{{nihongo foot|'''''Soul Edge'''''|ソウルエッジ|''Sōru Ejji''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1995-1996 [[fighting game]] developed and published by [[Namco]], and the first installment in the ''[[Soulcalibur]]'' [[Soulcalibur|series]]. Introduced at the JAMMA trade show in November [[1995 in video gaming|1995]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/maximum-the-video-game-magazine-issue-2-november-1995-uk/page/112/mode/2up|title=1995 JAMMA Show Report |magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|publisher=EMAP|issue=2|date=November 1995|pages=114|accessdate=January 2, 2021}}</ref> the full [[arcade game]] was released in February [[1996 in video gaming|1996]] on [[Namco System 11|System 11]] hardware,<ref name="nam" /> the same board used by [[Tekken (video game)|''Tekken'']] and [[Tekken 2|''Tekken 2'']]. Later in December an upgraded and expanded version of the game was ported to the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]; this version was renamed to '''''Soul Blade''''' outside Japan and released in 1997.


The plot centers upon the eponymous sword, shrouded in mystery and rumored to offer unlimited power to anyone who can find and wield it; nine warriors embark on a journey to pursue a tenth who is rumored to have the sword, some to claim it and others to destroy it. The game was a commercial and critical success and was followed up with ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'' in July 1998.
''Soul Edge'' is a 3D fighting game and was the second such game to be based on weapons, following [[Battle Arena Toshinden|''Battle Arena Toshinden'']]<ref>{{Cite web |title=SOUL BLADE - (NTSC-U) |url=https://psxdatacenter.com/games/U/S/SLUS-00240.html |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=psxdatacenter.com}}</ref> (itself preceded by the 2D [[Samurai Showdown|''Samurai Showdown'']] series). The plot centers upon the eponymous sword, rumored to offer unlimited power to anyone who can find and wield it, leading to nine warriors attempting to pursue the tenth who is rumored to have the sword. The game was a commercial and critical success, with praise given to graphics, gameplay and characters. It was followed up with ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'' in July 1998.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
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==Plot and characters==
==Plot and characters==
{{further|List of Soulcalibur characters#Introduced in Soul Edge|l1=Characters of Soul Edge}}
{{Further|List of Soulcalibur characters#Introduced in Soul Edge|l1=Characters of Soul Edge}}


''Soul Edge''{{'}}s events take place in the year 1583<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.soularchive.jp/tmr/souledge/ano.htm|title=SOUL EDGEキャラクター資料館 御剣アナザーストーリー|website=www.soularchive.jp|access-date=2019-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=SoulCalibur: New Legends of Project Soul|last=Namco Bandai Games|publisher=Udon Entertainment|year=2014|isbn=978-1-92677-895-2|location=|pages=11}}</ref>. The game tells the tale of warriors searching for the ultimate sword, "Soul Edge". It has been given many names throughout the history, such as "The Sword of Salvation", "The Sword of Heroes", and "The Ultimate Sword", among others. Many strong warriors searched for years, but very few actually found it. The sword, currently in the form of a twin pair of long swords, appeared mysteriously in an auction. It was taken by the dreaded pirate [[Cervantes de Leon]] and nothing is known of his fate thereafter. Presently, nine warriors from around the world ([[Hwang (Soul Edge)|Hwang]], [[Li Long]], [[Heishiro Mitsurugi|Mitsurugi]], [[Rock (Soul Calibur)|Rock]], [[Seong Mi-na]], [[Siegfried and Nightmare|Siegfried]], [[Sophitia]], [[Taki (Soulcalibur)|Taki]], and [[Voldo]]) search for the sword for different reasons. Some desire its power, others want revenge. Some, believing that it is a benevolent sword, crave its support. Others, knowing of its evil nature, seek its destruction. Nothing is known for certain about the sword, except for one thing: it brings misfortune to those seeking it. What many do not know is that the sword's power is evil, feeding upon the souls of not only its victims but its wielder as well.
''Soul Edge''{{'}}s events take place in the year 1583.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.soularchive.jp/tmr/souledge/ano.htm|title=SOUL EDGEキャラクター資料館 御剣アナザーストーリー|website=www.soularchive.jp|access-date=2019-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=SoulCalibur: New Legends of Project Soul|last=Namco Bandai Games|publisher=Udon Entertainment|year=2014|isbn=978-1-92677-895-2|pages=11}}</ref> The game tells the tale of warriors searching for the ultimate sword, "Soul Edge". It has been given many names throughout history, such as "The Sword of Salvation", "The Sword of Heroes", and "The Ultimate Sword", among others. Many strong warriors searched for years, but very few actually found it. The sword, currently in the form of a twin pair of long swords, appeared mysteriously in an auction. It was taken by the dreaded pirate [[Cervantes de Leon]] and nothing is known of his fate thereafter. Presently, nine warriors from around the world ([[Hwang (Soul Edge)|Hwang]], [[Li Long]], [[Heishiro Mitsurugi|Mitsurugi]], [[Rock (Soul Calibur)|Rock]], [[Seong Mi-na]], [[Siegfried Schtauffen|Siegfried]], [[Sophitia Alexandra|Sophitia]], [[Taki (Soulcalibur)|Taki]], and [[Voldo]]) search for the sword for different reasons. Some desire its power, others want revenge. Some, believing that it is a benevolent sword, crave its support. Others, knowing of its evil nature, seek its destruction. Nothing is known for certain about the sword, except for one thing: it brings misfortune to those seeking it. What many do not know is that the sword's power is evil, feeding upon the souls of not only its victims but its wielder as well.


==Development and release==
==Development and release==
''Soul Edge'' was developed as an experiment by Namco to explore the possibilities of a weapon-based fighting game.<ref name="makingof">{{cite journal |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=55 |title=The Making of Soucalibur |pages=53–54 |date=August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/894728/the_making_of_soul_calibur.html |title=The Making Of: Soul Calibur |publisher=NowGamer |date= |accessdate=2013-08-11}}</ref> It was the first [[motion capture]] based video game created by using passive optical system markers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motioncapturesociety.com/resources/industry-history |title=History of Motion Capture |publisher=Motioncapturesociety.com |date= |accessdate=2013-08-10}}</ref>
''Soul Edge'' was developed as an experiment by Namco to explore the possibilities of a weapon-based fighting game;<ref name="makingof">{{cite journal |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=55 |title=The Making of Soucalibur |pages=53–54 |date=August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/894728/the_making_of_soul_calibur.html |title=The Making Of: Soul Calibur |publisher=NowGamer |access-date=2013-08-11}}</ref> [[Samurai Shodown (1993 video game)|''Samurai Showdown'']] was one of the first of this type, while [[Battle Arena Toshinden|''Battle Arena Toshinden'']] was the first in 3D.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best-selling weapon based fighting videogame series |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.es/world-records/110520-best-selling-fighting-videogame-series-%E2%80%93-weapon-based |website=[[Guinness World Records]]}}</ref> ''Soul Edge'' was the first [[motion capture]] based video game created by using passive optical system markers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motioncapturesociety.com/resources/industry-history |title=History of Motion Capture |publisher=Motioncapturesociety.com |access-date=2013-08-10}}</ref>


''Soul Edge'' was initially released in [[video arcade|arcades]] in 1995. A ''Gamest Mook'' series guide book (GMC-30) was published by Shinseisha on April 30, 1996.<ref name=ag>{{cite web |url=http://www.arcade-gear.com/Games/Soul_Edge/Soul_Edge.htm |title=Soul Edge |publisher=Arcade Gear |accessdate=2013-12-21 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131105544/http://www.arcade-gear.com/Games/Soul_Edge/Soul_Edge.htm |archivedate=2014-01-31 }}</ref>
''Soul Edge'' was initially released in [[video arcade|arcades]] in 1995. A ''Gamest Mook'' series guide book (GMC-30) was published by Shinseisha on April 30, 1996.<ref name=ag>{{cite web |url=http://www.arcade-gear.com/Games/Soul_Edge/Soul_Edge.htm |title=Soul Edge |publisher=Arcade Gear |access-date=2013-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131105544/http://www.arcade-gear.com/Games/Soul_Edge/Soul_Edge.htm |archive-date=2014-01-31 }}</ref>


A couple of months later, Namco released a fixed version, labeled ''Soul Edge Ver. II.''<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Webb|first=Marcus |title=Up and Coming Coin-Ops |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=20|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=August 1996|page=18}}</ref> Hwang (initially a [[palette swap]] of Mitsurugi for the Korean version of the game) was introduced to Japanese players with a new move list, Cervantes became playable, Guard Impacts and Air Combos were implemented, all the characters received upgraded move lists, and new stages were added.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=flyer&db=videodb&id=5625&image=1 |title=The Arcade Flyer Archive - Video Game Flyers: Soul Edge Ver. II, Namco / Namco Bandai Games |publisher=Flyers.arcade-museum.com |date=2007-07-31 |accessdate=2015-11-29}}</ref> The overseas PlayStation version was renamed ''Soul Blade'' to avoid potential complications due to [[EDGE Games]]' earlier "EDGE" trademark.<ref name="edge">{{cite web|url=http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-decisionmaking/t-challenge/t-challenge-decision-results/t-challenge-decision-results-bl?BL_Number=O/337/02 |title=Trade mark decision |publisher=[[UK Intellectual Property Office]] |date=2002-08-14 |accessdate=2009-06-01}}</ref>
A couple of months later, Namco released a fixed version, labeled ''Soul Edge Ver. II.''<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Webb|first=Marcus |title=Up and Coming Coin-Ops |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=20|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=August 1996|page=18}}</ref> Hwang (initially a [[palette swap]] of Mitsurugi for the Korean version of the game) was introduced to Japanese players with a new move list, Cervantes became playable, Guard Impacts and Air Combos were implemented, all the characters received upgraded move lists, and new stages were added.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=flyer&db=videodb&id=5625&image=1 |title=The Arcade Flyer Archive - Video Game Flyers: Soul Edge Ver. II, Namco / Namco Bandai Games |publisher=Flyers.arcade-museum.com |date=2007-07-31 |access-date=2015-11-29}}</ref> The overseas PlayStation version was renamed ''Soul Blade'' to avoid potential complications due to [[EDGE Games]]' earlier "EDGE" trademark.<ref name="edge">{{cite web|url=http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-decisionmaking/t-challenge/t-challenge-decision-results/t-challenge-decision-results-bl?BL_Number=O/337/02 |title=Trade mark decision |publisher=[[UK Intellectual Property Office]] |date=2002-08-14 |access-date=2009-06-01}}</ref>


===PlayStation===
===PlayStation===
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* A new RPG-styled mode called Edge Master mode, which works as a kind of story mode for the ten initial characters. The mode presents the selected character's story as a book, while the player moves in a map to various locations and fights in battles, sometimes with handicap rules. Generally, each chapter of the book rewards the player with a weapon.
* A new RPG-styled mode called Edge Master mode, which works as a kind of story mode for the ten initial characters. The mode presents the selected character's story as a book, while the player moves in a map to various locations and fights in battles, sometimes with handicap rules. Generally, each chapter of the book rewards the player with a weapon.
* An opening CGI cinematic and individual endings done using the game's engine rather than still images as in its sequels ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'' and ''[[Soulcalibur II]]''. Each of the ten normally selectable characters have two endings, usually one [[happy ending]] and another tragic ending. These endings are accessible by pressing a special button/button sequence during certain times, indicated by black bars moving away, while others involve a short minigame, such as Mitsurugi avoiding gunshots. [[Multiple endings|This type of ending]] was finally brought back in ''[[Soulcalibur III]]''.
* An opening CGI cinematic and individual endings done using the game's engine rather than still images as in its sequels ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'' and ''[[Soulcalibur II]]''. Each of the ten normally selectable characters have two endings, usually one [[happy ending]] and another tragic ending. These endings are accessible by pressing a special button/button sequence during certain times, indicated by black bars moving away, while others involve a short minigame, such as Mitsurugi avoiding gunshots. [[Multiple endings|This type of ending]] was finally brought back in ''[[Soulcalibur III]]''.
* The inclusion of seven extra weapons per character, which have different designs and statistics, composed of Power (inflicts more damage), Defense (receives less damage), Strength (damage dealt to enemy's weapon gauge), Durability (resistance of player's weapon gauge), and Weight (changes character's speed). Certain weapons also have a special ability, such as the ability to damage through defense or restore/drain the player's health.
* The inclusion of seven extra weapons per character, which have different designs and statistics, composed of Power (inflicts more damage), Defense (receives less damage), Strength (damage dealt with enemy's weapon gauge), Durability (resistance of player's weapon gauge), and Weight (changes character's speed). Certain weapons also have a special ability, such as the ability to damage through defense or restore/drain the player's health.
* The inclusion of three different in-game soundtracks to choose from: the original arcade soundtrack, a studio-recorded version of the arcade soundtrack called "Arrange Soundtrack" and the Khan Super Session, made expressly for the home version.
* The inclusion of three different in-game soundtracks to choose from: the original arcade soundtrack, a studio-recorded version of the arcade soundtrack called "Arrange Soundtrack" and the Khan Super Session, made expressly for the home version.
* In the English version, all non-Asian characters have their English voice as default. (The concept of speaking different languages was followed by ''[[Tekken 4]]'' since the character Julia Chang from ''[[Tekken 3]]'' speaks in her ending.)
* In the English version, all non-Asian characters have their English voice as default. (The concept of speaking different languages was followed by ''[[Tekken 4]]'' since the character Julia Chang from ''[[Tekken 3]]'' speaks in her ending.)


Versions labeled ''Soul Blade'' came out in 1997. In the North American version, clothes were added to Sophitia in the opening cutscene where she would have been nude.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ex.org/2.2/35-soul_edge.html |title=Soul Edge |publisher=Ex.org |accessdate=2012-02-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Bltie04d?url=http://www.ex.org/2.2/35-soul_edge.html |archivedate=2012-10-29 }}</ref> In the European version, Li Long's pair of [[nunchaku]] were changed to a three-section staff, since [[BBFC]] guidelines at the time banned the depiction of nunchaku.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Lee|last=Nutter|title=Rumble in the Bronx |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |issue=23|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=September 1997|page=66 |url= https://archive.org/stream/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_023/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_023_-_september_1997_UK#page/n66/mode/2up |accessdate=November 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>European manual, page 20.</ref>
Versions labeled ''Soul Blade'' came out in 1997. In the North American version, clothes were added to Sophitia in the opening cutscene where she would have been nude.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ex.org/2.2/35-soul_edge.html |title=Soul Edge |publisher=Ex.org |access-date=2012-02-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001052052/http://www.ex.org/2.2/35-soul_edge.html |archive-date=2012-10-01 }}</ref> In the European version, Li Long's pair of [[nunchaku]] were changed to a three-section staff, since [[BBFC]] guidelines at the time banned the depiction of nunchaku.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Lee|last=Nutter|title=Rumble in the Bronx |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |issue=23|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=September 1997|page=66 |url= https://archive.org/stream/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_023/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_023_-_september_1997_UK#page/n66/mode/2up |access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>European manual, page 20.</ref>


===Soundtracks===
===Soundtracks===
{{main|Discography of the Soulcalibur series}}
{{Main|Discography of the Soulcalibur series}}


Two soundtrack CDs were released for the game: ''Soul Edge Original Soundtrack - Khan Super Session'' and ''Super Battle Sound Attack Soul Edge''.
Two soundtrack CDs were released for the game: ''Soul Edge Original Soundtrack - Khan Super Session'' and ''Super Battle Sound Attack Soul Edge''.
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{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregators -->
<!-- Aggregators -->
| GR = 91%<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/198704-soul-blade/index.html |title=Soul Blade for PlayStation |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=2013-12-21}}</ref>
| GR = 91% (PlayStation)<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/198704-soul-blade/index.html |title=Soul Blade for PlayStation |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2013-12-21}}</ref>
| MC = 89/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/soul-blade |title=Soul Blade for PlayStation Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=2012-02-11}}</ref>
| MC = 89/100 (PlayStation)<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/soul-blade/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |title=Soul Blade for PlayStation Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
<!-- Reviewers -->
| CVG = 3/5 (Arcade)<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Lomas |first1=Ed |title=Video Drome |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=12 January 1996 |issue=171 (February 1996) |pages=74–7 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_171_1996-02_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n73/mode/2up}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Sackenheim |first=Shawn|title=Soul Blade - Review |publisher=[[Allgame]] |accessdate=November 11, 2013 |url=http://allgame.com/game.php?id=2291&tab=review |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116011049/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=2291&tab=review |archivedate=November 16, 2014}}</ref>
| Allgame = {{Rating|4.5|5}} (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite web |last=Sackenheim |first=Shawn|title=Soul Blade - Review |publisher=[[Allgame]] |access-date=November 11, 2013 |url=http://allgame.com/game.php?id=2291&tab=review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116011049/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=2291&tab=review |archive-date=November 16, 2014}}</ref>
| EGM = 33 / 40<ref>''Electronic Gaming Monthly'', ''1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide'', page 74</ref>
| Fam = 34 / 40<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8752 |title=ソウルエッジ まとめ [PS&#93; / ファミ通.com |publisher=Famitsu.com |date=2014-11-27 |accessdate=2015-11-29}}</ref>
| EGM = 33/40 (PlayStation)<ref>''Electronic Gaming Monthly'', ''1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide'', page 74</ref>
| Fam = 34/40 (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8752 |title=ソウルエッジ まとめ [PS&#93; / ファミ通.com |publisher=Famitsu.com |date=2014-11-27 |access-date=2015-11-29}}</ref>
| GameFan = 292 / 300<ref>''GameFan'', volume 5, issue 2 (February 1997), page 30</ref>
| GameFan = 292/300 (PlayStation)<ref>''GameFan'', volume 5, issue 2 (February 1997), page 30</ref>
| GSpot = 8.3 / 10<ref>{{cite web |title=Soul Blade Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=February 12, 2018 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/soul-blade-review/1900-2549388/ |date=April 3, 1997}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.3/10 (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite web |title=Soul Blade Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=February 12, 2018 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/soul-blade-review/1900-2549388/ |date=April 3, 1997}}</ref>
| Hyper = 90% (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite magazine |title=R.I.P. PlayStation: The best of 1995-2001 |magazine=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]] |date=28 February 2001 |issue=90 (April 2001) |pages=44–51 |url=https://archive.org/details/hyper-090/page/44/mode/2up}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.3 / 10<ref name=IGN />
| IGN = 8.3/10 (PlayStation)<ref name=IGN/>
| NGen = Arcade: {{rating|5|5}}<ref name=ng/><br />PS: {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=NGen28>{{cite magazine|title=Cutting Edge|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=28 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=April 1997|page=122}}</ref>
| NGen = {{rating|5|5}} (Arcade)<ref name=ng/><br />{{rating|4|5}} (PlayStation)<ref name=NGen28>{{cite magazine|title=Cutting Edge|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=28 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=April 1997|page=122|url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_28/page/n123}}</ref>
| OPMUK = 8/10 (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite journal |title=Play Test: Soul Blade |journal=[[Official UK PlayStation Magazine]] |date=1999 |issue=Platinum Special |pages=86–9 |url=https://archive.org/details/Official_UK_Playstation_Magazine_1999_Future_Publishing_GB_platinum_special/page/n85/mode/2up}}</ref>
}}
}}


===Arcade===
In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''Soul Edge'' on their March 15, 1996 issue as being the second most-successful arcade game of the year.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=|first=|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)|magazine=Game Machine|issue=514|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|date=15 March 1996|page=25|lang=ja}}</ref> However according to ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'', the game was only moderately successful in the arcades.<ref name=NGen28/> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' reviewed the arcade version of ''Soul Edge Version II'', rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "there is still the slight control delay, but character movement is still fluid and seamless, and the trailing slashes of light in the wake of weapon movement is as gorgeous as ever."<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|last=|first=|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=21|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=September 1996|page=164}}</ref> The PlayStation conversion, ''Soul Blade'', was a bestseller in the UK.<ref>Gallup UK Playstation sales chart, August 1997, published in [[Official UK PlayStation Magazine]] issue 22.</ref> Due to its popularity, the game has been re-released as part of the [[Greatest Hits (PlayStation range)|PlayStation Greatest Hits]], the [[Essentials (PlayStation range)|PlayStation Platinum]] range, and the [[The Best (PlayStation range)|PlayStation The Best]] series.
In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''Soul Edge'' on their March 15, 1996 issue as being the second most-successful arcade game of the month.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)|magazine=Game Machine|issue=514|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|date=15 March 1996|page=25|lang=ja}}</ref> On the annual 1996 ''[[Gamest]]'' chart, ''Soul Edge'' was the 20th highest-grossing arcade game in Japan that year.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=第10回 ゲーメスト大賞 |trans-title=10th Gamest Awards |magazine=[[Gamest]] |date=December 27, 1996 |volume=188 (January-February 1997) |pages=46–63 |lang=ja}} [http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v188.html alternate url]</ref> The arcade game was more successful in the United States, where it became one of the top five highest-grossing [[arcade conversion]] kits [[1996 in video games|of 1996]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Coin Machine: AMOA Announces JB Award Nominees |magazine=[[Cash Box]] |date=August 3, 1996 |page=26 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Cash-Box-IDX/90s/1996/CB-1996-08-03-OCR-Page-0026.pdf}}</ref> Despite this, it was not able to achieve the same level of arcade success as Namco's popular ''[[Tekken]]'' series. According to ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' magazine, ''Soul Edge'' "enjoyed less success than it deserved" in arcades.<ref name=NGen28/>


''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' reviewed the arcade version of ''Soul Edge Version II'', rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "there is still the slight control delay, but character movement is still fluid and seamless, and the trailing slashes of light in the wake of weapon movement is as gorgeous as ever."<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=21|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=September 1996|page=164}}</ref> The PlayStation conversion, ''Soul Blade'', was a bestseller in the UK.<ref>Gallup UK PlayStation sales chart, August 1997, published in [[Official UK PlayStation Magazine]] issue 22.</ref> Due to its popularity, the game has been re-released as part of the [[Greatest Hits (PlayStation range)|PlayStation Greatest Hits]], the [[Essentials (PlayStation range)|PlayStation Platinum]] range, and the [[The Best (PlayStation range)|PlayStation The Best]] series.
The PlayStation game received very positive reviews. It holds aggregated scores of 91% on [[GameRankings]]<ref name="GR"/> and 89/100 on [[Metacritic]],<ref name="MC" /> including high ratings by [[IGN]] ("extremely fun, and has just enough new elements to make it worth playing multiple times"),<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1997/03/04/soul-blade |title=Soul Blade - PSX - IGN |website=[[IGN]] |date=March 3, 1997 |accessdate=2012-02-11}}</ref> and [[GameSpot]] ("a great fighting game with its share of flaws").<ref>{{cite web|last=Robertson |first=Ed |url=http://www.gamespot.com/soul-blade/reviews/soul-blade-review-2549388/ |title=Soul Blade Review |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=1997-04-03 |accessdate=2012-02-11}}</ref> ''Next Generation'' praised it for "filling in all the blanks with great gameplay, superb characters, unique graphics, and combines them into one solid package."<ref name=ng>''Next Generation'' 14 (February 1996), page 177.</ref> They later commended the PlayStation port for retaining all the characters, levels, graphics, and gameplay from the arcade version.<ref name=NGen28/> ''[[GameFan]]'' called it "without a doubt the most stunning graphical fighting feast ever to grace any console."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefan.com/reviews/playstation/soul_edge.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970215182625/http://www.gamefan.com/reviews/playstation/soul_edge.html |archivedate=1997-02-15 |title=Review: Soul Edge (Soul Blade) |accessdate=2013-08-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The four reviewers of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' particularly applauded the [[full motion video]] intro and the new story mode.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Soul Blade |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=92|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=March 1997 |page=50}}</ref> They awarded it "Best Intro" in their ''1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Good the Bad and the Silly |magazine=1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=March 1998 |page=32}}</ref> A reviewer for ''[[GamePro]]'' stated: "Bow down to the new king of fighters, and the first gotta-play-it game of the year."<ref>''GamePro'' 102 (March 1997), pages 66-67.</ref>


===PlayStation===
In 1997, ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]]'' named ''Soul Edge'' as the fourth [[List of video games considered the best|top game]] on the PlayStation.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine]] |date=September 1997 |volume=1 |issue=1 |title=Top 25 PlayStation Games of All Time |author=Staff |page=34}}</ref> [[PSU.com|PSU]] listed this game as the sixth "PSone classic" most deserving to be remade for the [[PlayStation 3]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psu.com/a013801/10-PSOne-classics-we-want-remade-for-PS3--10-6 |title=10 PSOne classics we want remade for PS3: 10-6 - PlayStation Universe |publisher=Psu.com |date= |accessdate=2013-08-10}}</ref> That same year, ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' ranked ''Soul Edge'' as the 19th best fighting game of all time.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rubin |first=Peter |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/soul-blade |title=Fatality Day: Relive The 50 Best Fighting Games Of All Time |magazine=Complex |date=2011-04-19 |accessdate=2015-11-29}}</ref>
The PlayStation game received very positive reviews. It holds aggregated scores of 91% on [[GameRankings]]<ref name="GR"/> and 89/100 on [[Metacritic]],<ref name="MC" /> including high ratings by [[IGN]] ("extremely fun, and has just enough new elements to make it worth playing multiple times"),<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1997/03/04/soul-blade |title=Soul Blade - PSX - IGN |website=[[IGN]] |date=March 3, 1997 |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref> and [[GameSpot]] ("a great fighting game with its share of flaws").<ref>{{cite web|last=Robertson |first=Ed |url=http://www.gamespot.com/soul-blade/reviews/soul-blade-review-2549388/ |title=Soul Blade Review |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=1997-04-03 |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref> ''Next Generation'' praised it for "filling in all the blanks with great gameplay, superb characters, unique graphics, and combines them into one solid package."<ref name=ng>''Next Generation'' 14 (February 1996), page 177.</ref> They later commended the PlayStation port for retaining all the characters, levels, graphics, and gameplay from the arcade version.<ref name=NGen28/> ''[[GameFan]]'' called it "without a doubt the most stunning graphical fighting feast ever to grace any console."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefan.com/reviews/playstation/soul_edge.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970215182625/http://www.gamefan.com/reviews/playstation/soul_edge.html |archive-date=1997-02-15 |title=Review: Soul Edge (Soul Blade) |access-date=2013-08-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The four reviewers of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' particularly applauded the [[full motion video]] intro and the new story mode.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Soul Blade |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=92|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=March 1997 |page=50}}</ref> They awarded it "Best Intro" in their ''1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Good the Bad and the Silly |magazine=1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=March 1998 |page=32}}</ref> A reviewer for ''[[GamePro]]'' stated: "Bow down to the new king of fighters, and the first gotta-play-it game of the year."<ref>''GamePro'' 102 (March 1997), pages 66-67.</ref>

In 1997, ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]]'' named ''Soul Edge'' as the fourth [[List of video games considered the best|top game]] on the PlayStation,<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine]] |date=September 1997 |volume=1 |issue=1 |title=Top 25 PlayStation Games of All Time |author=Staff |page=34}}</ref> and ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' listed the PlayStation version as a runner-up for "Fighting Game of the Year" (behind ''[[Street Fighter Collection]]'') and "Best Music" (behind ''[[PaRappa the Rapper]]'').<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Editors' Choice Awards |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=104 |date=March 1998 |pages=88, 96}}</ref> ''PSU'' listed this game as the sixth "PSone classic" most deserving to be remade for the [[PlayStation 3]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psu.com/a013801/10-PSOne-classics-we-want-remade-for-PS3--10-6 |title=10 PSOne classics we want remade for PS3: 10-6 - PlayStation Universe |date=3 December 2011 |publisher=Psu.com |access-date=2013-08-10}}</ref> That same year, ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' ranked ''Soul Edge'' as the 19th best fighting game of all time.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rubin |first=Peter |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/soul-blade |title=Fatality Day: Relive The 50 Best Fighting Games Of All Time |magazine=Complex |date=2011-04-19 |access-date=2015-11-29 |archive-date=2013-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627224443/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/soul-blade |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The PlayStation version's opening sequence won the [[SIGGRAPH]] '97 award for the best game video of 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/gallery/wg/siggraph/soulblade.php|title=ナムコCGアートワールド|バンダイナムコゲームス公式サイト|website=www.bandainamcoent.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref> It was also included on the list of the ten all-time best game cinematics by Cheat Code Central in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cheatcc.com/extra/top10openingcinematics.html |title=Top 10 Opening Cinematics - Cheat Code Central |publisher=Cheatcc.com |date= |accessdate=2013-08-10}}</ref> {{clear}}
The PlayStation version's opening sequence won the [[SIGGRAPH]] '97 award for the best game video of 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/gallery/wg/siggraph/soulblade.php|title=ナムコCGアートワールド|バンダイナムコゲームス公式サイト|website=www.bandainamcoent.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref> It was also included on the list of the ten all-time best game cinematics by Cheat Code Central in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cheatcc.com/extra/top10openingcinematics.html |title=Top 10 Opening Cinematics - Cheat Code Central |publisher=Cheatcc.com |access-date=2013-08-10}}</ref> {{clear}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{Notelist}}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/cs/list/souledge/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312021141/http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/cs/list/souledge/ |date=March 12, 2016 }} {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/am/vg/souledge/ Official website (Ver. II)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301235034/http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/am/vg/souledge/ |date=March 1, 2016 }} {{in lang|ja}}
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/soul-blade ''Soul Blade''] at [[MobyGames]]
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/soul-blade ''Soul Blade''] at [[MobyGames]]


{{Soul series}}
{{Soul series}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1995 video games]]
[[Category:1995 video games]]
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[[Category:3D fighting games]]
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[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Motion capture in video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Soulcalibur series games]]
[[Category:Soulcalibur video games]]
[[Category:Versus fighting games]]
[[Category:Fighting games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games about pirates]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Aki Hata]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Aki Hata]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 16th century]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Taku Iwasaki]]
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[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games with alternate endings]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]

Latest revision as of 04:03, 12 December 2024

Soul Edge
Japanese arcade flyer for Soul Edge
Developer(s)Namco (Project Soul)[8]
Publisher(s)Namco[b]
Director(s)Teruaki Konishi
Producer(s)Masuya Oishi
Designer(s)Hiroaki Yotoriyama
Koh Onda
Takayasu Yanagihara
Programmer(s)Shinobu Nimura
Artist(s)Hiroshi Kuwabara
Tarō Okamoto
Kouji Mitsunaga
Composer(s)See discography
SeriesSoulcalibur
Platform(s)Arcade
PlayStation
ReleaseArcade
February 20, 1996[1][a]
June 8, 1996 (Ver. II)[3][4]
PlayStation[5]
  • JP: December 20, 1996
Genre(s)Fighting game
Mode(s)Up to 2 players simultaneously
Arcade systemSystem 11[9]

Soul Edge[c] is a 1995-1996 fighting game developed and published by Namco, and the first installment in the Soulcalibur series. Introduced at the JAMMA trade show in November 1995,[10] the full arcade game was released in February 1996 on System 11 hardware,[1] the same board used by Tekken and Tekken 2. Later in December an upgraded and expanded version of the game was ported to the PlayStation; this version was renamed to Soul Blade outside Japan and released in 1997.

Soul Edge is a 3D fighting game and was the second such game to be based on weapons, following Battle Arena Toshinden[11] (itself preceded by the 2D Samurai Showdown series). The plot centers upon the eponymous sword, rumored to offer unlimited power to anyone who can find and wield it, leading to nine warriors attempting to pursue the tenth who is rumored to have the sword. The game was a commercial and critical success, with praise given to graphics, gameplay and characters. It was followed up with Soulcalibur in July 1998.

Gameplay

[edit]
Gameplay screenshot of a fight between Taki and Voldo

Soul Edge was created prior to the introduction of the so-called 8-Way Run. The characters can sidestep to either side by double-tapping down to move to the foreground or tapping down then up to the background. The jump maneuver (which in Soulcalibur is more like a hop) moves the player higher into the air, even allowing it to pass above the opponent (much like in Tekken). The game uses an active block system performed by pressing the block button, and a combat system based on the three attack buttons: horizontal attack, vertical attack, and kick.

Character moves retain a feel of Namco's Tekken series. Each character has one or two slow but unblockable attacks. Each character is also capable of performing one or two "Critical Edge" attacks, consisting of a long series of linked hits, usually ending in a strong high attack. These moves require the input of a special combination of two parts: they are activated by pressing all three attack buttons together, and if it connects, the player has the chance of extending the combo with a character-specific sequence, which must be input during the attack. This attack depletes one-third of the Weapon Gauge when used.

The Weapon Gauge is a life bar for the character's equipped weapon. Each time the player blocks an attack, the bar depletes. If the bar is totally emptied, the weapon is lost and the character is forced to fight unarmed.[12] The unarmed move-lists are the same for every character. Another feature that was removed from Soulcalibur's engine is a rock paper scissors situation when two character strike at the same time, locking their weapons; those who press the correct button have the advantage.

Soul Edge uses an optional offensive block maneuver called the "Guard Impact" that allows players to intercept incoming attacks and push them back, resulting in a momentary opportunity for a free counterattack. Opponents, however, are also able to return a Guard Impact after receiving a Guard Impact, allowing for stalemate clashes until one opponent missed the subsequent timing. This gameplay feature is expanded in future Soul series games.

The game uses the ring out system, which is a forcible maneuver that ejects the opponent from the arena and gains an automatic victory for the round. To achieve a ring out, a character must be knocked outside the ring by an enemy (the player cannot accidentally or deliberately get a ring out by hopping out of the ring). The only exception to this rule is Cervantes and Inferno (known in this game as SoulEdge), who can get a ring out by themselves upon performing a certain special attack, as long as they are near the edge of the arena.

Plot and characters

[edit]

Soul Edge's events take place in the year 1583.[13][14] The game tells the tale of warriors searching for the ultimate sword, "Soul Edge". It has been given many names throughout history, such as "The Sword of Salvation", "The Sword of Heroes", and "The Ultimate Sword", among others. Many strong warriors searched for years, but very few actually found it. The sword, currently in the form of a twin pair of long swords, appeared mysteriously in an auction. It was taken by the dreaded pirate Cervantes de Leon and nothing is known of his fate thereafter. Presently, nine warriors from around the world (Hwang, Li Long, Mitsurugi, Rock, Seong Mi-na, Siegfried, Sophitia, Taki, and Voldo) search for the sword for different reasons. Some desire its power, others want revenge. Some, believing that it is a benevolent sword, crave its support. Others, knowing of its evil nature, seek its destruction. Nothing is known for certain about the sword, except for one thing: it brings misfortune to those seeking it. What many do not know is that the sword's power is evil, feeding upon the souls of not only its victims but its wielder as well.

Development and release

[edit]

Soul Edge was developed as an experiment by Namco to explore the possibilities of a weapon-based fighting game;[15][16] Samurai Showdown was one of the first of this type, while Battle Arena Toshinden was the first in 3D.[17] Soul Edge was the first motion capture based video game created by using passive optical system markers.[18]

Soul Edge was initially released in arcades in 1995. A Gamest Mook series guide book (GMC-30) was published by Shinseisha on April 30, 1996.[19]

A couple of months later, Namco released a fixed version, labeled Soul Edge Ver. II.[20] Hwang (initially a palette swap of Mitsurugi for the Korean version of the game) was introduced to Japanese players with a new move list, Cervantes became playable, Guard Impacts and Air Combos were implemented, all the characters received upgraded move lists, and new stages were added.[21] The overseas PlayStation version was renamed Soul Blade to avoid potential complications due to EDGE Games' earlier "EDGE" trademark.[22]

PlayStation

[edit]

On December 20, 1996, Soul Edge was ported to the Sony PlayStation for the Japanese market. A limited special edition came with the Namco Joystick controller. An official tribute book Soul Edge Official Fan Book (ソウルエッジ オフィシャルファンブック/年代記) was published in the Chronicle series by Famitsu on March 31, 1997.[19]

The port kept the Soul Edge Ver. II roster of ten characters and added five unlockable characters, including SoulEdge, the final boss of the game. Other PlayStation-specific features include:

  • A new costume for each character, chosen from various works sent by fans, giving each one a total of three different costumes, plus two color variations for the Player 1 and Player 2 costumes. It also includes—besides the standard Arcade mode—VS mode, Survival, Team Battle, Time Attack, and Training modes.
  • A new RPG-styled mode called Edge Master mode, which works as a kind of story mode for the ten initial characters. The mode presents the selected character's story as a book, while the player moves in a map to various locations and fights in battles, sometimes with handicap rules. Generally, each chapter of the book rewards the player with a weapon.
  • An opening CGI cinematic and individual endings done using the game's engine rather than still images as in its sequels Soulcalibur and Soulcalibur II. Each of the ten normally selectable characters have two endings, usually one happy ending and another tragic ending. These endings are accessible by pressing a special button/button sequence during certain times, indicated by black bars moving away, while others involve a short minigame, such as Mitsurugi avoiding gunshots. This type of ending was finally brought back in Soulcalibur III.
  • The inclusion of seven extra weapons per character, which have different designs and statistics, composed of Power (inflicts more damage), Defense (receives less damage), Strength (damage dealt with enemy's weapon gauge), Durability (resistance of player's weapon gauge), and Weight (changes character's speed). Certain weapons also have a special ability, such as the ability to damage through defense or restore/drain the player's health.
  • The inclusion of three different in-game soundtracks to choose from: the original arcade soundtrack, a studio-recorded version of the arcade soundtrack called "Arrange Soundtrack" and the Khan Super Session, made expressly for the home version.
  • In the English version, all non-Asian characters have their English voice as default. (The concept of speaking different languages was followed by Tekken 4 since the character Julia Chang from Tekken 3 speaks in her ending.)

Versions labeled Soul Blade came out in 1997. In the North American version, clothes were added to Sophitia in the opening cutscene where she would have been nude.[23] In the European version, Li Long's pair of nunchaku were changed to a three-section staff, since BBFC guidelines at the time banned the depiction of nunchaku.[24][25]

Soundtracks

[edit]

Two soundtrack CDs were released for the game: Soul Edge Original Soundtrack - Khan Super Session and Super Battle Sound Attack Soul Edge.

Reception

[edit]

Arcade

[edit]

In Japan, Game Machine listed Soul Edge on their March 15, 1996 issue as being the second most-successful arcade game of the month.[39] On the annual 1996 Gamest chart, Soul Edge was the 20th highest-grossing arcade game in Japan that year.[40] The arcade game was more successful in the United States, where it became one of the top five highest-grossing arcade conversion kits of 1996.[41] Despite this, it was not able to achieve the same level of arcade success as Namco's popular Tekken series. According to Next Generation magazine, Soul Edge "enjoyed less success than it deserved" in arcades.[37]

Next Generation reviewed the arcade version of Soul Edge Version II, rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "there is still the slight control delay, but character movement is still fluid and seamless, and the trailing slashes of light in the wake of weapon movement is as gorgeous as ever."[42] The PlayStation conversion, Soul Blade, was a bestseller in the UK.[43] Due to its popularity, the game has been re-released as part of the PlayStation Greatest Hits, the PlayStation Platinum range, and the PlayStation The Best series.

PlayStation

[edit]

The PlayStation game received very positive reviews. It holds aggregated scores of 91% on GameRankings[26] and 89/100 on Metacritic,[27] including high ratings by IGN ("extremely fun, and has just enough new elements to make it worth playing multiple times"),[35] and GameSpot ("a great fighting game with its share of flaws").[44] Next Generation praised it for "filling in all the blanks with great gameplay, superb characters, unique graphics, and combines them into one solid package."[36] They later commended the PlayStation port for retaining all the characters, levels, graphics, and gameplay from the arcade version.[37] GameFan called it "without a doubt the most stunning graphical fighting feast ever to grace any console."[45] The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly particularly applauded the full motion video intro and the new story mode.[46] They awarded it "Best Intro" in their 1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide.[47] A reviewer for GamePro stated: "Bow down to the new king of fighters, and the first gotta-play-it game of the year."[48]

In 1997, PSM named Soul Edge as the fourth top game on the PlayStation,[49] and Electronic Gaming Monthly listed the PlayStation version as a runner-up for "Fighting Game of the Year" (behind Street Fighter Collection) and "Best Music" (behind PaRappa the Rapper).[50] PSU listed this game as the sixth "PSone classic" most deserving to be remade for the PlayStation 3 in 2011.[51] That same year, Complex ranked Soul Edge as the 19th best fighting game of all time.[52]

The PlayStation version's opening sequence won the SIGGRAPH '97 award for the best game video of 1996.[53] It was also included on the list of the ten all-time best game cinematics by Cheat Code Central in 2012.[54]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Some magazines claimed a premature release date of December 1995[2]
  2. ^ Published in North America by Namco Hometek and in Europe by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
  3. ^ Japanese: ソウルエッジ, Hepburn: Sōru Ejji

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Bandai Namco. "「ソウルキャリバーⅢ」参考資料" (PDF).
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