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{{Refimprove|date=January 2012}} |
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{{Infobox video game |
{{Infobox video game |
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| title = Soulcalibur V |
| title = Soulcalibur V |
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| image = |
| image = SoulcaliburV.png |
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| caption = Cover art depicting [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] in the background, and [[List of Soulcalibur characters#Patroklos|Patroklos]] and [[Nightmare (Soulcalibur)|Nightmare]] in the foreground |
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| caption = |
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| developer = [[Namco|Project Soul]] |
| developer = [[Namco|Project Soul]] |
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| publisher = [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco Bandai Games]]{{Efn|Released under the [[Namco]] label.}} |
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| distributor = Ubisoft{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} |
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| director = Daishi Odashima<br>Haruki Suzaki |
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| publisher = [[Namco Bandai Games]]<br/>[[Ubisoft]]{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} |
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| producer = Hisaharu Tago<br>Yoshito Higuchi |
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| composer = |
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| artist = Hideo Yoshie<br>Sei Nakatani |
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| designer = |
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| programmer = Masaaki Hoshino<br>Tomoko Imura |
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| director = Daishi Odashima |
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| composer = Junichi Nakatsuru<br>[[Hiroki Kikuta]]<br>[[Inon Zur]]<br>[[Zircon (composer)|Andrew Aversa]]<br>[[Cris Velasco]]<br>[[Jesper Kyd]] |
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| series = ''[[Soul (series)|Soul series]]'' |
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| series = ''[[Soulcalibur (series)|Soulcalibur]]'' |
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| engine = |
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| released = {{vgrelease|NA|January 31, 2012}}{{vgrelease|JP|February 2, 2012}}{{vgrelease|EU|February 3, 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-01-26/soul-calibur-v-english-dubbed-character-trailer-streamed|title=Soul Calibur V's English-Dubbed Character Trailer Streamed|date=21 June 2023|access-date=2016-06-12|archive-date=2021-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125193742/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-01-26/soul-calibur-v-english-dubbed-character-trailer-streamed|url-status=live}}</ref>}} |
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| media = [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[DVD-DL#Dual lawyer recording|DVD-DL]] |
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| genre = [[Fighting game|Fighting]] |
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| released = {{vgrelease|NA=January 31, 2012}} {{vgrelease|JP=February 2, 2012}} {{vgrelease|EU=February 3, 2012}} |
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| genre = [[Fighting game]] |
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| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] |
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] |
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| platforms = {{ubl|[[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]]}} |
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| ratings = {{vgratings|ESRB=T|PEGI=16|CERO=D}} |
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| platforms = [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]] |
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}} |
}} |
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{{nihongo|'''''Soulcalibur V'''''|ソウルキャリバーV|Sōrukyaribā Faibu}} is a 2012 [[fighting game|fighting video game]] produced by [[Namco Bandai Games]] for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]]. As the sixth main installment in [[Namco]]'s ''[[Soulcalibur (series)|Soulcalibur]]'' series, ''Soulcalibur V'' serves as a follow-up to ''[[Soulcalibur IV]]'' (2008). It retains the weapon-based combat that characterizes the series while introducing a new protagonist, Patroklos, who aims to free his sister from a curse inflicted upon her by an ancient weapon. This installment marks the conclusion of the original ''Soul'' series timeline. |
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The game received positive reviews, being praised for its gameplay, atmosphere, and character creation. However, it faced criticism for the removal of fan-favorite characters and for its story mode. It was succeeded by ''[[Soulcalibur VI]]'' (2018). |
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{{nihongo|'''Soulcalibur V'''|ソールキャリバーV|SōruKyaribā Faibu}} is the upcoming sixth main installment in [[Namco]]'s ''[[Soul (series)|Soul]]'' series of [[fighting game]]s, set to be released for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] in 2012.<ref name="Announcement">{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/05/10/namco-ready-to-nuke-dubai-press-conf-liveblog-at-6-30am-bst/ |title=Namco nukes Dubai: SoulCalibur 5 announced for 2012 |author=VG247 Staff |date=May 11, 2011 |work= |publisher=[[Vg247]] |accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref> |
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== |
==Gameplay== |
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[[File:Soulcalibur V gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|A screenshot from a fight between Algol and Mitsurugi]] |
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{{Expand section|date=January 2012}} |
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Like the previous games in the series, ''Soulcalibur V'' is a weapon-based fighting game. Players utilize high and low vertical and horizontal attacks to damage opposing characters and can block incoming attacks or parry enemy moves to gain a tactical advantage. The game features an updated "Critical Edge" system, allowing players to fill a meter and unleash powerful special attacks.<ref name=ign /> |
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The game offers a variety of gameplay modes. In Story Mode, players control the protagonist, Patroklos, along with various supporting characters, guiding him through a series of battles divided into 20 episodes. Unlike previous installments, not all characters are playable in Story Mode. The arcade mode allows players to choose any character and face six opponents in [[time trial]] matches. Additionally, the game includes Quick Battle mode, which enables players to unlock titles for their online profiles, as well as an extra "Legendary Souls" mode. Like its predecessors, ''Soulcalibur V'' features a variety of multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against each other both online and offline. The character creation mode from previous games has also been retained.<ref name=ign /> {{clear left}} |
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The game will take place 17 years after the events of ''[[Soulcalibur IV]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/05/11/soul_calibur_v_announced/ |title=Soul Calibur V Officially Announced |author=Anoop Gantayat |date=May 11, 2011 |work= |publisher=Andriasang |accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref> |
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==Plot== |
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The main [[protagonist]] is Patroklos, the son of ''Soul'' series veteran [[Sophitia]], while her daughter, Pyrrha is the [[deuteragonist]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] from the ''[[Assassin's Creed (series)|Assassin's Creed]]'' series has been confirmed as a guest character.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} |
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The game takes place in 1607, 17 years after the events of ''[[Soulcalibur IV]]'', and centers around the children of ''Soul'' series veteran [[Sophitia]].<ref name=Gamesradar>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/soulcalibur-v-review/|title=Soulcalibur V Review|last=McGarvey|first=Sterling|date=January 31, 2012|access-date=March 19, 2012|publisher=GamesRadar|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623123302/http://www.gamesradar.com/soulcalibur-v-review/|url-status=live}}</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}}</ref> Her son, Patroklos, serves as a soldier for Graf Dumas, the Roman Empire's appointed ruler of Hungary, and is tasked with eliminating the "malfested," a curse bestowed upon anyone who comes into contact with the evil weapon Soul Edge,<ref name=Gamespot /> in exchange for help in locating his sister, [[List of Soulcalibur characters|Pyrrha]], who has been missing since he was a child. While searching a town to root out the malfested, he is attacked and defeated by half-werewolf [[List of Soulcalibur characters|Z.W.E.I]], who reveals that Dumas is not who he seems. Confronting Dumas, Patroklos learns that Dumas is actually aligned with Soul Edge, and the "malfested" he had been killing were innocent people he needed to die to restore the blade. |
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Escaping Dumas' control, Patroklos tracks down Z.W.E.I., a member of [[Siegfried and Nightmare|Siegfried]]'s revived Schwarzwind. Siegfried inducts him into the group and informs him that Pyrrha is being held captive by Soul Edge devotee [[Tira (Soulcalibur)|Tira]], assigning Z.W.E.I. and Schwarzwind mystic Viola to accompany him. After a brief skirmish, Tira seemingly releases Pyrrha to her brother, who abandons Z.W.E.I. and Viola to bring her sister home. However, upon arriving in Greece, they are confronted by Dumas, who reveals himself as the vessel for Soul Edge's physical form, Nightmare. Complicating matters, Pyrrha has become a malfested, having been slowly corrupted by Tira over the seventeen years since her capture. Patroklos flees in horror after Nightmare's defeat, causing a distraught Pyrrha to wholeheartedly side with Tira. |
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==Gameplay== |
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{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2012}} |
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Returning to the Schwarzwind base, Siegfried entrusts Patroklos with Soul Calibur, the only weapon capable of saving his sister and stopping Nightmare. However, it has changed forms and weakened significantly since its last battle with Soul Edge. Seeking to strengthen the blade, Patroklos tracks down Nightmare's former pawn [[Ivy Valentine|Ivy]], who knows a ritual to enhance the blade, but it requires its other two counterparts, Krita-Yuga and Dvapara-Yuga, which are possessed by a young staff fighter named [[List of Soulcalibur characters|Xiba]] and [[List of Soulcalibur characters|Leixia]], the daughter of [[List of Soulcalibur characters|Xinaghua]]. During the ritual, Patroklos has a vision of his mother, Sophitia, who tells him that the only way to save Pyrrha is to kill her. Meanwhile, Nightmare wages war on Europe to strengthen Soul Edge, with Schwarzwind fighting to stop him. Z.W.E.I. manages to kill the still weakened Nightmare but is quickly disposed of by Tira and Pyrrha, who proceed with Tira's true goal of turning Pyrrha into a new host for Soul Edge. However, as soon as Pyrrha picks up the demonic blade, Patroklos arrives and kills her with Soul Calibur. |
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Large changes to the series staple game play have been made for ''Soulcalibur V''. The "Critical Finishes" of the previous game are no more, as is the Soul Gauge. Armor remains destructible but no longer has an indicator showing when it will break. A new gauge has been introduced that works similarly to the "super meters" found in other fighting games. Charging this meter in combat allows the characters to execute "Brave Edge" and "Critical Edge" attacks (progressively more powerful strikes that also require more meter to execute). |
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Shocked by his actions, Patroklos' mind winds up in Astral Chaos, where an encounter with [[List of Soulcalibur characters|Edge Master]] convinces him to travel back and save Pyrrha by removing Soul Edge, thereby severing its control over her. However, "Sophitia" encases him in glass, intending to take over his body to do the job he could not. When Pyrrha comes to her senses, her desperate attempt to save Patroklos frees his mind enough to confront his "mother," who reveals herself to be [[Characters_of_the_Soulcalibur_series#Elysium/Soul_Calibur|Elysium]], the spirit of Soul Calibur. After a long battle, Patroklos breaks free from Elysium's control, and together, he and Pyrrha seal away both swords. |
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In addition to the 8-Way-Run (introduced in the first ''Soulcalibur'' title), characters can now briskly sidestep around their opponent by double-tapping up or down. |
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==Characters== |
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The Guard Impact feature of the previous ''Soul'' series titles has been altered, now requiring holding away from the opponent and pushing horizontal slash, vertical slash, and kick together (as opposed to forward and guard). The Guard Impact will now repel any attack regardless of height (except for unblockable attacks), removing the need to anticipate the attack height of the aggressor. Guard Impacts require a segment of the Critical Meter to execute. Parries have been removed from the engine entirely. |
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{{Main|List of Soulcalibur characters}} |
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The game features 28 playable characters, including 11 that are new to the series.<ref name=teamxbox>{{cite web|url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1977/Soul-Calibur-V/p1/|title=Soul Calibur V Review (Xbox 360)|date=February 5, 2012|access-date=March 19, 2012|publisher=Team Xbox|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025050429/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1977/Soul-Calibur-V/p1/|archive-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> The new characters include two versions of Pyrrha and Patroklos.<ref name=ign /> The game also introduces the mysterious Z.W.E.I. as well as Viola, an amnesiac fortune teller (later revealed to be Raphael's grown-up adopted daughter, Amy Sorel). Several new characters utilize the fighting styles of previous characters in the series: [[Taki (Soulcalibur)|Taki's]] student and successor Natsu, [[Chai Xianghua|Xianghua]]'s daughter Yan Leixia, and her illegitimate eldest son Xiba, who employs a fighting style reminiscent of his long-lost father, Kilik. Elysium mimicks the styles of female characters, similar to how Kilik now mimicks male characters and Edge Master mimicks all characters.<ref name=ugo>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/soulcalibur-v-new-characters|title=SoulCalibur V New Characters|last=Basile|first=Sal|date=January 17, 2012|access-date=March 19, 2012|publisher=UGO|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311011533/http://www.ugo.com/games/soulcalibur-v-new-characters|archive-date=March 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Finally, [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], from the [[Assassin's Creed]] series, appears as a guest character.<ref name=Gamesradar2>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/assassins-creeds-ezio-joins-soulcalibur-v-roster-exciting-new-trailer/|title=Assassin's Creed's Ezio Joins the Soulcalibur V Roster in New Trailer and Screens|last=Gilbert|first=Henry|date=October 21, 2011|access-date=March 19, 2012|publisher=GamesRadar|archive-date=December 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224143814/http://www.gamesradar.com/assassins-creeds-ezio-joins-soulcalibur-v-roster-exciting-new-trailer/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The game also features several returning characters, namely Aeon Calcos (Lizardman), Algol, Astaroth, [[Cervantes de Leon|Cervantes]], Edge Master, Hilde, [[Ivy Valentine|Ivy]], Kilik, Maxi, [[Heishiro Mitsurugi|Mitsurugi]], [[Siegfried and Nightmare|Nightmare]], Raphael, [[Siegfried and Nightmare|Siegfried]], [[Tira (Soulcalibur)|Tira]], [[Voldo]] and [[Characters of the Soulcalibur series#Yoshimitsu|Yoshimitsu]]. In addition, Dampierre, who first appeared in ''[[Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny]]'', is available for players who pre-ordered the game, and was later made available via [[Downloadable content|DLC]].<ref name=teamxbox /> |
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A new defensive maneuver called "Just Guard" replaces the traditional Guard Impact technique. Using guard at the precise moment of an opponent's attack will result in a 'perfect' guard and considerably shorten the amount of delay that the character must wait before retaliating. This will allow players to respond to attacks quickly and with less consequence than a missed Guard Impact of previous installments (as mistiming a Guard Impact would not protect the character whereas a missed Just Guard will still provide defense without the advantage). |
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{{div col|colwidth=20em}} |
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Ring Outs now add an extra layer of depth on certain stages, as knocking an opponent from the ring will result in both characters falling down into a new arena to continue the fight. |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Lizardman (Aeon Calcos)|Aeon Calcos]] |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Algol|Algol]] {{ref|c|c}} |
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*[[Astaroth (Soulcalibur)|Astaroth]] |
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*[[Cervantes de Leon|Cervantes]] |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Dampierre|Dampierre]] {{ref|d|d}} |
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*[[Jin Kazama|Devil Jin]] {{ref|e|e}} |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Edge Master|Edge Master]] {{ref|c|c}} |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Elysium|Elysium]] {{ref|a|a}} {{ref|c|c}} |
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*[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] {{ref|b|b}} |
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*[[Heishiro Mitsurugi]] |
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*[[Hildegard von Krone|Hilde]] |
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*[[Ivy Valentine|Ivy]] |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Kilik|Kilik]] {{ref|c|c}} |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Leixia|Leixia]] {{ref|a|a}} |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Maxi|Maxi]] |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Natsu|Natsu]] {{ref|a|a}} |
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*[[Siegfried and Nightmare|Nightmare]] |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Patroklos|Patroklos Alexander]] {{ref|a|a}} |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Patroklos|Patroklos Alexandra (Alpha)]] {{ref|a|a}} {{ref|c|c}} |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Pyrrha|Pyrrha Alexandra]] {{ref|a|a}} |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Pyrrha|Pyrrha Alexandra (Omega)]] {{ref|a|a}} {{ref|c|c}} |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Raphael|Raphael]] |
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*[[Siegfried and Nightmare|Siegfried]] |
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*[[Tira (Soulcalibur)|Tira]] |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Amy/Viola|Viola]] {{ref|a|a}} |
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*[[Voldo]] |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Xiba|Xiba]] {{ref|a|a}} |
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*[[Characters of the Soulcalibur series#Yoshimitsu|Yoshimitsu]] |
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*[[List of Soulcalibur characters#Z.W.E.I.|Z.W.E.I.]] {{ref|a|a}} |
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{{div col end}} |
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<small>{{note|a|a}} Newcomers </small><br> |
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Character Creation has returned in his game, but with a vast amount of improvements. This time, the player can alter the height of the character, like in Broken Destiny. The player can also alter separate body parts, give facial effects, and do more improvement on editing clothing, and voicing. The player can also change the color of the weapons and effects of the weapon. |
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<small>{{note|b|b}} Guest character </small><br> |
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<small>{{note|c|c}} Unlockable </small><br> |
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There are several other fun features as well. Among the original characters' fighting styles that players will be able to choose from, players will also be able to choose the fighting style of [[Jin Kazama#Devil Jin|Devil Jin]] from the ''[[Tekken]]'' series, a style only exclusive to character customization mode as well as Katsuhiro Harada, the director of the ''Tekken'' series, who cameos as a non-playable character in ''Soulcalibur V''{{'}}s Quick Match mode. |
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<small>{{note|d|d}} DLC only </small><br> |
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<small>{{note|e|e}} Moveset available through Character Creation </small> |
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==Development== |
==Development== |
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[[File:Ivy at Igromir 2011 1.jpg|thumb|upright|A [[promotional model]] for [[Ivy Valentine|Ivy]] at [[IgroMir]] 2011]] |
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{{Expand section|date=January 2012}} |
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A petition for ''Soulcalibur V'' posted on [[Facebook]] caught the attention of Katsuhiro Harada, producer of Namco's ''[[Tekken]]'' series. He accepted suggestions and promised to advocate for fans in the creation of a new ''Soulcalibur'' game. The game was teased as early as 2010, when game director Daishi Odashima [[Twitter|tweeted]] "''SC is back!''." On December 25, 2010, a new ''Soul'' series project was announced to be underway, led by a new director.<ref name="daishi">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Daishi_CALIBUR|title=Twitter feed for Daishi Odashima|date=2010-12-25|access-date=2010-12-25|archive-date=2012-05-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511194533/http://twitter.com/daishi_calibur|url-status=live}}</ref> In late April 2011, Odashima tweeted again, stating "''Hopefully I will be able to announce something mid-May.''"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/04/26/soul_calibur_update_in_may/ |title=New SoulCalibur Info Possibly Coming in Mid May |author=Gantayat |date=April 26, 2011 |publisher=Andriasang |access-date=May 11, 2011 |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501160856/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/04/26/soul_calibur_update_in_may/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Soulcalibur V'' was officially announced by Namco Bandai on May 11, 2011.<ref name="Announcement">{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/05/10/namco-ready-to-nuke-dubai-press-conf-liveblog-at-6-30am-bst/ |title=Namco nukes Dubai: SoulCalibur 5 announced for 2012 |author=VG247 Staff |date=May 11, 2011 |publisher=[[Vg247]] |access-date=May 11, 2011 |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927081644/http://www.vg247.com/2011/05/10/namco-ready-to-nuke-dubai-press-conf-liveblog-at-6-30am-bst/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Development of the game's story mode was outsourced to [[CyberConnect2]], developers of the [[Capcom]] game ''[[Asura's Wrath]]''.<ref name=ign /> The story was originally planned to be four times longer, but it was reduced due to time and manpower constraints.<ref name=train>{{cite web |url=http://train2game-news.co.uk/2012/03/27/train2game-interview-soulcalibur-v-game-director-daishi-odashima/ |title=Train2Game interview: SoulCalibur V game director Daishi Odashima | The Train2Game Blog |publisher=Train2game-news.co.uk |date=2012-03-27 |access-date=2013-08-23 |archive-date=2012-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823051959/http://train2game-news.co.uk/2012/03/27/train2game-interview-soulcalibur-v-game-director-daishi-odashima/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The game was officially announced by [[Namco Bandai]] on May 11, 2011 at their Level Up press conference in [[Dubai]].<ref name="Announcement"/> The game was teased as early as 2010, where Daishi Odashima, game director, [[Twitter|tweeted]] that "SC is back!". In late April 2011, Odashima tweeted again saying "Hopefully I will be able to announce something mid May."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/04/26/soul_calibur_update_in_may/ |title=New SoulCalibur Info Possibly Coming in Mid May |author=Gantayat |date=April 26, 2011 |work= |publisher=Andriasang |accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref> |
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==Release== |
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So far, 28 characters have been confirmed officially. Daishi Odashima confirmed on his twitter that the number of the characters in the game will be overall 30, so two characters remain to be confirmed.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} |
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Pre-order bonuses included the playable character Dampierre from ''[[Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny]]''.<ref name=GI>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/soulcalibur_v/b/xbox360/archive/2011/10/22/unlock-dampierre-when-you-preorder-soulcalibur-v.aspx|title=Unlock Dampierre When You Preorder Soulcalibur V|last=Hilliard|first=Kyle|date=2011-10-22|access-date=2012-03-19|publisher=Game Informer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201171846/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/soulcalibur_v/b/xbox360/archive/2011/10/22/unlock-dampierre-when-you-preorder-soulcalibur-v.aspx|archive-date=2012-02-01}}</ref> A collector's edition of ''Soulcalibur V'' was released alongside the standard edition in a book-like package containing the game, a CD of the game’s music soundtrack, ''The Art of SoulCalibur V'' book, a making-of DVD, and exclusive White and Dark Knight character creation [[downloadable content]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/soulcalibur-v-collectors-edition-the-pages-of-history/|title=Soulcalibur V Collector's Edition: The Pages of History|last=Fletcher|first=JC|work=[[Joystiq]]|access-date=November 5, 2011|archive-date=March 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309015941/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/soulcalibur-v-collectors-edition-the-pages-of-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Namco has released additional downloadable content for the game. The first "Launch Day" pack includes a set of character customization items described as "exotic," as well as music from ''[[Soul Edge]]'' and ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]].'' The Valentine's Day pack, released on February 14, includes customization items described as "fearsome," along with music from ''[[Soulcalibur II]]'' and ''[[Soulcalibur III]]''. The February 28 pack includes more customization items and music from ''Soulcalibur IV'' and ''Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny''. The music tracks are also available individually.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/01/27/soulcalibur-v-dlc-announced.aspx |title=Soulcalibur V DLC Announced - News |publisher=www.GameInformer.com |date=August 16, 2013 |access-date=August 23, 2013 |archive-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704112352/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/01/27/soulcalibur-v-dlc-announced.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Further DLC packs were announced and planned for release once a month.<ref name=train/> |
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==Collector's Edition== |
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A collector's edition of ''Soulcalibur V'' will be released on the same day and date as the standard edition in a book-like package containing the game, CD game music soundtrack, art book, making-of DVD and exclusive White and Dark Knight character creation DLC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/soulcalibur-v-collectors-edition-the-pages-of-history/|title=Soulcalibur V Collector's Edition: the pages of history|last=Fletcher|first=JC|work=[[Joystiq]]|accessdate=5 November 2011}}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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{{Video game reviews |
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{{Empty section|date=January 2012}} <!-- Official PSM Magazin UK have scored the game 8/10 --> |
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| MC = PS3: 81/100<ref name=ps3>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/soulcalibur-v/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=SoulCalibur V for PlayStation 3 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2013-08-23 |archive-date=2023-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510185417/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/soulcalibur-v |url-status=live }}</ref><br />X360: 77/100<ref name=x360>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/soulcalibur-v/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=SoulCalibur V for Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2013-08-23 |archive-date=2023-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510183440/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/soulcalibur-v |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| 1UP = B+<ref name=1up>Jose Otero, [http://www.1up.com/reviews/soulcalibur-v-ps3-xbox360 Review: Soulcalibur V Redefines Namco's Flagship Weapon-Based Fighter] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509053222/http://www.1up.com/reviews/soulcalibur-v-ps3-xbox360 |date=2012-05-09 }}, 1UP.com, January 31, 2012</ref> |
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| CVG = 8.9/10<ref>Rich Stanton, [http://www.computerandvideogames.com/333838/soul-calibur-5-review/ SoulCalibur V Review: Ivy league] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007165243/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/333838/soul-calibur-5-review/ |date=2012-10-07 }}, CVG UK, 31 January 2012</ref> |
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| EGM = 6.0/10<ref>Andrew Fitch, [http://www.egmnow.com/articles/egm-review-soul-calibur-v/ EGM Review: Soul Calibur V] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407030404/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/egm-review-soul-calibur-v/ |date=2012-04-07 }}, EGMNOW, February 3, 2012</ref> |
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| EuroG = 8/10<ref>Matt Edwards, [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-30-soulcalibur-5-review SoulCalibur 5 Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614020239/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-01-30-soulcalibur-5-review |date=2012-06-14 }}, Eurogamer, 31 January 2012</ref> |
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| G4 = 4/5<ref name=g4>[[G4]], [http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/150127/soulcalibur-v/review/ SoulCalibur V Review] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401000000/http://www.g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/150127/soulcalibur-v/review/ |date=2012-01-31 }}</ref> |
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| GI = 8.5/10<ref name=gi>Adam Biessener, [http://www.gameinformer.com/games/soulcalibur_v/b/ps3/archive/2012/01/31/review.aspx Soulcalibur V] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206051046/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/soulcalibur_v/b/ps3/archive/2012/01/31/review.aspx |date=2022-12-06 }}, ''GameInformer'', January 31, 2012</ref> |
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| GameRev = 4/5<ref name=gr/> |
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| GSpot = 7.5/10<ref name=Gamespot>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/soulcalibur-v/reviews/soulcalibur-v-review-6349434 |title=SoulCalibur V |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=2012-01-31 |access-date=2013-08-23 |archive-date=2023-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510232825/https://www.gamespot.com/soulcalibur-v/reviews/soulcalibur-v-review-6349434/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| GRadar = 9/10<ref>Sterling McGarvey, [http://www.gamesradar.com/soulcalibur-v-review/ Soulcalibur V review: Refinements and revamps help restore the lustre to the series] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623123302/http://www.gamesradar.com/soulcalibur-v-review/ |date=2012-06-23 }}, GamesRadar, January 31, 2012</ref> |
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| GTM = 8/10<ref>[http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/soulcalibur-v-review/ SoulCalibur V review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807091220/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/soulcalibur-v-review/ |date=2020-08-07 }}, ''GamesTM'', 31 January 2012</ref> |
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| GT = 8.7/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/ojzju5/soulcalibur-v-review |title=SoulCalibur V Article Review and Ratings |publisher=GameTrailers |date=2012-01-31 |access-date=2013-08-23 |archive-date=2020-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807125502/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/ojzju5/soulcalibur-v-review |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| IGN = 7.5/10<ref name=ign>Steven Lambrechts, [http://ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1217588p1.html Soulcalibur V Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923001759/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/31/soulcalibur-v-review |date=2012-09-23 }}, IGN, January 31, 2012</ref> |
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| OXM = 8/10<ref>Nic Vargus, [http://www.oxmonline.com/soulcalibur-v-review SoulCalibur V review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712041731/http://www.oxmonline.com/soulcalibur-v-review |date=2012-07-12 }}, ''Official Xbox Magazine'', 01/31/2012</ref> |
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| OXMUK = 7/10<ref>[http://www.oxm.co.uk/38164/reviews/soulcalibur-5-review/ SoulCalibur 5 Review: A slick, underwhelming return to the stage of history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406002356/http://www.oxm.co.uk/38164/reviews/soulcalibur-5-review/ |date=2012-04-06 }}, ''Official Xbox Magazine UK''</ref> |
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| PALGN = 8/10<ref>Jeremy Jastrzab, [http://palgn.com.au/playstation-3/19977/soul-calibur-v-review/ Soul Calibur V Review: The burning soul will never extinguish!] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002051553/http://palgn.com.au/playstation-3/19977/soul-calibur-v-review/ |date=2012-10-02 }}, ''PALGN'', 07 Feb, 2012</ref> |
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| TX = 7.5/10<ref>Jesse Lord, [http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1977/Soul-Calibur-V/p1/ Soul Calibur V Review (Xbox 360)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025050429/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1977/Soul-Calibur-V/p1/ |date=2012-10-25 }}, TeamXbox, February 5th, 2012</ref> |
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}} |
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Critical reception of ''Soulcalibur V'' was generally positive, with average [[Metacritic]] scores of 77 (Xbox 360)<ref name=x360/> and 81 (PS3).<ref name=ps3/> Jose Otero of ''[[1Up.com]]'' criticized the story mode but was overall positive in his review, stating that the game "''reinvents the series again."''<ref name=1up/> ''[[PSM3]]'' stated, "Faster and more aggressive, SCV is what the series needed. Long-term fans may bemoan the changes, but this is the perfect starting point for newcomers."{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} Adam Biessener of ''[[Game Informer]]'' called it "the best ''Soulcalibur'' ever."<ref name=gi/> On the other hand, ''[[IGN]]''{{'s}} Steven Lambrechts wrote that ''Soulcalibur V'' "feels like more of the same" and expressed disappointment with the game, particularly criticizing its main story mode.<ref name=ign/> Jordan Mallory of ''[[Joystiq]]'' claimed that ''Soulcalibur V'' "is simultaneously one of the best Soul Calibur games ever made and the worst Soul Calibur game ever made."<ref>{{cite web |last=Mallory |first=Jordan |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/soulcalibur-5-review/ |title=SoulCalibur 5 review: The old flame still burns |publisher=Joystiq |date=2012-01-31 |access-date=2013-08-23 |archive-date=2013-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721083511/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/soulcalibur-5-review |url-status=live }}</ref> Besides the story mode, many reviewers criticized the absence of the series's longstanding female characters, such as Sophitia, Talim, Cassandra, Xianghua, Taki, and Seong Mi-na.<ref name=gr>Daniel Bischoff, [http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/soul-calibur-v Does the Soul Still Burn?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419135145/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/soul-calibur-v |date=2012-04-19 }}, GameRevolution, 02/03/12</ref><ref name=g4tv>Daniel Maniago, [http://www.g4tv.com/games/ps3/65251/soulcalibur-5/review/ SoulCalibur 5 Review]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311081403/http://www.g4tv.com/games/ps3/65251/soulcalibur-5/review/ |date=2013-03-11 }}, G4tv, February 2, 2012.</ref><ref>Nick Dinicola, [http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/154172-soul-calibur-v 'SoulCalibur V' Is a Very Vibrant Game] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410220044/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/154172-soul-calibur-v |date=2012-04-10 }}, PopMatters, 6 February 2012.</ref><ref>Evan Narcisse, [http://kotaku.com/5880830/soulcalibur-v--the--kotaku-review SoulCalibur V: The Kotaku Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128182614/http://kotaku.com/5880830/soulcalibur-v--the--kotaku-review |date=2013-01-28 }}, Kotaku, Jan 31, 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cheatcc.com/extra/toptenlamestvideogamecharacters2.html |title=Top Ten Lamest Video Game Characters - Cheat Code Central |publisher=Cheatcc.com |date=2012-03-19 |access-date=2013-08-23 |archive-date=2012-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927123935/http://www.cheatcc.com/extra/toptenlamestvideogamecharacters2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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During the [[16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''Soulcalibur V'' for the "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Family Game of the Year|Fighting Game of the Year]]," which was ultimately awarded to ''[[PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2013&idGameAwardType=62 |title=2013 Awards Category Details Fighting Game of the Year |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=27 November 2023}}</ref> It was also nominated for "Fighting Game of the Year" by ''[[Igromania]]'', which was awarded to ''[[Dead or Alive 5]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.igromania.ru/articles/200763/Igra_goda_luchshie_po_zhanram_chast_1.htm |title=Спец > Игра года: лучшие по жанрам, часть 1 |publisher=Igromania.ru |date=2012-12-30 |access-date=2015-09-18 |archive-date=2016-02-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207051450/https://www.igromania.ru/articles/200763/Igra_goda_luchshie_po_zhanram_chast_1.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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''Soulcalibur V'' reached number 4 in the UK PS3 sales charts,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p/software/uk/archive/index_test.jsp&ct=110031&arch=t&lyr=2012&year=2012&week=5|title=GFK Chart-Track|website=www.chart-track.co.uk|access-date=2017-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202005417/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fsoftware%2Fuk%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=110031&arch=t&lyr=2012&year=2012&week=5|archive-date=2017-02-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> and number 3 on the Xbox.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p/software/uk/archive/index_test.jsp&ct=110027&arch=t&lyr=2012&year=2012&week=5|title=GFK Chart-Track|website=www.chart-track.co.uk|access-date=2017-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202040605/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fsoftware%2Fuk%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=110027&arch=t&lyr=2012&year=2012&week=5|archive-date=2017-02-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> In eight months, the game sold 1.38 million units worldwide,<ref>{{cite web|title=Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of the Fiscal Year Ending March 2013 (April-June 2012)|url=http://www.bandainamco.co.jp/files/2012201Q20E8A39CE8B6B3E8B387E69699EFBC88EnglishEFB.pdf#page=3|work=[[Namco Bandai Games]]|publisher=[[Namco Bandai Holdings]]|access-date=2 September 2012|page=3|date=August 2, 2012|archive-date=15 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215071228/https://www.bandainamco.co.jp/files/2012201Q20E8A39CE8B6B3E8B387E69699EFBC88EnglishEFB.pdf#page=3|url-status=live}}</ref> which is somewhat less than the 2.3 million copies of ''Soulcalibur IV'' sold during its first eight months.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-03-soulcalibur-5-sales-are-a-million-less-than-soulcalibur-4s|title=Soulcalibur 5 sales are a million less than Soulcalibur 4's • News • |publisher=Eurogamer.net|date=2012-08-03|access-date=2014-02-05|archive-date=2014-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202100/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-03-soulcalibur-5-sales-are-a-million-less-than-soulcalibur-4s|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Notes== |
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{{Notelist}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist|30em}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* |
*[http://www.soulcalibur.com/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204041220/http://www.soulcalibur.com/ |date=December 4, 2013 }} |
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[[Category:Video games scored by Andrew Aversa]] |
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[[Category:Video games set in the 1600s]] |
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Latest revision as of 12:28, 24 December 2024
Soulcalibur V | |
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Developer(s) | Project Soul |
Publisher(s) | Namco Bandai Games[a] |
Director(s) | Daishi Odashima Haruki Suzaki |
Producer(s) | Hisaharu Tago Yoshito Higuchi |
Programmer(s) | Masaaki Hoshino Tomoko Imura |
Artist(s) | Hideo Yoshie Sei Nakatani |
Composer(s) | Junichi Nakatsuru Hiroki Kikuta Inon Zur Andrew Aversa Cris Velasco Jesper Kyd |
Series | Soulcalibur |
Platform(s) | |
Release |
|
Genre(s) | Fighting |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Soulcalibur V (ソウルキャリバーV, Sōrukyaribā Faibu) is a 2012 fighting video game produced by Namco Bandai Games for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. As the sixth main installment in Namco's Soulcalibur series, Soulcalibur V serves as a follow-up to Soulcalibur IV (2008). It retains the weapon-based combat that characterizes the series while introducing a new protagonist, Patroklos, who aims to free his sister from a curse inflicted upon her by an ancient weapon. This installment marks the conclusion of the original Soul series timeline.
The game received positive reviews, being praised for its gameplay, atmosphere, and character creation. However, it faced criticism for the removal of fan-favorite characters and for its story mode. It was succeeded by Soulcalibur VI (2018).
Gameplay
[edit]Like the previous games in the series, Soulcalibur V is a weapon-based fighting game. Players utilize high and low vertical and horizontal attacks to damage opposing characters and can block incoming attacks or parry enemy moves to gain a tactical advantage. The game features an updated "Critical Edge" system, allowing players to fill a meter and unleash powerful special attacks.[2]
The game offers a variety of gameplay modes. In Story Mode, players control the protagonist, Patroklos, along with various supporting characters, guiding him through a series of battles divided into 20 episodes. Unlike previous installments, not all characters are playable in Story Mode. The arcade mode allows players to choose any character and face six opponents in time trial matches. Additionally, the game includes Quick Battle mode, which enables players to unlock titles for their online profiles, as well as an extra "Legendary Souls" mode. Like its predecessors, Soulcalibur V features a variety of multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against each other both online and offline. The character creation mode from previous games has also been retained.[2]
Plot
[edit]The game takes place in 1607, 17 years after the events of Soulcalibur IV, and centers around the children of Soul series veteran Sophitia.[3][4] Her son, Patroklos, serves as a soldier for Graf Dumas, the Roman Empire's appointed ruler of Hungary, and is tasked with eliminating the "malfested," a curse bestowed upon anyone who comes into contact with the evil weapon Soul Edge,[5] in exchange for help in locating his sister, Pyrrha, who has been missing since he was a child. While searching a town to root out the malfested, he is attacked and defeated by half-werewolf Z.W.E.I, who reveals that Dumas is not who he seems. Confronting Dumas, Patroklos learns that Dumas is actually aligned with Soul Edge, and the "malfested" he had been killing were innocent people he needed to die to restore the blade.
Escaping Dumas' control, Patroklos tracks down Z.W.E.I., a member of Siegfried's revived Schwarzwind. Siegfried inducts him into the group and informs him that Pyrrha is being held captive by Soul Edge devotee Tira, assigning Z.W.E.I. and Schwarzwind mystic Viola to accompany him. After a brief skirmish, Tira seemingly releases Pyrrha to her brother, who abandons Z.W.E.I. and Viola to bring her sister home. However, upon arriving in Greece, they are confronted by Dumas, who reveals himself as the vessel for Soul Edge's physical form, Nightmare. Complicating matters, Pyrrha has become a malfested, having been slowly corrupted by Tira over the seventeen years since her capture. Patroklos flees in horror after Nightmare's defeat, causing a distraught Pyrrha to wholeheartedly side with Tira.
Returning to the Schwarzwind base, Siegfried entrusts Patroklos with Soul Calibur, the only weapon capable of saving his sister and stopping Nightmare. However, it has changed forms and weakened significantly since its last battle with Soul Edge. Seeking to strengthen the blade, Patroklos tracks down Nightmare's former pawn Ivy, who knows a ritual to enhance the blade, but it requires its other two counterparts, Krita-Yuga and Dvapara-Yuga, which are possessed by a young staff fighter named Xiba and Leixia, the daughter of Xinaghua. During the ritual, Patroklos has a vision of his mother, Sophitia, who tells him that the only way to save Pyrrha is to kill her. Meanwhile, Nightmare wages war on Europe to strengthen Soul Edge, with Schwarzwind fighting to stop him. Z.W.E.I. manages to kill the still weakened Nightmare but is quickly disposed of by Tira and Pyrrha, who proceed with Tira's true goal of turning Pyrrha into a new host for Soul Edge. However, as soon as Pyrrha picks up the demonic blade, Patroklos arrives and kills her with Soul Calibur.
Shocked by his actions, Patroklos' mind winds up in Astral Chaos, where an encounter with Edge Master convinces him to travel back and save Pyrrha by removing Soul Edge, thereby severing its control over her. However, "Sophitia" encases him in glass, intending to take over his body to do the job he could not. When Pyrrha comes to her senses, her desperate attempt to save Patroklos frees his mind enough to confront his "mother," who reveals herself to be Elysium, the spirit of Soul Calibur. After a long battle, Patroklos breaks free from Elysium's control, and together, he and Pyrrha seal away both swords.
Characters
[edit]The game features 28 playable characters, including 11 that are new to the series.[6] The new characters include two versions of Pyrrha and Patroklos.[2] The game also introduces the mysterious Z.W.E.I. as well as Viola, an amnesiac fortune teller (later revealed to be Raphael's grown-up adopted daughter, Amy Sorel). Several new characters utilize the fighting styles of previous characters in the series: Taki's student and successor Natsu, Xianghua's daughter Yan Leixia, and her illegitimate eldest son Xiba, who employs a fighting style reminiscent of his long-lost father, Kilik. Elysium mimicks the styles of female characters, similar to how Kilik now mimicks male characters and Edge Master mimicks all characters.[7] Finally, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, from the Assassin's Creed series, appears as a guest character.[8]
The game also features several returning characters, namely Aeon Calcos (Lizardman), Algol, Astaroth, Cervantes, Edge Master, Hilde, Ivy, Kilik, Maxi, Mitsurugi, Nightmare, Raphael, Siegfried, Tira, Voldo and Yoshimitsu. In addition, Dampierre, who first appeared in Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny, is available for players who pre-ordered the game, and was later made available via DLC.[6]
- Aeon Calcos
- Algol c
- Astaroth
- Cervantes
- Dampierre d
- Devil Jin e
- Edge Master c
- Elysium a c
- Ezio Auditore da Firenze b
- Heishiro Mitsurugi
- Hilde
- Ivy
- Kilik c
- Leixia a
- Maxi
- Natsu a
- Nightmare
- Patroklos Alexander a
- Patroklos Alexandra (Alpha) a c
- Pyrrha Alexandra a
- Pyrrha Alexandra (Omega) a c
- Raphael
- Siegfried
- Tira
- Viola a
- Voldo
- Xiba a
- Yoshimitsu
- Z.W.E.I. a
^a Newcomers
^b Guest character
^c Unlockable
^d DLC only
^e Moveset available through Character Creation
Development
[edit]A petition for Soulcalibur V posted on Facebook caught the attention of Katsuhiro Harada, producer of Namco's Tekken series. He accepted suggestions and promised to advocate for fans in the creation of a new Soulcalibur game. The game was teased as early as 2010, when game director Daishi Odashima tweeted "SC is back!." On December 25, 2010, a new Soul series project was announced to be underway, led by a new director.[9] In late April 2011, Odashima tweeted again, stating "Hopefully I will be able to announce something mid-May."[10] Soulcalibur V was officially announced by Namco Bandai on May 11, 2011.[11]
Development of the game's story mode was outsourced to CyberConnect2, developers of the Capcom game Asura's Wrath.[2] The story was originally planned to be four times longer, but it was reduced due to time and manpower constraints.[12]
Release
[edit]Pre-order bonuses included the playable character Dampierre from Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny.[13] A collector's edition of Soulcalibur V was released alongside the standard edition in a book-like package containing the game, a CD of the game’s music soundtrack, The Art of SoulCalibur V book, a making-of DVD, and exclusive White and Dark Knight character creation downloadable content.[14]
Namco has released additional downloadable content for the game. The first "Launch Day" pack includes a set of character customization items described as "exotic," as well as music from Soul Edge and Soulcalibur. The Valentine's Day pack, released on February 14, includes customization items described as "fearsome," along with music from Soulcalibur II and Soulcalibur III. The February 28 pack includes more customization items and music from Soulcalibur IV and Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny. The music tracks are also available individually.[15] Further DLC packs were announced and planned for release once a month.[12]
Reception
[edit]Aggregator | Score |
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Metacritic | PS3: 81/100[16] X360: 77/100[17] |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
1Up.com | B+[18] |
Computer and Video Games | 8.9/10[19] |
Electronic Gaming Monthly | 6.0/10[20] |
Eurogamer | 8/10[21] |
G4 | 4/5[22] |
Game Informer | 8.5/10[23] |
GameRevolution | 4/5[24] |
GameSpot | 7.5/10[5] |
GamesRadar+ | 9/10[25] |
GamesTM | 8/10[26] |
GameTrailers | 8.7/10[27] |
IGN | 7.5/10[2] |
Official Xbox Magazine (UK) | 7/10[29] |
Official Xbox Magazine (US) | 8/10[28] |
PALGN | 8/10[30] |
TeamXbox | 7.5/10[31] |
Critical reception of Soulcalibur V was generally positive, with average Metacritic scores of 77 (Xbox 360)[17] and 81 (PS3).[16] Jose Otero of 1Up.com criticized the story mode but was overall positive in his review, stating that the game "reinvents the series again."[18] PSM3 stated, "Faster and more aggressive, SCV is what the series needed. Long-term fans may bemoan the changes, but this is the perfect starting point for newcomers."[citation needed] Adam Biessener of Game Informer called it "the best Soulcalibur ever."[23] On the other hand, IGN's Steven Lambrechts wrote that Soulcalibur V "feels like more of the same" and expressed disappointment with the game, particularly criticizing its main story mode.[2] Jordan Mallory of Joystiq claimed that Soulcalibur V "is simultaneously one of the best Soul Calibur games ever made and the worst Soul Calibur game ever made."[32] Besides the story mode, many reviewers criticized the absence of the series's longstanding female characters, such as Sophitia, Talim, Cassandra, Xianghua, Taki, and Seong Mi-na.[24][33][34][35][36]
During the 16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Soulcalibur V for the "Fighting Game of the Year," which was ultimately awarded to PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.[37] It was also nominated for "Fighting Game of the Year" by Igromania, which was awarded to Dead or Alive 5.[38]
Soulcalibur V reached number 4 in the UK PS3 sales charts,[39] and number 3 on the Xbox.[40] In eight months, the game sold 1.38 million units worldwide,[41] which is somewhat less than the 2.3 million copies of Soulcalibur IV sold during its first eight months.[42]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Soul Calibur V's English-Dubbed Character Trailer Streamed". 21 June 2023. Archived from the original on 2021-01-25. Retrieved 2016-06-12.
- ^ a b c d e f Steven Lambrechts, Soulcalibur V Review Archived 2012-09-23 at the Wayback Machine, IGN, January 31, 2012
- ^ McGarvey, Sterling (January 31, 2012). "Soulcalibur V Review". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on June 23, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
- ^ Namco Bandai Games (2014). SoulCalibur: New Legends of Project Soul. Udon Entertainment. ISBN 978-1-92677-895-2.
- ^ a b "SoulCalibur V". GameSpot.com. 2012-01-31. Archived from the original on 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
- ^ a b "Soul Calibur V Review (Xbox 360)". Team Xbox. February 5, 2012. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
- ^ Basile, Sal (January 17, 2012). "SoulCalibur V New Characters". UGO. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
- ^ Gilbert, Henry (October 21, 2011). "Assassin's Creed's Ezio Joins the Soulcalibur V Roster in New Trailer and Screens". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on December 24, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
- ^ "Twitter feed for Daishi Odashima". 2010-12-25. Archived from the original on 2012-05-11. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
- ^ Gantayat (April 26, 2011). "New SoulCalibur Info Possibly Coming in Mid May". Andriasang. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
- ^ VG247 Staff (May 11, 2011). "Namco nukes Dubai: SoulCalibur 5 announced for 2012". Vg247. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "Train2Game interview: SoulCalibur V game director Daishi Odashima | The Train2Game Blog". Train2game-news.co.uk. 2012-03-27. Archived from the original on 2012-08-23. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
- ^ Hilliard, Kyle (2011-10-22). "Unlock Dampierre When You Preorder Soulcalibur V". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2012-02-01. Retrieved 2012-03-19.
- ^ Fletcher, JC. "Soulcalibur V Collector's Edition: The Pages of History". Joystiq. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ "Soulcalibur V DLC Announced - News". www.GameInformer.com. August 16, 2013. Archived from the original on July 4, 2012. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
- ^ a b "SoulCalibur V for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
- ^ a b "SoulCalibur V for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
- ^ a b Jose Otero, Review: Soulcalibur V Redefines Namco's Flagship Weapon-Based Fighter Archived 2012-05-09 at the Wayback Machine, 1UP.com, January 31, 2012
- ^ Rich Stanton, SoulCalibur V Review: Ivy league Archived 2012-10-07 at the Wayback Machine, CVG UK, 31 January 2012
- ^ Andrew Fitch, EGM Review: Soul Calibur V Archived 2012-04-07 at the Wayback Machine, EGMNOW, February 3, 2012
- ^ Matt Edwards, SoulCalibur 5 Review Archived 2012-06-14 at the Wayback Machine, Eurogamer, 31 January 2012
- ^ G4, SoulCalibur V Review Archived 2012-04-01(Date mismatch) at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b Adam Biessener, Soulcalibur V Archived 2022-12-06 at the Wayback Machine, GameInformer, January 31, 2012
- ^ a b Daniel Bischoff, Does the Soul Still Burn? Archived 2012-04-19 at the Wayback Machine, GameRevolution, 02/03/12
- ^ Sterling McGarvey, Soulcalibur V review: Refinements and revamps help restore the lustre to the series Archived 2012-06-23 at the Wayback Machine, GamesRadar, January 31, 2012
- ^ SoulCalibur V review Archived 2020-08-07 at the Wayback Machine, GamesTM, 31 January 2012
- ^ "SoulCalibur V Article Review and Ratings". GameTrailers. 2012-01-31. Archived from the original on 2020-08-07. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
- ^ Nic Vargus, SoulCalibur V review Archived 2012-07-12 at the Wayback Machine, Official Xbox Magazine, 01/31/2012
- ^ SoulCalibur 5 Review: A slick, underwhelming return to the stage of history Archived 2012-04-06 at the Wayback Machine, Official Xbox Magazine UK
- ^ Jeremy Jastrzab, Soul Calibur V Review: The burning soul will never extinguish! Archived 2012-10-02 at the Wayback Machine, PALGN, 07 Feb, 2012
- ^ Jesse Lord, Soul Calibur V Review (Xbox 360) Archived 2012-10-25 at the Wayback Machine, TeamXbox, February 5th, 2012
- ^ Mallory, Jordan (2012-01-31). "SoulCalibur 5 review: The old flame still burns". Joystiq. Archived from the original on 2013-07-21. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
- ^ Daniel Maniago, SoulCalibur 5 ReviewArchived 2013-03-11 at the Wayback Machine, G4tv, February 2, 2012.
- ^ Nick Dinicola, 'SoulCalibur V' Is a Very Vibrant Game Archived 2012-04-10 at the Wayback Machine, PopMatters, 6 February 2012.
- ^ Evan Narcisse, SoulCalibur V: The Kotaku Review Archived 2013-01-28 at the Wayback Machine, Kotaku, Jan 31, 2012.
- ^ "Top Ten Lamest Video Game Characters - Cheat Code Central". Cheatcc.com. 2012-03-19. Archived from the original on 2012-09-27. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
- ^ "2013 Awards Category Details Fighting Game of the Year". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
- ^ "Спец > Игра года: лучшие по жанрам, часть 1". Igromania.ru. 2012-12-30. Archived from the original on 2016-02-07. Retrieved 2015-09-18.
- ^ "GFK Chart-Track". www.chart-track.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
- ^ "GFK Chart-Track". www.chart-track.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2017-01-28.
- ^ "Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of the Fiscal Year Ending March 2013 (April-June 2012)" (PDF). Namco Bandai Games. Namco Bandai Holdings. August 2, 2012. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 February 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (2012-08-03). "Soulcalibur 5 sales are a million less than Soulcalibur 4's • News •". Eurogamer.net. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2014-02-05.
External links
[edit]- Official website Archived December 4, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- 2012 video games
- 3D fighting games
- Bandai Namco games
- Crossover fighting games
- Multiplayer and single-player video games
- PlayStation 3 games
- Soulcalibur video games
- Fighting games
- Video games scored by Andrew Aversa
- Video games scored by Cris Velasco
- Video games scored by Hiroki Kikuta
- Video games scored by Inon Zur
- Video games scored by Jesper Kyd
- Video games scored by Junichi Nakatsuru
- Video games developed in Japan
- Video games featuring female protagonists
- Video games set in the 1600s
- Video game sequels
- Xbox 360 games