Developer: Project Soul Publisher: Namco Bandai, Ubisoft (EU)

Release date: 7/29/2008, 7/31/2008 (Japan, Europe)

I GOT SOUL…AND I’M SUPER BAD!- James Brown

Well well. It’s finally here. About friggin’ time, I think.

Let me start off by saying that although this newest release in the Soul Caliber world doesn’t re-define the genre, it’s an amazing play and easily the best in the series. Jesus, this almost makes you forget that SCIII even existed. Almost.

Oh, and just because there has been so mush emphasis in past months I’ll get this out of the way as well: Darth Vader and Yoda are merely alright to play as. Yoda is short, neigh-impossible to grab and has some cool jumping attacks. Vader’s moves are unfortunately based off of the original trilogy - meaning that they’re slow and completely unimpressive (but powerful - wheee). Seriously, it’s like having a palsy victim on the roster. I don’t even like typing these words because I’ve been so jazzed about these characters coming to the series. And while things like well integrated force powers work for their presence, they really don’t fit in all that well. A couple plays through is all you need. Maybe when Vader and Yoda cross platforms there will be more reason to use them.

Starkiller, the Apprentice from the upcoming Force Unleashed is moderately badass (but still make you yawn, although certainly better than the others). He moves more as I envisioned Darth Vader would. Huh. Even the stages are a little boring. All in all, disappointing. So many fan boys are Mother-F**king their computer screens right now and I’m truly sorry that it has to be that way. E-mail the developer if you like. I’m sure they’d love to hear from you. Read More »