Soulcalibur IV - updated impressions
Squaring up to every fighting game in every way
Aug 23, 2007
Before you notice the subtle parry system, the complex move set, the precise level design, the delicate character balance and the accessible but deep mechanics, you notice the gigantic boobs.
Soulcalibur IV marks the debut of the series on now-gen consoles - that means high-def visuals, sharper textures and more polygons... and more polygons apparently means preposterous breasts. It's all gone a bit Dead or Alive, with the female cast receiving hugely exploitative "upgrades" in the bosom region, while the men and monsters have had armour overhauls. Nightmare has managed to misplace his entire mid-section and Siegfried dresses in armour made of crystal and glass.
The game is in the early stages, but already Mitsurugi, Yoshimitsu and Sophitia are confirmed to be joining the boob squad, Siegfried and lightning-for-a-belly man. Namco also promises newcomers and a guest character, similar to Spawn, Link and Heihachi from the console versions of Soul Calibur 2. If you're still not satisfied, Soul Calibur 3's customization mode is back with more of everything you'll need to build your own fighters.
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