Soul Calibur III: New Info, Screens, Video

Following our earlier report, we take a detailed look at the Namco sequel in loads of new screens and a video comprising first ever footage and developer interview.

Despite refusing to discuss SoulCalibur III when we called two days ago, Namco has now released the love by officially announcing the game and serving up the first screenshots, artwork and a hot video of the fighting sequel in motion.

The official announcement confirms that SoulCalibur III is scheduled for release exclusively on the PlayStation 2, with three all-new characters, a character customization system and new gameplay modes.

You can see the three interesting new fighters in action in the trailer below. Meanwhile, we've got our hands on a video interview with Hiroaki Yotoriyama, the game's producer, as he talks about the devlopment process and shows us around the SoulCalibur production studio. He comments, "this is probably the finest group of developers Namco has ever assembled." Some of the fighting stage backgrounds, as you can see in the videos, are also mighty impressive.

The soul still burns in SoulCalibur III

Meanwhile, Namco US's Business Unit Director, Yoshi Niki, explained that the game "expands upon the landmark achievements of the franchise, and is undoubtedly one of the must-have games for PlayStation 2 owners in 2005. With a robust character creation system, jaw-dropping graphics and a large selection of fighters, SoulCalibur III gives players the ultimate opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the most beloved series in gaming."

Story-wise, it's pretty much the usual run-of-the-mill stuff... you know, the Soul Calibur - a holy sword - has been created to oppose to the Soul Edge, an evil sword which corrupts human souls. The power of the Soul Edge drove many adventurers and mighty warriors to seek the sword. Every time the evil sword rises, the Soul Calibur will rise to fight the brutality.

The countless severe battles between these swords became legendary throughout the decades. Towards the end of the 16th Century, the two opposing blades have risen again to the centre stage once more. The eternal tale of legendary rivalry is to be retold again. So pretty eveeryday stuff there, then.

Gamers can guide the fate of their favorite character in the narrative Tales of Souls Mode, play head-to-head with a friend in Vs. Mode, create their own custom fighters in Character Creation Mode, battle as their custom fighter in a real-time simulation in Chronicles of the Sword Mode, engage in unique and original battles in Soul Arena Mode and even recount the history of the franchise in Museum Mode.

Character artwork is up to Namco's typically high standard

The addition of the three new characters to the existing family of classic warriors gives the game a collection of more than 25 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style.

The fighting stages are looking nice

New characters Zasalamel, Tira and Setsuka will engage in combat within all-new stages, further enhancing the game's unmatched epic scope and trademark weapons-based fighting engine.

The game is currently 30% complete, with a provisional release date of Fall 2005. Expect a lot more coverage on SoulCalibur III from E3 in May.

Adam Doree
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