Soul Calibur IV coming July 29 in regular and 'premium' editions

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Apr 16th 2008 at 7:25AM }

A tale eternally retold (and resold), the Soul Calibur franchise will be making its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 debut on July 29th in North America. In case you haven't been staying abreast with the fighting franchise's ample development, Soul Calibur IV sees the character roster expanding in an inverse proportion to the size of Ivy's clothes. At last count, the cast included an undead demon pirate, a Sith lord, an asthmatic S&M fetishist and a little green friend. Oh well, at least Spawn's not in this one.

As excited as we are, purchasing the game won't be as easy as simply walking to the store shelf and stuffing it into our trench coats, like we normally do. It seems Namco Bandai has constructed a chicane of decisions for us all: Want to play as Darth Vader right away? Get the PlayStation 3 version. Perhaps you'd prefer Yoda instead? That's the Xbox 360 version. Would you like a comic book, a "tournament kit" and "extra customization content?" Oh, you want the $79.99 Premium Edition ... don't you?

Tags: Bandai, BreakingNews, Namco, Namco-Bandai, SC-IV, SCIV, Soul-Calibur-IV, SoulCalibur, SoulCaliburIV

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Benny @ Apr 16th 2008 7:34AM

Hey what's wrong with Spawn?

FOXHOUND @ Apr 16th 2008 7:56AM

Personally, I actually liked the Xbox version of SCII more than the rest... though if they're in dislike of Spawn's "recent" developments comic wise, I wholeheartedly agree. If any comic is in a big 'WTF' storyline moment, it's him.

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 16th 2008 9:46AM

Never cared much for spawn, always seemed gory and dark just because it could be. Kind of a childish rebellion that lead Image into the big time as the CCA fell. I enjoyed Maxx and a few others, but series like Trencher, Spawn, and Wetworks were now just being dark and gritty because they could get away with it.

But I do think the more important question is this.... Where is Darth Maul? That design was badass and I would love to see Darth Maul added as DLC.

rv @ Apr 16th 2008 11:23AM

I got nothing wrong with spawn, but I hate spawn camping.

FOXHOUND @ Apr 16th 2008 12:40PM

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) ---
Agreed. Hell, I regret working an extra shift back in the day - I missed the animated series of the Maxx. :\ Also, I'd be happy with a DARTH MAUL or MACE WINDU DLC later on. Hell, even GREVIOUS would be interesting to pull off.

John @ Jul 11th 2008 5:26PM

will the limited edition include the game as well or just the extra customization, tee shirt and tournament kit?

FOXHOUND @ Apr 16th 2008 7:57AM

Looks like I need to pick up the PS3 legendary/special edition version of this game too. :\ There goes summer vacation money, LoL...

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 16th 2008 8:03AM

Depends on how large the art book is for me to invest. A tournament kit doesn't interest me at all. Dare I ask if you're going PS3 or 360 on this one?

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 16th 2008 8:33AM

Damn, you answered the question already... I=phail

FOXHOUND @ Apr 16th 2008 8:56AM

If it's actually an "art book" with character concept designs, sketches, level art, CG and that sort... that's a hook-and-reel-in for me. But if it's no better than a strategy guide with a randomly placed single character art, eff it.

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 16th 2008 9:09AM

The gamespot link says it's an artbook/comic book prequel. Which is what has me worried.

Chase @ Apr 16th 2008 7:59AM

Well, at least they're not charging extra for random, additional weapons they have ready for the game, but want to rape us with.

xFenixKnightx @ Apr 16th 2008 8:09AM

W00t! Im gettin this mother and I hope Joystiq makes a Gamertag and PSN swap Thread like they did with SSBBS ;)
Its BEEN looking good on 360, they even unlocked an achievement while playing it lol!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rEOcSTerOc

XDragon @ Apr 16th 2008 8:09AM

I love the SC series and I will be buying it for the PS3 but I'd like to know more about the additional content to decide which edition to buy; my bet's on the standard version.

ScottyGEE32 @ Apr 16th 2008 8:16AM

Too many games have premium editions...They contain stuff that developers have already done (such as making ofs and concept art) so there's little cost in putting it in, yet they make lets say and extra $20 for it...

Silly.

Benny @ Apr 16th 2008 8:26AM

I'd actually call it clever.

ScottyGEE32 @ Apr 16th 2008 8:34AM

Clever on their part for getting the people who want it (dmc4, halo 3, gta 4, this, bad company, mass effect....etc), annoying on my part...

Even though it makes absolutely no difference to me coz I won't buy them =p I just thought I'd voice my opinion coz I can ;p (everyone else seems to right? >_>)

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 16th 2008 9:11AM

Well, I LIKE the concept art and behind the scenes stuff. It's always interesting to see the changes made between initial concepts and finals. Not to mention environmental concept art tends to be gorgeous.

Phranctoast @ Apr 16th 2008 8:39AM

At least something good is coming out in July. July seemed kind of dry before this.

ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 16th 2008 9:01AM

I'll be picking up the 360 version since the Light Side of the Force > the Dark Side.

However I'm still in shock that they even put Yoda and Vader in this game...its just so ridiculous.

As for Standard vs Premium depends on the artwork and these "customizable" features they're talking about. If its a big book and these features add some significant fun and depth to the game I'm all for it.

P.S. Graphics are everything but DAMN this game looks delicious from a visual standpoint IMO. I can't tell if theres any significant difference between the 360 and psTRIPLE versions but I'm going 360 cuz of the better online....

baby sea tuna @ Apr 16th 2008 9:11AM

"I can't tell if theres any significant difference between the 360 and psTRIPLE versions but I'm going 360 cuz of the better online...."

Also because, based on your comments, you don't have a PS3 anyway.

Personally, I'll probably be picking up the 360 version as well, due to the online. They'll be selling Vader on the marketplace soon enough anyway.

zero @ Apr 16th 2008 9:11AM

Obviously, "You don't know the power of the dark side of the Force." Sorry, couldn't resist.

Phranctoast @ Apr 16th 2008 9:14AM

Who the fuck do you think you're kidding? You are going with the 360 version, because you don't own a PS3 and hate everything Sony. You've made this clear numerous times. Don't try and act neutral.....

Who cares if Vader and Yoda are in there anyway. They put Link and Spawn in the game before.

ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 16th 2008 9:20AM

Lolz sony fanboys don't FLIP OUT.

Yes I don't own a ps3 but I was just giving my opinion to any neutral person out there who happens to have both...

Or is considering buying a system for GTA IV alone (which is possible given the hype surrounding the game).

And yes I hate the piece of shit 3...however I'm more than willing to admit that in this instance the game (SCIV) will probably end up looking exactly the same as the 360 version...

I don't know what I said that was SO HORRIBLE. Take your typical sony fanboy arrogance and anger elsewhere. Its boring and played out.

@ zero

NOW YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE FULL POWER OF THE DARK SIDE!

ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 16th 2008 9:24AM

And in my original post I meant to say, "Graphics aren't everything"

God I'd love an edit feature Joystiq...surely you guys have enough money to add that one simple feature to this otherwise okay blog.

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 16th 2008 9:42AM

Wait, phrantcoast and baby seas tuna are Sony fanboys? When did this happen?

T H @ Apr 16th 2008 9:45AM

Hahaha wait let me get this straight:

"I don't know what I said that was SO HORRIBLE. Take your typical sony fanboy arrogance and anger elsewhere. Its boring and played out."

and

"Lolz sony fanboys don't FLIP OUT.

Yes I don't own a ps3 but I was just giving my opinion to any neutral person out there who happens to have both..."

yet

"And yes I hate the piece of shit 3..."

Do you understand the full breadth of the hypocrisy of your post?? My GOD.

I must also point out, you added "NOW YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE FULL POWER OF THE DARK SIDE!" to your post, but you fail to realize that with this game, you can only do that with a PS3 (at first).. ;)

Man, get it together.

ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 16th 2008 9:58AM

@ T H

SO I can't quote ANYTHING from Star Wars thats related to the Dark Side because the ps3 is representing the Dark Side?

Are you fucking kidding me? Did you not read the post that zero made in jest? Am I not allowed to kid around in response to him?

On to your accusations of hypocrisy. How am I being hypocritical. I said something. They flipped out and attacked me. I responded to them by explaining what I meant to say and why I said it.

And I admitted that I hate the ps3 yet its version of the game will be just as good graphically as the 360. Just because I'm biased towards the 360 doesn't mean that my opinion doesn't matter or count. So really fuck off T H.

@ Fidilous

You and phranco have always been sony fanboys in my book. bst is neutral I guess just looking at his history.

T H @ Apr 16th 2008 10:07AM

WOW bro.. chill out!!! hahahahahaha

I dont think baby sea tuna "attacked" you.. I think you're extremely emotional and sensitive.. again, evidenced by your posts. Ease up and just think a bit before you type.

LOL "fuck off".. I'm still grinning.. IT'S THE INTERNET!!!! I didn't back-hand your mom..! (or did I? heh)

I'll quote you.. "LOLZ don't FLIP OUT. Take your typical fanboy arrogance and anger elsewhere. Its boring and played out."

:)

ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 16th 2008 10:14AM

Dude I'll admit I'm a lil pissed off. And thats only at how you can turn a blind eye to what they're doing and yet somehow have the audacity to single me out.

I'm not extremely anything. You don't know me so shut up with all your psycho analysis bullshit.

Also its telling how you attack me for quoting something related to Star Wars out of no where because I said I'm getting the 360 version.

And I'm not your bro...later. When you want to be FAIR and look at it from both sides then you'll actually be making a point.

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 16th 2008 10:16AM

Premier Assassin, I do not care how I appear in your book. Your book, dear sir, is penned by crayon and tears of disappointment.

You see me as a Sony fanboy, alright. But if you actually payed attention, I'm much more of a troll slapper than anything. Which is where you likely get your misconception. Because you are a troll and I have to keep chasing you back under your bridge.

T H @ Apr 16th 2008 10:17AM

AWWWWWWWWW.. it's ok.

Really.

ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 16th 2008 10:22AM

@ Fid

If you didn't care then why do you even bother to respond?

@ T H

I see that you want to fight just for the sake of fighting. This is just pointless and absolutely retarded. I don't have to defend myself to an arrogant person like you who obviously has selective vision when it come so the truth and fairness.

xFenixKnightx @ Apr 16th 2008 10:23AM

Where mah banhammerz! =P The hostility people! Lets keep it down please. KTHXBAI!

deleted @ Apr 16th 2008 10:32AM

No, I just wanted to point out that you are the old adage "the pot calling the kettle black", and you made it easier than I thought- job accomplished!

Back to the subject at hand, this iteration of Soul Calibur is some serious HD goodness.. I haven't purchased a next-gen fighter yet, so I'm looking forward.

Vcize @ Apr 16th 2008 11:21AM

"Tears of disappointment"

LOL, I'm going to have to pocket that one.

bounchfx @ Apr 16th 2008 10:01AM

what the fuck? It was bad enough when every game had an LE that was 10$ more filled with shit. Now they are 20$ more?

Ninjakamster @ Apr 16th 2008 10:31AM

Yeah, lots of nice games coming out in REALLY expensive LE bundles, goodbye bank account. : (

And I still don't get 360 fanboys calling out PS3 fanboys for being whiny, bitchy when they are exactly the same, your no better than PS3 fanboys, don't kid yourselves. I'm actually not seeing PS3 fanboys anymore, just annoying 360 fanboys bashing the PS3 whatever chance they get.

Vcize @ Apr 16th 2008 11:03AM

Ventured into the March hardware sales thread lately?

Manji Ninja @ Apr 16th 2008 10:35AM

Alright let's cool the fanboy nonsense. I have both systems and i'm getting it on ps3. Fighting games are better played with a Playstation pad generally IMO. Thats really all that comes into it. The online will suck on Xbox and PS3. I know this because Tekken DR sucks online, and SF2 sucks on the Xbox. Fighting games will never work online period.

Mr Khan @ Apr 16th 2008 5:12PM

Though the matchmaking itself sucks (and sucks bad, still only connect with a 33% success rate) when it actually connects you to a game, Brawl's online seems to work fine for me

Vcize @ Apr 16th 2008 11:02AM

This will probably be my first multi-plat purchase on the PS3. I have more friends on Live, but I can't imagine trying to play this game with the 360's d-pad. Plus, I'd rather have Vader anyway.

Jonah Falcon @ Apr 16th 2008 11:10AM

Pssst. Vader will be available to 360 owners as DLC - plus, you can get the fighter controller for the 360 as well.

Vcize @ Apr 16th 2008 11:22AM

Arcade sticks aren't really my thing. I prefer a good ole' d-pad for fighting games and the PS3 controller has the best d-pad I've ever used.

Now, if only they'd rip off the 360's analog stick instead of the one they currently use...

Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 16th 2008 11:54AM

Saturn is the best d-pad I've ever used...

But PSX comes pretty close. But on a game like SC, Analog will likely be used more. Fortunately, I like the even placement.

Jonah Falcon @ Apr 16th 2008 11:09AM

Get ready for machinima porn starring Ivy and her massive tooters.

tim @ Apr 16th 2008 11:58AM

Did anyone else see that picture and think, "It's the Ghost Pirate Le'Chuck!"?

Tom @ Apr 16th 2008 1:20PM

It's the regular PS3 version for me. I think the artbook will be more a comic book (and what the hell is a tournament kit?), and since Vader is > than Yoda, and the PS3 dualshock is > the 360 controller (especially for fighting games)- The PS3 version definitely wins.

ZeroCorpse @ Apr 16th 2008 1:47PM

THIS is what's wrong with gaming today. "Premium" versions of games that are really nothing more than a graphical/roster update in the first place. For your extra money, the "premium" edition will get you a different box, a cheap Cracker Jack toy, and maybe a slightly thicker manual. If you're very lucky, you'll get an utterly brain-numbing and useless second disc that includes a cheesy "making of" video that is probably no longer than 15 minutes, and will be on YouTube about 10 minutes after the game goes on sale.

Thanks, but no thanks.