The GameDaily One-Minute Review

Swords and souls collide in Soulcalibur IV, an epic 3-D brawler where 34 well-armed combatants wage war across gorgeous backdrops. A stock list of fighters, including the heavy-breasted Ivy, the axe-wielding Astaroth and the samurai sword carrying Mitsurugi offer a taste of Soulcalibur's lineage, while Star Wars characters Yoda and Darth Vader (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions respectively) will satisfy your inner fan boy. It's the game's Character Creation mode, however, that'll keep you enthralled for months, as you customize your own warrior and then take him or her online to fight. Set against attractive stages dripping with detail, from shiny suits of armor to warriors riding their trusty steeds, you'll carve up your foes, break their armor and unleash destructive Critical Finishes. Swordplay is remarkable, the various moves look painful and when you need a break from the violence, a Museum offers plenty of artwork. Punishing artificial intelligence, unbalanced online play and annoying lag will have you chucking your controller. Those small issues aside, Soulcalibur IV is razor sharp.