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<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Soulcaliber IV   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Monday, August 4, 2008 BIG GAME HUNTER: Soulcaliber IV Slick stuff: Soulcalibur IV, Namco Bandai's weapons-heavy fighter in its fifth installment is a knockout. Wrapped in a slick presentation with superior graphics courtesy of the Havok engine, this title shines on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 and is well worth the price tag. Like most fighting games, story mode comes off a little weak, but then again it's not really about the story; it's about pounding your opponent into the ground like a tent peg. Character creation is where this game shines, offering the creation of a multitude of amazing characters. After seeing a video posted on Kotaku.com, I created a toon that looked like Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid, then another that looked like Mario from Super Mario Brothers. Perhaps the best component of this game has to be the multiplayer mode. If you have unforgivingly trounced all your roommates so badly that they made you sleep in the car for your callous brutality, there is an easy interface system that will allow you to find fights online with other players. Bottom line: If you are a fight game enthusiast, Soulcalibur IV will not let you down. If you are new to the genre, then at the very least this should be worth a rental. Rated: T for teen. Cost: $59.99 Justin Arnold Big Game Hunter jarnold@heraldnet.com.

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