E3 2009 Preview
The SoulCalibur series has long been one of
the most popular on consoles, offering compelling and fast-paced weapon-based
combat and a bevy of interesting characters. Now, NAMCO Bandai is looking to
release the first entry in the series to hit the PSP, SoulCalibur: Broken
Destiny. SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny will offer the same great brand of
lightning fast action and deep combat as its console brethren, while allowing
players to take the game on the go. Additionally, all of the great character
customization features that the series has been known for will be available in
the game, letting players create their own characters from scratch and edit them
down to the minutest details.
Gameplaywise, SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny
handles extremely well. As was the case with Tekken: Dark Resurrection for the
PSP, the game feels like a fast-paced console title, albeit on the PSP. The game
controls extremely well, just like the console versions and borrows the majority
of its gameplay mechanic from SoulCalibur 4.
The game also looks extremely well. The
graphics are excellent, mirroring the console versions extremely well, and the
action unfolds at a blistering 60 FPS, with no moments of slowdown. Additionally
the animations are phenomenal, meaning that this game should be one of the best
lookers on the system when it launches.
The biggest new announcement concerning the
title at this year’s E3 was the revelation that Kratos from SCEA’s God of War
franchise would be a playable character. While he wasn’t available in the build
we played, his inclusion is a great incentive for fans of the character.
SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny is shaping up to
be a fine handheld fighting game, much in the spirit of Tekken: Dark
Resurrection. Fighting fans on the go can look forward to it this fall 2009.
