14 DAY TRIAL // Video game publisher Namco Bandai has announced that it is working on a new video game in the long-running fighting series Soulcalibur and that it plans to launch it at some point during 2012 for the Xbox 360 home gaming console from Microsoft and on the PlayStation 3 from Sony.
The company made the announcement at its “Step up Dubai 2011” conference and an official site is set to be launched shortly for Soulcalibur V.
It seems that the new game will take place 17 years after the events seen in the previous game in the series and game producer Hisaharu Tago added that various elements of the battles system will be improved and that the overall aim of the changes is to make the battles more exciting.
The developers are also aiming to expand the character creation elements and to deliver more online features.
Namco Bandai also says that it will mine other franchises it owns in order to introduce some exotic characters to Soulcalibur V, in a similar manner to the appearance of major players from the Star Wars universe in the previous installment.
It's not clear whether the developers will push the game to use some of the most recent additions to console gaming, like motion tracking for the Kinect and the PlayStation 3, or use of three-dimensional effects.
The company says, “Soul Calibur V is set to advance the series' legacy of white-knuckled weapon-based combat, beautiful graphics and groundbreaking features, entrancing newcomers and long-time fans alike.”
The developers added, “The tale of Patroklos, son of Sophitia Alexandra, unfolds as his family's destiny intertwines with the Soul swords. With the series revolutionary 8-way run, allowing for true 3D movement during matches, a refined battle system, and stunning graphics, Soul Calibur V will be the top game of 2012 for anyone looking for a knock-down, drag-out fight.”