Soul Calibur IV is the latest addition to the ever popular weapons based fighting game and perhaps the biggest talking point of this release is the Star Wars crossover. The Xbox 360 and PS 3 versions will exclusively include Yoda and Darth Vader respectively as well as a Star Wars stage including full Imperial March background music. However, there are other points worth mentioning before the game’s release on 1st August.

First, we’ll cover the Star Wars angle because it is a biggy. As we mentioned, Xbox 360 owners will have the joy of fighting as Yoda and not only does he look incredible but it’s widely reported that he’s a genuinely solid addition to the Soul Calibur portfolio of fighters with some excellent and unpredictable moves as well, of course, as his lightsaber. Both versions will also be getting the Apprentice from Star Wars: The Force Unleashed as a guest character.

As you might imagine, the graphics, sound, and fighting mechanics have undergone a major overhaul and are nothing short of stunning. But maybe the biggest change in this area is the critical attack that will help you down the most defensive and obnoxious of players. By landing a series of attacks on a player you can weaken their defensive resolve until their health bar flashes red – when this happens you can send the player stumbling back by landing another powerful attack and while they’re stumbling pressing all four of the face buttons will perform a critical attack (which is pretty much the finishing move for your character).

Online play is also a welcome addition to the series and one that is certain to appeal to many and also improve the replay factor of a game that most will pick up time and time again anyway. Ranked and unranked matches, leaderboards, and player skill matching will all be evident along with character customisation options.

2 days and counting.