Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Arcade, Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation
- Developers: Project Soul
- Publishers: Namco
Soul Blade (1995): A 3D Fighting Masterpiece
Released in arcades in 1995, Soul Blade is a 3D fighting game that quickly gained a reputation for its innovative gameplay, colorful cast of characters, and epic story mode. It was the first installment in the Soul series, which has since become one of the most popular fighting game franchises in the world.
Gameplay
Soul Blade is a weapon-based fighting game, with each character wielding a unique weapon that gives them their own distinct fighting style. The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, but difficult to master. Players must use a combination of basic attacks, special moves, and throws to defeat their opponents.
One of the most unique features of Soul Blade is its “Guard Impact” system. This allows players to clash their weapons with their opponent’s, creating a brief moment of invincibility. If timed correctly, players can use Guard Impacts to counter their opponent’s attacks and open them up for a combo.
Another innovative feature of Soul Blade is its “Edge Master” system. This allows players to customize their characters’ weapons with different attributes, such as increased attack power, speed, or durability. Players can also unlock new weapons for their characters by completing certain challenges in the game’s story mode.
Characters
Soul Blade features a cast of twelve colorful and unique characters, each with their own motivations and fighting styles. The first ten characters can be used in all the combat modes, while the hidden two can only be used in versus and arcade mode.
- Mitsurugi: A skilled samurai who seeks to avenge his clan’s death.
- Taki: A kunoichi who is on a quest to find the Soul Edge, an evil sword that threatens to destroy the world.
- Siegfried: A powerful knight who is possessed by the Soul Edge.
- Cervantes: A pirate captain who is also possessed by the Soul Edge.
- Voldo: A mysterious and agile fighter who wields a pair of claws.
- Ivy: A seductive and deadly assassin who uses a whip as her weapon.
- Maxi: A skilled staff fighter who is on a quest to find his missing sister.
- Astaroth: A gigantic golem who is controlled by the Soul Edge.
- Li Long: A Chinese martial artist who is on a quest to defeat the Soul Edge.
- Seung Mina: A Korean swordswoman who is on a quest to find her missing brother.
Story Mode
Soul Blade’s story mode is presented in an ancient book format, and goes into greater detail about each character’s backstory and motivations. It also allows players to unlock more of each characters’ extra weapons.
The story mode is divided into eight chapters, each of which focuses on a different character. Players must complete each chapter in order to unlock the next one. The final chapter features a boss battle against Soul Edge itself.
Critical Reception
Soul Blade was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, colorful cast of characters, and epic story mode. The game was also a hit in arcades, where it quickly became one of the most popular fighting games.
Soul Blade has been ranked as one of the greatest fighting games of all time by many publications. In 2017, IGN ranked Soul Blade as the 14th best fighting game of all time.
Legacy
Soul Blade has had a lasting impact on the fighting game genre. Its innovative gameplay mechanics have been adopted by many other fighting games, and its cast of characters has become iconic in the world of fighting games.
Soul Blade was followed by several sequels, beginning with Soulcalibur in 1998. The Soulcalibur series has continued to be one of the most popular fighting game franchises in the world, and has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
Conclusion
Soul Blade is a classic fighting game that still holds up today. With its innovative gameplay, colorful cast of characters, and epic story mode, it’s a must-play for any fighting game fan.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
