Santa Clara, Calif., (June 6, 2008) – Leading video game publisher and developer, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced that the Secret Apprentice from LucasArts’ hotly anticipated Star Wars®: The Force Unleashed™ will be a guest character in Soulcalibur® IV. Available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Soulcalibur IV continues the franchise’s legacy of delivering a rich gaming experience with robust features, and the appearance of Darth Vader’s Secret Apprentice on both platforms is yet another example of this. Soulcalibur IV will be available nationwide on July 29.
“We are honored to be debuting Lord Vader’s Secret Apprentice in Soulcalibur IV,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, NAMCO BANDAI Games America. “The Secret Apprentice adds to the depth and excitement the Soulcalibur franchise is known to deliver; proving to be another formidable opponent in the quest to obtain the mighty Soul swords.”
“The Secret Apprentice is a great fit for Soulcalibur, a franchise known for its over-the-top characters and frenzied fighting action,” said Haden Blackman, project lead for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed at LucasArts. “We’re extremely proud to give fighting fans a sneak peek at one of the most intriguing new Star Wars videogame characters in a long time.”
Set to finally reveal the origins of this ongoing saga, Soulcalibur IV features new and familiar faces from across the galaxy who seeks the rival swords for their own goals. The line-up of weapon-wielding fighters grows as new characters add to the mythos including Hilde, a striking armor-clad warrior who wields a short sword and spear. In addition to the Secret Apprentice from The Force Unleashed, other iconic Star Wars characters will appear as guest characters, including Darth Vader in the PLAYSTATION 3 system version of the title, and Jedi Master Yoda who will be available for the Xbox 360.
Retooled from the ground up, Soulcalibur IV provides a true next generation experience by bringing the beloved series to the HD era and presenting the game as it was meant to be enjoyed. Adding to the depth of weapon based combat players can perform Critical Finish moves to defeat opponents in one spectacular hit. Also, fighting aficionados can now battle online for the first time in franchise history using customized characters or fan favorites to challenge others for worldwide domination.
Soulcalibur IV will carry a suggested MSRP of $59.99 and a limited Premium Edition that contains exclusive content will be available for $79.99. For more information on Soulcalibur IV, please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com or www.soulcalibur.com.
An entirely new chapter in the Star Wars Saga, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed casts players as Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The game's expansive story is set during the largely unexplored era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. In it, players will assist Vader in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi – and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.
More information about the game can be found at the official website, www.theforceunleashed.com, which will continue to release details throughout the year.
All information contained in this news post comes directly from a press release sent out by Namco Bandai.
